The Monkeys are Done; My First Sweater; Dissertation Update; Sock Club Update

The Monkeys are done

I grafted the last toe on Thursday night at my knitting circle. These socks were delightful to make. If I had to make them over again, I would probably use size 0 needles for the leg and then switch to 1s for the gusset/foot. They're a tad looser than I would like in the leg portion of the sock, but nice nonetheless. I love them. They make me happy to look at. I used my Woollly Boully Softie Sock in the Country Apple colorway. Here are my pattern modifications: size 1 dpns, my slip1 k1 heel flap and regular gusset, decrease toe to sixteen stitches as I like to do. When it comes to socks, it's better to do as you like to do. At least that's what I think.

My first sweater



I remember a while ago I promised that I would do right by this sweater. And I really did try to stick by her. I bought yarn and made a swatch, and I was all set to go. Then, I realized (yes, even after making a swatch in garter stitch) that the sweater was in garter stitch. (I guess that's why everyone says to "read the pattern all the way through.") It's not easy to see in that photograph that the sweater is in garter stitch. Oh no, I thought. I like garter stitch, but I don't think I'd like to wear a sweater made in garter stitch. I don't think it would flatter me. I thought about rewriting the pattern, but, having never made a sweater before, I didn't feel confident enough in my abilities.

Then my friend Jody showed me her copy of this fall's Knitting Fashion magazine, which seems to be very difficult to find on-line. I think it's a European magazine, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, I loved the sweater at first glance. Loved the cowl neck; loved the stockinette stitch. But the pattern called for a heavy worsted and size 11 needles. I had already bought a bunch of worsted. I tried a swatch on size 10 needles, and it draped just fine and filled out a bit after washing and blocking. (Oh, yes, I went all the way with my swatching. I didn't think I would, being a sock knitter and all who never, ever swatches--just a quick look at the yarn and I'm off.)

I was very proud of myself. I was able to convert the pattern by thinking through it in my head and performing some very simple arithmetic. Then I found this, and it confirmed my changes. I was very pleased with myself. I had always been terrible at figures.

So I cast on Friday. As of this post, I have the back all done and am almost beginning my neck shaping on the front. Sweaters do go fast. I estimate that I knit about 18,000 - 20,000 stitches in a pair of socks. I'm sure that this sweater will contain about that many stitches as well. I always silently stare when someone, seeing that I tend to always be working on a new pair of socks, tells me, "Hmmm. I think I'll start to knit socks. They go faster." I just silently stare.

Dissertation Update



I had to print out my chapter today. I just couldn't see it anymore. I email myself a copy of it daily if I make changes. I don't trust anyone, anything anymore when it comes to saving. Oh no. I had a big crying fit this spring when two pages of my prospectus got eaten by my flash drive. I still can't look at a flash drive without cringing.

It's such a baby still. It's 43 pages and it's shapeless, without form, an utter babbling blob. I'm hoping that a print-out will help me to force it into some sort of shape. If I'm quiet in blog-land these days, well, I'm hoping that this photo will tell you why.

Sock Club Update

My sock club is almost full, and by almost full, I mean there's only one spot left. The club has 24 spots. One is mine, and is being reserved for a special someone, 21 have sold, and one is left.

Dyeing will begin this weekend. I have such a lovely colorway planned. I'm already swooning. Just swooning I tell ya.