Kilt Hose, Take Two

I do get a certain satisfaction out of knitting socks.

When it's sexy long socks for man legs? Even better.

I actually really enjoy knitting in the summer, because I can knit outside. The sunlight is great for photos, I get a lovely breeze, and it's just very soothing for me.

It's less soothing when curious by-passers come over and fondle my knitting. Generally, I enjoy when people ask about my knitting. I love giving them a couple of thoughts on getting started, some resources I've found useful, and the chance to convert someone!

I was, however, a bit put off by the woman that stopped by to fondle these babies. She sounded pretty interested until she picked it up:

"Oh, it's a sock? Not many people do that anymore." She sniffed slightly, apparently miffed that I was working on such a mundane project.

"Oh, that's a common mistake. It's actually a willy warmer."

Well, that got her attention. She hustled off pretty quickly after that.

I might be going to hell, but I'll have a lovely pair of knee-highs to wear there.

Weekend Planning

Today, before I left for my camping weekend, I blocked my shawl.

That's my bed. The only space in the apartment big enough to block a shawl on. Which is why I waited till I was leaving for a weekend!

Then, because it might rain this weekend, I packed another project to work on:

That's a toe. It's a toe for kilt hose #2 for James. The first one is nearly done, but we're at the point that I'm 'knitting to fit' and I have to check to see if it fits properly before I knit the garter band.

I think I've finally figured out how to knit socks without a pattern. So proud!

The Cove

My brother came to see me last weekend. Between making fun of each other, inhaling pancakes, mixing each other drinks and throwing each other off cliffs in Mario Kart, I actually managed to finish the last few rows and bind off my shawl.

It measures 37 inches across, and hasn't been blocked yet. I have to pull up my big-girl panties and figure out how to dye it, and set it to block. I'm so nervous. It's just hanging in my living room because I can't stop looking at it.

The Cove Continues

I'm worried that I'm not using enough yarn for this thing...

I'm about halfway through section 7 of the lacework now. I hope this sucker grows during blocking!!

Holey Knits

You wouldn't know it, but I'm actually kinda accomplishing something lately.

I'm about halfway through the third lace pattern now (I'll update a picture once I've got decent light again. After the third lace pattern, comes the net weaving. and beading.

Teal Brambles

Well, it's done.

I do actually really enjoy doing cables. It's lovely to watch your work grow.

Even the crown shaping is meditative.

And the hat is a great example of why blocking is important. Right now, it looks like a beanie. Once arrangements are made for delivery the recipient, I'm going to block it. I'll post updates then!

Send Needles

Nothing like knitting up a project you've already knitted so many times that you can almost, almost, knit it by memory.

Knitty's Bramble Beret. This time in a teal blue.

Once this is over, I can knit up a shawl. Or some kilt hose. Or some other project that someone else has asked me to do.

I'm very much eying Knitty's Shipwreck Shawl. However, it requires about 6 different needle sizes. In a size cable I don't happen to own. Which is why I want a KnitPick interchangeable's set.

If you feel like buying me one, I may cry.