First is my mom's new slipper socks. I knitted these from a pattern in the book One Skein Knits. I need to update my Ravelry book list, as this is just the first of a few books I have picked up on knitting. These were knitted from Red Heart 100% acrylic. I have been knitting her slippers from this for while, since it is washable and cheap. However, they wear out rather quickly, stretch out rather quickly, and I HATE KNITTING WITH THIS CRAP. I am such a tight knitter, I have been trying to relax it a little. However when I was doing the cables on these suckers it was soooooo squeaky. So, I think that next time I am going to try to knit her something in either a wool-acrylic blend, a washable wool, or maybe even cotton. I am concerned about the stretchability of cotton, but if they seem a little stiff I will just knit them with a strand of elastic or something. I have nothing but good things to say about the pattern. It was simple, quick, and did use less than a skein of yarn. I have made the little spiral bag from it for my mom (sorry didn't take pics before I mailed it to her) and Sylvia made the ruffle caveat, a short little ruffled scarf. We were both pretty happy with the book, and I can recommend it without reservations.
Now for my favorite FO, my socks! I used one of the sock yarns I got on sale at Yarn Mart, my LYS. Its Berrocco "SOX", and is a washable wool blend. As you can imagine, since I live in Arkansas, these have yet to be worn outside the house. They are so very warm. I can't wait until its cold enough to need them! I think they look beautiful, and I am now in love with sock knitting. For this pair, I used a simple rib stitch pattern.
I have a few WIP as well. I am making a pair of gloves for a friend. He saw my socks when I was working on them and wanted some colorful stripey gloves. And he wanted WOOL. I told him he is going to have to hand wash these, but we'll see how long they last until he accidentally felts them. These are being made with Paton's Wool, I think they're gorgeous. They are pretty warm, too. I need to finish the thumb and then move to the fingers on the second glove. I could probably do it in one sitting, but I am not in a hurry as it is still around 85 F here. Also, something else has captured my attention...
I love you sock knitting! I can't stay away from you! I have started something harder than a ribbed pattern, I am trying out Monkey by Cookie A. I am a little unsure if it is turning out right, we'll see. It looks okay now. Everyone on Ravelry has said it's super easy, but I don't trust my skills in lace making (more appropriately, lack thereof).
So thats whats up in the world of knitting. I have a lot going on with school as well. I have started another journal about a project I am envolved with, Primate Enrichment. It is mainly for my use, since I will probably have to do some sort of presentation about my work and need to keep up with it. Feel free to check it out. More on school later, its time for homework.
