Here are some socks I really like. The pattern is Nutkin; the yarn is Cascade Heritage Paints in the colorway David’s Eyes. I wore them earlier this week on a cold, gray, “wintry mix” sort of day and they made it so much better. I have recently realized how very much I love hand knit socks. I feel like this is one of the landmarks on my personal path (descent?) into the knitting world; I used to be more skeptical. The payoff of socks comes slowly compared to most other projects of similar size (a pair of socks can easily take 20,000+ stitches), and is less immediately impressive (particularly to non-knitters, in my experience), lacking the size of a sweater and the quick gratification of accessories. Socks are practical, and you don’t get many opportunities to show them off in comparison to other projects. On top of that, while other knitted items have the potential to last many years or even become heirlooms, socks are expected to eventually wear out and be thrown away. I’ve found that the true payoff of sock knitting is very personal for me. I really, really love wearing them - I get far more regular use out of the few pairs I’ve knit than almost anything else I’ve made. They’ve introduced me to fun and useful techniques like short rows and grafting and a neat way to cast on for working toe-up. Their standard shaping means they lend themselves to easy experimentation: I anticipate that my first real forays into designing will involve socks. Some of the most gorgeous yarns I’ve ever seen are sock weight and I can buy on a whim knowing I’ll be able to use it (which I don’t typically do with other yarns). And, I guess, they make me feel like a Real Knitter, because what other kind of person would be spending her lunch break rhapsodizing about socks? Anyway. These are good. Other crafty stuff, since I haven’t posted in a bit: I’ve got my next pair of socks in progress now, along with a cabled sweater that I’m absolutely loving. I finished my mawata scarf but it’s not really worth posting pictures. It’s very small and wonky looking, but keeps me super warm under a coat with a high collar. I definitely intend to make these at some point… Boston locals: a brand new yarn and fabric shop, JP Knit & Stitch, is opening this Friday! I’m so excited to visit, and they say that they’re planning to have Knit Nights and knitting/sewing classes as well. The yarn shop nearest me in Brookline is a great store but I think it lacks a community feel, so I’m thrilled to have another place within walking distance that seems to prioritize that. I joined Sara’s new Tumblr project, bakingclub, and I baked the first assignment last week, though I haven’t posted yet. When I do I’ll link here. I know a bunch of other baking folks follow this, so check out the group if you could use some regular inspiration!

Here are some socks I really like. The pattern is Nutkin; the yarn is Cascade Heritage Paints in the colorway David’s Eyes. I wore them earlier this week on a cold, gray, “wintry mix” sort of day and they made it so much better.

I have recently realized how very much I love hand knit socks. I feel like this is one of the landmarks on my personal path (descent?) into the knitting world; I used to be more skeptical. The payoff of socks comes slowly compared to most other projects of similar size (a pair of socks can easily take 20,000+ stitches), and is less immediately impressive (particularly to non-knitters, in my experience), lacking the size of a sweater and the quick gratification of accessories. Socks are practical, and you don’t get many opportunities to show them off in comparison to other projects. On top of that, while other knitted items have the potential to last many years or even become heirlooms, socks are expected to eventually wear out and be thrown away.

I’ve found that the true payoff of sock knitting is very personal for me. I really, really love wearing them - I get far more regular use out of the few pairs I’ve knit than almost anything else I’ve made. They’ve introduced me to fun and useful techniques like short rows and grafting and a neat way to cast on for working toe-up. Their standard shaping means they lend themselves to easy experimentation: I anticipate that my first real forays into designing will involve socks. Some of the most gorgeous yarns I’ve ever seen are sock weight and I can buy on a whim knowing I’ll be able to use it (which I don’t typically do with other yarns). And, I guess, they make me feel like a Real Knitter, because what other kind of person would be spending her lunch break rhapsodizing about socks?

Anyway. These are good. Other crafty stuff, since I haven’t posted in a bit:

  • I’ve got my next pair of socks in progress now, along with a cabled sweater that I’m absolutely loving.
  • I finished my mawata scarf but it’s not really worth posting pictures. It’s very small and wonky looking, but keeps me super warm under a coat with a high collar. I definitely intend to make these at some point…
  • Boston locals: a brand new yarn and fabric shop, JP Knit & Stitch, is opening this Friday! I’m so excited to visit, and they say that they’re planning to have Knit Nights and knitting/sewing classes as well. The yarn shop nearest me in Brookline is a great store but I think it lacks a community feel, so I’m thrilled to have another place within walking distance that seems to prioritize that.
  • I joined Sara’s new Tumblr project, bakingclub, and I baked the first assignment last week, though I haven’t posted yet. When I do I’ll link here. I know a bunch of other baking folks follow this, so check out the group if you could use some regular inspiration!
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

This short-row sock heel may look humble, and I suppose it is… but it took me FIVE TRIES over HOURS UPON HOURS of knitting and unraveling to accomplish. Over a week after I so blithely began, I finally have a heel without gaping holes. And I think I was only on the verge of tears once during the process! This tutorial is awesome.

This short-row sock heel may look humble, and I suppose it is… but it took me FIVE TRIES over HOURS UPON HOURS of knitting and unraveling to accomplish. Over a week after I so blithely began, I finally have a heel without gaping holes. And I think I was only on the verge of tears once during the process!

This tutorial is awesome.

My second pair of socks: I started these in April, and within a few weeks I’d made it all the way to the heel of the second sock, and then I put it away in the hope that elves would come and finish it. They didn’t! And summer is hot and makes me not want to be around yarn or wear wool socks! I finally feel inspired again, though, and if I want to have certain projects done for autumn I’ll have to start soon, so getting these out of the way was the first step. I like them a lot, and I’m sure I’ll like them even more when it’s cool enough to wear them. The pattern is a very popular free Knitty design called Spring Forward. The yarn was hand-dyed by Etsy seller Third Floor Fibers.

My second pair of socks: I started these in April, and within a few weeks I’d made it all the way to the heel of the second sock, and then I put it away in the hope that elves would come and finish it. They didn’t! And summer is hot and makes me not want to be around yarn or wear wool socks!

I finally feel inspired again, though, and if I want to have certain projects done for autumn I’ll have to start soon, so getting these out of the way was the first step. I like them a lot, and I’m sure I’ll like them even more when it’s cool enough to wear them.

The pattern is a very popular free Knitty design called Spring Forward. The yarn was hand-dyed by Etsy seller Third Floor Fibers.

Another first. They’re sort of ugly, but I love them all the more for it.

Another first. They’re sort of ugly, but I love them all the more for it.