Tag Archives: Socks

June 13, 2013 · 5:28 am

On the Bookshelf: The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, Volume II

All right sock knitters, I know many of you out there are like me and love the designs by Hunter Hammersen of Violently Domestic  but did you know she just published her third book,  The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, Volume II: 18 Patterns Inspired by Vintage Butterfly Illustrations !

Inside you will find 18 new patterns, a mix of socks and accessories, gorgeous photos of finished projects, tips,  a history of butterfly collections, as well as the prints used as Hunter’s inspiration.  I can honestly say, you will want to knit every project inside this book and I don’t often say that!

Hunter’s new collection features a ton of texture by using cable stitches, ribbing and lace.  Knitters will love the fact that all the patterns offer well written step-by-step instructions, as well as charted instructions.  From simple to complex, there is something for all levels of knitters and  there is enough variety to keep you interested in what you’re knitting!

I look forward to casting on all these new designs but the first two on my list will be:

  • Vanessa Antiopa Cowl – a project that only requires 125 to 200 yards of Aran weight yarn.  Great project for stash busting or using a small amount of left over yarn.
  • Smerinthus Ocellatus Sock - a project that requires 325 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and offers texture with a touch of lace.

If you have not heard of this designer, I can tell you she has gorgeous sock designs that you will truly want to knit!

You can find more of Hunter’s creations online at Raverly and her website,Violently Domestic.  If you love knitting socks and have been looking for more enticing patterns, be sure to take a peek at her first book,  Silk Road Socks: 14 Patterns Inspired by Oriental Rugs  and her second book, The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet.   You are able to purchase Hunter’s books  and other beautiful designs directly from Ravelry by CLICKING HERE or visit Pantsville Press by CLICKING HERE.

For your information:  If you order Hunter’s new book, or other books,  directly from Pantsville Press,  you’ll also get a free copy of the corresponding electronic book automatically. That’s a pretty good deal if you ask me, especially if you are like many knitters out there and use tablets for transporting your patterns, etc.

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Disclaimer: This copy was purchased by me and the above opinions are my own.

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June 8, 2013 · 5:18 am

Fine Art Winner Is ….

Rowan Fine ArtThank you all so much for entering my recent contest featuring a lovely skein of Rowan Fine Art in color # 305  Kingfisher.

I have to say again that this yarn is scrumptious, and even though Rowan has been slow in entering the world of hand-dyed fingering weight yarns, they’ve entered it with a bang!

With 437 yards per skein, you have enough yardage not only to knit a lovely pair of socks, but knit, or crochet, shawlettes, scarves and more.

Buy a few skeins and you have a the ability to knit a beautiful fingering weight garment.  Wether you create your garment all in Fine Art or paired with a solid fingering weight yarn, you won’t be disappointed with the end result!

Here’s a few garment possibilities with color ideas in the parentheses :

  • 1 -2 skeins = Sweet Romance by Myra Wood (Tawny)
  • 2 -3 skeins = Clarice by Kim Guzman (Kingfisher)
  • 2 -3 skeins = Fleur by Marie Wallin (Chiff Chaff)
  • 2 -4 skeins = Newland Tank by Beth Nielson (Pheasant)
  • 2 – 3 skeins = Low Tide Cardigan by tincanknits (Serin)
  • 2 – 3 skeins = Bellevue Cardigan by Laura Chau (Waxwing)
  • 2 -3 skeins = Elfe by Astrid Schramm (Raven paired with a solid)
  • 2 – 5 skeins = Vanadium by Lisa Mutch (Lapwing)

Big Blue Divider

And now for the winner …. drum roll please

Entry # 89 Rhea

“Very pretty yarn. I think it would be a lovely shawl.”

Congratulations Rhea!

I can’t wait to see what you create with this beautiful skein of yarn!!!

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June 4, 2013 · 11:03 am

Finished pair of “Nice Ribbed Socks”

Today I finished my pair of  Nice Ribbed Socks  and I’m very pleased that they are a perfect match!

The key to having a matching pair of striped socks is knowing where to begin your second pair.  When I use Patons, or any other self-striping yarn, I look at my starting point for my  first sock and then match up in the second skein.  Sometimes you end up wasting a few yards of yarn, but it does works wonderfully and the result yields a near perfect match!

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Pattern:  A Nice Ribbed Sock by Glenna C.

Yarn:  2 skeins of Patons Kroy for a total of 332 yards.  I had approximately 78 yards left over in each skein but two skeins would be correct if making a pair of mid-calf socks.

Needle Size:  US size  2  (2.75 mm).  I knit with two 16″ circular needles for all my socks.

For those of you who have not tried Patons Yarns for socks,  I have to let you know it’s a wonderful durable yarn.  I have several pairs of socks that I have knitted using Patons and they still look brand new.  One thing I do like about this yarn, it does not pill and projects keep their shape.

Here’s a few socks I’ve knitted using this yarn :

A Pair of Duckies – Patons Kroy Socks Jacquards in Cameo

A Pair of Harris Tweeds – Patons Kroy Socks FX in Calla Lilly

My goal this month is to finish my pair of On Stranger Tides socks and my Handspun Posies Shawl.

Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!

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May 23, 2013 · 6:10 am

Sock knitting progress!

As you all know, I have several projects going right at the moment and really more than I should as I’m falling behind on each one of them.  This week though I have managed to work on my socks, both of which I love!  After reading Jody’s blog posts over at Savannah Chik Knits, I’m quite happy to know that I’m not the only one that has recently casted on or hooked a few projects.  Jody has three sock  projects going for her cast on mania this month, as well as a shawl, all of which I love… sigh, more enabling from a fellow blogger.

I’ve made decent progress on the Nice Ribbed Sock and really like how the self-striping is taking shape, especially on the heel.  Fingers crossed that I can match what I’ve done with this sock with the mate.  I highly recommend this pattern for a portable project, especially for lunch time knitting or road trip knitting.

A Nice Ribbed Sock

A Nice Ribbed Sock

I have also added a few more repeats to my On Stranger Tides sock and have to say that the yarn I decided upon is perfect for this pattern.  I have several more repeats to go before starting the heel, which I hope to accomplish this weekend.

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On Stranger Tides

Have you done any sock knitting lately?

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May 12, 2013 · 6:35 pm

Fine Art, Rowan Style.

I’ve just received my skein of Rowan Fine Art sock yarn in color#304, Raven, along with the Fine Art Collection booklet  to review for Rowan Yarns.  My very first impression, gorgeous yarn, my second impression, oh my, it’s so soft!DSCF4055

Measuring at 437 yards (400m), one skein of  Rowan Fine Art is perfect for a pair of socks, a scarf, an infinity cowl, a shawlette and more.  Now to decide what my skein will become, such a challenge for a knitter!

Do you have a favorite so far from the  Fine Art Collection ?  If yes, which pattern do you love the most?

Here’s your chance to give Rowan’s Fine Art yarn a try with this FREE pattern for a stunning lace scarf, designed exclusively for the Rowan website by Lisa Richardson. This stylish scarf shows off the beauty of this yarn perfectly and the pattern is suitable for beginners.

Courtesy of Rowan Yarn

Courtesy of Rowan Yarn

Be sure to login, then just click the link to download your FREE pattern:
http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns/patterns/robin-scarf

You can pre-order Fine Art online at Webs and  Jimmy Beans Wool.  Better yet, you can pre-order  the entire eight color collection at Simply Socks Yarn Company.  Be sure to ask your local shop if they will be carrying Rowan Fine Art too, I know mine will be!

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May 8, 2013 · 6:25 am

Yarn Along: Work in Progress and Of Course Reading!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well.  So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?  ~ Ginny from Small Things

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Still reading  The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher and I’m happy to say I’m half way through the book.  I’ve had too many distractions lately that have been keeping me away from this book, maybe this evening I’ll just sit and read and give myself a knitting break!

My project bowl is overflowing but I’m working on  each project a little at a time.  Keeps one motivated to have a few WIPs going!  I should be done with the front of my Cabazon soon, just four more rows and then I will start the back piece.

So, what are you knitting, crocheting or spinning?

Any good books lately?

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May 4, 2013 · 6:24 am

A Case of Startitis!

Startitis is a term used somewhat jokingly among knitters. It refers to an expensive, but rarely fatal affliction that often affects knitters and crocheters where they begin several projects all at one time but don’t really make much progress on anything before starting another new project. ~ Knit Wiki

Knitting WomanI would first like to say, it’s all Glenna’s fault, and I’m sticking to that excuse!  But in reality, well folks, I have a bad case of “startitis” and it started when Glenna posted her sock projects in simple patterns using beautiful fingering weight yarns.  The desire to cast on socks kept growing and growing  until I finally relented,  and yes, I gave in!

So, I have casted on Lara Smoot’s On Stranger Tides this morning using my stash of Springtree Road Muscandine in Tanis and will be casting  on Glenna’s A Niced Ribbed Sock using my newly acquired Patons Kroy in Grey Brown Ragg.  While I’m at it, I also hope to make a pair of crocheted slippers for my Mom for Mother’s Day, the Crocodile Slippers by Bonita Patterns.   See, I told you I have a bad case of “startitis”.  Is there a cure for this???  The bright side, I’ll not be bored!

Current Projects on the Needles and Hooks:

As a knitter, crocheter, or spinner, have you ever had the urge to cast on many projects?  I know I can’t be the only one out there :)

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April 30, 2013 · 4:15 am

Let’s Talk Fine Art, and I’m not Talking Paintings!

When someone says fine art, you might automatically think Monet, Cezanne, Renoir or more.  But today, I’m not discussing the fine art you might be thinking of, no it’s not about paintings or sculptures, but a brand new line of hand-painted  yarn that Rowan is launching May 1st called Fine Art .

Sourced from Cape Mohair Spinners in South Africa, the yarn is painted by the team at Lance and Ines Khoury’s hand painting department, which takes enormous pride in employing individuals from some of the poorest and most marginalized sections of the community. One of their goals is to create opportunities for growth and development, and this ethos is something Rowan is extremely proud to support. As a result of the increase in production needs following on from Rowan’s interest in the yarn, the company has had to relocate to larger premises and take on more members of staff.  ~ Rowan Industry News

Rowan Sock yarn

Rowan Fine Art is a blend of 45% wool, 20% mohair, 10% mulberry silk and 25% polyamide, and will be available in eight beautiful colors.  This yarn will not only be suitable and quite durable for socks, but will be perfect for shawls, shawlettes  and other types of accessories.

There’s a great PDF article regarding this new hand painted yarn – click here to download the PDF flyer

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Serin
Serin
301
Tawny
Tawny
302
Waxwing
Waxwing
303
Raven
Raven
304
Kingfisher
Kingfisher
305
Lapwing
Lapwing
306
Phesant
Phesant
307
Chiff-Chaff
Chiff-Chaff
308

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Fine ArtThe Fine Art Collection booklet features fourteen designs, that not only include designs for socks of every length, but four accessory designs.

My personal favorites include Cuckoo , a cabled ankle sock,  Grouse, a snowflake motif mid-calf sock, and the Starling Wrap, a versatile rectangular wrap.

I will be doing a review on the skein that is coming my way, but meantime be sure to check out  Clara Parkes in depth review of Rowan Fine Art on Knitter’s Review.

Happy Knitting, Crocheting, Spinning and Crafting!

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April 20, 2013 · 5:46 am

And the winner is ….

Thank you all for entering my recent giveaway featuring Ferry Beach and On Stranger Tides and by knitwear designer, Lara Smoot.  As a reminder, you can find her designs online at Ravelry and online at Etsy.  To stay informed of new design releases and more, join her FaceBook page and follow her on Twitter.

And the winner is, entry#6 Elizabeth, a.k.a. Lizella of Knits and Prints

“Both are beautiful, but I really like On Stranger Tides.”

On Stranger Tides by Lara Smoot

Random

Congratulations Liz, Lara will be sending your pattern to you soon!

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April 15, 2013 · 4:52 am

Pattern Spotlight: Lara Smoot Designs

I’ve known Lara through Ravelry and met her a year or so ago during the Tour De Fleece.  I found out that not only was this woman a wonderful spinner, but a fantastic knitter turned designer.

Lara has released two new designs this month that I must bring attention too, especially to all you avid sock knitters out there,  yes ladies, you know who I’m talking to.

Ferry Beach State Park is located on the coast of Southern Maine. It’s a quiet beach where the gentle waves wash beautiful sea shells onto the sands. A small tidal pool is home to starfish, sand dollars and hermit crabs. It’s a picturesque beach where I spent many summer days as a child combing the sands for shells and sea glass. These socks are reminiscent of the shells that wash up on the shore and the patterns in the sand from the waves and tides. ~ Lara Smoot

When I first saw Ferry Beach I was smitten!  This beautiful design features cuff down construction, an elegant stitch pattern for the leg and a solid foot.  This pattern offers sock knitters  instructions for sizes  small, medium, and large, very well written step-by-step instructions for the heel, gusset and toe construction and a chart for the lace stitch pattern.  While this pattern has been designed using a set of four double pointed needles, it can easily be converted for magic loop or two circular needles.

For this project you will need approximately 350 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and a set of four DPNs in size US 1 (2.25mm) or the size to obtain gauge.  This design is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who have an understanding of lace design and charts.

Photo used with permission of the designer -  © Lara Smoot

Deep beneath the surface of the ocean lie sunken pirate ships laden with treasure, fields of kelp swaying in the tidal breezes, and beautiful sea creatures swimming along the bottom. I have always been fascinated with what is under the surface of the water. The lace pattern on Stranger Tides brings to mind the delicate appearance of the lacey plants and tentacled creatures that live in the tropical waters of the Caribbean. ~ Lara Smoot

Lara’s second design this month is On Stranger Tides.  I first of all have to say, I LOVE this pattern and I literally mean the pattern.  Lara has incorporated a touch of the sea, as well as a sea creature with tentacles into the actual pattern pages, giving it a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea  kind of feel.

This design also features cuff down construction and a lace design that ends at the toe.  This pattern also offers sock knitters very well written step-by-step instructions for the heel, gusset and toe construction, and three sets of charts for the lace stitch pattern.  Like Ferry Beach,  this pattern has been designed using a set of four double pointed needles, it can easily be converted for magic loop or two circular needles.

For this project you will need approximately 350 to 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and a set of four DPNs in size US 1 (2.25mm) or the size to obtain gauge.  This design is perfect for intermediate to advanced knitters who have an understanding of lace design and charts.

Photo used with permission from the designer – © Lara Smoot

About:    Lara lives with her husband in Central Virginia with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop for their home.  She is the Director of Social Media for Shalimar Yarns and writes about her adventures on her blog,  SockKnittingLara.  You can find her designs online at Ravelry and online at Etsy.  To stay informed of new design releases and more, join her FaceBook page and follow her on Twitter.

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Would you like one of Lara’s new sock designs?  If you answered yes, simply leave a comment and tell me why you love to knit socks,  and which pattern above you would like to knit.   Be sure to leave a means of contact and if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, please include your Ravelry ID.

This giveaway is open to all and will end on Friday, April 19th. The winner will be picked by a random number generator and announced on Saturday, April 20th.

 

Thank you for entering, this giveaway is now closed !

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