Baby Socks

I think that these will be the last pair of socks for 2012.

Made from left over yarn.  A very simple pattern that was quick to knit up.  The pattern called for  a cast off edge at the toes which I did .  If I do these again, I'll graft the toes together as it would make a neater finish.


Pattern:Baby Socks by Bianca Boonstra
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici
Colour: Botany

Baker's Dozen

Here are all twelve of my 12 in 2012 socks.
12 new patterns, 12 different yarns and a bonus pair of baby socks.

The tiny ones in the middle are the baker's dozen. I made a tiny pair of baby socks from the left overs from the August socks.

It was revealing to take part in this challenge.  I thought it would be a piece of cake but in fact it required some significant self discipline to meet the target.  If I had not committed to doing this I know that I would not have made 12 pairs this year.  I had to spread out the knitting and change it up with other things to keep my interest.  Short attention span I know!!

I have achieved what I said I would but I should learn from this that long term commitments like this are not my style.

December Socks

Made it!! Here is pair number 12!!  I'm glad I did it but it was sure hard to keep it up.  I had to be very disciplined about starting a new sock pattern each month and fitting in other knitting and sewing got tricky at times.   So in summary, I made 12 new pairs of socks for me and tried 12 new patterns. 

Here are the details of this month's socks.  I modified the pattern by adding an inch of K1P1 rib to start.  This may not have been necessary as the cuff is a rib but I hate my socks to fall down round  my ankles.
I chose to knit a plain stocking stitch foot,  I wasn't sure about the tighter rib foot and I was hoping that this would help.
It was Kroy yarn so of course I ran out of yarn at the toe.  I had a little left over from another project but not enough for both toes.  So I have one black toe. Who'll know?  Just me
This was a super easy pattern. Not sure about how comfy I'll find the star toe with 3 needle bind off when I wear them but that remains to be seen.

Pattern: Sutton Spirit Socks by Lucinda Iglesias
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks
Colour: Winter Eclipse

12 in 2012 #15

This is #15  for 2012 and likely to be the last project which I get completed this year.  I still have my twelfth pair of socks to finish so I don't expect to have time for anything else but who knows?

This turned out to be a super easy pattern. Knitted from the top down, the only issue was the length of the rows and keeping interested in the interminable amount of stocking stitch. Note to self: Fingering weight yarn takes a lot of knitting to make a sweater but I still like how fine it is in comparison to DK or worsted.

Now that it is finished, I am not sure I like the top down structure for a jacket in this weight of yarn.  It just kind of hangs.  I have washed it and blocked it so hopefully that will solve the issue.

I am equally unsure about the yarn colour. I expected more variegation and this is really just purple.  It is a gift for SECR so I hope that she likes it more than I do.

Pattern: Cecily Jacket by Snowden Becker from KnitPicks website
Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll
Colour:  Sprinkle Heather

Edited to add:  It does look so much better after blocking.  I quite like it now

12 in 2012 #14

 

Yes I am still counting even though I have made my goal. 

This was a quick knit.  It's an adult hat from donated yarn for the hospital.  I am going to try for at least one knit for the hospital each month.  So far I have 5 hats (including this one) and a sweater which makes 6 things for 6 months.

The yarn is now discontinued so a good thing to make with just one 50g skein.
 
The pattern is my own.  Just cast on 96 stitches using 4.5 mm dpns then knit until done.  Full details are on Ravelry

Pattern: Rib Hat
Yarn: Patons Bracken Double Knitting
Colour: Grey Tweed

November Socks

Here is pair number 11.  A very quick and easy knit.  I had to upsize the needles and add a ribbed cuff.  Apart from that, I followed the pattern exactly.  The modified star toe was easy and no grafting afterwards!!
Another pair of odd dye lot balls from Mary Maxim.  I can't see the difference this time. It's Kroy so I did run out of wool about 6 rows before the toe shaping.  The closest match was some KP Stroll in PonyRide.  It's a bit of an abrupt change but shouldn't be visible once I have shoes on.

 

The second photo shows the colour more accurately and also the design on the cuffs.


Pattern: Circle Socks by Anne Campbell
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Jacquards
Colour: Aqua Jacquard

October Socks

Well, I am still on track for 12 pairs of socks this year.

Here is pair number 10. A really simple pattern but still interesting enough to make it fun.

I made a few modifications: 
1) added extra stitches to allow for my fatter feet
2)  ended the pattern panel at the heel
3) plain Jane knit toe

 

I bought this yarn on sale from Mary Maxim and the balls were labelled odd dye lots. I think they are fine for socks.  The only noticeable difference is in the blue stripe.  I ran out of wool on the first sock so the tip of the toe is brown KnitPicks (Cocoa, I think)  There was just enough yarn in the second ball to finish the second sock but I was worried that I would be joining wool in when

 kitchenering the  toe. Didn't happen by about 1/2 an inch!!!

Pattern: Sock it to Me by Patons
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Jacquards
Colour:Fern Rose Jacquard

12 in 2012 #13

Well I am still knitting so I should keep counting even though I have made my goal.  I am still working on the sock goal so I'll feel better knowing I have more than made this one.  Those four hats still feel like a bit of a cheat.

This is a little sweater suitable for a 3/4 year old, the largest size in the pattern.  It will go for sale to support our local hospital.

The yarn is all from donations.  These are acrylics which I find hard on my hands after the soft wools I have been using recently.  I think I have been converted to natural fibres!!  Still I have no choice with these. 

It turned out to be a super easy pattern.  Knitted from the top in the round, the only issue was keeping the different colours of wool hidden as the stripes change.  In flat construction they are easily hidden in the seam.  I ended up sewing along the join to hide the "wrong" colours.  I wonder if there is another way?

Pattern: Jazzy Snazzy Pullover from Lion Brand Yarn website
Yarn: Various worsted acrylics
Colour:  Lime green, pink and white

12 in 2012 #12

So here it is the twelfth project all done and dusted.  First knitting goal for 2012 achieved!!

 

 

 

 

HH saw the vest  I knitted for myself in March and really likes it.  I thought this would make a good Christmas gift for her.  I made some modifications to the original pattern.  I added  some skyp rib panels: 2 on each front and 5 across the back.  I also used a neckband rather than a collar and made the armhole trim narrower.  It turned out pretty well except for the button band pulling up at the bottom.  Hopefully that will disappear after the sweater has been blocked.

Pattern: Magnolia Sweater Vest by Classic Elite Yarns
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour:  Almond

September Socks

This pattern was super easy and easily memorised.  I had no problems at all. The yarn felt a bit thin when knitting but feels great on my feet.  I am not sure that I really like solid socks any more.  I guess now that I am retired I don't need to be so dressy.  Still these are very suitable for wearing with a pair of brown slacks.

The heel pattern was a little different.  A half linen stitch with one of the cables going down the outside.  It looks really lovely but will probably be hidden inside my shoe most of the time.  The gusset stitches are picked up so that the ridge is on the outside of the sock  -  another nice touch.

The colour in the top photo is more accurate than the lower one.

Pattern: Nine to Five Socks by Nicole Hindes
Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Solids
Colour: Cocoa

12 in 2012 #11

Here is project number 11.    I love the way the stitches spiral around this hat and that I only have one more project to make 12 for this year!  Yay for me!!!!

I used up some left over wool from my blue hoodie (Project #1 in 2012).  I used a much smaller needle than the pattern recommended and also smaller than I used for the hoodie.  Result?  A much tighter, sturdier fabric.  I like it much better.  I won't rip out the hoodie as it is OK as it is but I would definitely use a smaller needle next time.  That would mean significant adjustments to the pattern to get the size right.  Too much for me right now!!  The hat was an easy change just add extra stitches and knit til it is long enough.  A sweater takes much more fiddling about than that.

Pattern: Hurricane Hat by Andrea Goutier
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour:  Sapphire Heather

12 in 2012 #10

Here is project number ten for 2012 - a purple Counterfort Sweater.
This sweater is knitted top down all in one on circular needles.  Lots of new stuff to learn but the pattern was so clear that it was easy.  The yarn was beautiful too.  The little bit of silk makes for a lovely soft, smooth feeling fabric.  The only minor complaint is that the colour is a little darker than I wanted but it still looks beautiful with jeans and over a white shirt . 

Colour me happy!!!

Pattern: Counterfort Sweater Vest by Melissa J Goodale
Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss DK
Colour:  Admiral

August Socks

These were not as successful as I had hoped. 
I started with the needle size recommended in the pattern and loved the feel of the fabric and the pattern.  I was knitting to gauge but then realized that the pattern was too small for my feet.  My dilemma was whether to add another pattern block (16 stitches) or just increase the needle size.  In the end I increased the needle from 2.5 to 2.75 and added 2 K stitches between the pattern panels.  This had the effect of lessening the bias but also creating a looser fabric than I like.  I was worried about having enough yarn.  As it turns out I had lots left so the extra pattern might have been a better option.  I could still do that but I don't think the yarn will stand being ripped out again.

 I chose to use a K2P2 cuff as picot hems don't stay up on my legs and I can't stand droopy socks.  The pattern called for a short row heel which is not my favourite but I decided to follow the pattern.  Again, I wish I had followed my instincts and gone for the heel flap.  The holes along the turns are way too big for my liking.  The result of using larger needles.  When it came to the toes, I didn't do the short row toes in the pattern.  I just used regular decreases finished with Kitchener stitch.  At last the right decision!!

Pattern: Nutkin from Knitzi.com
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici
Colour: Botany

July Socks

Another great yarn to knit with.  The pattern was super easy and I had no problems at all. It took less than a week to knit the pair and I had a million interruptions.  I love the colours in these socks.  They are definitely fraternal twins and not identical but I still love them.  they are bright and cheerful.  Just right for a cold winter's day



Pattern: Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Stripes
Colour: Mulberry Stripes

June Socks

Great yarn.  I love the feel of it as I knit and on my feet.  The pattern was easy to follow and no problems at all.  I think it would work better in a single colour rather than a self stripe so that the pattern was more obvious



Pattern: Honey Badger by Irishgirlieknits
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Hand-Painted
Colour: Pony Ride

12 in 2012 #6, #7, #8 and #9

Hats for the local hospital craft group.

It feels a little like cheating to have 4 projects done in one month but there you go.  The yarn was all donated to the hospital craft group and they wanted a stock of men's toques ready for the winter.  It is mostly acrylic with some little bits of wool from my scrap basket.

Each hat is different.

#6  is the black one K2P3rib with a blue/grey stripe on the band

#7 is the blue one.  It's a basket weave K4P4 rib for 6 rows and then P4K4.  It looks way bigger than the others but actually it is just all stretched out.

#8 is the grey cables.  There is no turn up on this one.

#9 is the multi stripe.  This used up all the odd bits from the previous three and some variegated wool from my scrap basket.  It's a straightforward K2P2 rib all the way.

Hope they sell!!

May Socks

So here we have pair number 5.  Still on track for 12 in 2012 at one pair a month. 

A really easy and quick pattern.  Love this yarn.  It's stripy, but not too much, in muted and pretty colours.  I had enough yarn this time for two socks.

Interestingly, I was in Mary Maxim yesterday and picked up some more in odd dye lots which really doesn't matter for socks.  when I checked out the cashier said "You do know that you'll need 3 balls for a pair of socks.  The yardage is short on these dye lots."  I replied "I just add plain black toes if this happens".  She laughed and said she hadn't thought of that.    Anyway the point is that when I ran short last month it wasn't just from my knitting the socks a little longer. Kroy clearly is known for having this problem but then this month I had lots left over and could have made the legs a little longer.  I guess I will have to try toe up socks  which would avoid the leg length problem but I have been told that the toes don't fit as well. 

Pattern: Olympic Copper by Anne Hutchison
Yarn: Patons Kroy Ragg Shades
Colour: Brown Rose Marl

12 in 2012 #5

This will be a really short post but I need to keep the record straight.
2012 #5 is the second baby blanket for Colleen. There are no pictures as it is exactly the same as the first one which was finished in December last year. The pattern is shown in the blanket I knitted for Diane (12 in 2012 #4).

I hope I can keep up with knitting a project a month. I am not very hopeful as the sock knitting challenge seems to be taking more time than I expected. Maybe I am just slowing down!!

April Socks

Pattern: Twin Rib in "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Jacquards
Colour: Lavender Jacquard

Another easy pattern to memorize.
I love this colourway. The pattern it creates in straight stocking stitch is really very attractive. It's almost a pity I decided to use a rib pattern.

There was not quite enough yarn in one ball to finish one sock. Luckily I had some some left over from an earlier project and was able to use that. It still wasn't quite enough so I decided to add a design feature: black toes!!!! Not sure I am super happy with that but it sure beats buying another ball of yarn.

12 in 2012 #4

This is the same pattern as the blue baby blanket that I made for Colleen's baby. Colleen loved that one so much that she asked me to make a second one. Apparently the baby loves the feel of it. I do too!! It is so soft and snuggly.

Now her sister is having a baby this summer so I thought I should knit her one too. She doesn't know if it will be a boy or a girl so I chose a creamy white ( Vintage Lace) in the same yarn. It feels just as snuggly as the first one.

Now I need to start on the second one for Colleen. I have until the baby shower in May to get it done. Sounds easy but I need a break from the pattern so I am going to start my April socks instead!!

March Socks

Mad March Socks!!







This is a very vivid colour!!

Pattern: Little Shell Rib in "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: Knitpicks Stroll Multi
Colour: Sorbet

An easy pattern to memorize.
The yarn knitted up very smoothly.

12 in 2012 #3

Well here it is my - very favourite sweater.
I love the yarn, the colour and the fit. What more could I ask?

Well that the pattern have the same row gauge as I did. I very rarely have this problem and the stitch gauge was right on. I just knitted fewer rows and it seemed to work out.

I changed up the collar (again!!!) What is it with me and collars? I hate being buttoned up to the neck so I why do I choose patterns that have them?? Doesn't matter I really love this sweater!

Pattern: Magnolia Sweater Vest by Classic Elite Yarns
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes
Colour: Hollyberry

12 in 2012 #2

Here is my second project finished.

Pattern: Talbot Trail Shawl by Joan Janes
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Hand-Painted Fingering
Colour: Frosting

Joan owns the Little Red Mitten store in St Thomas, Ontario which is not too far away. Her patterns are always clear and easy to follow and of course it's not too hard for me to drop in if I have any problems.

This is actually the second of these shawls that I have knitted the first was for SECR and this one is for PN. Maybe I'll get around to one for me one day!!

February Socks Finished

I love these socks!! I wasn't sure about how the yarn was going to knit up but it's beautiful. Wearability may be a different issue but that is still to be discovered. The pattern was easy to follow and well written. I loved the multiple sizes too!

They took a little longer to finish than I had hoped but definitely worth it.

Pattern: Almondine by Anne Hanson from Sock Knitting Master Class
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss Fingering(70% Merino wool,30% Silk) Colour : Doe

February Socks

I'm going to start my second pair early this time.

Pattern: Almondine by Anne Hanson from Sock Knitting Master Class
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss Fingering(70% Merino wool,30% Silk) Colour : Doe

I don't expect this to be a particularly hard wearing yarn so I thought it deserved a fancy pattern.

Thrummed Hat

I had been wondering what to do with the left over wool from the two sets of thrummed mittens which I made earlier. Then I saw some hats. So that's what I did.
It's my own pattern as follows.

4.0mm needles.
DK kitting wool in black and charcoal grey about 50 grams between them.
Roving in red about a third of a 50 g ball

Cast on 96 stitches and used black for 4.5 inches of K2P2rib. I wanted to be able to fold the ribbing double over my ears. 2 - 2.5 inches would be enough for single rib over the ears.
Thrums. Spaced them over 6 stitches rather than 4 as in the mittens. The 4 stitch spacing made for a very dense, and full hat. Also I didn't have a tremendous amount of the roving left. Used charcoal grey until it ran out and then back to black to finish up and for the decreases.
Decrease 12 stitches every other round until 24 stitches then decrease every round to 6 stitches. Run thread through remaining stitches and fasten off inside.

This wouldn't win any beauty contests but it makes a very warm hat. It is surprisingly full on my head which makes it difficult to pull all the way on.

12 Socks in 2012 #1

The first pair is done. I really liked this pattern. It would be better in a plain yarn as the cables don't show very clearly.

Pattern: So Simple Silk Garden by Glenna C.
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in Slate Jacquard.

12 in 2012 #1

Well here it is the blue hoodie!! As you can see no hood but a collar.

I really love the colour of this wool and it knitted up beautifully. I am not so happy with the pattern or the tension. The fabric is very loose and the sleeves are odd at the top but it's a delightfully warm cardigan for me.

Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Sapphire Heather
Pattern: Women's Hoodie by Marilyn Peters (Cascade website)

January Project

The blue hoodie is off the needles and it is not a hoodie!!

I decided I really didn't want a hood so I made a simple polo collar in K1P1 rib instead.

It just needs the sleeves blocking and then sewing together.
I've bought some pretty buttons so no reason that this shouldn't be done by month end

January Socks

Cast on my January socks yesterday. I am determined that I'll use a new pattern each month.
Pattern: So Simple Silk Garden by Glenna C.
Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks in Slate Jacquard. I've had it a a while. I love the other socks I've made with this yarn and this feels just as good.

Back in the Saddle!!

I fell off the blogging bandwagon with a big thump!!

I have been knitting lots. I was going to summarize all that I have been up to but then realized it is all on Ravelry. Why double up the work? If you want to catch up with all the completed projects then you can check me out there(cosyknit).

I am going to try to use this blog more effectively and with that in mind I am going to start by tracking my progress on two fronts.

First, I'm joining Denise's 12 socks in 2012 challenge. It should be well within my range. I like the idea of trying new patterns so I am going to add a wrinkle and challenge myself to 12 new sock patterns. I am not sure if it will be slow and steady i.e. one a month or all in a rush, only time will tell!

Second, I am going to try to complete at least one other project each month. I don't have to start and complete it in the month but I do have to finish it.

Wish me luck!!!