Redwood Memories Socks

Nothing fancy with these - I just wanted a simple pair for an easy "on the go" project plus I was playing with some new techniques, especially with my short row heels so I just went for a very basic p1,k4,p1 pattern. Knit toe up, two at a time, two circular needles.

Pretty far along......and actually on a handwoven towel that was handy because it needs hemming to finish it off ;-). The colors didn't show up terribly well in the lighting I was in though. Will have to try for some proper daylight with the finished photo(s).

I like short row heels but I have had some troubles with having holes on one side and wanted to find a way to correct it other than just sewing it together when done! For those interested in such things I tried Priscilla Gibson-Roberts short-row heel technique this time (that adds yarn overs per end stitch instead of wrap stitches) but it still wasn't fixing the problem. My answer? Instead of just doing a K3tog to consolidate the extra purl-side stitches into the proper number in the second half of the heel, I tried a slip 2, k1, pass the two slipped stitches over. It works ;-).

Started: 2/20/2008
Finished: 3/31/2008
Project Name: - Redwood Memories Socks
Yarn used: Knit Picks 100% Merino Fingering weight; Redwood Memories
Yarn source: Knit Picks
Needles: Size 2, circular (2, 24")
Gauge: 8.5 stitches/inch & 10.5 rows/inch
Size: Women's med/large
Pattern name/source: My own, basic
Other notes, including techniques used: Two at once, toe up, two circular needles. Short row heels - worked out new technique (new to me, somebody else has probably done it before)

Picture of completed socks coming soon.......

Progress and playing

Today has actually had a few highlights/items of note......

I finished the Redwood Memories socks last night. Well, ok, fine, if you want to be picky, I finished weaving in the ends today ;-). I have not, however, taken final pictures. I'll get 'em up, really!

Today was also the day I caved and simply had to start a swatch of one of my new Colourmart yarns. That's almost done, too and once I note all my measurements I'll wash it appropriately and probably have an even harder time leaving it alone! C'mon, someone like me with a thing for textures?? And a 100% cashmere swatch? Need I say more?

Sakari finally managed to convince Keisha (the Chihuahua) that they should be friends and play. It was pretty funny to watch them together. And impressive - Sakari was amazingly gentle.

I also joined a Mystery Lace group/knit-along today. My first. I enjoy lace knitting a great deal. I have an adequate (cough, laugh - try not to fall out of your chair, Mom!) amount of lace yarn available in my stash. No need to buy or spin more for the project, only choose. I've never done one of these mystery projects. So why not? It's worth checking out - many/most of the ones I've seen the results from are quite nice. I'm going to have to go through my stash a bit and decide which yarn I want to use......although I already have some ideas about that.

If you are not familiar with the concept, a mystery knit along basically starts with telling you bare minimum details about the project like what kind and amount of yarn you need, appropriate colors (if relevant) and estimated needle size.....instructions for a sample, that sort of thing. Then, on a certain date (April 18th in this case) you get the first in a series of "clues" - aka the first portion of the pattern - and then, usually on a regular schedule, you get the rest. This one is scheduled for every Friday, running for about 6 weeks. Finishing around Memorial Day. At the end of the knit-along, the pattern will be offered for sale to the general public. The only thing you are supposed to agree to is not to violate the copyright on the pattern. So far this is a HUGE group - at least from my view! There are already nearly 900 members.

Maybe I'll finish that Aran Sweater before the Mystery Lace begins?........