New Project: Lucy Ankle Socks

This is the 2nd pair of socks in contention for Mom's Christmas gift. From the same book, A Cuff Above, as the Emma Lace Socks and the Ivy Socks I have already completed. This book has more than paid for itself, so glad I bought it.

The yarn for the Lucy socks is Deborah Norville's sock yarn available at AC Moore. I cannot remember how much I paid for it, but it was affordable. It is nice to work with (a little splitty but not bad) and the colorway is gorgeous.

It is self-striping and the non-pink stripes are variegated in gray, green and blue. It is a very subtle, very pretty multi-colored yarn. I am loving how it knits up.

Since these are ankle socks the leg portion is much shorter than normal, although there was a tricky maneuver to invert the sock after the zigzag cuff was done. This pattern has 3 different detailed cuffs you can work for variety. Have I mentioned I love this sock book?

Anyway, I did the cuff and the short leg in 3 nights, hope to construct the heel this weekend!

New Project: Ballband Dishcloths

A couple of years ago a friend made one of these dishcloths for me and it is one of the handiest household items I use. It fits over my Swiffer and can be used wet or dry to clean floors and does a bunch of other useful things. I have not been able to train it to clean on its own, but I am working on it.

It has textured rectangles of purl stitches set off by slipped stitches to give it a great scrubby ability.

I am making a set for my mom for her Christmas stocking. I got some fun stripey Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn and a couple different background colors and am having fun with this project.

Finished Project: Emma Lace Socks

Here is the first pair of socks in contention for Mom's Christmas gift. I have cast on for a 2nd pair, when finished I will decide which is more gift worthy, the other pair will be mine.

I like these socks a lot, I think the pattern is pretty and the color nice. The yarn is kind of so so. I am holding out hope that it will be a little softer after blocking.

New Project: Winter Flame Scarf

So here's to the power of social media! I saw this pattern on KnitPicks' Facebook feed and had to download it right away and go to their site and buy the yarn and start making it.

It is called the Winter Flame Scarf and it is fun to work on and coming out quite pretty. It is made with sock yarn and I love sock yarn. The resulting knit fabric is a little scratchy though and I hope that some blocking will soften it up so it feels nice against someone's neck.

I am only allowing myself to cast on to new projects after completing one. I started this after finishing the baby sweater. I have 2 more projects that should be completed by Sunday, so more new projects wait in the wings!

Finished Project: Eyelet Yoke Sweater

Here it is, my first sweater! Done and with buttons sewn on and all.


I definitely need practice with the button thing. Luckily, little Haley won't know the difference between neat evenly sewn buttons and these.

The button buying experience was delightful. Windsor Button in Boston has these adorable Beatrix Potter buttons, with all your favorite characters on them. They were a little pricey, but since I used left over yarn and borrowed needles to knit the sweater, I didn't mind splurging on the buttons.

Overall I am quite pleased with the end result!

Mom & Dad Projects

I cast on for sock #2 for Mom Monday at knitting and have made some progress. I am making 2 pairs of socks (I hope) and then deciding which Mom is getting for Christmas based on the results. I would like to finish the Emma Lace Socks by November so I have all of November for the 2nd pair.

I also cast on for a hat for Dad using the leftover Lamb's Pride from his socks. Just a simple hat with a ribbed brim and stockinette top. I should be able to finish that soon.

I had to reblock the brim of the Brattle as I didn't block it wide enough. Also blocking is the baby sweater, which now has sleeves! I will go to Windsor for buttons Saturday and pictures will follow!

Sleeves Are Over Rated

So here is the sweater for niece-to-be, almost done, just needs sleeves!


If she was going to be born in June I could just do some cute edging and call it finished, but since she is scheduled to arrive in mid-November, in New England, I guess sleeves are in order. Hope to finish up tonight!