Monday, October 29, 2007

Some finished stuff and one started

The amazing Koolhass hat, designed by Jared Flood, as shown in IK Holiday 2007 magazine. I used some Cascade 220 that I had in stash. It's actually a bit more red orange than the photo suggests. I have to rip the top out and remove one of the repeats because the hat is too long. I should have listened to my friend who knits a lot of hats when she told me she thought it looked long. Plus it's a bit on the tight side. I'm planning another one which I think I'll do one one size larger needle. I'm not sure which yarn I'll use yet.

And I did finally finish these socks. Openwork rib from Sensational Knitted Socks. The yarn is Knit Picks Sock Garden which is very nice. Soft. I don't recall ever having has so many problems with a sock though. Way too many dropped stitches. I think it was partly the yarn since it isn't very springy. And that y/o, ssk kind of gave me fits, especially when it was at the end of a needle. But they're finally done and have gone into the holiday gift drawer until I decide who gets them.


And I started another pair of socks. Well, anklets really. I got this Crystal Palace Maizy a week or so ago and have been waiting for some open time so I could try it out. It's made from corn (82%) and elastic nylon (18%). It's a bit of a challenge. The plies tend to open up as you work with it so it's easy to pick up just a single strand instead of the whole yarn. It also doesn't have much give so it doesn't slide easily on the needles. You really have to watch what you're doing, even in plain stockinette, or you'll end up with funky stitches. Oh, and my needles are now a nice rusty shade of red.

Other than that everything is normal. My back is a lot better but still a little sensitive. The cat is fine but being driven crazy by all the birds that are passing through. I had to remove him from the window screen yesterday because he got stuck and didn't have any idea of how to get down.

7 comments:

lexa said...

Glad your back is feeling better. Been awhile since you posted, so I was getting kinda worried it had gotten worse! I have a bad back, too, so I know how you feel.

Everything looks great! I really need to start my Christmas knitting. Last year I said I'd have it all done by the end of October. Somehow I doubt I can finish a couple of pairs of work socks, two pairs of kids socks, ten dishcloths, and a couple of Irish Hiking scarves in two days...

Anonymous said...

So glad you're feeling better - take care of yourself, please!

Hope to see you soon,

R.

Sue said...

I am glad that your back is getting better. Love the hat and the socks too. It must be annoying knitting with the yellow yarn and having it split like that though. You may have to teach Patrick how to climb down from the door or clip his claws so he cant climb up. How funny getting stuck up there.

Janice Rosema said...

H-m-m, cat with screen, there's a painting there, don't you think? Patrick does get excited, maybe he is trying to fly and the screen just got in the way.

Glad you are doing better and the hat is divine. You finished those lovely socks. I was wondering about the corn yarn and must admit I was going to let you try it first. On hearing of the problems, I might pass on it. What would you advise?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giggle!

Bess said...

Oh it's good to hear from you again. And I too, am glad your back is better.

The hat is gorgeous - I was holding that issue in my hand just a week ago. I don't know why I didn't buy it. Next trip to the city, I guess.

Monika said...

I bought the Holiday Issue just because of Jared's hat. I have yet to knit it though.