Two posts in a week?

I was recently asked the question, "What's on your needles?" And I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about knitting something you hate. I'm currently working on a pair of socks for myself. The pattern is easy, it looks pretty, and don't have to invest too much brain power into it. I rather like these socks. I like knitting them. However, I also have another project going... the dreaded hat for my mother. I hate knitting this hat. I hated it before I even started it. The hat itself is perfectly fine and I have no issues with the pattern or designer or anyone who chooses to make/wear the hat. But. I. Hate. Knitting. This. Hat. There's no specific reason I can point to that makes me hate the hat, but I do. Oh, I'll finish it (eventually). And hopefully it will fit my mother's head. And hopefully she will like it- she picked out the pattern and yarn so she should like it. So I ask you- Have you ever knitted something that you just detested but you kept plugging away because someone asked you to knit it for them?

Spring Has Sprung!

I haven't been around much lately, what with the new baby and all :) So in honor of Spring and new beginnings, here are some budding greens for your needles. From top left: Fleece Artist Sea Wool in Apple Blossom, Squoosh Fiberarts Merino Cashmere Sock in Bud, Dream In Color Smooshy in Happy Forest, Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Field

Happy Halloween! Happy Autumn!

Autumn is my favorite season- the changing leaves, the crisp air, warm apple cider- I just love it! So in honor of my favorite time of year, here are some lovely yarns in colors that reflect what I see in the beauty of nature all around me during this wonderful season.

From top left: Madelinetosh Vintage in Copper Penny, Ella Rae fingering in Frizzle, Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Goldrush, Alpaca Yarn Company Paca Peds in Harvest, and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Satsuma. All yarn and photos from The Loopy Ewe.

My Favorite Things

Today I have the song Favorite Things from The Sound of Music running through my head. While Julie Andrews' voice and version of the song are incomparable, I recently discovered an interesting version of the song on YouTube by PomplamooseMusic.

So, without further ado, I bring you a few of the things in that song: raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, cream colored ponies, and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, and something I love- a beautiful green yarn.

From top left: Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in Rose, Schaefer Yarn Co Nichole in Cobblestone, Malabrigo Worsted in Natural, Dream in Color Smooshy in Malibu Sail, The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga in Polyphemus Moth, and Dream in Color Starry in Go Go Grassy. All pics from the Loopy Ewe.

Into the Green

These socks are now available for purchase in my Ravelry store.

Twisting the Night Away Socks

This pattern creates a nice and stretchy ribbed sock with a sweet little twist stitch to add a little extra interest. With A Twist would be a great first sock project (or 20th sock project for that matter). They knit up quickly and the twists keep you on your toes. For a cute look, work the cuff, heel and toe in a contrasting color!

Materials
• 1 skein sock weight yarn (350-450 yds depending on length of sock leg)
• Size 2.25 mm needles (US 1)
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
In stockinette gauge should be 9sts per inch- this is with fabric relaxed, not stretched at all.

 

Bluegrass

Today I'm listening to Allison Krauss & Union Station and I'm loving the bluegrass. So I figured I'd find some pretty yarn that is evocative of this music- rich, beautiful blues and greens. I'd like all of these please.

In a circle starting from the top left: Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock in Robin's Egg available from The Loopy Ewe; HandMaiden Casbah Sock in Hemlock 2 available from The Backwards Loop; Three Irish Girls in Rhiannon available from Three Irish Girls; Yarn Love in Lagoon, Pagewood Farm Alyeska in Bird of Paradise available from Eat.Sleep.Knit; and HandMaiden Casbah Sock in Rainforest available from The Loopy Ewe.