Two Socks/One Circ - Done!

I tried to upload the photograph of these socks in progress yesterday. Today, I finished and had better luck in uploading. The only challenging aspect was using the reinforcement thread on the heel bottoms (I wish I knew why I wear socks out there!) and the toes. Four strands tended to tangle - but it's possible! I used the Zane Grey colorway in Wildfoote by Brown Sheep and I think Granite would have been a better name for it because it looks like granite. I'm so glad I learned this method!

Two Socks/One Circ!

As I think I've written earlier, I decided this year to take my knitting up a notch and explore some new techniques. I've tackled knitting one sock on two circulars and really enjoy that method, so my next step (no pun intended) was to try two socks on one circular. I used Melissa Morgan Oakes 2-at-a-time Socks book and really appreciated the clear photos. I'm not done yet, but I'm close.

The first thing that disappointed me was the time it took to get to the heel flap. Then, I remembered I was knitting two socks at the same time, not one. Now, it seems as though it's going faster. I really like this method too.

My only complaint with DPNs is that if I'm knitting in public, they tend to escape. My most embarrassing escape was in a town meeting situation that was held in a theater. I like to sit in the back, so I don't disturb anyone. But this night, at a quiet moment in the meeting, one of my DPNs escaped and I could hear it roll down to the front of the theater. A couple other people heard too and turned back to look at me. I tried to look as innocent as possible. I retrieved it at the end of the meeting and of course, an acquaintance said, "Lose a needle?" I don't think that will happen with either of the circular methods.

Swizzle Socks

I just finished these socks. I used Swizzle by Reynolds Yarns for the first time. I really like knitting with this yarn and the hand of the finished sock. They should be very comfortable to wear. I also liked the striping - it's flashy, yet I can wear it to work. Plus, the repeat is frequent enough that I didn't feel I was wasting yarn by starting at the same repeat for the second sock. I have a hangup about my socks matching exactly.

Quivit

A few years ago, a friend dropped off a bag of cleaned quivit at my office. What a gift! Not only was it quivit - but she'd picked and washed it too! It has sat in the bag it arrived in hooked on to my spinning wheel until this past week. Now look at it!

About a week ago, I fixed the drive band on my wheel and found the "10 Minutes A Day" site on Ravelry. I can't just spin for 10 minutes, it's usually for the duration of whatever I'm watching on television or the pile of fleece in my lap.

This skein is 396 yards of lace weight/2ply/16 wpi, weighing in at a little over 4 ounces. I'm thinking scarf - stay tuned!

Jean Frost's Tremont Jacket

I'm hoping this jacket looks better once it's blocked. It has a little slit up the back and I hoped the crocheted edging would keep it from flipping up. It does help a little, but hopefully, blocking will help it a lot!

This was a fun jacket to make. I'd never made a jacket before. The crocheted edging gives it a Chanel look; however, I don't think Coco ever had her back edging flip up!

I also made it smaller than the pattern and it's still a little wide on the bottom. I need the width through the shoulders, but no where else.

Booga Bag

Here's a very different look for a Booga Bag! I was surprised it looked this elegant in black. I bemoaned the fact I couldn't do it in the Noro suggested in the pattern. A friend has one in Noro and it's so cute and sporty; but I think I'll get more use out of this one. In my one departure from the pattern, I added a felted square pocket inside, so everything doesn't shake to the bottom and spoil the lines. I also made Nicky Epstein flowers for it, but instead of attaching them permanently (once I get them felted) I think I'll use pins. That way I change the arrangement occasionally or not have flowers at all.