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.

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.