Hopping on a Left Foot

Last night I finished my travel project. These were knit while riding in the car over the past two weekend trips north.




World, meet Anastasia.
Anastasia, meet world.







Here are the specs:

Pattern: Anastasia by Pepperknit
Needles: Addi Turbos US1 Circ
Yarn: Knit Picks Memories in Rocky Mountain Dusk
Date Started: February 15, 2007
Date Finished: February 27, 2007

Being happy to have new wool socks, I have worn them all day, without washing or blocking. The knit fabric is soft and warm. I think I like this yarn. While the colors are pretty true in my photo, there is a little more black in "real life." The one bump I am trying to get over is that there is already a little halo around the heel and toes. Slightly disappointing on a brand new pair of socks, making me wonder what washing will bring.

It is very difficult to take pictures of your own feet. I see some beautiful photos out there, all taken by the wearer of said socks. How do they do that?

BTW ~ Today we had a conference with LM's pre-school teacher. LM is doing fine and ready for Kindergarten next year. But do you know how hard it is to sit through a conference with a teacher as one of the parents? It's kind of funny to watch the "battle of who knows more about early childhood" that develops between them. Pretty soon someone is spouting a research study, then Meap Scores and how much experience so-and-so has. All this because LM is having trouble hopping on his left foot. Hmmmm, someone is taking things a little too seriously. It's pre-school for cryin' out loud. I have serious doubts that this will affect his ability to get into Grad School.

Just In Time For Ice

These would have been finished sooner, but I got interrupted by the simple wrapover. To make up for lost time I stayed up late last night to finish the Anastasia's. So here is the scoop:

Pattern Anastasia by Pepperknit
Yarn Artyarns Supermerino in a blue color way (#107)
Needles Addi Turbo US2 Circs
Started November 27, 2006
Finished December 4, 2006
Notes Wandered from pattern by using a heavier gauge yarn. I had to cast on fewer stitches and reduced number of stitches between eyelet repeats.

Overall, I like both the yarn and the pattern. The repeat is easy to memorize, so no printed pattern had to travel with me (more room for other projects). Soccerchica saw Anastasia and has already claimed them for her own. The yarn is easy to work with and I absolutely love the color. My only wish is that each hank had more yardage for longer socks.

Guess I'll have to knit another pair. Time for a Koigu purchase?

Boo-boo has swimming lessons at the Family Y Center. We leave his life jacket outside to dry. RM left his life jacket outside to dry during the ice storm last Friday. Oops. I leave you with a picture of Boo-boo's ice jacket.

A Pilgrim Needs Socks Too

Well, here I go again. Just finish a pair of socks and cast on for a new pair. I am going to use this beautiful blue, hand painted yarn from Artyarn to make Anastasia socks by Pepperknit.

The yarn was purchased at the end of September, see here. I was going use Wendy's Toe Up pattern and get a quick, happy knit. Now, I love Wendy's pattern, but felt this yarn needed a little help. My gauge swatch showed me that the color variation is very subtle. So, to add a little oomph, I began a search for the right pattern. While doing my daily blog reading, I stumbled on Pepperknit's blog and pattern. Love it!

I started these on Thanksgiving evening and was finished with the first one by Sunday night. The pattern is easy to follow, and she has left you with lots of options for customizing. I had to alter the amount of stitches cast on from 30 to 25; otherwise RM would be wearing lace spiral socks. Not a good look for him.

Also, I used my new Addi Turbo, size US2 circular needle to knit the sock using Magic Loop. I have only knitted socks on Magic Loop one other time. To be honest, I don’t have a preference between Magic Loop and DPN's. Each has their own merit. What I did discover, is that I love the Addi Turbo's. Definitely will explore these needles further.

Watch for pictures of my finished Embossed Leaves Socks.