I’ve been steadily working on my pineapple vest and love how it’s turning out. I plan to do one or two more repeats of the pineapple lace stitch pattern before I do the finish work on the vest. I’ve decided to crochet a simple shell stitch for the bottom and around the front edge. As far as buttons are concerned, I’m not sure if I will incorporated them or not – maybe I’ll just use a pretty pin on the front as a closure.
Progress photo:
Two years ago I did a book review on the paperback version of Crochet Inspiration by renowned 
colorist and knit wear designer Sasha Kagan.
When I decided to change the lace pattern for this vest, I started looking through this book to find my inspiration and fell in love with the pineapple stitch motif. I’m really enjoying this book and I love the easy to follow instructions and charts for crochet.
If you crochet and haven’t seen this book, I do recommend it for your reference library.
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This weekend I’m casting on socks using my lovely skein of Springtree Road Muscandine Sock Yarn in Tanis. I was thinking that I might cast on a pair of Spring Forward socks but have decided to cast on Vorticity by Alice Yu, from her book, Socktopus.
Have you seen Alice’s book Socktopus ? If you haven’t, you should. This is a very well done book featuring 17 of Alice’s beautiful sock patterns, a full chapter on sock yarn basics, including a review of sock fibers and yarns, how socks should fit and the anatomy of socks. I love the detailed step-by-step instructions, which include charts for various designs, instructional photographs and several unique, and even amazing, heel techniques! If you love knitting socks toe-up or cuff-down, consider adding this book to your library.
To view all 17 sock patterns, take a peek online at Raverly. You can purchase a few single patterns that are included in Socktopus, such as Farmer McGregor, Fliori di Zucca, Mince Pie Mayhem , Rumpled, Spring Shoots and download one free copy, Shur’tugal.
You can join the Socktopus Book KAL on Ravelry here, where they have a detailed KAL planned for the year!
From the publisher:
Everything to knit really cool socks. If you love knitting socks or want to learn how, you’ll love Socktopus – it’s packed with inspiring designs, how-to instruction, creative patterns, and expert tips. Knitting socks has never been so easy or so much fun!
17 patterns from a top designer. Written by the renowned designer Alice Yu of the UK, it features 17 of her amazing patterns, each sized in small, medium, and large. And no more worries about getting the right fit. Just follow her simple directions for shaping toes, turning heels, sizing a sole, and fitting for a high arch for a custom fit.
Love yarns? You’re in for a treat. Because so does Alice. She devotes a complete section to exploring the subject, acquainting you with wonderful yarns and fibers – in all their infinite variety. Another way this book gets your creative juice flowing.
Intriguing possibilities.Socktopus will inspire you with ideas for creating your own one-of-a-kind socks so you can dive into knitting socks feet first!
Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!
I just don’t know how you get things done so quickly & work, too! It takes me forever to finish something! This is very beautiful!
Thank you Ruth! This is actually taking me a bit longer than usual but I hope to get finished by the end of the month