The Lotus Socks

Isn't it fun to be surprised? It really put the pressure on me. I didn't want to keep you waiting too long!



Once they got going they really did go quickly. It is a beautiful yarn and was a delight to knit.


This was the first sock I've done where the stitch pattern was carried onto the heel flap.

Pattern: Gentleman's Half Hose in Ringwood Pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Premium Merino from Radiant Twist in Lotus Colorway
Needles: 2.25mm - US1
Modifications: I made socks, not "hose". Shortened the cuff and leg and omitted calf shaping. I also used a basic toe whereas the pattern calls for a round toe. However, Nancy Bush gave it the round toe and the vintage pattern had a basic toe like this. So I feel I was true to the "vintage" in the pattern.

Psst... I already ran over and bought more yarn. I could not help myself!

LOVED THIS PROJECT!

I've been loving my time on Ravelry too! I got most of my projects and stash uploaded. This thing was made for people like me who love to catalog everything. I've still got some things to input and then I'm all set up! This is a great site. I think there are some bugs and things that would be nice if added, but I know they have their hands full and are working around the clock to make it an awesome place. If you're still waiting, be patient! It's worth it!

That Place

I'm in!

If you want to look for me I'm ItchyFingers. I'm a wee bit overwhelmed at the moment... wowza!

Block 7

Whew. How does that Kay whip out the afghans like she does? On to block 8... this thing just may be complete by the time it's chilly enough for Miss E to use it!

Oh, and yes, I realize... it's not something for myself. I bent the rules of "knitting for me only". A UFO doesn't count! ;) I could not in good conscience cast on a sweater when I've got this blanket staring at me.

Little Update

Last night I completed the first Vesper sock! Yay! Now I have two socks waiting for mates. And... since the toe on the Vesper sock felt so much better than the toe on the Lotus... I ripped it and gave it my standard toe. It's super comfy now. Perfecto!

Summer Of Socks Totals
Pairs of socks complete - 2
Single socks waiting for a mate - 2
Socks on the needles - 2 (well, shortly... I'm going to go cast on now!)

I also have worked on The Blanket now and then. It's in a black hole though. I worked on it for hours and... can't really see any difference.

I just wanted to post a quick note to all my wonderful commenter's! I do love getting your comments! Several of you use a "noreply@blogger..." email address to post with. And I just wanted to say that if you've asked me a question or thought it odd that I haven't ever replied... this is probably why! I love chatting and emailing with you all! So maybe check that if you think it's odd that you've never heard from me!

Have a great weekend!

My New Toy

The pattern for the Lotus Socks is the Gentleman's Half Hose from Knitting Vintage Socks. When I initially flipped through the pages of this book and saw this pattern I thought "What an ugly pair of socks." I am now eating my words. While I think this is an entirely BORING pattern in a solid color (especially that green... just doesn't do a thing for me.) it works extremely well for a busy variegated yarn.

First, I tried a couple patterns from Sensational Knitted Socks. The Elongated Rib and the Baby Cables. Neither worked. Rip, Rip. Then I tried this one. It DID work, but... the gauge was off and I needed to go down in needle size. So then I ripped the entire thing, including the cuff and began again. At this point had I KNOWN what I was doing when I started I'd have been past the heel already. But no, start over. Since starting over it's gone very smoothly. I've made minor modifications to alter it to my own preferences, for instance, a sock - not hose. And I modified the toe, but now that I've completed it I'm thinking it probably would have been better as the pattern was written. Oh well. I am not ripping anymore!

I am SOOOO excited to have my new scale to play with! Since I do have these big old clonkers for feet running out of yarn is a worry. There are 360 yards in this particular ball. Just by feel I'd say I THINK I'll be ok. But no longer do I have to think. I KNOW!




Sock #1, 48.4 grams.




Remaining yarn 73.1 grams.

Hooray! PLENTY of yarn!

You didn't think I'd really show you a picture of the sock did you? Just a wee peek is all you get today. Not to worry. Hub thinks it's the best sock yet.

Summer of Socks Totals
Pairs of Socks Complete: 2
Single Socks Needing a Mate: 1
Socks on the Needles: 2

Monday Mornings

A little yarn prOn for you. My little splurge purchases from Hub's recent bonus. He handed me cash and said spend this on yourself. So I did. He rolled his eyes when it arrived. ha! He should have known! My Yarn Love arrived along with some gorgeous Electric Blue Claudia Handpaint. From the Loopy Ewe of course. After watching how exact Grumpy could be with her little scale, I decided to take the plunge for one myself. I am very excited to put this to use!

I generally feel frustrated on Monday mornings. Hub gets the weekend off... I see him getting rest from his daily grind and feel like I should too. The problem is with a young family... the moment I sit, things pile up.

So Monday mornings I turn into a grumpy tornado. I'm cleaning, I'm picking up all this crap that somehow gets brought into our home. And I shovel it back out. I make Miss N put things away that she's squirreled into odd places. Her favorite is to put all her stuff in mine and Hub's room. She calls them "presents". I call it frustrating. I know she's trying to be sweet... but it's more stuff to pick up.

It's 9am and so far I've cleared my room of everyone's clutter and cleaned the bathroom. Tossed in some laundry. More clutter issues to take care of and the floors to clean. Summer sure tracks in a lot of dirt from all the outdoor play.

I've started working out again. It feels good. I'm sore at the moment... really sore. But it's good. I've worked out most of my life and it really helps me to feel like myself when I do. It's not easy with the kids. It takes the relaxation out of it. But the endorphin's still kick in and my Miss E belly just might retract instead of being so saggy! Bleck. So, more cleaning and then a session with Bob.

I have been knitting. If I wasn't trying to be so perfect and thus ripping so much I'd have a sock done by now. As it is I'm picking up the gusset. I did work a wee bit on the Vesper sock too. No hurry on that though. I don't want to show you my new sock yet though. Sometimes I feel like I take the fun out of it by blogging in progress pic's. So this time I'm holding out... at least for a little while. I will tell you it's on this yarn.

Now that my coffee is done it's back to Monday Morning clean up madness!

Undulating Rib Socks

Pattern: Undulating Ribs from Favorite Socks
Yarn: KnitPicks Bare - KA dyed by me

I finished them last night which means I started and completed two pair of socks in July. Plus a partial! Not to mention all the sewing I managed to wedge in on top of this. Sometimes in my day to day chasing the kids I feel like nothing ever gets accomplished. I think that's why I love the knitting. I can look back and say - see - I DID something.

The toe is so funky I had to revisit this image for you.

And the tree shot.

Summer of Socks Totals
Pairs of Socks Complete: 2
Individual Socks Complete: 4
Socks on the Needles: 1

That's all in one month thank you! I have been sticking to a 6" long leg plus cuff for fear of running out of yarn. On this one I could have gone longer. I have quite a bit leftover. That's a happy surprise... you know... with my giant feet and all...

Did you score at the sneak up? I did. I have Yarn Love. Yum. While I am finding that I really do like shaded solids best for most patterned socks, I have a soft spot for Yarn Love. I started buying from Katie when she was dying under the brand Bungalow Buns. She still very occasionally stocks under that name, but she's moved on to Yarn Love fame these days.