Chatting about scrappy socks, projects and mini skeins...

 

Hello there!

 

 

Good morning, loves! Did your week treat you kindly?  Mine was a good week filled with work and knitting.  Making it even better is that I have figured out how to sneak knitting into my work day. It makes a difference!

 

 

Today I thought we would chat a bit about scrappy projects and answer some questions that I have received.  Being a sock knitting addict has caused me to be completely drawn projects that involve using sock yarn scraps, so that is where my journey began in 2014. Warning this is a long post with lots of links.

 

 

I started with this blanket, which is still providing love some 4 years later.  There was a question about how and where I got so many minis.  There are so many more options now than there was four years ago. Indie dyers are now creating mini skeins that are for sale amongst their full yarn skeins. Here are just some ideas on how to get your collection started:

Ravelry groups ~

• Mini Mania.
• Mini Mall ( this group is soon to be closing).
• Sock Yarn Swappers.
• Crazy Sock Yarn Lady Podcast Group (swapless swap).
• My Sister's Knitter Mini Swap Talk thread.
• Etsy (search mini skeins).

Personally, I started by asking my Ravelry group if anyone would be interested in donating their sock yarn scraps to me and it all started uphill from there. Now with many more socks under my belt I enjoy swapping with friends the best.

 

 

I was asked how I make my mini skeins. First off, I never know how many yards or how much they weight, I just eyeball it based on making so many minis. Once a project if finished the remainder is immediately wound into a mini skein.  I use my swift at a marked spot and wind 26 times.

Here are some video resources on how to make your own mini skeins:

• Knit Style Maker.
• Whirledpeas Knits.
• Anne Jensen ( this is how I do it, minus all the math).

 

 

 

There are those of you who dread weaving in ends, I am not amongst those. I love weaving in ends and actually find it therapeutic. Not to say I don't understand how you end-weaver-haters feel, as you sometimes want to the project to end with the last stitch. If you are looking for an easier way to knit a scrappy project without creating all the ends, there are tutorials for that, (There is a tutorial for everything nowadays, right?).

You can create a double knot (magic knot), to avoid ends entirely. Now, I did this on my first sock and could still notice the tiny knots and wasn't a fan. But on my projects like shawls or cardigans this was not a problem.

Weaving in ends as you go.

• Very Pink Knits.
• Dye Another Day.
• So I Make Stuff.

 

 

On to all the projects that can be created with minis of all shapes and sizes.

• Mini Skein Sampler Scarf.
• Mini Scarf Mania.
• Head in the Clouds Hat.
• Granny Stripes Blanket (crochet).
• Every Flavor Stripy Socks.
• Knitted Patchwork Recipe.
• Marled Mania Sweater.

 

I know there are a lot of links. Hopefully it helps those of you who have asked about minis skeins. Of  course there are many more techniques, patterns and resources than I have listed. I will leave you with a Craftsy video on project ideas for mini skeins.

 

 

Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

 

 

Comments

[Caffeine Girl]

Fun and informative post.
I don't love weaving in ends, but I like the fact that you can correct for any awkward joins. That's why I don't weave as I go.
I have a mini linen-stitch scarf started, and they are very cool. I really need to get back to mine.

[Grace B]

I saw you started Emily's favorite sock,I have that on my wish list.Hope to get it started before July 4th.

[anna]

Oh Andi, I adore this post. Minis are so addicting aren't they?! Thank you for fueling the mini skein mania :) I'm so sad at the thought of being finished with my scrap blanket that I actually keep making it bigger so I can keep adding to it!!

[karen]

sneaking knitting into a work day - sounds fantastic! I babysit a toddler (2 yo) and I get at least three rows into my knitting, it's a start and I'm thrilled to do those three rows!! onward and upward.

[Dee]

Your scrappy blanket looks great.

Of all the projects I have ever made, I love my scrappy blanket the most. I finished a queen-size one. Now I'm going for King-size.

All hail the scrappy blanket.

[Diane]

I'm still smiling at your comment about finding some time to "sneak" in some knitting at work. Happy knitting my dear.

[Vera]

Great post! And your blanket - it looks HUGE!!! And beautiful. Thanks for all the links.

[Lisa]

You read my mind Andi,as I started a sock scrap shawl last night. I can't wait to stripe it up with a bunch of my leftover sock yarn.

I seem to ALWAYS have sock yarn left, at least 40 grams. It's crazy because i make "tall" socks but I still have so much! I wonder what people who actually use it all are doing differently (or how big their feet are!)

Thank you for the links, I plan to watch/read some of them later.

~Lisa

[stephanie]

always always always love the links!!!! thank for the introductions.

[Jane]

What a great post. I love scrappy projects - especially a boomerang type shawl. Your projects are delicious. Thanks for all the links.

[Wendy]

Well I sure loved this post and I am all about using scraps. I even tie little cut off bits together and crochet a scrappy scarf ♥ Love those scrappy socks too of course. xo

[Stefanie]

Thanks for the links. I will be checking some out. I have always wanted to start a Cozy Memories blanket but I've been putting it off. I should start now that it's summer and no more school after 1:19 pm!

[Ruinwen Silverdragon]

I love projects like this that use up all the odds and ends that I have stashed away. Your blanket is such a tribute to color and texture; I just adore it!

[Andrea @ This Knitted Life]

I made a pair of scrappy socks at the beginning of the year and can't wait for more! I will never throw out sock yarn ever again, no matter how mini!

[Deborah]

I love the information and links with regards to your blanket. I have long loved it!

[Charlotte]

Thank you for all the links! I’ve been knitting for around two years now and I’m always looking for ways to use every single bit of Yarn left over from projects.