Topic: quick projects
So, all this teaching and pattern writing and retreat organization makes for a POOR blogger. This is for Marie who has pleaded with me to get with it!
Organizing for the SOCK KNITTING WEEKEND at Countrywool, I finally got all the hard edges knocked off the REINDEER SOCKS pattern:
Written in my favorite style with a short row heel and a wedge toe, these is my default sock pattern. I like working with 12" circular needles when I use multiple colors. There is less tangling with points, etc. And, the 12" needle diameter forces some stretch into the stranding, which allows for a good finish.
But, I have been challenged by the AVID sock knitters in my knitting circle to branch out, so... then, I went on to work out the particulars of a Dutch heel for these socks. This is a big step for me, for I avoid heel-flap heels like the plague. I added in some well-fitting ribbing and a fun star-toe that makes for a FAST finish for DUTCH SOCKS. My daughter has a pair of these in bright gold that she wears in her Birkenstocks on the Marist campus:
Lastly, for the toe-up and Magic Loop crowd, here are PEACE FLEECE SOCKS, worked from the toe with a Figure 8 Cast On, a Peasant (afterthought) Heel and a Sewn-Off Bind Off, on one LONG circular needle:
Too cute, and I had a blast creating them all. A nice thing for the gift-knitting crowd: these last two are worked on bulky worsted yarns: PEACE FLEECE and LAMB"S PRIDE WORSTED.
Want to come and try them all at a knitting weekend? Check out the RIP VAN WINKLE WINTER SOCK KNITTING RETREAT, scheduled snow or shine, for February 2007.
