K3tog: ILx Knitting 3

WOE IS ME.

I finished my first sock and it's a bit of a disaster. Dropped stitches, I didn't check my gauge (bad Molly!), but whatevs, as the kiddies say. I totally knit a sock.

I've just started the Class Sock from Sensational Socks, so I can properly learn what I'm doing. The "easy socks" instructions weren't too informative.

No functional sock, but a sock nonetheless!

Congratulations, Molly. The first one is the hardest...

I am halfway through my kimono trousers. Started last week (monday, I think). As always there are already a mistake or two but none that you can notice (unless you're an expert, I guess). I think it looks alright. Now I'm doing the front (or back, same thing). I am only VERY MUCH afraid of doing the seaming and *assembling* as I'll need to put an ELASTIC in the band. I'll ask one of the employees, she's a wiz with that shit. :-)

Tonight I'll be going to class but not doing any exercises, instead ask help with seaming and picking up sts. HURRAH. I need to seam THREE PIECES. SHEEIT. I'll also start a new project.

I picked up the socks again yesterday during the repeat of Whoctor Doo - only have a couple more plain rows left and then a couple of inches of ribbing. Then I *really* have to research a decent stretchy bind off for the top of the cuffs. Fingers crossed this isn't where it all goes wrong.

You could do an elastic bind off. VERY HARD but very nice!

(It's with a sewing needle which you sort of use as a knitting needle.)

Anything like this?
http://www.socknitters.com/toe-up/lessonsix.htm

As confusing as our explanation. So definitely same one. :-) Actually I looked at finished piece (last pic) and it looks exactly the same. It's a bit hard, well for me anyway, but the finished result (IF done right) is fantastic.

I might practice on a test bit first if it's that bad!

Sarah, I am a buffoon when it comes to these things. So you might be luckier in doing it. I strongly recommend it tho!

I've printed that page off but I think I'll have to read through it a couple of times!!

Do y'all prefer toe-up or toe-down socks?

My kitchener stitch grafting yesterday started off fine, and then OH NOES, dropped stitches, which resulted in my toe poking through.

The new Interweave Knit has an article and pattern (for any size foot and weight of yarn!) on toe-up socks.

I am mainly used to toe-down, but I think toe-up is good for when you only have a certain amount of yarn.

Also, I love Kitchener stitch. Am I insane?

also not knitting related: Molly, are you going to the library conference in DC that's coming up? (I don't read librarian threads)

The Kitchener stitch seemed awesome and beautiful until I dropped a bunch of my stitches, turning it into a disaster.

Unfortunately, I had to cancel this year's ALA in DC, as B-diddy and I are moving to a new place July 1st. Are you going? I'll be going to both of next year's, however!

I have documented my love for toe-up socks here plenty of times! The ones I'm about to finish have been a revelation - I've actually enjoyed every single bit of the process doing them - the only parts where you really need to concentrate at the start (and then it's only increasing, I find decreasing to knit v small tubes INCREDIBLY annoying), and make sure you're wrapping your heel properly and so on...

Kitchener stitch IS quite satisfying!! My problem is I generally do it when exhausted and you really need to be alert :)

I hear Knit 1 is now out!!!

molly, no, but my knitting, library school-attending best friend is going.

I went to get the new Knit1, and found the new IK, too!!! I had to get them at Michael's though, and not the yarn store, though.

OMG CRAZY PET FUR YARN

http://vipfibers.com/store/images/Cat-domestic-mix.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/510011007_8419289110.jpg%3Fv%3D0

LE FRIGGING SIGH.

Almost finished.

Am I happy?

Uh... sort of. *frowns*

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/510011007_8ba0e481bd_o.jpg

Yes, I know it's short. :-( But hopefully not too short (for my mom). Need to *erase* some mistakes. It's half past midnight. LE SIGH

nath, it's LOVELY! Be proud! It's gorgeous!

Yeah, but I picked up some sts that I shouldn't have and I didn't pull tight enough. I can sort of fix that. Also, it's a bit short (for me). But I can block it, right? Right? I should be proud, I know. My husband's reaction: "It's nice, but is it meant to go up in the back?" Freakout, run to the mirror... It didn't. :-)

Blocking is your friend!

I finished my sock, sucessfully, this time! Mind you, it's small enough to fit a midget (as per the "Class Sock" instructions), but I rocked the Kitchener stitch like nobody's bidness. I'm starting a pair of socks for B-diddy, but I'm taking my time and making a swatch which I shall wash and air dry. The first sock debacle was so traumatic, that I'm ready to take all the necessary steps to avoid crushing heartbreak.

I love you, Sensational Knitted Socks!

I bought a cheap second hand sewing machine. It's relevant to knitting as I'll mainly use it to sew BABY TROUSERS. :-)

Gutenborg project has this online!

I, erm, finished the socks....

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/511187881_6c09538422_m.jpg

THINGS FOR NEXT TIME
1. Remember where you place the heel
2. Place the heel in the same place on each sock
3. Remember what type of ribbing you finish with
4. The stretchy cast-off should be done loosey-goosey, and then it is perfect
5. Do the M1s *properly* (as hopefully documented above cos I HAVE ALREADY FORGOTTEN WHAT MY PROBLEM WAS)
6. And back to heel again, make a note of the length of the foot before you turn the heel so the feet are the same length - it worked this time but next time you may not be so careful!!

Not sure if I can face undoing one and making them even. I think I might cope with odd socks. I don't know.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/511164740_8d67771d97_m.jpg

Another view

And yesterday I started a scarf using the below stitch pattern - sorry for the murky picture, took it at night and the yarn is just like a very cloudy day so it's a bit unclear.

P4tog = super pain. Super easy to remember pattern though!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/511339543_8e332fdf22_m.jpg

Yarn is Sirdar Blur. I wanted to make a shawl but didn't know if I'd have enough (lots of yardage though) so scarf it is. It would also work nicely on some gloves so I'll see how much is used up on scarf. I could either make a set for me or set for someone else. Or try this 'etsy' thing of wot I ave 'eard speke.

5. Do the M1s *properly*

Did you forget to twist the picked up stitch? Most do.

I bought a really nice Marie Clair/Phildar baby pattern book. Noticed some cute shorts in'em. Now I want to do'em as well.

Still on the needles: TROUSERS. I'll probably starts the kimono after that.

No - in the first sock I'd misunderstood what they were asking me to do - in the second sock I figured it out. I've forgotten again now tho. Am sure it's upthread.