WIP: Still a Sock

The first Vanilla Latte sock is done, finished on Saturday evening at an old acoustic music club where Patrick and I had gone to hear some blues. I managed to graft the toe during a break after the opening set. As usual, I followed TechKnitting's novel technique, which I've found makes a smoother toe. I …

WIP Wednesday: Sweater & Sock

The last time I knit a sweater for myself, the process revealed some longstanding and non-rational emotions about body image. All that time alone with needles and yarn can do that to a person! So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that it's been nearly two years before I've started another one. But the lovely …

WIP: Shawl and a Secret

With my latest socks blocking, I've got two WIPs, only one of which I can explain in detail at this point. Several years ago, I swore never to knit mohair again -- too fine and fuzzy for my fingers -- but I was swept away by the Pretty Perfect Square on display during a visit …

WIP: Hitchhiker

Having made two pairs of socks with the lovely Game of Thrones-inspired yarns from Bumblebee Acres Farms, I was a sucker for a couple more skeins before they discontinued sales. One here in Brienne of Tarth: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFh2Tdp06L/? Although I don't know the characters, I was pretty sure that the beautiful blues, cream, and slight silvery …

The Little Things

The little things in life are so often the big things. I've been reminding myself of this over the past nine or ten months as I spend hours every day with Mom. It's not rocket science nor is it a new insight. It's just good to pause in the moment and realize. Untangling a poorly …

WIP Wednesday: Log Cabin for Baby

Since it's now too big to be a traveling project, the Log Cabin Throw hasn't been getting much attention lately. Every day, I tuck my latest sock into my bag as I head to Mom's home and spend at least a few hours knitting. She'll often knit her latest garter stitch scarf or will putter …

WIP Wednesday: Not What You Expect

Work in Progress (WIP) is shorthand among crafters for a current project, something that you're knitting, sewing, painting, making. The understanding in sharing updates on WIPs is that progress is being made -- that you're another step or so closer to finishing. #WIPWednesday is a chance to share such progress -- for example, a sock …

WIP Wednesday: Log Cabin

When I started the Log Cabin Throw, the intended recipient's arrival seemed far off. Probably because it was. But Baby-to-Be is due in just about two weeks, so I'd best pick up the pace. Since it's knit from the center out, each segment is about seven inches longer that the one it's "stacked" on. The …

WIP Wednesday: Almost a Sock

It only took two (or was it three?) attempts at the Frasier Fir Sock for me to realize that the "gusset and heel flap" and I were not at all compatible. After a self-imposed hiatus of a day or so, I switched to pattern option #2, the German Short-Row heel, and found we could get …

WIP Wednesday: Time Out

As I ripped out the heel and attempted gusset of the Frasier Fir sock for the third time yesterday, I had some serious doubts about my professed desire to learn new techniques. I'd looked at several videos -- multiple times each -- in my attempt to figure out how the whole toe-up wrap-and-turn heel was …

WIP Wednesday: Log Cabin Throw

I've got two projects for babies-to-be going at the moment and am this close to casting on a new pair of socks with some lovely yarn that I got at the knitting guild yard sale. But baby knits have deadlines, so the socks shall wait. As would be expected with bulky yarn, the log cabin …

WIP Wednesday: Socks in a Flash

On Monday, after learning that Kevin's first final exam will be this Saturday, I raided my stash of Christmas socks and mailed a pair to him. As he knows, the academic benefits of handknit socks haven't been scientifically proven, but it certainly can't hurt to have your feet wrapped in love and know that you've …