Sockssssssssssssssssss

yay - socks in the plural! When last you saw them, they were not yet a pair. I'm pleased that I started sock#2 again so that the colour bands more or less matched at the top. They mostly keep together, but as I noted previously the colour lengths aren't always the same. I was disappointed that there was a break in the middle of the ball, and that it wasn't even knotted at the right part of the colour progression, but it was easy enough to unwind till I got to a matching bit.

You'll know what I mean if you've tried a self-striping yarn! Thanks again to Abakhan who gave me the Aviemore yarn to try. I'm now a real convert to knitting socks on two circular needles so I'm looking forward to my next pair. Guess what everyone will get for Christmas this year?

Not these though, these are MINE!

My sock is growing!

I said in my last post, a knitting book review, that I'd show you how I was getting on with knitting up my socks...

The recommended yarn is tofutsies which is way out of my budget, so I asked Abakhan if they'd supply what I needed in return for a mention. My challenge was accepted so I chose a self-striping purple and grey yarn, Aviemore along with two circular needles, a row counter and some stitch markers.

Casting on and joining with two circular needles proved to be the most difficult bit so far. I had planned to knit a fancy cuff, but following a pattern AND knitting in a new method was one challenge too many. Once I'd settled on plain rib, it became (almost) plain sailing. Knitting with two circs is ideal if you are on the move with your knitting. Each half slides safely on to the cable so no disasters as can happen with DPNs. Basically, you simply knit half the sock using each end of the SAME needle, slip those stitches on to the cable then turn the work around and do the same again with the two ends of the other needle. It's probably easier to use different colour needles, but I haven't got them confused yet (touch wood!)

The row counter was absolutely essential until I'd got accustomed to the pattern. I haven't used one for years, and was accustomed to keeping it at the end of my needle. This doesn't work out with circulars, so whilst knitting I just rested it on the pattern. I only needed stitch markers for the first couple of rounds, but they helped to get the pattern straight in my head.

I'm pleased with how the sock is coming along, I think the self-stripe draws attention to the wavy pattern rather than detracts from it. I'm also pleased (so far!) with working with two circular needles. I can't see any "ladders" as happens with DPNs sometimes. I usually avoid ladders by knitting an extra stitch or two at the end of each needle, but that tends to mean I forget where the true beginning of a row is - which would be a problem when I start the heel, my next task.

Do you knit socks? I'd be interested to hear if you have tried the 2circ method, or indeed whatever works for you.

Abakhan challenge #2

I posted last week about the Abakhan challenge and showed you my flamenco dancer.

Her skirt was created using the Desire "yarn" .. and today I'm showing you how I've used some more of the same hank. It's not cheap, but a little certainly goes a long way.

I decided to create collars to jazz up a plain top. If you've watched the instruction video for this unusual yarn you'll see they recommend knitting it as icord, on 5 stitches. I'm not a fan of following instructions so I decided to just knit in rows. I used just 3 stitches as I wanted a collar, not a scarf. I measured the neckline of the top and cast off when I reached that length.

The first top I tried it with has a V neck so I used a brooch to make sure it kept to the shape.

This second top has a rounded neck so the collar sat in place without pinning.

If this was to be permanent I'd maybe stitch it in place, but I like being able to add it "as and when". I'm allergic to handwashing, so that's another good reason for leaving it detachable!

This is a little dressy for my style (do I have a style??), so I thought I'd see if I could crochet with the yarn...

It was much easier than I'd expected. I literally poked my hook through the first hole, then the second - pulled it through and voila, the first chain. I continued to make a chain till it was long enough for my neckline. The result was frilly but much less fussy than the knitted version. I tried making a second row of double crochet but to be honest it was trickier than it was worthwhile for me. I like the simplicity of this collar, and would stick with knitting if I wanted the thicker version.

My verdict? This yarn is great fun to work with and because it is sooooo fancy works well when combined with other yarns. Don't think it's only for scarves!

My final pick from the Abakhan website was to treat myself to some bamboo DPNs (double pointed needles). If you could see my stash you might wonder why! I have LOADS of knitting needles. I've been knitting for almost 50 years now, and I inherited needles of every size from both my gran and my great aunt.

So you can imagine I don't buy needles often! I hadn't tried bamboo before, and have to say I'm now a convert. Apart from anything else they are SILENT! No longer will poor MrNifty have to listen to me click-click-clicking away whilst watching TV. They're also very comfortable, I grip quite tightly when I'm knitting and my hands do become sore when using metal needles for long periods. My future meerkats will be knitted on bamboo!