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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Take Along Projects

I usually don't like knitting socks. The problem is that I really like wearing handknit socks. I feel like it is an arduous process. The needles are so small, and I have such big feet. This year I wanted to reduce my sock yarn stash, so I have made quite a few shawls and a couple pairs of socks. A few weeks ago while still traveling, I finished the socks on my needles. They had languished a long time, so I wasn't quick to replace them. Instead I started making holiday gifts for my kiddos.

I missed socks though. So I cast-on for another pair of socks. Socks are just so portable. The colors can be fun and the patterns intricate. I tend to knit two at a time, because I know my weaknesses. I like to be finished when I cast off.  My new sock project is Riff from Knitty using the leftover blue yarn from my MKAL shawl. I am loving the pattern and yarn so far. The heel increases are approaching and I think I may just be turning into a sock knitter. Or at least one who doesn't take six months to finish a pair. Ahem.

For reading, I am listening to The Marriage Plot. It took a little bit to appreciate, because it is the same narrator as a series of children's audiobooks we have listened to. It was a bit distracting for me. I am over that now and trying to get into the story. It centers around a young woman and man and the separate yet interconnected lives they live and the loves they have. Dave read Big Susan to the kiddos a few nights ago, and they enjoyed it. Not sure what is next for bedtime reading, but it will probably be either Starry River of the Sky or Comet in Moominland. Both of those are from our Read Loud book group with Annie of Bird and little Bird. Looks like a trip to the library is in order!

Do you have a special project you take with you that is small and portable? Read any good books lately. I know I will have loads of recommendations from everyone at Ginny's Yarn Along.

25 comments:

  1. The socks look beautiful and even though I have yet to knit socks, I like your idea of knitting two at once. I think I will finish Tom's scarf today (it would have been finished yesterday but I got delayed with other sewing projects)!

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    1. His scarf looks so squishy and warm.

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  2. you always knit the best stuff. those socks are coming along so nicely. :)
    those children's books sound good. i have been wanting to find something for the kids other than "the magic tree house" and "magic hoof beats" that they listen to again and again. lol

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    1. You could also try sparkle stories online. It is a subscription, but the stories are fun.

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  3. That's the main reason I knit socks - they are so portable. I love the color yarn you chose. They are going to be gorgeous!

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  4. They look awesome! I start socks then never finish them. In fact, often, they end up started in a flourish and with love love love, only to be ripped out later when I just can't stand to do one more row.

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  5. I never thought I would be a sock knitter either, but I love them, mostly for the wearing, but also for the huge feeling of accomplishment when you finish! The riff pattern looks like a good one, I have had it queued forever,might have to give it a go! Love the colour of your socks!

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    1. I had it queued for a long time too. Thanks!

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  6. I haven't knit socks with sock yarn before...does that make me a rebel? I always use thicker yarn with larger needles and just hope it turns out ok when I reduce stitches etc :-) Granted, I am typically making for my babes much smaller feet - but I'm confident it would work with adult socks too :-) It's a beautiful yarn.

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    1. You are definitely a sock knitter. I make my dad thick ones out of a light worsted. The nice thing is that they go very quickly.

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  7. They look great Heather.
    I just picked up a pair I started back in January..oops! I really
    should finish them, but maybe not before Christmas.

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    1. You are too busy elving to do it before the holidays. My last pair took about 6 months, because I kept putting them aside.

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  8. The socks look gorgeous as does the colour of the yarn. I am yet to venture into sock making, one day! Jacinta

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    1. Thanks, Jacinta. I really like this blue. You can do it!

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  9. Riff is on my list of socks I want to make for myself, that is a great color for them. Socks are nice take along projects.

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    1. They seem to be perfect for taking along during our days. I am liking the riff pattern thus far.

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  10. Great socks. I do hope to become a sock knitter...one day.

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  11. The Marriage Plot! That is on my list - keep me posted on how you like it! :) I have the same weakness when knitting pairs of things - I totally hear you there. It sounds like I need to learn how to knit two socks at a time! Yours are gorgeous.

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    1. You do! I love to knit them two at a time, and I prefer the two needle method. Cat Bordhi has a good tutorial (I think I found it on youtube)

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  12. Anonymous11:52 AM

    I think if I knit socks I would only get one done and not the other! I may have to learn the two at a time process. Gorgeous shawl, I love the color!

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  13. Love the color of the yarn!! I like to take simple knitting with me when I'm on the go with minimal directions. Something that is easy :)

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  14. I read the Marriage Plot before I read Middlesex - have you read them both? Let me know what you think if you do :)

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