Knitting update

We'll start off with my first FO in a while. These are the Vampire Boyfriend Socks from Knitty.com. They were knit with Cascade Heritage sock yarn in color 5656. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn. These went in the mail today to Molly at Celtic Swans in exchange for a set of hand forged bronze DPNs. I can't wait to see what Molly thinks of her socks and to get my new needles!



They look a little big on my feet - that's OK. The recipient has larger feet than I do and these should be just right.

I've been working on a wrap/lap robe using my handspun. I like it so far.

Next up is the yarn I received as a Christmas gift from Nancy. Actually, she gave me a gift certificate to our LYS and this is what I chose. It is a silk/cashmere blend and I plan to knit the Yarn Harlot's Pretty Thing cowl with it.

I might have swatched a little bit last night .... Yes, I know, I have things on the needles that need to be finished. Actually, I want to finish them. I just can't resist new yarn and I have been looking forward to knitting this cowl for a while now. I was helpless to resist.

I've gotten back on track with the knitting of the Four Quarters Pullover. I didn't take a photo because it doesn't look any different yet. I was 10 stitches short of the number I needed for each sleeve. Not sure how that happened, but it's fixed now. I hope that this time I will not be derailed and will be able to finish knitting it this weekend. Then I can hope to sew it together the next week and wear it by February.

I have about 3.5 - 4 inches of a man-sock foot knit to date. ; )) I didn't have it to photograph over the weekend, but I am basically following the Mr. Pitt's socks pattern (sorry, I can't find a link that works) and using this Regia yarn in color # 5476. It is basically a K3, P1 rib and I've reversed the pattern to knit toe up, since I don't know how long I can make the socks.

I still have to pick up stitches for the neck edging of the Slinky Ribs top. Yes, I know, just suck it up and get it done. I've needed simple knitting, lately, though and that just doesn't cut it. Soon ....

I am having a resurgence of the urge to knit lace again. I think the lace cowl will get me back into the swing of things and then I will get after one of the lace shawls I have on the needles Laminaria or A Curved Shawl with Diamond Edging by Jane Sowerby.

I think I'll go do my exercises now and then reward myself with some spinning. Have a good evening and if you are north of us, make sure you have your back brace on when you start to shovel.

FO! but no photos yet

The Vampire Boyfriend socks are complete, including ends being woven in. I finished the last end at about 9 PM so no photos. I'll take some before sending them off to Molly, though. The first pair of man socks were promptly cast on. They'll be a simple K3P1 rib because the yarn is one of those patterned faux fair isle yarns that won't tolerate more patterning. That's OK, though because it means a quicker completion.

I spindle spun some Wensleydale again last night to get in my spinning time and just made my 10 minutes minimum. It was late and I was tired. Tonight will be a real challenge to get everything in. I have a study monitor here today and she needs to finish up, so I can't leave until the work is finished. I have at least an hour drive home and will try very hard to fit in my exercises (despite my very sore abs) before dinner. Hopefully the dishes will be quick because it's knitting nite at my LYS and I haven't been in about a month! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again and catching up after the holiday break. I may bring my spindle to get my spinning time in there or I may use the spinning time to wind down after visiting with everyone. Silk tonight, I think.

I have some fiber in the mail. I have mentioned the Ravelry groups that I belong to before. I haven't been able to participate in a while, what with our trip to VA for fishing, holiday prep and activities as well as Mom's visit. I am set up for the next few months once this fiber arrives, though. The Knitters Book of Wool group is playing with Finn this month and I have fiber coming for that. The Spinners study group is exploring Columbia and Masham, which is a long wool. I have enjoyed the Wensleydale so much, I ordered some Masham. While I was there .... I also ordered some Falkland and some Welsh for future explorations. My fiber stash is approaching the size of my yarn stash, so I will have to spin and knit up quite a bit before I can buy any more. ; )

Have a good day.