The Friday Night Knitting Club

I can't seem to put down this book, it's really addictive. Needless to say, I haven't been very diligent about my knitting projects. I tried to work on my shrug yesterday, knew I shouldn't because I could not concentrate and, of course, had to rip it out. I should have just picked up my book.

This is a wonderful read for anyone contemplating getting it.

Great weekend to all,

What A Dissappointment

Well, I did finish my shrug, which came out great, after having to adjust needles and such. Threw in the wash on handwash, with woolite and even put it in a delicates netted bag. Much to my surprise, the shrug came out all pilly. This shrug, even after I machine dried it, looked like I've had it for 10 years, - old. The fibers were splitting off. The yarn I purchased is mostly cotton with some acrylic in it and I bought it from a very well-known company I won't mention.

I called up and was told that this yarn is supposed to do this, but that after several washings it will look better. So I washed it again and again, and now it looks worse. So, I called back and and was given a credit. There is obviously something wrong with the yarn.

After all my work, I don't think I will wear it, unless I'm going for the old comfy look!!!

I'm making another shrug, in different yarn, different pattern and, of course, have just cast on socks for my niece. By the way, my sister absolutely loves her cable twist socks. I need to buy more Risata.

Happy Memorial Weekend to everyone!!!

Frogged again

Yep, I knew it, that my shrug wasn't working out with the circular needles, so I frogged it again, and went back to straights in a smaller size. So far, I like the way the arm sleeve is turning out, and I'm up to the back. I hope to finish today.

I've also just started reading The Friday Knitting Club and am really enjoying it. Such a balancing act, trying to do things I like to do, plus all the other stuff that has to be done???

Great day to all,

Gauge Issues

Well, I knew it when I was knitting my shrug that the gauge wasn't right, but I continued anyway to see what it would look like when finished. The sleeves were way too large, although the back part seemed to fit pretty well.

I ripped everything out and have started working up my own pattern now and testing it out. I've decided to do the sleeves on a circular in the round with smaller needles. Hope it turns out, or else I'll be frogging again,

Now if I could only find a good block of time to devote to this project


Happy knitting to all,

TGIF

I'm hoping to finish up a shrug which I am attempting for the first time. I've been having an awful time with the gauge. Since it's done on really big needles, I think I'll just continue and see how it looks. Worse case, I'll rip it all out and start over, ugh!!!

I haven't decided what my next socks will look like. I'd like to make a pair for my niece and have some really pretty yarns in my stash, oh, decisions, decisions.

And I really have to start thinking about what I'm going to knit for the yarn shop I work in now. Maybe a pretty shawl? We don't have any of those hanging around yet.

Off to take the dog out now.

Cable Twist Shortie Pattern

My lastest inspiration from researching and modifying two patterns. I found these to be fun and quite easy to make.

Just a note: I've added some notations here for someone who might be a beginner with the Magic Loop. Personally, when I was learning this method, I found any additional notes very helpful.

Magic Loop method used
Materials: 1-2 skeins of fingering weight yarn I used Risata from Knitpicks and got away with 1
Needles: Size 3 - 3.25mm to give you 7sts per inch or whatever size needles to reach this gauge
Split stitch makers and tapestry needle

CABLE TWIST PATTERN:
ROW 1; *LT, K3, P2* repeat around
ROW 2; and all even rows, *K5, P2*, around
ROW 3; *K1, LT, K2, P2* repeat around
ROW 5; *K2, LT, K1, P2*, repeat around
ROW 7; *K3, LT, P2* repeat around

Repeat these eight rows for pattern
Left Twist(LT): K second stitch on left-hand needle through the back loop. Without slipping the st off the needle, slip first st purlwise onto right-hand needle, allowing the second st to slip off left-hand needle.

Cuff:
CO 56 st on circular needle and divide in half. Knit 1x1 ribbing for 4 rows, marking your first round. K 1 round.

Heel Flap: Done on 28 stitches:
Row 1: SL 1, K1, SL 1 K1 across 28 stitches, turn
Row 2: SL 1, P across, turn
Continue the Eye of Partridge heel flap for 2 1/2 " or 30 rows

Heel Turn:
Row 1: SL1, K15, K2 tog, K1, turn
Row 2: SL 1, P5, P2 tog, P1, turn
Continue until all stitches are completed and 16 sts remain

Gussett:
K across your heel stitches and pick up 18 sts along edge, place a marker, and start Row 1 of Cable Twist Pattern across your instep stitches. Then place a marker. Now pick up 18 sts along the other side. K 8 stitches from your heel and reposition your sock so that the needle points split at the beginning of your heel. Move your beginning marker, which should be facing you now, to the other side of sock.

Gussett Decreases:
K 1 round even, knitting through back loops of picked up sts. When you get to your instep you will K Row 2 of your pattern.

Now we'll start decreasing our gussett:
K to last 3 sts before marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker and continue across instep in pattern, turn to other side of sock and continue in pattern to second marker, K1, SSK and continue to across
remaining heel sts.

Next round: K evenly across, continuing in pattern for instep.
Continue in this manner until all decreases have been made you are not back to 56 st.

Now just continue knitting until your sock is 2" less than desired length, of course continuing in pattern sts for instep. Rest of sock is done in stockinette st. I made mine 7 1/4" long
and then started the toe decreases.

Toe Decreases: My preferred method, but feel free to use whatever you like best.

Round 1: K to last 3 sts, before marker, K2tog, K1, move marker
K1, SSK (beginning of your instep)
K to last 3 st. before marker, K2tog, K1, move marker (other side of instep)
K1, SSK, k to end (other side of heel)

K 3 even rounds

K 1 decrease round, followed by 2 even rounds (twice) 6 rounds
K 1 decrease round, followed by 1 even round (twice) 6 rounds
Work rest in decrease rounds until 8 sts remain total, 4 on each needle. Graft your toe with the Kitchener method.

Happy knitting to all who make these.