Socktoberfest. . . Autumnal Colors

I have a new rotation schedule for my sock knitting. This "scheduling" feeds my OCD and spurs my knitting mojo. Killing two birds with one stone. So, here's the schedule: a simple knit pair of socks is followed by a more complex patterned pair. This little arrangement provides a challenge (patterned socks) and the stockinette pair give me a little mindless knitting.

So, I followed up my Uptown Boot Socks with a simple pair in autumnal colors. I finished one on the first day of our trek; and the second on the last day.

I named these after a song that Cynical sang during our return trip.

Rain King Socks
Pattern from: Standard 72 stitch cast-on socks
Yarn: Trekking 161
Needles: Size 1 Addis (Magic Loop Method)
Completed: October 13 and October 21, 2007

Psssssttttt: There has been some knitting

I have managed to do a tiny bit of knitting along the way. . . even though I packed enough stuff for at least six projects.

I completed the socks the week before we left, but thought since they were such an oceanic color of blue I'd wait and photograph them here. Yes, I actually brought socks to photograph. Socks and the kitchen sink.

Here are the particulars:

Uptown Boot Socks

Pattern: Interweave Knits Favorite Socks

Yarn: Universal Yarns Pace in Pewter, just over 2 balls

Needles: Size 1 Addis, Magic Loop Style

Project Completed: October 7, 2007

I have to admit that I didn't like knitting these socks, not one bit. The pattern was easy to follow and I am happy with the completed cable-filled project. I think it was the splitty yarn that drove me nuts; that and the fact it got fuzzy whenever I had to tear back any stitches. These seemed to take forever. However, I did finish them and did it in time to include them in Socktoberfest.

Rest for the wicked

A busy week is behind us. A weekend full of travel preparations lies ahead of us. The countdown has begun, soon we'll be packing the car headed on an adventure all our own: our first official vacation.

Big plans to meet up with Needlefingers tomorrow in a nearby town for some knitting amongst knitters. Hopes to start on that travel to-do list.

Welcoming Socktoberfest with open arms, casting on for some autumnal socks this evening.

Hoping soon I will be able to communicate in complete sentences.

Another shot from the local farm stand from last weekend. Despite the 90-degree days, I can still feel autumn in the air.

Socktoberfest #2

(Loosely Based on) After Bertha

aka Pumpkin Pie

Part of the Socktober Festivities

Pattern from: Socks, Socks, Socks

Yarn: Trekking XXL Color 163

Needles: Size 1 Circular

First Sock Completed: October 15, 2006

Second Sock Completed: October 22, 2006

I improvised slightly with this pattern, basically just using the stitch pattern and adapating it to my liking. I wish I'd done the heel flap a little longer, seems I misjudged the length.

This was the first time I've used Trekking XXL and I must admit that I didn't necessarily love the feel of the yarn, but I did like the way the yarn worked up. The colors are incredible, perfect autumnal adventures.

Rainy, cloudy weather prevented me from getting some shots of these earlier. Today, however, we have been blessed with sunshine streaming trhough our dusty windows.

So much yarn, so little time

In celebration of Socktoberfest, I dug out all of my sock yarn and put together a little display. In doing so, I realized two things:

1) I have a lot of knitting ahead of me and

2) I have no idea which one to pick up next.

Employment is cramping my style

Sunday was so relaxing and stress-free, that I caught myself wishing that I was somehow independently wealthy, or maybe just a kept woman, either would suit me. I was wishing that somehow I didn't have to get up this morning and head out to work.

Instead, I'd stay home, snuggled deep in my Downy-fresh covers, the smell of freshly ground coffee wafting through the air. Eventually I'd venture down the stairs, pour myself a cup, and sit at the kitchen table sipping it as I perused the newspaper I found laying before me. As I drank my coffee, someone would be upstairs making my bed, tucking in the hospital corners and putting a big chocolate cookie on my pillow.

Afterward I'd start a leisurely shower, taking time to shave, properly condition and moisturize. I'd emerge fresh and ready for the day. My towel would no sooner hit the floor than it was carried away to be washed and folded. (Notice that in this dream, all of my household chores are taken care of for me, as to not hinder my television viewing, knitting or other means of wasting time.) I wouldn't have to stress over what to wear. My closet was full of things selected by Clinton and Stacey (What Not To Wear).

Then I'd take some time to ponder: should I knit, should I read, should I flip through the channels. Maybe Cynical and I would enjoy a late lunch (as it would be nearing 11 a.m. by then, it takes a while to moisturize properly), a lunch which I'd prepare because in this dreamland, not only do I have the time, but the skills as well.

We'd gab as I stirred, mixed sprinkled and folded until I presented the most delectable of feasts served ever so appropriately on a specific piece of Fiestaware chosen for the occasion. Maybe we'd play all of my "Like Omigod It's the 80s" CDs and giggle. Maybe we'd take our lunch outside and sit on the ground picnic style until the mosquitos carried us and our food away. (Not even a dream can exterminate the mosquito infestation in our yard.)

Soon after fighting off the mosquitos and Cynical* would settle in for a nap, I'd settle in for some knitting and it would go swimmingly as in my free time I had become an expert knitter, easily tackling any pattern I selected. Maybe I'd doze a bit, knitting in hand, dreaming of pretty yarns and shiny needles. (*Did you think I'd make Cynical work in this dream world?)

After I dozed, I may just take a walk. I might just walk to get some ice cream or maybe a Snickers, whichever came in my path first. (You see, this is a dream, and in dreams, well, calories don't matter and I am thin, able to eat anything that struck my fancy. I am also able to say things like "struck my fancy" without people laughing at me.)

The walk would up my energy level and I'd come home ready to meet my personal trainer. You see, even though this is a dreamland, a girl still needs some aerobic activity. I'd expertly complete each task he put before me, all the while he would be applauding and saying things like, "Not even Madonna is able to keep up with you. You are a marvel, a true marvel."

I'd eventually shoo my trainer away, tired of the compliments. I wouldn't need to shower, in this scenario I don't sweat.

Our evening would be filled with yet another expertly prepared meal. We'd dine, drink wine and laugh, retiring to the living room where we'd play Trivial Pursuit and answer all the questions correctly, commenting on how boring the game had gotten.

And then it would soon be time for bed. Crisp, cat hair free sheets awaited. And then we'd do it all over again.

Above is a shot of pumpkins from my escapade over the weekend. Below is a photograph in celebration of Socktoberfest, all of those (sans Phin's pair), that I have knitted thus far.

Sock talk: Take 2

By now you have figured out that I am part of this thing called Socktoberfest. Well it's all the brain child of Lolly over at Lolly Knitting Around. It's all about celebrating the sock knitting obsession. From time to time, she's tossing out some questions, to spur some conversation. (So, for all you non-knitters, humor me on this, ok?)

Do you have certain patterns planned for some of the yarns? Do you buy yarn and then choose a pattern?
You know, I just buy what I like and figure it out later. Not a good strategy, but it's my strategy.


Does a certain sock yarn you have in your stash take you back to a certain event? (where you were when you bought/received it? what was going on in your life at the time!)
My Stitches Midwest 2006 purchases are near and dear to my heart.


By the way, I really did knit through Grey's Anatomy. I have nothing to show for it as I ripped out the entire top of the After Bertha sock. It was too small and I am going to restart by casting on more stitches.

Fry it up in a pan. . .

Lace Top Socks
aka Scrambled Eggs
Pattern: Plymouth Lace Top Sock
Yarn: Sockotta in Color 07
Completed: October 11, 2006

This is my first contribution to Socktoberfest. For some reason they were a long time coming and I was never more glad to get these off the needles. Maybe it was because I was so wanting to dig into some of my stash and these stood between me and some luscious yarns. Say it with me now: some luscious yarns. Who would have ever thought those words would come out of my mouth?

I am not sure why, but I felt quite a sense of accomplishment upon finishing these, my eighth pair of socks. Maybe it's because I challenged myself to work through a more intricate pattern. Of course, anything is more intricate than a 2 x 2 ribbing, right? Perhaps it's because it fits so well, or my Kitchner (toe-stitching) was pleasing and without incident.

For whatever reason, it really boosted my confidence.

Onto the next pair: After Bertha. (Yes, that's gross.)

Sock talk

It's officially October and I am officially a member of Socktoberfest, but I haven't done much talking about socks. In an attempt to rectify this, I thought I'd answer some of the questions that organizer Lolly provided as food for thought:

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I actually learned to knit socks from the top down thanks to a class lead by Needlefingers. The class started out with about five anxious knitters and when it was all said and done, I was the last one standing. Not that I am complaining a bit, I got some one-on-one tutoring.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was a simple 2x2 rib pattern in an Opal yarn that I called "apple". As for holding up over time, well, time will tell. I started knitting in general about a year ago and I started/finished the socks in May, so I haven't had a chance to don the wool. Looking forward to testing them this winter.

What would you have done differently?
I would have cast-on with a larger needle to make them more "stretchy". However, Needlefingers also walked me through a solution for this. Lesson learned.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Thus far, I am in love with Cherry Tree Hill. I loved the way it felt to knit with and love the way it feels on my foot. I love that it made for a nice, thick sock. I love the colors. It's true, I love it so much I want to marry it. Watch your mailbox for invitations.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I actually have only used the Magic Loop Method. Not a fan of double-points, so I suspect I will stick with the "magic" of one set of needles.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Umm, I have only done a flap, so I won't start dissing the "short-row" phenomenon.

How many pairs have you made?
I think I have made 7 pair. Six were for me, one for Phin. I am currently on my eighth. However, I have enough sock yarn in my stash for many, many more.

Above is a shot of my current sock. It's out of Sockotta and uses a lace pattern that was published by Plymouth Yarn Company. My personal goal for Socktoberfest 2006 was to venture out of the security of ribbed socks and do something a little more challenging and intricate. UPDATE: The sock above is completed and I am nearly through the leg portion of the other one. Yes, it's yellow. No, it doesn't match anything I own, but for some reason this yarn caught my attention.

Getting geared up for Socktoberfest

Presenting to you to my completed Cherry Tree Hill Merino Wool socks. I love these socks more than any I have made thus far. I suspect that is because I used a smaller needle, made them much tighter and. . . the yarn was incredible to work with. I bought the yarn at Stitches in Chicago and immediately started knitting it in the hotel after using my new handy winder.

I am calling these "Baby Greens", but never fear, they are not contaminated with e. coli.

PS: I have decided to become part of Socktoberfest. I figured it was a natural fit since you know, I love October and well, seems I can't quit making socks. I have set a little goal for myself as a result. I hope to do some sort of a stitch patterned sock. Right now I am working on a lace top version pattern that I got at my local yarn shoppe, but it's slow going. So, if you have any other thoughts on an easy-to-remember pattern, they are certainly welcomed. I have been using the Magic Loop Method.