In the last month I have knit some beautiful things (most of which I don't have pictures of yet). For Christmas BLING gave me the sock kit from Tongue River Farms and I dove right in. I knit the Buds and Blooms pair in white/natural right off the bat - had them done in two weeks. They work well as slipper socks because they are so thick; I think I've worn them every day. I have started on a second pair, but they are languishing. I started them with BLING in mind, but she's not sure she wants them (she of course would fuss all over them and tell me how beautiful they are and appreciate the skill and time - but that is not the same as wanting them). I won't need a second pair for a while, and most of my sock giftees wouldn't "get" this kind of sock; the pattern is busy and it's too thick to wear with normal shoes. So the sock sits on the needles with part of the foot knit and I don't want to finish it until I know how long I should make it. Along with the fancy socks I have knit a 2x2 ribbed pair out of Mountain Colors Barefoot, I ribbed them right down to the toe decrease (with a stockinette sole). They are perfect bed socks for a friend with leg problems. I'm working on a regular-old-pair of socks for BLING in her colors, and they are fine but "meh". About the only exciting thing I've done recently was the swallowtail shawl, and I loved every minute of it (except the frogging minutes, I didn't much care for them). It was a challenge and it turned out lovely.
I need a challenge. I'm bored with socks. I want to knit something fun. I may do a sweater, but I have bad luck there and I think I need more assured success right away. Maybe a weird stuffed animal? I have the hedgehog kit, but need size 10 dpns. I've got an itch, I just don't know where to scratch.
P.S. BLING took today's picture, I really love it.
Hmmmm...good question...what to knit next that is fun and challenging AND will ultimately find a home with someone...I was in that same quandry myself not too long ago. I was bored of everything on my needles.
The funny thing? I ended up doing the Backyard Leaves scarf...and now I seem to be thrilled with all of my knitting again...not sure if it's because of the specific project but what the hell? ;)
Posted by: Sparkles | February 01, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Fantastic picture, and I hope the pics of the lovely items you're making (and describing) will bring my knitting mojo back.
Posted by: moiraeknittoo | February 01, 2007 at 07:14 PM
Hey, look, there you are!! :) So nice to see you.
I've made that hedgehog, and it was fun. Kind of confusing - you have to just follow the directions and trust for a lot of it, lots of strange short row happenings - but it turned out really cute. I also made Nautie from Knitty, but small, in sock yarn, and that was fun. Warshrags are fun, and so fast. I have the squirrel pattern but I'm going to wait a while for that challenge.
I tried to knit Noah a sweater but put it off too long and he's grown and the weather will be too warm soon - plus it was a gansey and I made the patterned part too big and the armholes thus ended up too big and it would have looked like dolman sleeves, which is not a good look for anyone, let alone a 12-year-old boy.
I went to Madrona for 2 hours on Friday, and fell into the Socks that Rock booth and almost drowned. I'm making some socks, but it was surprisingly hard to find a good pattern for their yarn - I settled on Garter Rib.
Posted by: Patti | February 02, 2007 at 06:17 PM