Socks socks socks

[treeskin]

I really do think about something besides knitting, rather often as a matter of fact, but there's not much else to do in the trunk in between moving the hose. Yes, I'm bored. I've already heard the playlist for the three radio stations I can stand, once through each, today. Should have got batteries for the boom box and brought some cd's or something

Anyway, the sock update (because there's not enough progress yet for a full report)--got a bit more than half of the toe done so far. Note to self: next time, fiddle with the pattern until it's an odd number of stitches across. Getting those first few rounds of increases to line up right is a real bugger otherwise. The shape at the point of the toe is a little different form the other socks I've done with this pattern (all odd numbers of sts on a side), but it's not bad, I think.

I played with key and mosaic patterns last night, and got one I think will work for the sweater. I set it aside for a while, on the table where I can see it every time I walk past. I was still undecided about it last night ( my second opinion/design staff being out of town, and unavailabe to help me with these things). Definitely want to save it for a sock pattern, whatever else I do with it.

Comments

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

I started the typing gloves in Kool Wool last night, and I am already almost done with the cuff on one. I did a weird thing with the ribbing in my decreases, because I wanted a long cuff and needed more stitches at the bottom, of course, but it turned out pretty neat, I think. I've got a "spare" rib on each side that tapers to a point and then disappears as I decrease, so I was decreasing two stitches every other row. I think it will look nice; I will just have to make sure that the thumb is over one of the pointy ribs so that it looks even.

I am a little concerned that they are too thick--the gloves, I mean--as the Kool Wool knits up much thicker than I thought it would. Initially I thought perhaps I should rip them out and knit them in something finer, but I rather like the feel of these, and if nothing else, they will definitely be warm. I might do a second pair in something finer, at some point.

I'm wondering if Kool Wool might not be a possibility for my captain's sweater, knit on needles of tree-trunk proportions? It's very soft and warm, and on 8s, there are no visible gaps in the fabric, so 10s or bigger, maybe? I think that a needle that big, and stockinette stitch, would produce the very visible lines in the fabric that I'm looking for. And it's relatively inexpensive, so at the very least, a wearable first try for pattern dimensions wouldn't be too bad? I could always alter it for gauge with a heavier yarn after I know for sure that the pattern shape we come up with will work.

What do you think?

[treeskin.livejournal.com]

RE Kool Wool for Captain's sweater--I don't see why it wouldn't work. If you're worried about having a nice dense fabric, you could always pair it with something thinner--I'd probably use Woolease sport, 'cuz I've got that on hand, but the Jiffy (all acrylic mohair-look) or Imagine (mostly acrylic mohair blend) are affordable and wash fairly well.

Btw, remind me next time we get together to bring the latest copy of Interweave Knits with me. It has a wrap-around sweater that's pretty close to what you're looking for (except for being knit in a very fine mohair, but that's the easy part to fix).

RE Kool Wool for mitts--it's a regular worsted weight yarn, if I remember correctly. Most of the patterns I have involve sport or fingering weight yarns (and a lot more sts per inch). If you want to do another pair when you get this one knocked out let me know; I bet I've got some stash yarn that ould work. I've been meaning to try some of those antique patterns By's mom sends me anyway......

Isn't that a scary thought? Not only am I looking at those 1890's books going "I could knit that" (despite the very archaic terms and instructions) but I'm looking at the sock patterns thinking about making dress socks for By for the next annual show.

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Ooh, even better. What do you think about Wool-Ease Chunky? I think it's just precisely the weight I want. I'm pondering the willow green.

The right glove is almost done. I just have to knit it up till it's above my knuckles. I'm still trying to decide whether I want little sleevies for my fingies or not.

[treeskin.livejournal.com]

Haven't worked with that weight yet. Ought to be fine, though. And green is good.