Jaywalkers the Fourth

I wanted to post about more stuff, but I am feeling ill, and don't have the wherewithal to do an elaborate post. I wanted to get these socks up though before Socktoberfest ends.

So here they are, my fourth pair of Jaywalkers:


Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock--Girly Stripe
Needles: Knit Picks dpns, size one (those things are faaast!)
Started: Monday, October 23
Finished: Friday, October 27
Gifted: Friday to my sister-in-law (Hi, Kim!)

Terrible photo, and obviously unblocked socks. I just didn't have the time.

Socktoberfest FO

I finished my Embossed Leaves socks in record time--four days. These were made on size 2 dpns with Lisa Souza Sock! merino, the softest sock yarn ever. A woman I used to work with now works for the March of Dimes, so I made these beauties to donate to their silent auction event next week.

I will definitely have to make a pair for myself.

As for other Socktoberfest activities I have:
--finished my husband's socks (see previous post);
--finished one Fleece Artist Unst;
--started another pair of Socks of Doom for my Bunko group prize;
--acquired the yarn and pattern for the Father and Son Socks from IK Fall 2006.

And from the yes-we-have-a-bale-of-hay-on-our-front-porch department, this Rowan Yorkshire Tweed will be turned into a Christmas gift. I may post periodic mystery progress photos.

What happens when you transport hay in the back of your car:

My Husband's Been Socked!

I finally completed my husband's first (only?) pair of socks.

Plain old stockinette stitch socks, 2x2 ribbing. The yarn I used here is really spectacular. It's called Heritage Handpaint and it's a wool/mohair blend I won months ago on Jae's blog. Thanks, Jae!

This yarn had the most gorgeous colors, and a beautiful sheen. Even though the pattern was boring, the yarn kept me interested.



The weather tomorrow is supposed to be in the 50's, so I think I got these done just in time.

I've still got my Fleece Artist Unst on the needles and I am about to start on a pair of Embossed Leaves I'm donating to a silent auction event on the 28th. Yikes! Beautiful mostly solid seafoam green Lisa Souza Sock! Merino. This stuff is soooo soft, ya'll.

Kicking Off Socktoberfest

To celebrate Socktoberfest, I cast on for and have been working on Unst from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road in my gorgeous rose Fleece Artist. I love, love, love this yarn; it may be my favorite sock yarn thus far. More Fleece Artist, please!

Wow, I just noticed that the contrast between Unst above and my first pair of stockinette socks below really represents a huge increase in my sock-making skills. Yay me! Although I am still making pink socks; I just can't help it.

Edited to answer Lolly's Socktoberfest questions:


1. When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

I made my first pair of socks just this spring. My friend Sue patiently and thoroughly taught me, after really having to work at it to convince me to give it a try. My first pair I made for myself from Cascade Fixation, just simple stockinette socks that I really have not worn that much because I don't wear socks often in the summertime.

2. What would you have done differently?

Nothing. Sue was a great teacher and gave me all the foundation I needed to run with the whole concept on my own.

3. What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I liked Koigu less than I expected. I really enjoyed working with Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, and as mentioned above, I am loving my Fleece Artist. I have some Socks That Rock in my stash that I haven't touched yet, but based on everyone else's experience with it, it'll, well, rock.

4. Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I use DPNs, although I am dying to learn both two circs and Magic Loop. I have tried learning myself with the Knittinghelp.com videos, but they're not working for me, so I need to find someone local to show me.

5. Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I've only ever done the heel-flap, which I like. I like the way it looks as compared to short-row heels.

6. How many pairs have you made?

I have made 9 pairs (including three pairs of Jaywalkers!) since around April of this year and I am working on pairs 10 (one sock complete) and 11 (one sock almost complete).