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Cast On Mania Day 5: Medallion Lace Socks

Medallion Lace Socks - start

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.

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Cast On Mania Day 4: Fiber Optics Paint Box Shawl

Fiber Optics Paint Box - shawl start

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.

Fiber Optics Paint Box - wound

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.

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Cast On Mania Day 3: Regia Jacquard Socks

Regia Super Jacquard Color 4 ply - start

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.

Regia Super Jacquard Color 4 ply - cast on yarn

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.

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Cast On Mania Day 2: Tara Socks

Tara start

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.

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Cast On Mania Day 1: Varjo

Varjo start

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.

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Cast On Mania Returns

Cast On Mania yarn

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.

Cast On Mania projects

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.

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