Thursday, April 12, 2007

Socks, Sweaters and Stitch Markers

I'm slowly but steadily working on the Baudelaire's by Cookie. I had the most surreal moment the other day. I sat down in my favorite chair with these socks, turned on TIVO and discovered a new episode of Knitty Gritty had recorded. Since this show can be a hit or miss, I wasn't too excited until I started watching the episode and realized that not only was the featured guest the designer of the socks I am knitting, but she was demonstrating the socks I am knitting. It was so surreal. This pattern was thankfully written toe-up and although I'm not using the figure 8 cast on she uses, because I prefer Judy's magic cast-on, I really like the method she uses on her short row heel. She doesn't wrap & turn, she turns and then does a wrap in the form of a yarn over. It works very well and there is no ridge on the heel with typical short rows, which is especially nice. I'm actually a bit further up the leg than what this photo shows, so by next week, they will be complete.

Time to block! I honestly didn't enjoy knitting this Matinee Coat very much, and it's probably because it has quite a bit of acrylic in the yarn. I'm also frustrated with the sister I'm knitting this for, so that could be part of it too. The pattern was easy to follow, but what's with no schematics? Figuring out the finished dimensions will definitely be interesting.

I'm not sure where I saw these originally, but I'm sure glad I did. These are stitch markers from Team Entrelac. When I worked on my shawl (that is still in time-out), I used pieces of sock yarn as stitch markers. It worked okay, but I really wanted to find some very small, lightweight stitch markers with no rough edges and no openings that the lightweight lace yarn could escape through. After looking over these markers with my critical eye, I know they are going to be ideal for my next laceweight project. In fact, I think they are going to be so perfect that I've just placed my second order for another set of 10.

By the way, you've got to take a look at the new yarns that The Loopy Ewe added to her site yesterday. I placed my first order with her and will be receiving sock yarn I've NEVER tried before - Lorna's Laces, Cider Moon and Fleece Artist. YUMMY!

9 comments:

jillian said...

That IS surreal. The new season of KG is so much better, although there is still some fugliness going on!

Micki said...

You're so close with the matinee coat! Just think of how great you'll feel when it's all done.

I've been eyeing those stitch markers for a while. Now I may have to buy some.

Lara said...

What a fun moment to see Cookie as you were knitting her pattern! I will probably use that pattern with my Interlacements yarn. I love the color you choose.

And now I need to go to The Loopy Ewe! Lover her site.

Laura said...

Socks are looking great! What fun that you got to see Cookie A. demonstrating them. :-)

You may not have delighted knitting that baby sweater, but it looks great so far. You're almost done. Whew.

Cute little stitch markers. Definitely looking forward to seeing how they work out.

flutter said...

I thought Cookie was adorable, and your socks look fantastic

Teyani said...

love those socks!!
one of these days I'll figure out how to tune in to KG !

abby said...

I still haven't seen Knitty Gritty; our cable provider doesn't offer DIY. I'm so curious, so thanks for filling me in!

Anonymous said...

Now, that is surreal indeed - but absolutely awesome! So you got some sort of a tutorial right there on Tivo, how great is that? And gosh, these socks look absolutely awesome already! The pattern is high up on my "Have to knit" list - I haven't dared cast on for it yet though because - one wouldn't believe it - these would be my first Toe up socks, and I'm totally scared of the cast on thing... Yeah, I know... but you know these things you're doing for the first time, after countless times done in another way, this is always something scary for me. But seeing how beautiful your Baudelaires are going to look, I guess I'll have to overcome these fears, what do you think?
And yay for the baby sweater - it seems to have been worth all the hassle you've had with it - can't wait to see it all blocked and finished, in all its glory!

Kimberly said...

I posted a comment yesterday and I think it got lost-anyway, I love those socks and that pattern-I can't wait to see them when they are done. How cool to see cookie on tv while you were knitting them. :-)