I’m onto the leg! There’s a bit of a hole where I rejoined the heel to the instep, so I might need to do something else on sock two.

The pattern on the instep and leg is a cross stitch rib (see below)

Cross Stitch Rib – Multiples of 3 stitches

R1:  *Skip 1st stitch, knit into second stitch, knit into skipped stitch and then slip both stitches off the needle, P1, repeat from * to end of round.

R2: *K2, P1, repeat from * to end of round

I’ve turned the heel on my sock and now I’m knitting the heel flap (opposite to when you knit from the cuff down).

So far so good – although I think I am in a bit of denial as to how big this sock is going to be! Also, a fifth needle would be really handy – why don’t they come with a fifth needle bamboo needles do?

]]> http://sewwitty.com/2012/02/01/more-sock-progress/feed/ 1 http://sewwitty.com/2012/01/16/toe-up-sock-construction/ http://sewwitty.com/2012/01/16/toe-up-sock-construction/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:41:41 +0000 SewWitty http://sewwitty.com/?p=1401

I decided it was time for a new sock knitting challenge (obviously not a pair a month because I failed that one!). I’ve never made toe up socks and so I decided it was time. I watched the DVD that came with the Sock Masterclass, which made it look extremely easy (of course) plus I liked the idea of being able to stop when you’ve had enough (once you’re on the leg).

 I found a series of lessons here and I’m giving it a go – I’m pleasantly surprised so far. I think I only had to try casting on twice and I found instructions on symmetrical increases in the Sock Masterclass book – now I just have to work out the heel and gusset bits.

The yarn is just a patons classic 8 ply.

I started these socks in September – the actual knitting time was quite small, but I had a huge delay because I needed Miss P around to work out when to start decreasing for the toe and when she was around I would forget to do it!

This is a really basic sock – I knitted a tension square to determine my tension, measured her leg circumference and cast on the appropriate amount (40), which is just tension multiplied by leg circumference, and then knitted in stocking stitch.

]]> http://sewwitty.com/2012/01/12/first-finished-object-for-2012-socks/feed/ 0 http://sewwitty.com/2011/09/05/owls-is-finished/ http://sewwitty.com/2011/09/05/owls-is-finished/#comments Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:34:45 +0000 SewWitty http://sewwitty.com/?p=1320

I finished the owls.

I haven’t put the buttons on for the eyes yet because it doesn’t fit over either of the girls heads. For the first time ever my finished item has the dimensions the pattern states it should, but it doesn’t fit over their heads. I didn’t realise head circumference was going to be the limiting factor. I tried to stretch it a bit when I blocked it, so we will see f it fits now.

The pattern is by Kate Davies and you can get it here.  The instructions were very easy to follow and I will make another one (obviously using head circumference as a guide to size!).

This is the first time I’ve knitted cables from a chart and it was surprisingly easy so if you a bit nervous about charts I would say just try it.

I grafted the underarm sleeves using kitchener stitch, which did leave a hole at either end of the graft – this seems to be a common problem – I closed the holes when I weaved in the ends, but I might try a three needle cast off next time.

I’ve attached the sleeves to the body and I’m now just working on the yoke.

A sleeve for my body. I’m really enjoying working with this yarn (from here).  The only problem is that I have quite a stash of other stuff.

The joy of big needles and chunky wool! I’m making rapid progress on this jumper. It is destined for one of the girls and it is going to be seamless with a bit of a cable pattern on the yoke.

The yarn is 12 ply from Bendigo Woolen Mills. (Rustic in Damson Shade).

Look at how long my long tail is and I still have 34 stitches to cast on! I will have to start again.

I finished the socks!

I’m going to have a bit of a break from sock knitting because I want to knit something else – I’m going to use my 12 ply yarn from here.

On a completely different note what is the difference between SSK and K2tog tbl?