Knitting, spinning… and probably some bitching.

I Had To. Start a new pair of socks. We ventured to Kansas City for a graduation, and I was worried that my graph intensive SIP wouldn’t be appropriate for travel. So, I started a pair of Hedera.

I had to. That is all.

The perfect nap. This includes an isolated hilltop with a tree. Also, the weather I’m currently enjoying here in Iowa — 65 degrees, 50% humidity and partly sunny. A broad straw hat to lay across my face so that the sun doesn’t keep me awake. And an old, faded picnic quilt to stretch out on. (A 4 wheeler would be good, too. For transportation, you know. I’m sleepy; I need a nap, not a walk)

Instead, I’m at work, faking it until I make it. C’est la vie…

Finally, after a prolonged move-in period, I got a chance last night to root through my stash and assorted Works In Progress.  It’s a sad sight.  Many WIP.  Many, many WIP. Nothing to be done about it, but to charge forward!  (and do a little frogging)

To that end, I’ve pulled out another pair of SIP to finish.  I’m still working on Cables and Os, but it’s gotten a little unwieldy so for lunch/portable knitting, socks can’t be beat.

I promise to stop taking fuzzy Iphone pics. Soon.

The yarn is Cascade Heritage Paints in “Dark Sunset” (I think)  Nice stuff to work with, as it’s not splitty and soft.  The stitch pattern is a bit of a mystery, since I didn’t put these socks into Ravelry and, characteristically, kept no other records. (I have no idea why I used plain stockinette on the heel or continued the pattern to the tiptoe either.)  I believe the stitch pattern to be “Baby Cable” from Sensational Knitted Socks.  I’ll be able to confirm when I get to unpacking all my books…someday.

Finally, the old place is cleaned and keys are returned. We’ve been moving for about 6 weeks, going back and forth and spending some nights here and some there.  I am looking forward to having R at home every night.

6 weeks is a long time to be routine-less, people.

I am still working on Cables and Os, but I’m afraid it’s not great for picture taking…

Looks pretty similar, no?  About 4 more inches of this and I’ll be ready to start some armhole shaping. (Sometimes, being tall isn’t that cool. This and 8th grade dances come to mind.)

Now, to dig out another sock-in-progress for the portable knitting!

PS – the wind beat the crap out of my little spinach plants yesterday.  Anybody know if they will bounce back?

I finished my Komet socks yesterday. In January, when I started these socks, the nice warm wool and the deep purple hue seemed like perfect seasonal knit and they certainly were. It’s also fitting that I’ve finished them as winter has truly ended!

If I ever “need” more sock yarn, Malabrigo Sock will be a strong contender. It is soft and strong with only 2 knots in the skein. it’s Malabrigo, so that the dye job is beautiful, goes without saying…

According to Ravelry, in July 2007 {cringe] I started a lovely cardigan, in Cotlin, from No Sheep For You. (ravelry link) I hit a snag and put it aside. (The snag? Um, yeah, I screwed up a row and, apparently, I couldn’t go on.) Fast forward to April 2010.

I was looking through my WIP, because I didn’t have the energy required to justify casting on a new project. Normally, I could rationalize that sort of thing in my sleep, but after gathering and moving all my WIP, yarn, fiber, etc, I will have to figure out how to split an atom to get enough energy for that delusion.

So! A WIP! Perfect! Cables and Os!

I’ve added a few inches since I picked it up. Click the picture to see my Ravelry page about it.

Knitting, knitting. Didn’t I used to do that? Yes, that would explain the huge amounts of yarn… And needles. And books about yarn and needles.

Just kidding, sort of. What with all the wedding hoopla that went on here for while, my knitting got a little neglected. (We were only engaged for 5 months and our guest list never went above 60. I have no idea how folks manage more. Or why they would want to.)

Since the beginning of the year I have finished exactly 1 sock, but I am feeling my motivation (and time) return. Not entirely, because we are in the middle of another move and every evening is, at least partially, taken up with packing, loading and/or unloading. I have returned to my lunchtime knitting habit, though, and I’m thinking that soon, I’ll have a new pair of socks! Just in time for summer!

I’m using the Komet (ravelry link) pattern. The yarn is Malabrigo Sock and it is… well, it’s heavenly. The colors are wonderful. The fibers are soft, lofty and not splitty at all. Loverly.

Dark Komet

Sorry about the blurry iPhone pic.

All this moving has shaken the dust off of all the WIPs, too. Evaluations are in order, because some of these things aren’t speaking to me anymore. This is the perfect time to do it, as moving boxes makes me ruthless.  Finish or frog, the time has come to decide.