Saturday, June 25, 2011

Socks, or, I've Done it to Myself

I am sitting here at 7am fighting with my sock that I've designed. Why are you fighting with it, you ask? Because I have foolishly designed a sock that only wants to be knitted in magic loop or two circular needles, and since I couldn't find another size 2 circ,  I had to use magic loop.

At the risk of becoming the newest knitting pariah, I will admit that I have no love for two at a time magic loop socks. I hate the first few rounds starting them, I hate untangling the yarn, I feel like I just spend the whole time rearranging stitches.  Magic loop is not my friend. Give me old school top down dpn socks any day and I am a happy camper.

These socks just want to be knitted in magic loop, there's no way around it. The stitch pattern I came up with likes to jog stitches around right where the dpns meet, and in spite of me changing the arrangement around, it was just to much of a hassle. Anyway,  let's face it. Magic loop is in. If they were just toe up I'd be all set. At least I have a furry knitting buddy for moral support.

By the way,  the pattern is called Fountain of Love. Ironic, huh?


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Day of Fibery Goodness

As you can see from my picture, I had a lovely day dyeing up some of Izzy's fleece we took off last week. I used Jacquard Acid Dye, and love the pink and green, but find the yellow to be a bit much. Fortunately, I think carding in a bit of undyed fiber will tone it down.

My plan is to spin it up and make a shawl to donate to make money for the Tim Gifford Memorial Scholarship. Tim was a neighbor of ours and the boy we got Izzy from. He was killed at the age of 20 in a car accident right down the street. He was one of several kids killed in our neighborhood over the last several years due to accidents,  and it totally breaks my heart to think about it. I hope I can come up with a worthy design.

On top of my dyeing adventures, I also managed to fit some spinning in, and even cleaned the cat boxes, so it was a good day all around.


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A Day on the Farm

Chris and I participed today in a local Agriculture Day to schools sponsored by our county Cooperative Extension Office. I have to give kudos to our county agent, Bernadine, for doing such a great job organizing this. It came off without. A hitch.

Originally,I was supposed to do my usual handspinning gig, but when they managed to get a shearer in, I got to shepherd groups of kids from station to station. Aside from the heat, it was great. Let me tell you, we had several 4H kids volunteering today, and they were great. Kids tend to respond well to other kids in teaching situations.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Mystery Medallion Shawl Complete!

I finished my Mystery Medallion shawl last night, and aside from a few messed up yarn overs it turned out great.

I really enjoyed this knit. It was quick and relaxing, with some unexpected elements, such as the garter stitch mystery hearts band that gave it some texture and added interest. I would definitely join another of Jen's knitalongs after having such a great experience.