My Sister's Knitter

Knitterly chat...

 

Hello loves!

 

Pattern~ The Coziest Memory Pattern.

Happy Sunday to you, or whichever day you are reading this. :) How did your week treat you?  Mine was a bit all over the place...good, but a bit here and there. Sometimes that is how life is, right?

In the U.S. we have some horrific fires in our beautiful state of California this week. Above you will see that I am knitting up some mitered squares. The squares are going to be donated to a lovely knitter (lostandfawned) in our community who is going to make a cozy memory blanket for a talented dyer, Hookers Corner, who lost everything in the fires.

If you would like more information on how you can help with squares, you can click on the link under Lindsey's profile.

There are also a couple of dyers who are donated a portion of their sales to help HookersCorner and her family:  Playful Day Yarns and Loft Twenty Two.

Lastly, there is a Go Fund Me Page set up if you would like to donate.

 

Yarn~ Cosy Posy Yarn Co Organic 3-ply in the color Emily Gilmore.

Other than the mitered squares, I have frogged a sock that was started. Sometimes you have to listen to the yarn and that was the case with this yarn. It did not want to be the previous 2 patterns I tried, it only wanted to be Hermione's Everyday Socks.  Other than a vanilla pattern, Hermione's has been the pattern that I fall back on more than any other. Do you have a pattern where that is the case?

 

 

You may remember this guy who previously liked to sleep on my yarn. We have come to an understanding, as long as I allow him to sleep on my lap and knit atop him, I can knit. Now it does help that I have the Dodo Youtube channel on to keep both of us entertained. :)

Basically my week has been all about knitting, which is wonderful as it has been a while since that has been the case. How was your week?

Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi

Knit review and October loves...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Hello loves.  Today I have a fun post for you all. There will be a review for a wonderful new E-Book as well as our October loves...so grab your coffee or tea and settle in. :)

 

 

The talent at Knotions has created another wonderful resource for us sock addicts in the form of SockStar Vol2.  If you are not yet aware of SockStar, the first E-Book was released two years ago. Volume 1 SockStar introduced us to the ins and outs of sock knitting and now SockStar Vol2 takes us to the next level- heels.

 

 

 

 

Volume 2 contains 35 pages of everything you ever wanted to know about knitting heels for your socks. You can use it as a resource to modify your favorite sock pattern's heel to one that fits your own heel.

Just a few of my favorite things about Volume 2:

 

• How to mask holes- I find that is one of the biggest problem areas for sock knitters.
• Tips- Who doesn't like tips? Anything that helps me improve my knitting is golden.
• Ratings- Being able to know which technique is beginner or advanced, helps users start at a level they are most comfortable with.

 

Use this invaluable resource to expand your knitting techniques, be your own sock designer or create your own sock adventure. Whether you knit your socks cuff down or toe-up, your options with SockStar Volume 2 are endless.

Sockstar Volume 2 will be released Saturday November 10th for the very reasonable price of $5.95, but if you pre-order this week you can save a $1 making it $4.95.

 

What is not to love about sock knitting?  Now, let's take a gander around blogland, shall we?

 

• I have a thing about WIP pictures. They often inspire me to pick up my own needles. Behind The Ivy never disappoints and all the WIP pictures could pull me out of any lack of knitting mojo.
• It may be obvious from the review above, but I love tutorials. Anything that ups my knitting skills and my technique understanding is aces for me. Pink Brutus Knits has posted an excellent tutorial for the Latvian Braid.
• Julie's Mama Vertebrae has stolen my heart. Despite the fact that the shape of this cardigan would not flatter my figure, I am almost tempted to cast it on after seeing Julie's.
• Amongst my great loves (knitting and tea), there is another love that I don't talk about very often...that is food. I adore food and cooking, so when I saw Mason Dixon Knitting posted the recipe for an Italian Sheet Pan Supper, I was so there.
• Winter is my favorite month, but Autumn is a very close second. That is the reason I really enjoyed taking a walk with Little Cotton Rabbits in this post.
• The Beeswax pullover has been making it's rounds on Ravelry, Instagram and blog. Knitosophy's Beeswax is stunning and bonus she includes a lovely video on how to knit cables without a cable needle.
• After recently finishing a colorwork project for a sample knit, my eyes have not stopped looking for other colorwork projects to wet my whistle...they landed on Michelle's Cardamom Coffee Hat. So wonderful!
• In the month of October is rather fun to celebrate spooky things, right? Autumn Geisha's spooky projects fits the bill spectacularly.

 

I hope you found some loves of your own in October. Have the best day today!

XO,

andi

Knitterly chit chat...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

Natural Fibre Arts Merino Superwash Sock Tweed in the color Natural.

I am almost back on track for blog posts, today's is just a little later on Sunday.:) I'll get there soon. Thank you all for your kind comments about my move. Yes, moving is stressful and just plain exhausting, right? I never would have thought that I would be too stressed to knit, but that was the case. But thankfully, I am getting back on the Zen train of knitting. 

 

 

Now, I have to say I may have been more productive with my knitting if my new "roommate" would let me get a stitch in more often.  This little guy's name is Maxx and he belongs to my mom and stepfather. Since I am staying with them for a bit, it would seem that Maxx has taken me on as one of his people. I am never without him by my side...never. :) In the picture above, it would seem that it is the perfectly opportunity to knit, right? What you can't see is that he is laying on my sock WIP and is in full snore mode.

So other than some simple vanilla socks, nothing too exciting happening on the needles. I am hoping to rectify that very soon. I am thinking I want to cast on a fun hat or something along those lines. How is your knitting going?

I have been really enjoying watching what I call "Maker" videos. Sometimes they have nothing to do with knitting or yarn, but creating in other mediums. I posted this video many years ago, but recently watched it again and was immediately inspired.   Enjoy and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Sunday a day late...

 

Hello loves!

 

 

Whoo hoo- we made it to the weekend. How was your weekend. I say was because you may have noticed this post is a day late. Sorry about the lateness, sometimes there are things out of our control. :) So moving is done for now.  I was finally able to sit with some yarn and just say ahhhh. Have you ever done that? Said "ahhh"aloud...well I did.

 

 

Guess what else I did?! I finished my scrappy socks! This is my first FO since July. Side note: I did also finish the sample/test knit cardigan I was working on. I feel on top of the world- heh! Not really but it does feel pretty darn good. Plus, now I can knit on whatever I like without guilt knowing that I finished some things.

 

 

Despite having quite a few WIPs on the needles, I want to start some new socks. So I pulled out these three lovelies...all gifts from friends. Now to decide.

Hope you are all doing well. Happy Monday to you. Next week things will be more on track! Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi

Sunday quick post ~

 

Hello loves!

 

 

Sorry this is going to be a drive-by post. I am in full moving mode and time for knitting has been scarce. I will be back next Sunday, by then I will have some knitting to show.

For those who asked, I will be staying with family for a couple of months till I move into my new home, hopefully in February.  Thankfully my family lives close so it is convenient.

I am looking forward to feeling, "settled" for a little bit. I am also looking forward to catching up with all you and your blogs.

Sending you much love, I will see you next Sunday!

 

xo,

andi

Scrappy socks chat...

 

Hello, loves!

 

 

How have you been? Did you have a good week? Thank you for all the well wishes on my move. While moving is not my favorite, there is so many new things to look forward to so it is exciting.

Since I have been packing and cleaning, there has been little time for knitting. The only project I have been working on in the very late evening hours is a sample knit cardigan that I need to have finished very soon. A comment from Michael on my last post gave me an idea for today's post. Michael asked:

 

i love the look and idea of making scrappy socks
but i'm wondering how you manage all the ends that need weaving in
i know well how to weave for regular knits, but with socks being pulled on and off and stretched so much i worry they will come apart over time
what's your secret?

 

 

The fun thing about Michael asking about how I weave in my ends is that with both pairs of my recent scrappy socks, I tried different joining techniques as a sort of trail and error. Now, my most recent pair is not completed so I can't speak on the wear and effectiveness of the two techniques I used.

 

 

This pair has a different technique with each sock. These socks have been have been hand washed twice and worn about 4 times.

The first sock I used a double knot or magic knot using this tutorial from Jane Richmond:

 

 

Notes: These socks have not come undone. I really like this technique for joining yarns, but I don't think I will be using it for sock yarn again. The reason is those tiny knots show in your sock. While the sock is scrappy, I would just rather prefer a smoother finish.

The second sock I waited to weave in the ends at the end.

 

 

On my newest pair, I figured I would try two new techniques because why not? Scrappy socks in themselves are an experiment, so why not do a bit of trail and error to find out a new go-to method.

The first sock I used this technique from Dye Another Day:

 

 

Notes on this technique~ I feel very confident in my ends staying put. The technique is not quick by any means. Video tutorial explained in great detail and very clear. 

I am currently working on my second sock and trying this technique on weaving in ends as you go from Very Pink Knits:

 

 Notes~ This process is simple and clear. My fingers are crossed that the ends will not come undone, as there is a bit of uncertainty, yet it is much like weaving in at the end of your project. One thing I am noticing it that the stitches where I wove in sort of look like I did a slip1 knit1 stitch. Maybe that will sort itself out once it is soaked and block, but it doesn't really bother me.

So have any of you knit scrappy socks? If so what tried and true techniques did you use to manage your joins/ends?

Thank you, Michael for your question!

I hope you all have the best day today!

xo,

andi

 

September loves...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

The last couple of weeks have felt like a whirlwind some good some bad, but the best thing is that  I woke this morning. Changes are coming my way as in a few weeks I will be moving from my home, not far but still moving.  While I can look at it as a bad thing, I have chosen to look at it as I do knitting...filled with endless possibilities. 

 

 

The best part is that it will not change my blog which has been my connection to all you brilliant people. So why am I sharing my life change with you all? Well because you all are important and I never think for a minute that I am alone in my struggles or battles. I know there are those of you who have had life-altering happenings and share it with us all who read your blogs or other social media feeds. I can honestly say I draw inspiration from all that you share, making my transition that much easier.

 

 

With all the happenings, knitting has been sparse. I am sure it will pick up once things get settled. In the meantime I am continuing to sneak in those therapeutic stitches whenever I can.

So how about we visit blogland and get inspired?

 

• Behind the Ivy's Five Things on Wednesday brings me joy. I want to do this as I think we miss so many wonderful observations while we rush around our lives.
• Lene Alve's post on her Ziggurat sweater is brilliant.
• Love these Alpha socks by Tanis. I think they are the perfect pattern for a special man in your life. Now, If I am honest they would also look brilliant in pink for myself. :)
• The Teardrop Lake Shawl  is one of those patterns that you can't stop thinking of. Isn't it incredible?
• I love being able to add new baby knit ideas to my repertoire. A long time I knit a wool diaper cover but it was not even close to as lovely as the one Lena created.
• Knitters are so creative and generous, which is why this post where Jenise talks about maternity knitting tips  is brilliant.
• You all know how much I love it when you share your trip photos. Dianna has the loveliest post of her trip to Norway which gives me all the feels.
• Around this time of year feeds seemed to be filled with Rhinebeck sweaters. I love Karin's post on her Not Going to Rhinebeck sweater. :)
• Tahnee has knit the most beautiful Tegna, but that is not the only reason I love her most recent post. It is because the theme is how we all need to be kinder to ourselves.

 

Hope you enjoyed your visit to blogland. I will leave you with a song and wish you the best day today!

 

 

 

 

XO,

andi

Bring on the Fall knitting and colors...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Fall is here. I know there are many of the secretly and not so secretly believe that Fall begins on September 1st.  While I am not a fan of Christmas decorations being put out before Thanksgiving, I wholeheartedly support celebrating Fall when the calendar changes to September. :)

 

 

Knitting has come back to me as I have been feeling better. I got the correct medication and am on the right path. Thank goodness for doctors who listen, am I right? Before I forget thank you for all the well wishes and happy birthday wishes over the last two posts. You all really do my heart good.

Above is a sample test knit I am doing for designer Anne Podlesak. It is my first time working with Finullgarn and it is lovely.

 

 

Scrappy socks have had their turn whenever I needed a palette cleanser from the sample knit. Don't you think it is important to have a side project to go to when you need a change?

Despite having all the projects on the needles, there are certain Fall-like colored yarns in my stash that continue to beckon. For now I will ignore the pleas and be strong by working on my sample knit. Not saying it will be easy, as one of the main reasons I love Fall is because of the beautiful rich colors. Do you love Fall? If so, why?

Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

xo,

andi

Back to the knitting...

 

Hello there, loves! Happy Sunday. :) Thank you so much for all the well wishes. I am nearly at 100% now and could not be more grateful. While very little knitting happened, a few stitches were added to projects here and there. Most of last weekend and weeknights were spent cuddling with tea and Harry Potter marathons...which can never be bad, right?

 

 

My birthday was last Saturday and while I wasn't feeling so great, I was never not grateful because it could always be worse and at least I wasn't spending my time in the hospital. :) I was able to spend some time with my family, which was a gift in itself. Above is my new favorite birthday card from my sister- why, because she gets my humor.

 

 

Since I have nothing to show in the way of knitting, how about if I share with you this beautiful blanket my sister made for me for my birthday. It is the softest bundle of love! She also made me a pillow, but I have yet to get a good photo of it so I will share it with you next week.

Apologies again for delaying the drawing for the skein of Wooly Wonka Fibers...

Random number has spoken and the winner is~

 

 

No. 29

What a tough choice! I love the idea of Nimue Sock for a shawl, and "Black Forest" caught my eye immediately. But then there's Rhiannon Sock in "Carnivale", too...

Posted by: Floribunda

 

Congratulations, Floribunda! I will be emailing you shortly to get your mailing details. Thank you- Wooly Wonka Fibers for the beautiful prize donation!

 

Alright, loves time to leave you with a song and wish you the best day. 

 

 

XO

andi

Quick blog post...

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

Today has me feeling not so great, so this is going to be a quick post. You know you are not feeling good when you don't feel like knitting. :( I am going to rest up today and pray this goes away. I was supposed to draw for the winner of this giveaway today, but I am going to hold off until next Sunday. Hope that is ok.

Till next week I hope you have the best day today.

xo,

andi