Monday, January 28, 2013

Magic Loop Socks

I have been wanting to knit more socks for a while now. I have been searching for the perfect two at a time, toe-up pattern and believe I finally found it! http://knitfreedom.com/

I need to see how things are done visually, rather than looking at a technique in a book. I found the perfect pattern, in the form of an e-book. I downloaded the e-book onto my iPad, printed out the pattern and began my socks. I absolutely love how it worked! It gave step be step instructions and incorporated videos in between each step. I had my iPad on my lap and could pause, rewind, etc. It was like being in my own private class. The instructor was wonderful and also gave helpful advice about not getting your two yarn balls tangled, and how to keep track of your knitting without having to write anything down. If you don't have a tablet, you could also view the e-book on your phone or computer, too.

I also loved knitting two socks at the same time on only one long needle instead of two sets, like I have previously done. The magic loop method is great. I immediately download her two at a time mitten class, as well. I can't wait to knit more socks!

I must have wound my two balls of yarn in opposite directions (oh well, adds character)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Sock Knitting Frenzy



I've been completely obssessed with Fair Isle knitting---I absolutiely love it!  Even though I see pictures of the patterns, they look different depending on the colors I use and how I "stack" the different patterns together.

I didn't have much time to knit before Christmas, but once I got some free time, I've been catching up on more sock knitting.  I call the socks in the topmost picture, the "Lucky Love Charms" socks.  It's actually a Fair Isle sampler with motifs taken from a book by an author, last name of Mucklestone, that features 200 patterns.  It's made from yarns left from various projects (same gauge), and I made them for work.  I wear steel-toed boots for work and thick knitted socks are the most comfortable.

Fair Isle even makes cheap acrylic look good.  The bottom picture features socks made from acrylic for my sister-in-law who is, unfortunately, allergic to wool.  They're very comfortable, thick, easy to care for, and didn't take long to make in worsted weight yarn.

If I could make a living just knitting like this......(many sighs)

Monday, January 14, 2013

Star Chart

Mary, I downloaded Google Chrome and then opened it to get to our site here. Works fine. For a test, I uploaded this star chart that I have no idea how to read. It is for decreasing into the star crown pattern for a hat. Can you decipher it?

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Unable to Post Pictures

Hey, Paula!

I'm suddenly unable to post pictures on the website.  I go to the proper window but am not enabled to upload the jpeg files from my "stick."  Do you know why?

Mary