Socktoberfest 2009!

I detailed my plans in my last post. Here’s a visual representation of what I want to do. The top row are all WIPs that I want to finish. In some cases, the entire sock or stocking is made and I just need to make the matching one. The Monkey sock I started just as something to switch off with when my hands get tired of a particular project. The bottom row is yarn ready for other socks. I am not sure about the Fiesta Baby Boom. I originally bought it to make a pair of baby pants, but now am trying to think of a project that might get more use than that because the yarn is so expensive.  In addition to this, I have a major shawl to finish and I’m about 75% of the way through my pullover. I also have a sweater for my husband that’s a perpetual WIP, in danger of becoming a UFO at this point, as well as a crochet cardigan for myself in the same condition.

Once all of the above is finished… these yarns are calling to me. One will be a birthday or Christmas gift for my husband, and the other two special projects for me. I’m calling it November Knitting, but I do have a very special baby shower to attend and of course big plans for that. Anyone else out there planning holiday knitting or crafting already?

9-5 socks

9-5 socks

Originally uploaded by PaperDollyGirl.

Pattern: 9-5 socks by Nicole Hindes
Ravelry Project Page
Yarn: Valley Yarns Huntington
Needles: 0

I bought this yarn mainly because it was so inexpensive, I was curious to see how it would work up. It was a little splitty to work with, but actually washed up very nicely. The color is a pretty sort of green, slightly more green than army green, but you get the idea. I totally love the fit. This stretchy pattern fits really well, and the cable pattern is really a mock cable, which makes them a pretty fast knit. They were a great road trip pattern this summer.

Speaking of sock knitting, I have my plans underway for Socktoberfest. I have two pairs of regular socks to knit (one blue, one pink), one pair of kneesocks (Icelandic wool), and one pair of stockings currently suffering from Second Sock Syndrome. My plans include Monkey and Hedera both by Cookie A., and Lakeside. Of course, add this to my fall pullover, a lace shawl, getting started on Christmas and fall birthdays, and I have a lot of knitting to do!

Happy Birthday!

Christmas

Originally uploaded by PaperDollyGirl.

Today is my sister’s birthday. In addition to being a fabulous model for knitted items, she is charming, smart, and lovely in every way. And as you can see from the photo, she has been my partner in crime since before she could walk on her own. Happy birthday!!

Pembroke Vest

Penbroke Vest

Originally uploaded by PaperDollyGirl.

Ravelry Page

Size: 6 months

Needles: size 3 and 5

Yarn: Moda Dea superwash wool

Pattern: Pembroke Vest by Kirsten Kapur

I love this vest! Petite Purls is a new online source for knitting patterns. Their calling is to make fabulous designs for the toddler in your life. After only the first issue, I am in love. Whimsical and stylish. I have made several patterns by Kirsten Kapur, and found them all to be well-written, intuitive, and enjoyable knits. (See Dr. G’s Memory Vest and the Thorpe Hat). This vest was no exception. Next time I will add a decrease in the center of the front neckline ribbing to keep it looking neat. I also had a bit of trouble with the twisted stitch pick up in the center neckline – it seemed to just make more of a hole. I would try harder next time to keep it tight.

Trellis and Vine Pullover

Trellis and Vine Pullover

Originally uploaded by PaperDollyGirl.

I admit it. I panicked yesterday morning when I noticed a chill in the air. I started this gorgeous pullover from the Fall Interweave Knits. The yarn is Knitpicks Gloss DK, which is a merino silk blend. I haven’t washed it yet, but I love the color! The silk adds just the most elegant sheen. I can’t wait to see how this turns out. However… I am putting it away and heading straight to the lake. The sun came out today and I am taking full advantage of it. Summer’s not over yet, and I’m going to make the most of it.