It’s been forever October 11, 2007
It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had time to post. This week has been one of those if-it’s-not-one-thing-it’s-another sort of weeks. I haven’t even had much time to read blogs, much less write a bit here. So, here I am, finally, with a little time to post, and I hardly have anything to say.
I do have a sock update for you, though.
I’ve done more knitting on this second sock than what shows here… I knit up to the cuff, and a couple rows of the cuff, when Dave pointed out that the first sock was too long. Huh? Gads. It is too long. Riiip. I’d already knit the heel on this second sock twice, now it’s been pulled out to before that spot, and re-knit again. Then the cuff needed decreasing from the 66 stitches of the patterned cuff to 60 stitches to fit his slender ankle. And I didn’t like how I did it, so out came the ribbing. Again. This time the decreases look much better, and I think it’ll be more comfortable. Another couple inches of ribbing, and that should do it. I hope. I’m going to use up most of the yarn in the ball. We’ll see how far that gets me. I measured the diameter of Dave’s ankle last night, and it’s the same for quite a ways up, so I shouldn’t have to make any adjustments as I get higher on the leg.
Then, of course, I “get” to rip back the first sock to before that heel turning, and finish it up. Again. But I’ll make sure the second sock fits him before I do all that re-knitting.
Let’s see, as to other things going on in the world… The Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar people are doing a contest for the 2009 calendar. They’re looking for submissions. If you win, they’ll publish your pattern in their calendar, give you a free copy of the calendar, and perhaps up to $1000 in prize money. I may have to give this a shot.
Jackie of HeartStrings FiberArts has released ten more patterns to the set available for download. I have them all listed here.
Clara Parkes of Knitter’s Review has written a book, The Knitter’s Book of Yarn. I’m looking forward to taking a look at this one.
For years now every time 
I see a sweater I like in a catalog I tear out the picture and put in an idea book. The latest addition to the book is a sweater from J. Jill. They call it the Gabrielle pointelle cardigan, but I call it a feather and fan lace with a shawl collar. Hm. Their version is a cotton/acrylic yarn. I’d love to have one in wool. I doubt I’ll be making the attempt any time soon, but one never knows.
I guess I found a thing or two to share with you after all. Thank you for hanging in there with me. It’s been quite a week!
Robin October 11
Argh, I hate ripping, but I especially hate ripping socks!! They do look great though.
You should submit your Forget-Me-Not socks, Pinwheel blanket, and stole to the calendar. I’ll bet you get in there………….
Kim October 11
I love the colorway of those socks. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to rip out socks and reknit for one reason or another.
I love your idea of cutting out pictures of sweaters from catalogs. I may have to snag that one off you :) I almost feel guilty buying sweaters anymore; although I did get a couple at Old Navy the other day. I have debated on whether or not to keep a couple of my daughter’s sweaters(that she’s grown out of) and try to make a pattern for a larger size for her to wear–there are a few she really loved.
How’s the shawl test knitting going? When do we get to see a pattern? No pressure ;)
Angela October 11
I was in need of a Fiber Dreams fix. ;)
KarenJoSeattle October 11
I already have Clara’s book on pre-order.
I, too, have a handful of sweater photos I’ve torn out of catalogs plus some I’ve saved from on-line sites.
MJ October 12
I’m like you with the catalog knits, only I take screenshots and save them on my laptop. I have a huge folder of sweaters that I’d love to knit if I only had time!
The ripping won’t be in vain, because someone will be enjoying their Perfect Socks! And that’s the best reward for any knitter, wouldn’t you say? :-)
~Kristie October 12
Dave’s socks are looking great! I’m sure the ripping though is getting a bit frustrating. Maybe that’s why I only knit socks for myself … I’m used to my size so I don’t have to rip as much anymore.
I like that sweater, but for my shape, I’d have to make the base of it more square. If you ever get around to “copying” the design in wool though, I may be able to be swayed to test knit it. (hint, hint)