It’s been a slow couple of weeks for me in the knitting department but I’m slowly making progress on my first sock. As mentioned in an earlier post, I’m knitting a pair of Vorticity socks, designed by Alice Yu. After a couple of chart reading issues, I decided to purchase the digital copy of Issue 20 of the Knitter so I could have the actual written instructions. I guess I’m rather an odd knitter, but for me I feel that if you have charts you should also have written instructions so you can understand the design more completely. I know there has been a huge debate on charts vs. written instructions and I have to say, I prefer written instructions. But again, that’s me. I have to give a huge thank you to the other knitters in the Socktopus Book KAL for their assistance during my knitting hiccups!
With that being said, I made good progress on my sock and I’m just about ready to start the heel. I really like how the design is forming and right now it rather looks like a cable design but it’s a manipulation of stitches making it look like it does ~ truly love it!
Yesterday I wore my Rosamund Cardigan to work and it really made me want to knit another top down cardigan but in cotton. I purchased quite a bit of cotton last month when the Needler’s Nest closed and have been searching for the right patterns to use. Today, I received my newsletter from Cascade Yarns that mentioned the Summer Waves Cardi designed by Vera Sanon. I love the simple lines of this cardigan and the touch of lace makes the perfect edging.
This pattern is perfect to use for my stash of Twilleys of Stamford Freedom Sincere Organic Cotton DK yarn. I’m plan to cast on this cardi as soon as I finish my socks and will look forward to wearing here in Arizona!
Courtesy of Cascade Yarns
I’ve also started a new adventure that I’m rather excited about, which is researching my family history on Ancestry.com. I just have to say that this is very fun and like putting a puzzle together and can be quite time-consuming, not to mention rather addictive! I’ve been very fortunate to have quite a lot of family history from my Mom’s family and a little bit of family history from my Dad’s family, which makes it a little easier in my research. I’m also researching my husband’s family and have found all kinds of interesting facts, including that his great-grandfather was a barber, which my husband was a barber and had his own shop when we first got married. This little fun fact made hubby’s day as he didn’t know this bit of family history.
Have a wonderful fibery filled day and until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!
My oldest son has been working on Ancestry.com too, and has really been enjoying it. And Tina, I’m going to start trying socks pretty soon. I’ve never tried them before, so wish me luck!
I’m glad your son is enjoying his research Ruth – it’s quite fun. I’m glad you’re planning socks … they are addictive and fun to knit
I love that cardigan! It’s a bit ambitious for my current knitting skills I think (I’ve just learned to purl) but I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Maybe I’ll add it to my ravelry queue…
I do too Kasey and once you’re comfortable, you can give it a try. If you’re looking to progress and want to try something new, check out Stefanie Japel’s One SKein Workshop on Craftsy. This workshop is very reasonable, you have access for as long as you’re a member and it contains great step my step instructions. You will learn the basics of top down knitting and it’s perfect for a beginner knitter
My preference on patterns is to have both written and charted patterns. Although it uses more space, they back one another up. When both are there you can cross reference and figure out pattern errors much quicker.
That’s my feelings exactly Susan
The short-sleeved cardi will be so pretty in your yarn and that color will go with everything! What a great find that was!
Thank you Maddy and I think so too!
I need to get back to knitting socks, it’s been too long since I did some! Your genealogy project sounds like fun! We have an extensive family history back to Revolution days on my dad’s side, but very little on my mom’s, would love to look into it one day.
Socks are always a fun project Robin! The genealogy project is fun and I’m finding out really neat things
Love that cardi and look forward to seeing it knit in your yarn – will be beautiful, I’m sure. I, also, like to have both written and chart in front of me. I knit from the written instructions, but check the chart when I have a problem.
I also do genealogy and am a member of Ancestry.com. One more addictive hobby! lt’s lots of fun and very time consuming – need more hours in the day to do all these hobbies.
Thank you Darlene and I’m looking forward to knitting it up
I’m so glad I’m not the only one out there that likes to have both written instructions and a chart. To me it’s just easier to follow.
I so agree with you in having one more “addictive hobby”! I think Ancestry.com and researching family history is going to be that way for me too!