Eleanor mentioned that she'd like some more long socks. I've used this same Sirdar pattern many times, in fact, it's the one I used when I first started knitting socks as they're done on two needles rather than double pointed needles which seemed scary to me at the time. Now, I much prefer knitting in the round as there's no sewing up to do. I decided I'd make her two pairs as I already had the Sirdar Crofter yarn in my stash, one pair in heather, the other in plumage.
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I also knit a pair of socks for one of The Twelve Days Of Christmas gifts which I gave to Lisa from Jumble and Jelly. This is also a pattern I've used before, Thuja by Bobby Ziegler. I used Regia World College Color in library colourway which was in my stash, this yarn is no longer available which is a shame as I really like it.
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Hand made soap wrapped with a washcloth was the order of the day this Christmas. They don't take very long to knit up and look quite fancy when tied with a pretty ribbon. Eleanor and Lisa were among the recipients. I used Rico Design Creative Cotton Print in both pink and green mix.
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That was the extent of my Christmas knitting. Perhaps I should start earlier this year so that I can get more done.
I think you did well with your Christmas knitting. Every year I vow to start early but never do. Those long socks look very cosy.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with starting early is that Christmas knitting seems to take over and you're doing it over a long period of time, I think I just need to practice knitting faster. These long socks are Eleanor's favourites, they're lovely and warm.
DeleteProper presents, hand made and given with love.
ReplyDeleteJean
x
I'm a big fan of hand made gifts, so much thought is put in to them.
Deleteyour socks look great, I haven't knitted socks yet but keep meaning to try. So many crochet projects on the go :-) Happy New Year to you and the family. Amanda x
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely give it a go. I found it easier to start on two needles so that I understood the turning of the heel before I tackled dpns, but I much prefer knitting in the round now. Thank you. Happy new year to you and yours too.
DeleteHello Jo,
ReplyDeleteI love your knitting works very much! I also love knitting and making crafts. Knitting socks is very difficult for me. The handmade soap is beautiful. I love to give my handmade crafts to my family and friends too. It is so beautiful wrapped up with your knitting square!! I love all of them.
Sandra
I never thought I'd master sock knitting but it's easy once you get going. I'm not a soap maker but the soap I bought was made locally, I like to support local craftspeople where I can.
DeleteI forgot, what is the name of the thing inside the socks, please? thank you.
ReplyDeleteThey're sock blockers.
DeleteBeautiful!!! Wonderful gifts! xx
ReplyDeleteI do like to give some handmade gifts each year, even if it isn't very many.
DeleteLots of fancy colours and patterns. Happy knitting! Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteThere's some great yarn these days which create a pattern as you knit, no need to change colours and have lots of different balls of yarn on the go.
DeleteYou made some very lovely gifts! I'm sure there were some happy recipients on Christmas day. That Regia colourway is great. You're right, it's too bad it's discontinued.
ReplyDeleteIt's the whole yarn range which has been discontinued by Regia, such a shame as it's a yarn I've used a few times and I like it very much. I've still got one more ball in my stash so I'll wait and use it for something special.
DeleteI am very good at picking up bits & bobs throughout the year as stocking fillers but then I always seem to get a crazy idea of knitting something about 3 weeks before Christmas and then put heap of pressure on myself to get everything done in time. I should maybe have made one of my challenges to be more organised with my Christmas makes..... Socks are lovely not made any for a while but sure I still have the pattern tucked away somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I was knitting right up to the big day this year. I too need to decide earlier what I'm going to make and get on with it a little earlier.
DeleteI have never knitted socks, they look so snug. Well done you for making so many gifts.
ReplyDeleteHand knitted socks are so cozy, they're pure luxury. I've managed to make more gifts other years but I suppose I'm pleased with what I got done this year.
DeleteI'm a reasonably confident knitter... but am still completely intimidated by socks! Maybe I'll have a go when I've got time to concentrate. Yours always look gorgeous. Jx
ReplyDeleteSocks are easy once you give them a go. I was intimidated until I tried them, and if I can manage them, anyone can.
DeleteSo, if you knit the socks on 2 needles, does that mean you have a seam on them somewhere? Is that at the side or the front?
ReplyDeleteI love the variety of presents you knitted up; the washcloths look so good, but must be relatively easy to make?
There are seams up each side of the foot and up the back of the leg. I much prefer knitting in the round as I hate sewing up. You can use any pattern to knit up a washcloth but I used a double seed stitch as in Laura Doty's pattern on Ravelry.
DeleteThe socks look rare and cosy, Jo, and the washcloths look lovely. Great job! :o)
ReplyDeleteThe socks are really cosy, great for keeping your feet warm in winter.
DeleteI love your knitting projects. The socks look so cozy and the colors are really pretty. I didn't do much handmade this Christmas. I had the best intentions but I ran out of time. I guess I'll try again next year. :)
ReplyDeleteThere's so many things we crafters want to get on with, if only we had a little more time. I'd love to make more handmade gifts but I think I'd have to start in January if I were to make everything I wanted.
DeleteYour socks are lovely.I still haven't tried knitting any; I really should give it a go. I used to be quite a quick knitter, but my hands( among other things) are becoming more and more troublesome, so progress is slower and often quite painful these days. I refuse to give up though, as I think the more active I can keep them, the better. Years ago I knitted J a jumper which had a beautiful multi cable panel down the front. He still has it, but it's too big now, and looking a bit moth eaten, so I plan on knitting him another. If I start soon it might be finished for the Autumn!
ReplyDeleteMy mum was the same, she used to be a beautiful knitter and could knit things up in no time at all, but she had to give it up many years ago because her hands let her down. J's jumper sounds lovely, don't forget to show us the progress when you start the new one.
DeleteThose long socks look lovely and I've still not tried a pair, but maybe I should start with two needles and give it a go for next winter. I love the washcloth you gave me and take it away in the caravan. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThe long socks are Eleanor's favourites as they're so toasty, they keep her legs warm as well as her feet. Glad you like the washcloth.
DeleteThe socks knitted up in that lovely yarn and the handmade soap wrapped in a pretty wash cloth must have been greatly appreciated as Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteEveryone seemed pleased with their gifts so I do hope so.
DeleteYour socks look lovely, really warm and cosy, my one and only attempt at socks was relegated to the back of a drawer, don't think I chose a very good yarn which didn't help, or perhaps its just my excuse! Loved the colours of the washcloths and matching soaps great gifts xcx
ReplyDeleteYarn can make such a difference to knitting. I like both these patterns as they use a double knitting thickness yarn so they knit up quickly. You should definitely have another go at knitting socks, they really are easy once you've got the hang of them. The washcloths and soaps are a great stocking filler and they look really pretty when they're tied up with ribbon.
DeleteI saw a picture of a pair of slippers over on Facebook - they were amazing from a site called Wee Folk Art. Definitely a place for inspiration - will be getting some ideas for projects for 2015.
ReplyDeleteThe internet is a great place for inspiration. I often jot down things in my Filofax that I come across as I'm always on the look out for ideas.
DeleteYou did really well - beautiful makes.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my makes this year. I've found myself knitting furiously in previous years when I've set myself a much bigger task with more things on the go, I think I found my level this year.
DeleteIt's a lot more Christmas knitting than I managed, somehow I just couldn't get my woolly act together last year. I too am starting early for Christmas 2015, now in fact ;o)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good idea to start knitting for Christmas at the start of the year, that way it won't matter if you go off course mid way when you see a pattern you just have to make, you should have a good amount done by then.
DeleteI like the washcloths, they look lovely. I made edible gifts last Christmas, no knitted ones. If I do any this year, I'll be sure to get organised as it's not enjoyable when you're up against it timewise, is it?
ReplyDeleteIt's so stressful when you're rushing to get something finished in time. That's when I'm prone to making mistakes too, not good at all.
DeleteLove the socks you made for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteHow does one get on your Christmas list? Ha!
Hope you're staying cozy and Archie is snuggled somewhere warm too.
Susan x
Hand knitted socks are always a hit with Eleanor, it's lovely when someone appreciates hand made items. Archie and I are definitely keeping warm today, it's snowing at the moment so I'm just hoping that it doesn't settle.
DeleteLove your socks, I like the self striping yarns too. Great gift, especially on a day like today. brrrr its cold this morning! Have a good weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteSelf striping yarns make things so easy, I love them. It's snowing here at the moment, I'm hoping that it stops soon.
DeleteI have seen crocheted washclothes and knitted washclothes on other blogs as well and I so desperately want to know how to make them! You're are absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great upcoming week Jo!
Tammy x
There's many patterns for knitted or crocheted washcloths, it's just a case of deciding which you like. I knitted mine as I'm a more confident knitter than crocheter.
DeleteWonder if you can point me in the direction of a good 2 needle sock pattern. I'm not that experienced a knitter, but OK. I've just bought some ankle boots and fancy wearing them with handmade socks just showing. You mention Sidar above.
ReplyDeleteI've only used one two needle sock pattern and that's Sirdar Crofter DK Socks pattern 9135. I find double pointed needles much better these days as you don't have to sew the socks up if they're knitted in the round. Alternatively, you could use a circular needle. Take a look at Christine's sockalong on her Winwick Mum blog here:- http://winwickmum.blogspot.co.uk/p/sockalong.html
DeleteChristine has written her pattern for double pointed needles and a circular needle. People seem to find sock knitting quite scary but they're fairly straight forward and you don't have to be an accomplished knitter to tackle them.