Sock Report

Hi, Knitters,

I have a quick sock update for you today. I have finished the first sock blank sock. Sock blanks are machine knit pieces of fabric that are then dyed. You unravel the knit fabric and knit straight from the blank so the yarn is tightly kinked up. I worried that I would not enjoy knitting with the kinky yarn pulled straight from the sock blank but I actually don't mind it at all. In fact I really enjoy it.

I haven't washed the first sock yet so the fabric is still a bit rippled from the kinky yarn. When I finish the second sock I will wash both of them and show you how they turned out. The sock blank I am using is from Gale's Art. Gale does this unique and colorful stamping on the sock blanks which is her  original idea I think. I've never seen this done before. I don't know how she thought this one up, it is so creative and fun. The spots where Gale stamps the sock blank makes the yarn beautifully speckled and it knits up like a dream. I really love the effect. 

My socks are going to be mismatched, which I love. You can get double-stranded sock blanks for two at a time socks or you could knit one sock at a time and wind the other strand. You would then get matching socks. 

Click here for Gale's Art!  It looks like she is taking orders for her Special Secret Sock Blanks and they are taking about 10 days to ship. 

Click here for information on the Special Secret Sock Blank in the photo above! Gale has other sock blank choices and colorways and she'll even make custom sock blanks with messages. 

Click here to see the other sock blank I have that is next up. I keep thinking I want to knit a simple shawl from this one..... I think I will do that.

I am using Signature Needle Arts dpns, US size 1, 6-inches in length.

I finished the Regia Colourmania socks. I love this yarn so much. I have a couple more balls of Colourmania yarn and will be knitting more of these. I think the fabric looks fantastic, like watercolors all blended together. The yarn number for my socks is #4067.

I purchased this yarn at Simply Sock Yarn Co.

The sock blockers are from The Loopy Ewe. These wooden sheep sock blockers are my all-time favorites, hands-down. It's the shape and the wood that I love so much.

Last but not least, I finished the Over the Rainbow Gradient Matching Socks Set by KnitCircus Yarns. I love these so much. For this pair you get two matching cakes of yarn so your socks match exactly.

The yarn is: Over the Rainbow from Knitcircus in the Pirouette base: 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon, and 10% Tencel, 385 yards, 100 grams.

Click here for KnitCircus Yarns on Etsy.

Click here for the Over the Rainbow Custom Gradient.

The sock blockers are from The Loopy Ewe. They are red plastic.

For all of the socks I am using my free pattern, How I Make My Socks.

I knit the cuffs extra long, 8-inches, because I wanted to get to all of the colors. I should have made the cuffs 9-inches because I barely broke into the green section at the end and I had quite a bit leftover. The top sock in the photo doesn't show the green due to the lighting but the lower sock shows that a bit of the green is there on the toe. Regardless I love these socks. I wasn't quite sure about the Tencel content of the yarn but it was lovely to knit. The yarn and fabric are silky soft and I know it will be a sturdy sock.

Anyway, two more for the drawer! That's a win.

How's your sock knitting coming along? I'd love to hear what you are working on.

Have a good end to your week.

xo ~ susan

Two more for The Drawer ~ Sock Report

Hi, Knitters,

I'm back home and recovering from our week in Colorado. By recovering I mean doing laundry and cleaning mainly. You all know how that goes. We had a great trip. While on vacation I got quite a bit of knitting done, mostly on socks. 

Today I'll give you a quick rundown on the Sock Report progress. 

Not long ago I did a sock report (click here) where I shared 8 pairs of socks that were in progress. That may seem like a lot (well, it is I guess) but it doesn't bother me at all to have this many socks on the needles at the same time. I just grab a sock in progress to throw in my bag as I head out the door and it is fun to have a little variety at the ready. I never tire of knitting stockinette socks. 

I am happy to report that last week I finished up two pairs of those in progress socks. Ahhhh! New socks! Is there anything better in the knitting world than a brand new pair of handknit socks? I think not.

I use my own sock recipe which I have written out in detail (it's free!) in a blog post called, How I make my socks (click here to see the post and click here to see the pattern on Ravelry). Lately I've been doing a longer cuff, around 7-inches, mainly to use up more yarn. I have so much leftover sock yarn accumulating. More Patchwork Socks will be coming soon! In fact, I am planning a pair of Opal Vincent Van Gogh Patchwork Socks using up all of the leftovers from this line of yarn. Those will be a treat. I'll keep you posted.

Have you seen this new line coming from Opal called Le Petit Prince? I'm crazy for it. Check it out!

I will be collecting all of the new colorways in this line for sure. Maybe you'll join me?

Yarn: Vincent Van Gogh Opal Sock Yarn in the Bridge colorway (discontinued line and getting very hard to find)

Up next, Starry Night Vincent Van Gogh Opal sock yarn. I vowed to always have a pair of Opal socks on the needles for 2013 and probably beyond. That's an easy goal to keep. I think I still have maybe four more Van Gogh colorways to work through.

Yarn: Cakewalk Yarns Worsted Weight Yarn in the Brooklyn colorway (click here for the Etsy shop!)

Needles: US size 4 dpns

Coming soon I will write out the numbers for the worsted weight sock using the basic How I make my socks recipe. I've got all of the numbers written out in a sketchbook I just need to write them out for you. Maybe I'll get to that later this week. The pair used about 240 yards (120 yards per sock) if you want to knit a pair for yourself.

I will wear these thicker socks with my clogs in the winter, also for outdoor winter ice skating and inside my hiking boots for hikes and snowshoeing. They will be so good. I will be making more worsted weight socks for sure! They are incredibly squishy.

Left sock: Desert Vista Dyeworks in the Tiki Bar colorway (try this yarn!!!) Click here for the shop.

Right sock: HDYarns in the Dynamics colorway (try this one, too!!!) Click here for the shop.

Needles for both: US size 1 dpns

These are both first socks for the pair. One more of each to go.

Right sock: Knitterly Things Wee Skeins (4 mini-skeins) in Halloween colorways. This sock I am piecing together like a Patchwork Sock. Click here for the Knitterly Things shop - go quick she has some Halloween colors in her shop right now!

Needles: US size 1 dpns
This is the first sock of the pair. I have a start on the cuff of the second sock for the Wee Skeins.

So I have two more finished pairs to add to the sock drawer(s)! That's pretty exciting. What is it about socks, even simple stockinette socks, that holds my attention like nothing else? Sock knitting is like breathing to me. I can't live without it.

How about you?

I will leave you today with a view of my garden harvest from yesterday. Zucchini bread, several loaves, are going in the oven later today. I made a chopped cucumber-tomato-onion salad with a touch of Italian dressing to go with dinner last night. The cherry tomatoes? I snack on those all day long. Not shown is a good sized bowl of green beans picked yesterday and we have loads of peppers ready to be picked, too.

Backyard gardens are the best.

Have a good start to your week! I'll be back soon with more.

best, susie

Question #4

Hi Knitters,
Today I am answering another question. This is a question I get all of the time not just over the past couple of weeks. I have also received this question on ravelry several times. So without further ado here it goes.

Question #4: What sock pattern do you use for the ribbed socks?
Answer: I have no idea exactly what pattern I used for learning to knit socks and when exactly I started ribbing them. This pattern is everywhere you look. It is a basic sock pattern and I am telling you it is in almost every sock book available. I have no clue who originally wrote this pattern or where it came from. It is just a basic sock pattern with a k3, p1 thrown in. I memorized this sock pattern so many years ago that it has become my go-to project every single time. It is permanently stuck in my brain. I suggest you memorize your favorite sock pattern so you just know exactly what to do when you are knitting on the go.

I love this pattern and when I knit a different sock pattern I am often disappointed and I wish I would have stuck to my old ribbed socks. It is fun to knit and the rib makes the socks fit your feet and ankle just right. I have recently mentioned how I have a dresser drawer filled with these ribbed hand knit socks. Can't seem to get enough.
I started searching through my books to see if I could find a pattern that would match the one that is sitting in my head. I actually found the exact pattern right down to the extra stitch I like to pick up on the gusset set up to help get rid of those nasty holes.
It is in a wonderful book by Ann Budd and I know I have mentioned it before. I suggest every sock knitter have this fantastic resource, Getting Started Knitting Socks. I found the pattern I use on page 76. The pattern is for the Fibonacci Stripes Socks. You can use this pattern for self-striping, variegated or solid colors of sock yarn.
Also you can use any fingering weight yarn to knit the socks I make. I always knit on a set of 4 US size 2 dpns and I always cast on 64 stitches. It seems to work for me with all of the yarns I have used and that's a pretty long list. I make the cuff 5-6 inches long before I start the heel flap. The needles I use are 6 inches long so many times I use this as my measurement while I am knitting the cuff. I am sure all of this isn't perfect but I'm sticking to it. The Fibonacci Stripes Socks will give you this exact ribbed pattern (k3, p1) that I have used for all of these socks for all of these years, just ignore the stripe pattern or not.
Another place I have found this pattern is in Charlene Schurch's, Sensational Knitted Socks, which is another great resource for sock knitters. And after starting a new pair of ribbed socks a couple of nights ago I found the same basic pattern for free on backside of the label of the Jitterbug sock yarn I am using. If you buy some Colinette Jitterbug you will get that pattern with the yarn.

The same cast on 64 stitches right through to the toe, you can add in the k3, p1 rib or you can always do a plain stockinette stitch. The basic sock pattern casting on 64 stitches, using a heel flap and a decreased toe with kitchener's stitch to finish is available all over the place. I didn't search the web but I am sure it is available for free somewhere out there.

One more terrific break down of a sock comes in recipe form from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in this book. I know everyone has probably already read this but I can't say enough good things about the information Stephanie has included in this little paperback book. It is worth so much more than it costs, good deal. Her explanation or recipe for "A Good, Plain Sock (knit from the cuff down)" made me think about my socks in a much clearer way. She has general information gathered in here for socks, hats, scarves and shawls, and sweaters. It is a plethora of valuable knitting tips, tricks and stuff you just need to know. If you don't have Knitting Rules you should go get it!

One last thing on this topic, I love working in a sportweight or dk weight yarn for socks as well as fingering weight. Talk about a fast way to knit a pair of socks. What I always do here is on a set of 4 US size 4 dpns I cast on 48 stitches and I work the exact same pattern on this heavier weight yarn. The exact pattern I use for dk weight yarn is in Getting Started Knitting Socks on page 58. Ann's pattern is listed for worsted weight or 5 stitches per inch but it works for me with the sportweight yarns, too.

Have a good Wednesday and go knit some ribbed socks!
best, susie

The Drawer

Hi, Knitters,

In the past I have had people request to see my handknit sock drawer. I have never shared the inside of my dresser drawers before but the other day I was folding some freshly washed handknit socks to put back in my sock drawer and the sunlight was hitting just right and I stepped back and took a moment. I thought about how pretty all of the handknit socks look together and what kind of hours of knitting and pleasure went into creating the fine collection I have today. There is a lot of yarn and years of knitting and living combined in here. 

Now, not only is there one pull-out drawer but....

there is another....

.... and both drawers are deep and double-layered with more handknit socks hiding underneath.

To make things even better, the dresser belonged to my beautiful mother.

It's all a treasure to behold.

best, susie

Super Sock Update

Hi Knitters,
I adore handknit stockinette stitch socks. There isn't much better when it comes to knitting projects and usefulness. My girls also adore handknit stockinette stitch socks. In fact, I have an entire dresser drawer designated for handknit socks only. My girls have found my drawer of handknit treasures and they have been making it their own this past fall and winter. I don't mind sharing but honestly, I really need to make more socks. Instead of making socks for my feet only I am now providing socks for all three of us. I can't blame them for enjoying handknit socks, they are simply the best.

With this in mind, I have been working on lots and lots of socks lately. I like having several (or more) socks on the needles at the same time. I keep them in small project bags (click here for my favorite bags) that are always loaded up with a small scissors, a tape measure, and a yarn needle. I love knitting socks because that's all you need and you are set for hours of fun. The project is small and portable and easy! But you probably already know all of that so let's get on to my current sock rundown.

Above is the the hard-to-get Watermelon Striping yarn from Freshisle Fibers being worked on Signature Needles dpns in US size 1. This first sock of the pair has been to several swim meets with me. The yarn is a single ply and it is a heavy fingering weight so it is not an easy knit on the US size 1 needles but I am determined to make the fabric as dense as possible so they will last longer.

I haven't made much progress on the Unisono sock I shared last week. I've just started a bit of the heel flap. The needles are Knit Picks dpns in US size 3.

This is the second sock for my beloved new pair of Opal socks. I bought the yarn here. I am knitting these socks on US size 1 dpns from Knit Picks. I have turned the heel and I am decreasing for the gusset. I will have this one finished in no time. This sock came with me to the swim meet last weekend where I made great progress.

This is the second sock of the Candy Corn Vesper Self-Striping sock yarn. I love these and they came to Vogue Knitting Live with me last fall. After Halloween came and went I kind of set these aside to work on other socks. I will get them done for next fall for sure!

The needles are Blackthorn US size 1 dpns. The needles are really unusual and I like them. They are not as slick as metal but they are very sharp which I love.

An assortment of sock knitting is always a good thing. If you have lots of choices going you always have something that will strike your fancy at any moment.

Are you knitting socks right now? I'd love to hear about it!

As a quick side note, TC finished another hat just the other day. She is obsessed with the Crystal Palace Mochi yarn series. She has knit hats and booties from all of the weights of the Mochi yarn. This particular hat is made out of the Chunky Mochi yarn on US size 9 needles. TC is donating this hat to a local knitting group that donates baby hats and blankets to various organizations throughout the year. I think they are meeting this weekend so she is excited to have something to donate when she goes off to knit.

The pattern for this single skein hat for the Chunky Mochi yarn is available by clicking here and is called the Chunky Mochi Baby Hat. TC actually designed this hat and I wrote up the pattern for her. It is an adorable quick knit that would be an excellent baby gift.

Okay, Knitters, I'm off to knit, knit, knit! I have so many projects going for books and other pattern stuff. There is never enough time in the day. I hope you are all doing well.
best, susie

Wash Day

Hi, Knitters,

There is nothing much better than a stack of freshly washed handknit socks. They feel bouncy and fresh and new again. I wash all of my handknit socks by hand using Soak Wash. It is fast, easy and gives me ease of mind that my socks won't felt or distort when being washed. I fill a tub with room temperature water, squeeze in some Soak, drop the socks in, let them sit for 15 minutes or so, gently roll out the excess water in a towel and...

.... lay them out flat to dry.

This winter some of my socks have taken a beating with my constant wearing and washing. This pair popped through at the toe which I haven't ever had happen before. Who knows maybe I knit the sock a smidgen too short? This hole I grafted closed. It's pretty much as good as new. 

This is Kristin Nicholas' Best Foot Forward sock yarn that is no longer available. Good thing I still have a few balls in my stash. I love this yarn and Kristin's colors. Her Regia Garden Effects sock yarn is still available and that's just as pretty.

The other day I discovered a hole on the bottom of the heel in these handspun socks I made last year. This hole isn't so easily repaired. The yarn I spun and used to knit these was only a 2-ply so I didn't expect them to last forever. I did get a lot of good wear from them and they are beautiful so all has not been lost. 

I have taken to wearing mix-and-match handknit socks around the house so I will just throw the sock without the hole back in my drawer to match up with another single sock. I actually really like wearing the unmatched socks. The older I get the stranger I get. I'll also wear single socks of different yarns together while I finish the second matching sock. I shouldn't do this because then when I finish the second sock the first sock is already worn compared to the brand-new sock. I know better, it's just kind of fun. I don't ask for much.

If I had to place a bet on the next pair of socks that will wear a hole I'd say it's a pretty sure bet that it will be my Door County Cherry socks (shown above). These are knit in a single-ply yarn (not the best idea but still fun and pretty). It is Madelinetosh Merino Light and it really isn't meant for making hearty-wearing socks. They still look really great and are beautiful and soft but the bottoms are wearing thin and even the color has worn off. It's just a matter of time. 

I still love these socks as the yarn was purchased at Spin yarn shop on a family vacation to Door County. Fond memories included. 

Those are Swedish Troentorp clogs the same brand and style I wore in the 70s. I have a couple pairs of Troentorp clogs and I love them as they bring me right back.

In order from left to right are the Door County Cherry Socks, the Patchwork Socks (seen in my blog banner - those are my feet in the clogs by the way, not a little girl's feet as many think), the Kristin Nicholas Best Foot Forward socks, Vesper Candy Corn socks, and my handspun Dyeabolical socks. 

All of these socks were knit using my free sock pattern/recipe called How I Make My Socks. I can knit these socks in my sleep. They are all cuff-down, heel flap with gusset. I love how they wear and how they fit. The heel is the best part.

Surprisingly enough the Patchwork Socks which are from the How I Make My Socks pattern (and use leftover sock yarn knit in 10 round increments) are wearing like steel so far. I have worn and washed these a lot this season. I think the Patchworks are my favorite socks. They are just fun. I should do some more Patchwork socks. It wouldn't matter much if they were just single socks knit one at a time because they don't match anyway. That may be the way to go. Things to do!

Oh, and I get lots of questions about care and washing of woolens. I handwash superwash wool and regular wool socks the same. I don't know if that's what is recommended but it seems to work well for my sock longevity. Some handknit socks I have had and worn for years and years with no holes or problems.

That's my sock story for the day. I have five unfinished pairs on my needles right now. That seems to be a lot. I think I'll finish those all up soon. That's the plan.

Happy Sunday to you. 

best, susie

Berry Colorful Yarnings Giveaway & More

Hi, Knitters,

I have selected a winner for the skein of the Julianna's Fibre Repeating Gradient sock yarn and the winner is..... Celticcaston on Ravelry! Congratulations Kelly, my New Brunswick buddy. I have contacted Kelly and Julianna. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Today I have another fun sock yarn giveaway for you. The owner of Berry Colorful Yarnings, Michelle Berry (how cute is that?), has sent me some of her beautiful self-striping yarn to try and I love it. The colors are so saturated and unusual and well-done. 

Starting on the left in the photo above, the colors are Hulk, Bright Beginnings and Berry Punch. The yarn is 25% Nylon and 75% Superwash Merino, 463 yards/100 grams, fingering weight. 

Click here to see the Berry Colorful Yarnings Etsy Shop!

Thanks to Michelle's generosity I get to give away a skein of choice from the shop to one lucky winner! Please leave one comment on this blog post to enter to win. Please only click on Publish one time when you leave your comment, there is a delay before your comment will appear on the blog. Please include your email or Ravelry username so you can be contacted if you win.

Good luck!

I have a teaching event coming up right here in Madison on October 10th, 2015. KnitCircus is hosting a retreat at their new dye studio and retail shop. It is so close to my house and that makes me very excited. Amy Detjen, Jaala Spiro and I will be teaching all weekend. I am teaching my Sock Yarn Bunny Workshop and my new Shawl Shapes Design Workshop. I can't wait.

Read all about it and sign up by click right here: KnitCircus Fall Retreat 2015! 

I hope to see you there. It is coming up quick. 

On another Madison note I finished the first of the Madison Memories socks by Quaere Fibres. This is a custom colorway Janel dyed for the Itty-Bitty Knits Retreat group this past June. I am anxious to get the second sock finished so I can wear them this fall. I don't think she is making the Madison Memories colorway for her shop but she has lots of other fun yarns to choose from.

Click here for Quaere Fibres on Etsy!

Pattern: How I Make My Socks ~ free pattern

Needles: Signature Needle Arts dpns, 6-inch length, US size 1/2.25mm

Sock Blocker: theloopyewe.com

I am also working on another sock knit out of my handspun yarn. I spun 370 yards from 4 oz. of BFL roving in the Mulled Cider colorway from Friends in Fiber. I decided to add a red heel and toe on the Mulled Cider socks in some Opal Solid Series that I have on hand. I am using Knit Picks dpns in size 2.5mm because the handspun varies in thickness and tends to be a little heavier in spots. The sock fabric is turning out great. I cast on 60 stitches instead of my usual 64 stitches.

I have a new goal to always have a handspun sock on the needles starting this fall. I favor my handpun socks and I'd love to have more of them in my sock drawer to choose from. I need to get going on spinning up yarn for my next pair soon.

The cardinal yarn bowl is one of my favorite knitting accessories. It is made by the ceramic artist aaharrison and I feel like it is one of the most special pieces I own.

Click here to visit the aaharrison website!

Click here to visit the aaharrison shop on Etsy!

For the gifting season ahead you might want to keep this one in mind for any beloved knitter on your list. There are other styles and birds to choose from and you really can't go wrong it is all so lovely.

I have finished the funnel neck and yoke and have just separated for the sleeves on the Antrorse sweater by Shannon Cook. It is a simple, fun and fast knit. I love the funnel neck. The yarn is Quince & Co. Osprey in the Peacoat color. 

You can see the chevron pattern is starting to appear on the front of the sweater. The body should go really fast as it is just a straight down knit with only the simple chevron panel to be concerned about. Plus the yarn is heavier and I am using US size 10 needles which always makes for a fast knit.

Well, there you have a small snippet of what's going on at my house right now. August goes by quicker every year. I always feel like I'm hanging on to these last summer days by a thread. What's going on at your house this August? I'd love to hear.

I hope you are all well. Please remember to leave a comment to win a beautiful skein of striping sock yarn of choice from BCYarnings. 

xo ~ susan

3 More for the Drawer and Spinning News

 

Hi, Knitters,

First, please jump over to Angela Tong's blog to join in the Topsy-Turvy Inside Out Knit Toys giveaway. Angela has taken the time to write a wonderful review that includes adorable photos of her daughter with the book and quotes from her daughter as she looked through the book. They are cute and funny, it's definitely worth a read! Angela also knit the Happy Mouse Sad Mouse toy for her daughter. It turned out great. Thank you to Angela for writing such a fun and detailed review. Please leave a comment on her blog post to be included in the giveaway for a copy of my latest book. Remember, if you already own the book you could gift it to a friend or donate it to your local knitting guild or library. Click here for the link to Angela Tong's blog! Angela is a wonderful designer and Craftsy instructor. Click here to see her designs!

Now for some other fun and fibery things.... 

I hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was mainly filled with hosting a potluck for the high school girls swim team and then attending a couple of swim meets. I have been doing a lot of sock knitting on my work travels and going to and from the swim meets and sitting in the bleachers at the meets. Socks are just so good as a take-along project as they are compact and simple. It always works well.

I have finished three more pairs of socks to add to my sock drawer. This is exciting news. Above, the Fab Funky Fibres 15 Colour Rainbow socks literally flew off my needles. This yarn is dreamy, squishy and mesmerizing. You never want to put it down once you start your socks. I did a 7-inch cuff and used my How I Make My Socks free pattern. 

This is one dreamy pair of socks, one of my favorites for certain.

The Tiki Bar socks from Desert Vista Dyeworks are my trip memento from SSK, the retreat I taught at last July in Nashville. I started the first sock while having dinner at Ann Shayne's house if you remember. That's pretty special. Good memories.

This is another dreamy, squishy beautiful sock yarn that I couldn't put down. The colors are just gorgeous. I have two more skeins of sock yarn from Desert Vista Dyeworks. You should really hop over to Susan's shop and take a look at her gorgeous yarns. The cool thing is that she always has yarn available, tons of it, and one colorway is more intriguing than the next. It is an impressive sock yarn shop. What a huge talent Susan is in the dyeing industry.

Click here to hop on over to Desert Vista Dyeworks!

The last pair I finished are knit out of my own handspun yarn. I love them so much and they really are so fun, rustic and cute looking. I will be sporting these with my wool clogs all winter, I can see it now.

A long time ago I spun up the fiber I bought from Moonshine Fiber Co., they are no longer in business. I got great yardage and made extra-long cuffs on these socks as well as the other two pair I finished up. I have been trying to use up more of the yarn in the skeins. I have quite the gathering of leftover sock yarn going as you can imagine.

Here is a photo of the original roving. Half was bright as all get-out, and the other half was black and gray. I spun each half separately and then plied them together to get this wild and crazy yarn.

Click here to see my detailed post about the Moonshine Fiber Co. spinning and yarn!

I'm feeling pretty good with my sock progress. I still have a bunch of new socks on the needles and some with one sock done and one to go. They all get finished eventually. This is my favorite knitting, no pressure, easy, do as I please. Everyone should have a bit of that on the needles, don't you think?

(photo from Highland Handmades)

Next up on the wheel is this beautiful Falkland roving from the lovely Heather of Highland Handmades. I met Heather at KnitEast last weekend. She is a nice and generous soul. When I popped in her booth at the end of the show she generously gifted me this gorgeous Puffin's Landing Falkland top. She let me pick out the colorway and fiber of my choice. I am so excited about it.

You should really check out her shop as it is filled with beautiful yarns and fiber. Heather is a really talented dyer from Maine. 

Click here for the Highland Handmades shop!

Here I have some of the fiber pre-drafted a bit and ready to go. Isn't it pretty?

Now, I have a little something new to share with you ~~~

(photo from Acadia Wheel and Loom)

See this spectacular wheel? It is a handcrafted wheel made by Acadia Wheel and Loom, located in Maine. It is exceptional and interesting and expertly made. The workmanship is beyond impressive.

You can purchase this wheel, called the Artisan Spinning Wheel, or find out more, by clicking right here!

I am so proud and excited to be the new owner of the Artisan Spinning Wheel!! It is a dream come true. 

Someone else you may know owns this same wheel.....
click here or here  or here to see. (This is one of my favorite blogs ~ I never miss it.)

Here is the Highland Handmades fiber on the brand new wheel! The fiber and wheel both are as smooth as silk. I am loving them both so much. The wheel runs so quietly, much smoother than my Ladybug (which I still love just as much).

 I'll keep you posted on my progress. I think this yarn is going to be really pretty. I love the colors.

This hank of yarn is my first spin on the new Artisan Wheel. It is 234 yards of a 2-ply yarn, probably a worsted/bulky weight. The 100% BFL superwash roving was from Unwind Yarn Company. 

Dana, the dyer, had a deal where the proceeds of this fiber, called Tealtember, would go toward some cancer charity. I'm blanking on the specific charity. Dana raised a lot of money and worked really hard getting all of this fiber dyed and out the door. Great work, Dana!! Dana also hosts the podcast Just One More Row. It's a good one that I listen to all of the time.

Click here for Unwind Yarn Company! Don't miss a visit to this shop! Dana's yarn and fiber is breathtaking! 

Click here for Just One More Row!

I love this fresh new skein spun on my fresh new wheel! I could not believe how much this fluffed up after drying. It is pretty incredible the difference from wet yarn to dry. It pretty much puffed up to twice the size. It is so soft and squishy and airy. It was perfectly balanced straight from the wheel, too. This never happens for me. I want to order more of this BFL from Unwind Yarn Co. and soon!

What a perfect way to kick off the fall season.

I hope you are all off to a good start to the week.

best, susie

Sunshine & 2 More for the Drawer!

Hi, Knitters,
My family has been enjoying some warm sunshine and beach time together this past week. I have been knitting a little bit here and there but mainly we are just hanging out together, walking, swimming, reading, running on the beach and eating!

This one has a real love for the beach and hot weather.

I grabbed a couple of almost finished pairs of socks to bring on the trip with me. I want to keep adding to my sock drawers as much as possible and I have been off my regular pace lately. Click here to read about The Drawer. 

These finished socks are knit in Opal Vincent Van Gogh in the Starry Night color way (this line has been discontinued). I love this Opal sock yarn and the Van Gogh prints. The stitch pattern I used is in the free Hermione Everyday Socks pattern (click here!) but I used my regular How I Make My Socks recipe. It was fun and simple and a bit of a change of scenery. I most often knit easy stockinette stitch socks but every once in awhile it is good to throw a purl stitch in here and there.

 These fit great and I am excited to have another pair finished for The Drawer and off the needles. I have so many pairs of partially finished socks. I need to work on getting more socks done.

 I finished a second pair to add to my sock drawers. I have shared these before in progress.

This pair is knit in the Regia Super Jacquard sock yarn in the Kolibri color way. I think this can be found on Etsy if you search for it. I'm not sure if it is still available.

 Buddies on the beach.

The lovely Joanna Johnson of Slate Falls Press knit a pair of socks in this Opal color way and posted a photo of them. I asked her about the yarn and she gifted me a ball! What a surprise. Thank you Joanna! I love the yarn, it is so whimsical and different.

I never am quite sure what the name and numbers mean on the Opal bands so here is what I see:

Opal in Variation nach Hundertwassers Werk 956 Seeschlange. Farbe 1436  Partie 178.

I hope this helps if you are interested. I don't know where Joanna purchased the yarn.

Here is the start. I love the colorful little band of checkers.

And I love the black lines randomly placed.

 Here I am on the heel flap. I did 6-inch cuffs. Sometimes I do 7-inch cuffs but not usually longer than that. Those are 6-inch Signature Needles double-pointed needles, US size 1, 2.25 mm.

As I was rearranging the stitches for the start of the heel I noticed I had dropped a stitch quite a few rounds back. I hooked it on my stitch marker to hold it until I could fix it.

After I finished the heel flap and heel turn I worked the dropped stitch back up to the needle and it's as good as new. I am hoping to get this one sock finished up on the trip. Maybe it will happen, maybe not.

I hope you are all doing well. It feels good to have a brief break with my family. I will be back to the grind as usual next week. I am traveling to the Dayton Ohio Knitting Guild Retreat to teach all weekend as soon as I get back.

Take care and have a good holiday if you celebrate this weekend.
best, susie