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Cast On Mania Day 5: Medallion Lace Socks

I wanted a different type of sock pattern on the needles for my final cast on, and these socks fit the bill. I like working the lace but there’s enough rhythm to the pattern that I don’t have to check the chart much.

It’s a big repeat – 28 rounds – so what you see here is just one full repeat. I love those types of patterns; it makes the knitting go by quickly. Really quickly. And the pattern is one of those that needs some blocking to relax – right now it has a bit of an egg crate look to it.

The yarn – Brown Sheep Wildfoote - was bought on our honeymoon a few years ago. I discovered it in my sock yarn bin and realized I had never added it to Ravelry. This is my first time using this yarn and so far I’m not loving it. It’s splitty and I have to fight with it a bit when doing decreases. For now, I think I’d stick with Trekking or Regia for solid-colored, machine-made yarns because both of them have a tighter twist.

For now I’m sticking with this though. Famous last words, right?

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 18, 2013

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Cast On Mania Day 4: Fiber Optics Paint Box Shawl

Day 4 brought some creativity.

I knew I wanted to use my Fiber Optics Paint Box but I wasn’t sure for what. I tried several shawls – Now In A Minute, Lintilla and Baktus – but none were right for just 450 yards.

I had 2 requirements – garter stitch (I love how it looks with a gradient yarn), and a sunburst shape. I couldn’t find anything that fit so I made something up. I’m still not sure what I want to do with the edge but I have a ways to go. The pic above shows 3 of the 15 colors in the paint box.

All those mini skeins do have a downfall though – lots of ball winding. Cute little mini balls.

But it doesn’t mean lots of weaving in of ends! Enter the Double Knot – or Magic Knot. I found this on the Fiber Optics blog and it really does work! I’ve woven in exactly zero ends so far. Can you spot the knots? I can’t. Watch the video. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this technique before.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 17, 2013

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Cast On Mania Day 3: Regia Jacquard Socks

After yesterday’s sock, I knew I needed a simple, grab-and-go sock on the needles. This yarn has been singing at me ever since I got it last month. They’re my colors (look – they almost match the blog) and I love the easy care of Regia.

I’m doing my typical toe-up with Wendy’s slip stitch heel on a ChiaoGoo 2.25 circ.

One thing I did do differently this time – I took a pic of the yarn just before casting on so I would know where the yarn was in the color progression. I’d like to match the two socks. I’ve used my phone a lot for taking pattern notes but never a pic – I prefer the crisper look from my camera. But this came in handy so I could cast on at the bar and not fret about how to match up sock two.

Easy sock knitting, hanging out at the bar (gotta make the most of a 57 degree day at the shore). A perfect vacation day.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 16, 2013

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Cast On Mania Day 2: Tara Socks

For today’s project, I went decidedly different and chose the Tara socks by Janneke Maat. The twisted stitches and cables were a perfect fit for the BitsyKnits Sock82me yarn that I got at Rhinebeck 2012.

The yarn is great for cables – 8 plies make it a beautiful, round yarn and give it wonderful stitch definition. Look at how those twisted stitches pop!

I do have one issue though – the yarn seems over-plied. Look at those twists in the pic. Every few rounds I have to hold the ball up and let the sock dangle so it untwists. I’m not sure if all Sock82me yarn is that way or just this particular hank that I got.

The other challenge with this project is the color. I often bring a sock with me to the bar and I can’t do that with this yarn – it’s just too dark. So I fear it may take me longer to knit than typical. My goal is to have these socks – and all Rhinebeck 2012 yarn – done before this year’s Rhinebeck. It’s so great to walk around the fairgrounds knowing that I used everything I bought last year. And yes, it does free me up to buy more. The circle of (knitting) life.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 15, 2013

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Cast On Mania Day 1: Varjo

I had to start Cast On Mania with my favorite purchase from Maryland Sheep & Wool – my magenta Neighborhood Fiber Company Rustic Fingering.

As predicted, I started Varjo in this yarn. I started Varjo a couple months ago in a different yarn. I frogged it because the yarn – although it was a hand dyed – didn’t show any variation in the garter stitch. As you can see, that isn’t a problem with this new yarn!

I do have one problem though – I’m using extra-sharp ChiaoGoo needles and they’re splitting the lightly spun single. I’m going to try to find an Addi Turbo – or as grumperina calls them, Blunti Stumpos. This may be just the project for their blunt tips.

I’m almost halfway through the 8 inches of single-color garter before getting to the stripes. These kinds of projects always push me to knit just a bit more because I can’t wait to see the colors playing together.

And given the weather here at the shore this week – yesterday’s high was 59 – I can see all the uses this shawl will have once it’s done.

My next cast on mania project is quite different – the project, the yarn, the stitches. I’m enjoying all the changes from day to day.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 14, 2013

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Cast On Mania Returns

Some of you probably remember cast on mania from last year. While on my May vacation I started 5 new projects. It was a ton of fun and I even got a couple FOs out of the deal – the Sweet Dreams Shawl and Paul’s 2012 socks.

With all the yarn buying around these parts lately combined with this year’s vacation – I’ve decided to do another Cast On Mania. I have the yarn, I’m chomping at the bit to cast on all the things and oh yeah – it’s my vacation and I want to. (dangling participle be damned)

I’ve bought enough yarn for at least 10 projects recently and I have most of my 2012 Rhinebeck yarn in the stash too. There’s no shortage of possibilities. Here are a few. And yes I did pack all that yarn and bring it to the hotel. Full disclosure – this is only half of what I brought. Gotta love car trips – no worries about baggage or weight limits.

Don’t look at me that way. You do it too.

I’ve already started a couple of the projects and I’ll be back tomorrow to share my first one. I’m such a tease.

Oh and if you’re reading this in your blog reader, click on the post to stop by the site. The old blog got a little facelift this past week. Let me know if you see anything funky.

I’ll catch you on the purl side.

by jody on May 13, 2013

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Cast On Mania Day 5: Medallion Lace Socks

Cast On Mania Day 4: Fiber Optics Paint Box Shawl

Cast On Mania Day 3: Regia Jacquard Socks

Cast On Mania Day 2: Tara Socks

Cast On Mania Day 1: Varjo

Cast On Mania Returns

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