Leftovers

Before I was a knitter with a capital KNIT, I was just someone who dabbled. I would buy the yarn for one project at a time, I never paid any mind to things like "gauge" or fiber content, and most of my finished objects were, let's face it, pretty crappy. But I didn't really care. I could pick the needles up one day, put them down after a few hours, and hot touch them again for months on end.

Back then I would also indulge in the occasional crochet project. Mostly I would crochet doilies or table runners, although I did spend about 2 years crocheting a 12-foot tablecloth, but that's a tale for another time.

Anyway, when I was going through my stash last week, I came across something I had tucked away over three years ago.

I think the last time I worked on this I was just pregnant with Maxime. So "just pregnant", in fact, that I didn't officially know I WAS pregnant. I remember working on it in a waiting room at the hospital one afternoon in August, and then I just... put it away.

As I was wondering what to do with this project, whether to frog it or just tuck it back in its hiding place, I remembered that I bought a great book with some lovely crochet patterns in Japan 2 years ago.

So there might be some crochet in my future! Maybe even make this a Ravelympics project? What do you think?

Happy Knitting (and crocheting!) Everyone!

Back to my roots

So what did I knit during my vacation?

Well, for starters I finished the first Fratello sock on the plane on the way down there.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again (besides, it's my blog, I can do what I want): I love Yarnissima's sock patterns. They're complex and can be a bit intimidating, but they're also just so engrossing, you know? And her gussetts? Dudes, she is all OVER the gussett.

Oh yeah baby, flaunt that sexy arch!

This pattern also has a lovely twisted stitch section at the top of the foot and the front of the leg. It's only about 24 rows long, but it's enough to spice things up on what would otherwise be a fairly simple twisted rib pattern.

And besides, working those little cables without a cable needle makes me feel like a badass.

Yup, the only thing wrong with this pattern is that, genius that she is, Yarnissima hasn't found a way to get a completed PAIR of socks after knitting ONE.

Seriously, forget all these crazy new sock architectures, just figure out a way to get a pair of socks out of one sock, and you'll go down in knitting history! Fame, riches, the sky's the limit.

Since designers are still zooming past the obvious, I was forced to cast on the second sock. But I haven't gotten very far yet. I've been re-reading Twilight, and wouldn't you know it, it's just as engrossing the second time around? Insert sheepish grin here.

For a new project, I decided to cast on for Inga's Haekelbeutel bag using the Katia Jamaica cotton. I know... crochet! The night before we left for Florida, I realized that this project meant packing one crochet (and the yarn, of course), whereas the Very Berry T-Shirt I had also been considering for this yarn would require me bringing a variety of circular and double pointed needles with me, since I hadn't swatched yet... Sue me, I chose door A, Bob.

You know what? I'm enjoying it. It's quick, as in "Hey! I can't believe I already finished a square!"-quick, the colours are wonderful, and I think it'll make a cute bag for books and groceries and such.

As of last night, I've got 14 out of 16 squares done. I'm hoping to finish the last 2 squares tonight, and possibly start assembling them. Maybe I'll have a FO by Easter Monday?

Actually I will! My Clapotis is blocking as we speak. Pics next post!

Happy Knitting (and crocheting!) Everyone!