I don't know what happened to my crafting mojo over summer but it disappeared almost completely. I know I've been short of time due to one thing and another, but I wasn't really bothered about all the projects I had on the go even when I had a spare hour or two.
I think it's the fact that the nights are drawing in and there's a distinct autumn feel in the air now which has prompted me to get back on with things and I've managed to muster up some enthusiasm for my knitting again. These are the socks I started way back in May for the sockalong, finally finished.
The yarn I used is Superwash Blue Faced Leicester from Wharfedale Woolworks in Neon Iris#1 colourway. After finishing the first sock I wasn't sure there was going to be enough yarn left to make the second one, there just didn't look to be enough there but as it turns out, there was plenty and quite a bit was left over too. I'm never very good at gauging just how much yarn I'll need for a project, I usually overestimate.
So, now the sockalong socks are off my knitting needles, I shall crack on with some of the other projects I've got on the go, as well as making a start on the crochet along I'm joining in with.
Don't forget about the swap I'm running. The Twelve Days Of Christmas Swap Sign Up is still open if you fancy joining in, just leave a comment on that post and I'll add you to the list. It would be lovely to have a few more participants, there's lots of people who are interested in swapping worldwide so it doesn't matter where in the world you are. Don't be shy, it's a great way to make some new friends.
Well done on finishing the socks, I am still not brave enough to try 4 pins at a time, all those pointy ends and so easy to drop my stitches. I hope lots of peeps enter the swap.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have them off my needles at last, it's taken a while. I found using double pointed needles much easier than I thought it'd be when I first started sock knitting. You can always use a circular needle, Christine shows you how in her tutorial. We've got a good number of people who have entered the swap already but it would be lovely if we could attract a few more.
DeleteThe socks look great, Jo. Well done! :o)
ReplyDeleteI wasn't so sure about the yarn colour when I first started knitting them but I quite like how it's worked up now.
DeleteI'm not surprised that you had a summer break but sure that you'll be happily crafting again we head into winter. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI never take an intentional break from crafting but it does seem to happen sometimes for reasons beyond my control. I seem to have my mojo back now, which is great as I'll definitely want something to do on the darker evenings.
DeleteSummer is usually a crafting break for me, but this year I just seemed to be inspired!
ReplyDeleteI suppose I was rather busy to be crafting through summer, I'm glad to be back to it again though now.
DeleteWell done Jo ... I think they look good, and I do like the colours.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I like the colours too, though I was a little unsure when I first started using the yarn. I think they've knitted up well in the end.
DeleteI'm so glad you finished your pair of socks, Jo, they're really lovely! They look beautifully matched as well! xx
ReplyDeleteI got there in the end. The matching is by pure luck rather than skill.
DeleteI hope this helps; when I complete the 1st sock I weigh it on my kitchen scales(digital) in grammes. Then I wind the wool into a ball until I get to the same point in the colour sequence as where I started the 1st sock. Then, without breaking the wool, I weigh the rest of the ball and it tells me if I have enough yarn if I start from that point. If there isn't enough, I weigh all of the remaiing yarn to check this is enough, although the second sock won't have the same patterning as the first. I have size 6 feet and usually do about 64 rounds in the leg before starting the heel and use 3mm needles. Of course yarns vary but with 70 to 75% wool yarn, I usually get 1 pair of socks from a 100g ball plus a 2nd pair if I do a stripe in the leg and the heels and toes in plain yarn.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of people weighing their yarn before but I must admit, I'm always too lazy to do it. I do panic a bit about running out of yarn on my second sock but it's never happened yet, I always manage a pair of socks from 100g, though I never thought about mixing the yarns as you suggest to get a second pair of socks out of the remainder, that's a great tip, thanks.
DeleteI love these! Multi-colored socks are IN now, so you're hip!
ReplyDeleteIt's been many years since I've been considered hip, warm tootsies are what I'm all about now and hand knitted socks are the cosiest I've ever worn.
DeleteWell done finishing them, I've never made a pair of socks. So many projects, so little time xx
ReplyDeleteThat's so true, there's so many things I want to make or have a go at, it's a case of prioritising as I'll never get round to everything.
DeleteWell done on finishing them Jo. I am on my second sock. I keep waiting for a quiet moment to turn the heel on the second one! BTW I have mentioned the Twelve Days of Christmas swap on my latest post to spread the word xx
ReplyDeleteOnce you turn the heel you'll be on the home stretch. I'm glad my socks are finished at last, I hate having things hanging around waiting for my attention. Thank you for mentioning the swap, it would be lovely if we could attract a few more participants.
DeleteThe socks look great and glad there was enough wool. I've done the first row of my Spice of Life, though not sure I like my colours, but had to make do with what I could get at a bargain price. Also, count me in for the Xmas Swap. I think we all go through no crafting mojo at times, just due to life in general and I know how busy you've been, but a little at a time is good therapy. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI think colours can come together as you work further in to a blanket so you may find you start liking them better. I've done a few rows of my blanket, I always hate starting off so at least that bit's out of the way now. I shall add you to the swap list. I'm definitely back in to crafting again now, I'm glad to say.
DeleteThe socks are fabulous Jo and I love the colours...Well done on finishing them. Another thing I have to add to my 'To Do' list....try to knit a pair of socks....!!!x.
ReplyDeleteI've been knitting socks for a few years now but I was so surprised when I made my first pair how easy they were. I think many people think they're beyond their capabilities but if you can knit and purl, you can make a pair of socks. Do take a look at Christine's sockalong tutorial, you don't even have to use double pointed needles if you don't want to.
DeleteGood to get something finished, and just in time for that time of year when they'll be very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
They'll definitely come in useful over the next few months. Isn't it cold? I've got the heating on already.
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