Half a pair

This is my latest sock.

Instead of pair, I say sock. Why? Because I only made the one. No, second sock syndrome isn't to blame. A Raveller on Sock Knitters Anoymous was looking for sock knitters to knit her one sock for charity for a project she's co-ordinating. Since I was between projects I was only too happy to oblige.

Volia! I give you half a pair. The sock pattern I used is called No Fear Sox by Claudia Olson. I was looking for a simple pattern that would challenge my sock knitting capabilities. This pattern involves an alternative cast-on and an afterthought heel. I'm loving this cast-on. It involves casting on four stitches, knitting several rows of stockinette stitch before picking up stitches along each side. It is my new favorite way to cast on toe-up socks.

The yarn I used was from mini-skeins I dyed before summer for a charity fundraiser for Run for the Cure. Since this sock is for charity, I thought it was fitting I use the mini-skeins.

I really like how the finish product turned out. However, I was not a fan of weaving in a zillion ends.

Sock Mojo Reclaimed

I've reclaimed my mojo and it feels good. I finished these socks earlier this month. They were a yarn test knit for my friend, L, who will be launching her own yarn line soon. I'm excited for her. And I'm excited for me as it looks like she'll be specializing in self-striping yarn. And that means I'll have a local source for self-striping yarn that is gorgeous and fun, unlike bland commercial yarns I've come across in big box stores.

The pattern is Roundabout Socks by Ruth Greenwald and it's a free pattern on Ravelry. It was the perfect pattern to get my sock knitting mojo back as it consists of one pattern round followed by a knit round. Simple and easy!

I'm in the midst of another pair of socks for the Sock Knitters Anonymous challenge. This month's challenge is lace and I've settled on Cookie A's Monkey sock pattern. There are more than 15,500 projects related to this sock pattern in the Ravelry database, which is astounding. That almost rivals Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket, which has more than 17,500 projects.

I'm hoping to get my latest sock project done soon as I'm trying to combat second sock syndrome from setting in. I find this a problem when knitting socks one at a time. Only plugging away and knitting steadily will ensure I will have two completed socks on my feet instead of one.

Double Whammy

It was a double whammy in the mail department today. And it was a much needed yarny goodness and pattern book boost.

My books from Chapters arrived today as well as a package from Acme Fibres. From Acme, I bought two skeins of Merino superwash sock and another two skeins of Blue-Faced Leicester superwash sock. I also bought five ounces of Shetland roving for spinning.

I borrowed Sock Knitting Master Class from a friend last month. I soon discovered that I wanted (must) knit most of the patterns. I had two choices (a) not give the book back in hopes my friend forgets she owns a copy or (b) buy a copy for myself. I bought the book.

I bought Repect the Spindle by Abby Franquemont. Although it has been a long time coming, I think I want to learn how to spin. Last fall I went to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival (known as Rhinebeck in spinning, knitting and crochet circles) with two spinners. I regret not buying a drop spindle from Journey Wheel. My friend, M, generously lent me her favourite Bosworth, so now I've not no excuses as to why I can't spin. I tried my hand at spinning last weekend with some Fleece Artist Merino roving but it was a disaster. My friend recommended I should try spinning Shetland first. Since she's an avid spinner, I did what she suggested.

With the new books, yarn and fibre, I have no excuses to be bored. Now I just have to find the time to fit in dyeing, spinning and sock knitting.

Everyone loves variegated yarn

I can't get over how bright this skein is. I absolutely love it. And I think this skein has initiated my interest in yarn dyeing. Although this is hand painted with three different colors, Everyone loves variegated yarn. It's bright, it's colorful and it's eye catching. However, it can be a pain to knit with, especially if you encounter pooling issues. Also, variegated doesn't work well with patterns with certain stitch patterns, like cables.

Trying to find solid or tonal sock yarn is a pain. Locally, it is hard to get. And if you do find some the colorways are limited. Since learning the basics of yarn dyeing, I've come to the conclusion that I'm quite capable of dyeing my own yarn to match my projects goals.

But there is a problem. Again, variegated yarn is bright, colorful and eye catching. This is why I have so many of variegated skeins in my stash. Yesterday I was practicing with Easter Egg dyes and ended up hand painting three skeins. I couldn't help myself as I love variegated yarn.

I've lost my sock mojo

Like a sock that has gone missing in the dyer, my sock mojo is nowhere to be found.

I'm an avid sock knitter. Well, I used to be. If you are knitter, you will be well aware of the existence of Ravelry, the highly addicting social networking site for knitters and crocheters. On this amazing site exists an amazing group called Sock Knitters Anonymous. Like the name says, members knit socks. And most members have an addiction to sock knitting and stashing copious amounts of sock yarn.

From September to July, the group holds monthly challenges. I've successfully cast on and completed socks for every challenge, except for April. Now, it isn't from a lack of trying. I've tried three times. And three times I've had to rip out my work. Damn you slip stitches! (Insert ragey fist here).

And since April is now in its dying days, it looks like I will completely miss this challenge. I'm kind of sad, but at the same time it cannot be helped. It is hard to knit socks when you don't have sock mojo.

Right now I'm trying to decide to hold off for May's challenge (it's lace) or continue with the socks I've cast on this afternoon. I'm only eight rounds in, so it won't be a total loss if I decide to rip them out and recast stitches so I qualify for the May challenge.

Not even this lovely yarn could get my mojo back. Sob! Sock mojo, I miss you. Please come back. So dear readers, I'll leave you with this photo of the lovely yarn my lovely friend dyed just for me. Hopefully it will inspire you to pick up a pair of knitting sticks and get knitting.