Socks (part 2)

So, yesterday was part 2 of the sock knitting class at the Knitting Bee. Knitting the heel flap wasn't too bad, and the short row heel wasn't as scary as I expected. Picking up stitches was more challenging... I have picked up stitches before, but mostly for bags. I wasn't as concerned with making the picked up stitches look pretty when I knew the bag was going to be felted! Plus it seemed easier to pick up stitches when using size 10+ needles; it was different trying to pick up stitches on the size 3 needles!

It really got interesting when working the instep stitches. After working back and forth for the heel, I think I forgot the proper magic loop technique... so I got confused about where in the round I was. Also had to deal with the railroad rib pattern on the front of the foot. I think knitting plain stockinette socks would have been less confusing! And I may try my next pair on double points, since I feel more comfortable with those. Oh, and I supposed I should finish the second sock before I start thinking about the next pair...

Sample Swapping

April 2009 Phat Fiber Box - Fiber
Originally uploaded by alittleweirdo

Apparently half the fun of the Phat Fiber box is swapping samples you're not sure about for other samples...
Since there were several people on Ravelry eager to swap their yarn samples for fiber, I figured I'd look into swapping. Since I'm not sure when I'll have time to learn to spin, it made more sense to swap some of the fiber for yarn that I can use now :)

So I think I have found a good home for my fiber samples, and I'll be getting some more yarn samples to play with. I think I may have collected enough samples of similar colors to make a funky headband or short arm warmers :)

April Phat Fiber Box

April 2009 Phat Fiber Box - Yarn and Fiber
Originally uploaded by alittleweirdo

Just opened my phat fiber box! There are some beautiful yarn and fiber samples :) Trying to decide if I want to try to swap any of the fiber for more yarn. I would like to learn how to spin, but not sure I have any time for a new craft right now... but the fiber (especially the bamboo) is so pretty....

Yarn Candy by Melissa

I have been wanting a shawl pin to wear with my recently finished Clapotis. Today's post on the Phat Fiber Blog led me to Yarn Candy By Melissa. I'm trying to decide if this pin would be a good color complement. What do you think?

And after you check out Melissa's shop, don't forget to stop by the Phat Fiber blog for a chance to win today's giveaway :)

I also had a mail slip yesterday that I have a package, so I'm hoping my Phat Fiber Box is waiting in the apartment office for me...

Socks...

This afternoon was my first sock knitting class at the Knitting Bee. There were seven of us in the class, and it seemed like the right size. Any more people and I think it would get hard to keep up. Today we just focused on getting used to the Magic Loop method, which I am liking so far :)
I will say that knitting with double points makes me feel smart, but it does make it harder to try on projects. So with the magic loop it seems easier to try things on, and there's no risk of losing a needle (unless you just lose the whole project!)
So far my only concern is that I knit really loosely, which means I have to keep going down needles sizes. So my size 4 needles were too big for worsted weight yarn. Since I wanted to practice the magic loop technique some more, I tried casting on some sock yarn onto size 0 needles. Also looking too loose... and not sure I want to end up knitting on 000 needles or something. Any suggestions on knitting tighter? Or should I just knit thicker socks? ;)
Next week we get to learn how to turn a heel, so should be more exciting...

Third time's a charm...

Don't hate me, but I managed to get a Phat Fiber box this month!

I think I first heard about Phat Fiber on Carissa's blog. She donated samples for a previous box. Which reminds me, I have a beautiful skein of Carissa's yarn which is still waiting to get made into a shawl...

I thought the idea of getting to try samples from independent dyers and spinners sounded fun, so I signed up for the e-mail notification list. I managed to put a box in my cart in February, but didn't click on the check out button fast enough. Again manged to put a box in my etsy shopping cart in March, and again the box disappeared before I could check out. I almost gave up this month, but decided to try during the later drop time (I had tried during the first drop the last two months). Not sure if waiting for the second drop helped out, or if my clicking was faster after 2 months of practice, but I finally got lucky!

So, for anyone who has tried, unsuccessfully, to get a Phat Fiber box, don't give up!
And I'll post pics when mine arrives :)

Spring Clapotis

Clapotis front
Originally uploaded by alittleweirdo

Finally finished my first Clapotis! The yarn was my Valentine's Day present from Yarnia. It's a blend of 2 strands of bamboo, 2 different strands of cotton, 1 wool, and 1 silk strand.

The pattern was pretty easy, and the drop stitches were fun :) I'm happy with the finished size. I even have some yarn left on the cone, so hoping to be able to make a matching hat.

Now just waiting for the rain to stop so I can wear this outside and show it off!

Cloverhill Yarn Shop

I keep hearing about the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival on ravelry, and then today I saw another link about the Cloverhill Yarn Shop's booth at the festival. They're also running a contest to promote their booth, so definitely check out their blog!

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to Maryland next month, but sounds like a fun event :)

Sock Knitting

Wow, didn't realize how long it's been since I posted! So I guess a short post is better than no post...

The Knitting Bee's Spring Class schedule just came out, and I signed up for a beginning sock knitting class. I had a friend who started teaching me how to knit socks, but we both got too busy. And I figured taking a class would be more motivation to actually finish a sock! It's also a good opportunity to learn the magic loop technique at the same time :) And I'd like to finish a pair of socks before Sock Summit in August... big knitting event that's just a MAX ride away, how could I not go?

Other bonus, after I paid for the class and supplies, I had spent enough at the Knitting Bee to earn a "busy bee certificate." So next time, I can get $50 worth of free yarn :) Might be a good time to treat myself to some more cashmere...