The Lucy Project

I've decided to expand upon my knowledge of sock knitting and give myself some training. It will be called "The Lucy Project". I have the book "Cool Socks Warm Feet" by Lucy Neatby with all the different techniques and ways to make socks (all of which I don't know now). I'm going to go through and try all of the techniques and make each project. There are only six but it's all new so I know it'll take awhile. I've seen that there are two companion DVDs for the sock techniques that are available from Lucy Neatby on her website. I plan to go to my LYS and see if they have them before buying them online. I want to see how far I can get on my own, but I'm thinking it will go faster having the visual of the techniques right in front of me.

Right now, I'm in the yarn acquisition phase of the project. I've ordered Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in colorways Lemongrass, Rhodonite, and Thistle. I already have Chapman Springs and that's what I'm using to start the first pair of socks. By the end of 2007 (hopefully it won't take that long) I will be known as:

Khalila

Master Sock Knitter

The Six Assignments will be as follows - I will knit the miniature version of each sock first and then complete the pair for each pattern. I will post my progress for each assignment and hopefully it will keep me motivated to keep learning the skills I might be having difficulty with. My tenative timeline is one month per assignment.

Assignment 1: Simply Splendid Socks

Assignment 2: Timberline Toes

Assignment 3: Crenellated Toe-Up Socks

Assignment 4: Marietta Rib Socks

Assignment 5: Chequerboard Socks

Assignment 6: Mermaid Socks

Camoflauge

Here are the socks for hubby's size 13 feet. The yarn is Bernat Camoflauge in color "Outback". I used two size 6 circular needles and went from the toe-up using a waste yarn for the heel. They fit his feet perfectly and am rather pleased with the way they turned out. They went fairly quickly (a week?) and were easy for me to pick up and put down at odd spots. Son #1 likes them so much he has asked for a pair of his own. *Sigh* I guess I can knit another pair. :)

I also tried another Dangle Bracelet with purple wire and purple beads. Another beautiful napkin ring. I think I'll start a collection. Hopefully, I'll make one big enough to fit my wrist soon. I have birthdays coming up and I know my friends would love these.

Meeting the Mod

Yesterday I was able to meet The Knitting Heretic who I've admired for some time. Annie Modesitt taught Knitting Wire Jewelry at the Grove http://www.thegrovesandiego.com and for 3 hours I enjoyed her friendly, vibrant and colorful personality. I learned characteristics about wire and how to properly work with it. The class started off with a few instructions on how to hold wire and the first thing we made was a swatch. It was a little awkward at first but once you start pulling on the wire and blocking it, you can see your stitches defined. The class project was a dangle bracelet. Mine was more of a napkin ring. I should have cast-on more stitches, but I was pleased with it anyway. I was very interested in learning how to finish such a piece and watched Annie's skillful hands help finish all of the pieces made during our class.

Annie was teaching out of her book called Twist and Loop. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in taking their knitting and crocheting to the next level using wire and beads. The outcome of the projects are intriguing and beautiful, not to mention extremely unique. I love the assortment and availability of beads and now I have an avenue in which I can create anything I want.

I first read about Annie when I got the 2006 Crochet-a-Day calendar and saw her wonderful crocheted wire jewelry. I went onto her website and read her notes on Combination Knitting. I tried it and have never gone back. It is incredibly fast, my gauge and tension are very consistent and it's easy on my hands.

I'm on the left, Annie's on the right

I know almost all of the knitting talent in the US will be converging in San Diego this weekend for the TNNA show (which, I understand, is NOT open to the public). :( Maybe next year I'll try to get it on that and maybe absorb some of the creative talent.

Feet need socks...

At the end of 2006 I started researching sock knitting. I have made it my goal to try different kinds of heels and techniques so that someday, I will be able to knit socks without a pattern. Not just any way of knitting socks. So far, I have decided the best way for me to knit socks is to do two-at-once on two circular needles from the toe-up. The last hurdle for me is finding my favorite way to complete the heel. I have done a pair with a heel flap type heel (see below). I am working on a pair of baby booties with a short-row heel to see how I like that. And I'm making a pair of socks with a waste yarn heel to see how that will turn out.



My first pair of socks took me about 10 days. I started them a few days before Christmas and finished them a few days after New Years. I used http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/ Socks that Rock Heavyweight yarn in colorway: Seal Rock. I had no idea the luxury that would be bestowed upon my feet when I slipped them on. The sock yarn is everything it claims. It totally rocks! I have to wash my feet before I slip them on. I plan on enhancing my stash with many different colorways and filling my drawer with handmade socks. And maybe I'll make some for my family if I have time.