Category Archives: yarn

So where was I?

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Yes, I remember. I fractured my humerus over Labor Day weekend (September 3rd). I’m out of the sling and going to physical therapy twice a week getting strength and motion back. It’s a long process but I see lots of improvement.

I finally picked up my knitting needles last week “thinking” I could knit another 1898 hat for a charity event. All knit, no purl. I could knit about 15-20 rows on the headband section before I had to stop and rest for the day. Slow going to say the least considering I completed one of these hats in 2-3 days in the past! It’s going to take some time to get my knitting skills back.

My next knitting attempt will be this sweater for Pepper. Maybe I’m just more motivated to knit this than the hat. We shall see! Truth be told I don’t usually buy individual knitting patterns but I’ve been eyeing up this sweater for a year (since we decided to actually get a puppy) and finally decided that Pepper was worth it (plus it was on sale at the time). I didn’t have any superwash DK yarn in my stash and “had” to order some (in Rhubarb). It should arrive today! I know I could adapt the pattern and use a worsted weight yarn but I don’t have the brain power at this time to do the math.

Formal training with Pepper will end before Christmas. We’ve learned so much and even though we have more to do, it’s time for a much needed break. One armed training was not fun but I’m able to use both arms now. Miniature Schnauzers are headstrong PLUS she was the alpha dog with her siblings, a tough thing to overcome for her.

Have a great week. I’ll be back soon!

Curaçau Diamonds

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My S-I-L received her socks. I like to include a little card with all the pertantent information.

I asked her for her honest opinion regarding color, size, length, fit, feel, and whatever else she opined about. Here is her response:

Happy feet!! The color is very pretty, bright & wonderfully rich, and I can tell already the socks will keep my feet toasty on cool days. 😃 They are warming my always cold feet quickly!  They stay in place perfectly when I put my shoes on, no bunching!!

Comfy they are, though not as comfy as the last 2 pairs you made me which are the most comfy ever. They feel a bit short and I worry my foot will wear out the toe quickly. I will wear them judiciously. If I had to choose between one or the other in terms of softness, I would choose the last pair.

These are wonderful and I thank you!!  💕 

I told her that she can block them while wet, stretch the foot area and then dry flat. I’m new to cotton blend yarns so tell me if that will work or not.

The last two pairs I gave her were a nylon/acrylic blend.

Time flies

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Between several doctor’s appointments, bloodwork, and my two favorite medical tests*, I managed to find time to knit and photograph my finished project!!

Well, I decided to rip back the second sock and start it over with the other dye lot. As my grandmother used to say: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

The socks are finished and I love how they turned out. I’ll get these socks to my sister-in-law asap. I will use the leftover 24 grams (out of 100) of yarn for something else where it won’t matter that the dye lots are different.

One might call these mullet socks as it’s all business in the front and a party in the back kind of like that 1980’s hairstyle. (I was going to grab a photo of a mullet but I just couldn’t do it.) I like the secret design running down the back of the leg.

The Curaçao blue is such an intense color that just draws you in like a deep pool of water.

The CoBaSi (cotton, bamboo, silk) yarn was a bit splitty but that’s just how cotton and cotton blend yarns are. I’m curious how these will hold up and hope they aren’t too thick or uncomfortable to wear.

Happy knitting!

*The squishing test and the “cleansing/probing” test. All is well!

A rookie mistake

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I’m an experienced knitter, or maybe I should say that I’ve been knitting for a long time. My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was a kid.

I recently ordered some cotton blend yarn online to make socks for my sister-in-law. Other than it being a bit splitty (yes, Grammarly, it is a real word in the knitting world) it’s been a nice yarn to work with.

Well into the second sock and I discovered something that I should have noticed before I even began.

This shouldn’t have happened.

Can’t see it? Try this one.

Can you see it now?

Two different dye lots. If I had been more observant when I received the yarn and looked closer at the tags, I would have just started the second sock with the other dye lot rather than find out the hard way that they weren’t the same.

What would you do?

(A) Continue as if nothing is wrong? Or

(B) Restart the second sock with the other dye lot because no one will notice the slight change in the color between the two socks?

P.S. My sister is having surgery today. Will you say a little prayer for her safe and speedy recovery? Thanks. ❤️