I want to knit sweaters. I really do. But for some reason, lately I can’t stop making socks instead.
Most of my knitting time lately has been devoted to a sock project that you’ll hear more about soon (I can’t quite tell you just yet because it will ruin a surprise), but I’m also about to start knitting a pair of worsted weight socks for the winter international sock swap that Gradschoolknitter is running this fall. I’ll be making Tyrolean Stockings for my secret partner out of this bright red Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Superwash yarn:
I also can’t help from sneaking time in for a row or two here and there on these:
Remember these? I think these might be the most pleasant socks I’ve ever made. They are Cookie A’s Hedera socks using Malabrigo Sock. This yarn is such a dream to work with. I have about another inch before I can work the toe on this sock and start the next. I’m amazed at how far my yarn is going. I added an extra inch or two to the leg and I still have quite a bit of yarn leftover in this ball (I divided my skein into two equal balls when I started). It is definitely enough for a heel or stripe on another pair of socks, but I’m wondering if I could even squeeze out a pair of baby booties or a tiny hat from the leftover. We’ll see.
In the meantime, I’ve been enjoying working with this yarn so much, that I have decided to pass the experience on to one of you. I’m offering up a skein of Malabrigo Sock as the first prize in the 2010 Charity Challenge contest. All you have to do for a chance to win is knit/crochet something for charity and tell me about it before December 31. Full contest details are on the contest page.
The prize Malabrigo yarn is in the Impressionist Sky colorway. The skein contains 440 yards of fingering weight superwash wool. It is plenty to make a pair of adult socks, but it would also make a beautiful lace shawlette. Here’s a photo to get you motivated:
Ready to get started knitting for charity yet?
Sweaters are languishing on the needles around here, but look what is cooking along:
Last night during a bout of frustrating insomnia I got up and worked the heel on these yellow Hedera socks that I started last week. I find it so surprising and wonderful that after about a decade of sock knitting, turning heels is still so satisfying. No matter how often I do this trick, the allure never wears off for me. Turning a sock heel must be one of the most magical things you can do with your knitting, seriously.
As for the yarn here, Malabrigo Sock in Ochre, the question is not will I be using it again, but rather will I be able to stand using anything else? It is hard to believe this stuff is wool, as silky and soft as it is. Hope it wears as well as it knits because I love how the socks are turning out.
Ravelry Project notes here.
P.S. Missing all that present-opening that was going on here a few days ago? You’re in luck! My Blog Hub Swap buddy, the lovely AGCertain of Wisconsin is blogging about the gifts I sent her at her website, AC Engineered Knits. I had a lot of fun putting her gifts together and I can’t wait to see what she has to say about everything.
These mitts knitted up so quickly, I didn’t even have time to mention them in a work-in-progress post!
Pattern: Baby Fan Mitts by Morgan Wolf (free Ravelry download)
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino in Redwood Bark, used less than 1 skein
My project notes on Ravelry
Background:
Last fall and spring, I had some very cold hands while walking my dog early in the morning. I can’t put my hands in my pockets and hold her leash at the same time. And I have learned from experience that having my fingers wrapped up in full mittens or gloves is more hassle than it is worth. So when I saw this lovely Malabrigo Silky Merino yarn on sale this summer at Sandrasingh.com, I knew it would be the perfect thing for some fingerless mitts. This was my first time ordering from Sandra, and the experience couldn’t have been better. The yarn was on my doorstep before I even had time to wonder when it would arrive. I think I ordered on a Monday morning and the mailman brought the yarn on Wednesday. It was that fast. I also got a personal email from Sandra following up on the order. I highly recommend her shop.
These mitts work up fast! I only worked on them during parts of a round trip cross-country flight and an hour or two tops on the ground. I suspect I’ll be keeping this pattern in mind for quick Christmas gifts.
