Incoming!

I released another piece of Xmas knitting into the wild the other night! This means I can show you this specimen:This is the Interlocking Balloons scarf from Scarf Style, a scarf I had previously totally overlooked. It's the perfect guy-gift scarf! It's not boring and repetitive like some of the other guy-scarves out there, and it kept me busy for the better part of two weeks. I'm also pleased to say that it was very well-received, which makes me really happy.

Once this bit of Xmas knititng was out of the way, I decided that a small "break" was in order. In the interest of preserving my sanity I decided to start a sock pattern that didn't originate in the depths of my brain. Yep, with Red Bird Socks' Bird Foot, I'm just sitting back and enjoying the ride.Sure, I stalled around the beginning of the heel flap, but I'll pick them up soon, mainly because I just want to wear these socks. The extremely tacky (and annoyingly inescapable) working title -- The Richest Socks in Babylon -- stems from the combination of listening to too much Thievery Corporation and the "exotic" colour choices (KP Essential Sock Yarn in Pumpkin and KP Essential Kettle Dyed Sock Yarn in Bourdeaux Kettle.) I know, I know. Anyway.

So where does this leave me? Oh, with three mitten patterns in the works (technically four, if you want to be picky about it,) and a couple of sock patterns that also want out of my brain. It's getting crowded in here.

Xmas knitting ate my life

Yes, in the mad dash to finish my of Xmas knitting (some of which I can now actually show you,) these two new pattern releases fell by the wayside. You might have even been watching for them, wondering where they got to. Well, here they are: Trestle, and Guardian, available for purchase when you click their respective links...or grab them over in the sidebar to the right.

In case you've forgotten about them (or just don't feel like scrolling down,) I am happy to provide you with some visual aids:

One more time, Guardian...

...and Trestle.

Onto the Xmas knitting! The pattern is Ysolda's gorgeous Rose Red. This went to live with Adriana earlier this week.

Right-side up...

...and the equally-attractive underbelly.

Patons Classic Merino comes through for me once more. Also, considering that I knit the entire thing on entirely too-short dpns (circs and I tend not to play well together,) I think it came out ok.

I should also mention that there are new things in the works. When are there not new things in the works?! Recent correspodence with the aforementioned Adriana over the past couple of days has set things in motion. There will be things to see soon!

That's how I roll.

If only you could've seen me this past Saturday -- driving around downtown Detroit, my neck craned at an odd angle, twisted up under the windshield (on the passenger side, of course,) all to get a better view of this:A seemingly innocent Art Deco tilework detail on a poor, unsuspecting skyscraper. Little did it know that the deed had already been done! Gee, this is starting to just sound dirty.

In any event, the building in question is Detroit's Art Deco masterpiece, the Guardian Building. Built in 1928, it is a remarkable building and the jewel of the Detroit skyline...and now it's been immortalized as a Latvian-style colourwork mitten.These are the Guardian Mittens (Ravelry link.) That's the tilework motif there on the cuff, and the palm motif is taken from a diamond pattern on an ironwork grill closer to ground level. Yes, the cuff features three "terrifying" rows of three-colour knitting, but it's not so bad (and totally worth it -- I am in LOVE with the cuff.)

The pattern should be out any time now, and it will include instructions detailing how to knit these as fingerless gloves (handy for those who are also in love with the cuff motif,) as well as an alternate (but equally Art Deco) colourway for those who don't want to sport the exact colours of the actual building on their hands (yes, I do understand that not everyone wants to look like a building from the 1920s.)

Taking something huge, public, gorgeous and built of brick and tile 80 years ago and turning it into something small, wearable, gorgeous and made of wool in 2008 -- that's how I roll.

One more sock!

So much for being uninspired by socks! I'd avoided them for months and now in just under 30 days I've banged out four new ones (now, to be fair, two were half-started and the other two were so much fun to knit I couldn't keep my hands off them. Anyway.) It's like I'm celebrating Sockvember over here. Too bad there's no such thing as Sockvember!

In any event, much to my own astonishment, these fell off my needles yesterday:Yes, it's Trestle (Ravelry link.) Poor, neglected, and perennially ignored Trestle (you do recall the trestle they're named after, right?) I gave the pattern a (much-deserved) makeover which luckily was enough to catch my interest long enough to polish it off. The pattern should be out before the end of the month.

I find myself wandering back into the realm of concept-mittens. You've been warned! As soon as there is something to see, I'll show you -- promise.

When it rains it pours (socks!)

Are you sick of the new sock patterns yet? Huh? Are you??

Maybe you shouldn't answer that.

Hey, look! Mokira's (Ravelry link) done!A pretty, minimalistic lace sock perfect for those who are new to lace (or to fancy sock-knitting.) Lacy fronds wave down the leg from cuff to toe, lending gentle movement to the large portions of regular Stockinette stitches in between. If only all lace socks were this easy! Pick up the pattern right over here on Ravelry, and in a day or so in my Etsy shop.

You know the drill by now:

Size: Women’s Medium (or any foot/leg that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 8 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: 1 skein of Dream In Color Smooshy (450 y / 100 g) in Good Luck Jade or the equivalent amount of any other comparable fingering weight yarn.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 2 (2.75 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, lace, twisted stitches, chart reading and grafting.

I'm sure that you'll all be shocked and appalled to hear that there is another new sock on the needles. To tell the truth, it's an old sock that is finally getting its due, after being overlooked for, oh, I don't know...a year and a half? Any guesses? You'll find out soon!

Back on the socks...

Oh, and I'm back on them hard. They are just flying off my needles these days!

First off, I figured I should let you all know that Heart of December (Ravelry link) has been released. Here's a better picture of the socks: And here's a better view of the top of the sock, to show off the twin vines with their garter stitch leaves twining down the foot: Don't forget that you can grab the pattern over to the left or right over here. It should be turning up in my Etsy shop shortly.

As usual, here are the things you might like to know about Heart of December:

Size: Women’s Medium (or any foot/leg that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 8 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Knit Picks Gloss (220 y / 50 g) in Dusk or the equivalent amount of any other comparable fingering weight yarn.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 2 (2.75 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, lace, twisted stitches, chart reading and grafting.

And because I really have no sense of when to say "when," feast your eyes on these:This is Mokira (Ravlery link), yes, another new sock! Watch for him to come out before the end of this week (before 23 November 2008, that is.) Would you believe that he's my 20th knitting pattern? I can hardly believe it, myself! I told you I didn't know when to stop!

A sneaky peek.

I'm so glad you came
I'm so glad you remembered
the walking through walls in the heart of December...
~"Last Dance," The CureNew sock! Better pictures are on the way. This one's called Heart of December (Ravlery link.) I blame Robert Smith. This is not the first time he's turned up in my knitting (please pardon my Rav-link.)

But back to the sock! This is a new pattern of mine, which will be released into the wild before Thursday, 20 November 2008, in plenty of time for you to bang out a pair for your holiday knitting. Seriously, it's been a long time since I've knit a sock that was this much fun. I just couldn't put it down, it was that enjoyable.

As always, stay tuned for more sock-info.

The Penelo sock pattern is ready!

It's Saturday, the Penelo sock pattern (Ravelry link) has been released, as promised!Penelo is a pretty sock with a tiny bit of lace and a lot of texture. Seed stitch diamonds alternate from cuff to toe, providing an ideal way to showcase your favourite solid or semi-solid sock yarn. For these socks, the gorgeously striping Trekking (XXL) is a must!

Yes, Penelo looks fancy and lacy and complicated, but she's really a straight-forward kind of girl. There are no odd stitches or even techniques like cabling hidden within this pattern -- it's all basic stitches. She'd be a great first fancy sock for knitters who only knit plain socks!

You can pick up Penelo on Ravelry here or at my Etsy shop right over here.

Here's some more interesting information about Penelo:

The pattern is a clear, concise, 4-page .pdf file with large charts and images.

Size: Women’s Medium (or any foot/leg that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 8 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: 1 skein of Zitron Trekking (XXL) (459 y / 100 g) in colourway 147 or the equivalent amount of any other comparable fingering weight yarn.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 2 (2.75 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, lace, twisted stitches, chart reading and grafting. No cabling skills are required in the making of this sock.

It feels good to be back on the socks again. I'm working on another new sock as well, so you'll have more sock content soon!

A better view...

...of Penelo (Ravelry link), as promised:The pattern is coming along nicely! At this point it may very well be released before the weekend. I'll have to see how it goes.

Haunted by socks.

It's been forever since I even thought about her (or socks in general,) but do you recall me talking about Penelo (Ravelry link) a little while back? How about a visual aid to jog your memory: Well, she's done! I surprised myself and finished her off today. The pattern is going to be released sometime this weekend (8 - 9 November 2008.) I would have provided a more recent picture but I lost the light before I had the chance to take one tonight. Expect proper pictures to appear shortly.

So there you go -- some sock content at long last. There may be more to come, as well!

Heather's Mittens -- your early present!

There may be a couple of months remaining until the holiday season proper, but here's a gift for you today:Yes, the pattern for Heather's Mittens (on Ravelry) has just been released. Grab it here or over here on Ravlery. As promised, instructions are provided to make both regular and fingerless mittens. I know some of you prefer the latter over the former, so I'm happy to oblige.

These mitts go up very quickly making them a gret addition to your holiday knitting. Go on and grab that pattern!

More info about my gift to all y'all...

Progress continues on the new, free mitten pattern:At this point, she just needs a thumb. Did I mention that the pattern is going to feature instructions on how to make these as a pair of fingerless mittens? The gifting potential just increased tenfold! Oh, and her name is Heather, after (unsurprisingly,) Heather. Look for the pattern on Saturday, 25 October 2008. It would be finished tomorrow night if I wasn't going to a DAVID BYRNE show.
Viva Señor Byrne!

Don't forget to swing by here (or on Ravelry) on Saturday for that new pattern!

Just a wee taste!

This should tide you over...

What you see up there is the beginnings of my latest mitten, but there's a twist -- it's going to be a FREE mitten pattern! This will be my present to all you lovely knitters for the 2008 holiday season.

Look for the pattern by 1 November 2008 at the very, very latest (it will most likely surface this week -- 19 - 25 October.) You will have plenty of time to make a pair for yourself or for someone special this holiday season!

I hope you've enjoyed this little nibble!

Phedre's ready -- knit as thou wilt!

Where the mittens can't, won't, don't stop:This is Phedre, my newest mitten. Her pattern's just been released and you can pick it up both here on Ravelry and here on Etsy, in plenty of time for your holiday/winter knitting.

Here's her palm, complete with hidden thumb:I'm sure that some of you only have to look at this mitten to immediately get the reference, but for the sake of the uninitiated (among whom I numbered a scant couple of months ago) I will explain. I've already told you about how I can hardly see, do or read anything without thinking of how it would translate into mitten-form, and this mittens is further proof of that fact. Well, I've been reading Jacqueline Carey’s Legacy of Kushiel series, which features the heroine Phèdre. Phèdre's entire back is tattooed with a briar rose motif (her "marque,") which denotes that she has pledged herself as a sacred courtesan. I just couldn't resist being presented with such a distinctive and pretty symbol and I knew, fairly early on, that I would have to work it into a mitten.

PLEASE NOTE: NO SPOILERS PLEASE! I have not yet finished reading the entire Kushiel series! At this point, however, I am nearly finished reading Kushiel's Avatar, which is the third book in the series.

Here are some other things that you might like to know about Phedre:

The pattern is a clear, concise, 4-page .pdf file with large charts and images.

Size: Women’s Medium (or any hand that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 10 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: One ball of Knit Picks’ Palette (231yd / 50g) in both of the following colours: Garnet Heather (MC) and Black (CC,) or any other fingering yarn in these colours or colours of your choice, and a 15” piece of waste yarn of the same weight in a contrasting colour to hold the thumb stitches.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 0 (2 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, stranded knitting, the tiniest bit of lace knitting, and chart reading.

I hope you like the mittens! Knit as thou wilt!

On inspiration.

I'm beginning to think that I have a serous problem -- I can barely look at anything, be it textures, colours or any combination thereof without wondering how these elements woulds come together in a mitten. No shape, colour or texture is exempt from undergoing this process within my brain; it just happens.

I suppose if I were anyone other than me (and by this I mean forever destined to take the long, difficult path and then once done turn around and see the obvious, simple one) these urges would find no need to be expressed in mitten-form. I'm guessing that other people would just pick up pen or brush or clay and set about committing those shapes, colours and textures that seem so important to paper, canvas or clay respectively in a timely manner without having to make thousands of tiny stitches in the process (I actually did the math the other day -- I was appalled to find out how many stitches are actually in a pair of mittens knit on 2 mm needles. This knowledge, however, has not staunched the urge to continue producing such mittens. Long and difficult, indeed.)

Moreover, I find myself stopping and considering the most unlikely of things, on the off-chance that they might prove to be the next somethings that I'll need to deal with. Take the simple act of doing the laundry. Dirty shirts go in the wash, clean ones come out. Those clean shirts end up on the chair in the front room waiting to be folded. It's time for me to pull myself away from whatever else I'm doing for some quality folding-time......and I freeze. I'm too busy staring at the colours on the chair, the random way in which the laundry was taken out of the basket and laid there, waiting to be put away. Clearly this needs to be properly documented before this fortuitous spectacle (or clean t-shirts, to the rest of the world,) is broken up and put into its dresser drawers!

So, yes, I stood there and took pictures of my laundry. Allow me to warn you that if you do this the people you live with may look at you strangely (in some cases, more strangely. Anyway.) If this colour combination turns up in a mitten, please do not be terribly surprised -- my brain's already working away at this one.

And speaking of mittens, because how can I not have a new mitten on the needles or freshly released these days, there's another one coming this weekend:This is Phèdre (Ravelry link.) She'll be out this weekend. You might recognize her from Jacqueline Carey's Legacy of Kushiel series. Please note -- I have not yet finished reading this series, so PLEASE, no spoilers from those of you who have, thanks! I'll let you all know the second the pattern's out, as usual. Now I'm off to go tackle another mitten...it truly never ends.

The NEW Wintertime for Adriana mittens are on the loose!

If I'm not careful, I'm going to OD on mittens.
Hah! Who am I kidding?! I love them to bits, and these ones in particular!

My friend Adriana has an annual tradtion where she knits a strictly seasonal project every holidau season. Usually this project ends up being a pair of socks, but this year she decided that a pair of mittens was in order. More specifically, she decided that a pair of mittens designed by me for her was especially in order. I was only to happy to comply, and these are the result -- Wintertime for Adriana (Ravelry link): Mittens that are classic without being stuffy and seasonal without being cloying. These are the perfect mittens to wear while on your holiday visits or to give to the people you're visiting.

Here are some other things that you might like to know about Wintertime for Adriana:

The pattern is a clear, concise, 4-page .pdf file with large charts and images.

Size: Women’s Medium (or any hand that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 10 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: One ball of Knit Picks’ Palette (231yd / 50g) in each of the following colours: Spearmint (Main Colour -- MC,) and the following Contrast Colours (CC): Blush (CA,) Red (CB,) Garnet Heather (CD,) Ivy (CE) and Cream (CF.) Note – Knit Picks Palette in Red been discontinued. Please substitute with Knit Picks’ Palette in Pimento (CB,) if necessary to preserve the original colour scheme. Alternately, any other fingering yarn in these colours or colours of your choice may be used. A 15” piece of waste yarn of the same weight in a contrasting colour to hold the thumb stitches is also required.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 0 (2 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, stranded knitting, twisted stitches, and chart reading.

Enjoy the new mittens! I'll be back soon, with yet another mitteny offering -- I'm just waiting for the yarn to arrive in the mail.

The Swedish Fish pattern is ready!

Just as promised, here is the Swedish Fish mitten pattern (Ravelry link), ready to swim home with you. Why not spice up your holiday knitting this season by trying the fish? You can catch the pattern here on Etsy or here on Ravelry.

Bands of colourful, funky fish frolic across these unique mittens. The pattern is easily memorized so the knitting moves quickly and the colours are irresistible! Go on, try the fish!

Here are some other things you might like to know about the Swedish Fish:

The pattern is a clear, concise, 4-page .pdf file with large charts and images, which I will send via your PayPal email address as soon as I possibly can.

Size: Women’s Medium (or any hand that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 10 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: One ball of Knit Picks’ Palette (231yd / 50g) in each of the following colours: Twig (Main Colour -- MC,) and the following Contrast Colours (CC) : Red (CA,) Yellow (CB,) Green (CD,) Iris Heather (CE,) Garnet Heather (CF) and Golden Heather (CG.) Note – Twig, Red, Yellow and Green have been discontinued. The following substitutions may be used: Knit Picks’ Palette in Doe (MC,) Pimento (CA,) Semolina (CB) and Clover (CD) to preserve the original colour scheme. Alternately, any other fingering yarn in these colours or colours of your choice may be used. A 15” piece of waste yarn of the same weight in a contrasting colour to hold the thumb stitches is also required.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 0 (2 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, stranded knitting, twisted stitches, and chart reading.

Enjoy the fishies!

Because you might like to see a new mitten.

Here's more of the new mitten, called Wintertime For Adriana (Ravelry link): It's really coming along well! I'm just putting the thumb in now.

I'm in hiding from my Xmas knitting! I don't even want to think about it yet! It may involve lots of lacy scarves!

Go on, try the fish!

Hey! Look what's finished...
Yes, it's a Swedish Fish mitten (Ravelry link). The pattern will be available by this weekend (September 20-21!)

And...another mitten just might be happening....and it just might be Adriana's fault. She's wanted me to design a mitten for her for quite some time, now, so here we go:There's not that much to see yet, but I'm pleased with it so far.

The Willistead mitten pattern is out!

Just in time to start your Xmas knitting, here's the Willistead pattern (Ravelry link,) ready to go! You can pick it up here on Etsy or over here on Ravelry.Colourwork mittens inspired by a walk in Willistead park in Windsor, Ontario past the lovely old Art Nouveau ironwork gates. Every motif on these mittens is an painstakingly accurate reproducton of the motifs on that gate.

Since this mitten only requires one to use two colours of yarn on every row it is an ideal project for those new to colourwork.

Here are some other things you might like to know about Willistead:

The pattern is a clear, concise, 4-page .pdf file with large charts and images.

Size: Women’s Medium (or any hand that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 10 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: One ball of Knit Picks’ Palette (231yd / 50g) in each of the following colours: Green Tea Heather (MC) and Calypso Heather (CC,) or any other fingering yarn in these colours or colours of your choice, and a 15” piece of waste yarn of the same weight in a contrasting colour to hold the thumb stitches.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 0 (2 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, stranded knitting, twisted stitches, and chart reading.

Enjoy the mittens!

Let me show you something!

I apologize if it seems my blog is turning into a great big commercial for the things I make, but here we go again. I've added some of my handspun to my Etsy shop as well as (get this,)

SOCKS.

That's right. Socks. A for-reals fully-knit pair of socks. An instant holiday gift, for you or for someone you care about, and you won't even have to put needles to yarn to get it.

But it gets fancier, right? These are more than mere socks -- they're spindle socks. That means that I spun every ounce of yarn that went into these socks myself, on my drop spindle. I never did count how many hours that took me (and I don't want to think about it too much, really,) but I'd say that the end result is definitely worth it.

But maybe you don't want a finished pair of socks. Maybe you are in love with the colours in my spindle socks but would prefer to make a pair of your own. Should this be the case, I have something to show you:

Spindle-spun sock yarn, the very same yarn that I spun and used to make my spindle socks. 100g of it, ready to go right over here.

There's other handspun up there as well, spun from Fleece Artist slivers. Here, have an Etsy widget:

And look what the fishies are up to now:

Domovina sock pattern is now available.

It's a lovely, grey afternoon that practically begs one to sit down and start a new pair of classic, autumnal socks. Well, have I got a sock pattern for you, just in time for the change in season (c'mon, Fall!)
Domovina (Ravelry link) is up, out and ready for you to make your own pair. Just wander on over to the sidebar for the relevant Ravelry and Etsy links.Here are some other important things you might like to know about Domovina:

Folky peasant sampler-socks featuring a variety of techniques in palatable amounts (perfect for those new to colourwork and/or cables.) Go on and learn something new! An ideal blend of the rustic and dressy, these are the perfect socks for Fall!

Size: Women’s Medium (or any foot/leg that is 8” in circumference.)

Gauge: 9 stitches = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in Stockinette st.

Yarn: To make socks as shown, 2 skeins of Patons Kroy Socks 4 ply (192yd / 50 g) in Mercury (Main Colour – MC) and less than half of 1 skein of Handmaiden Fine Yarn Casbah Sock (355 yd / 115 g) in Blackberry (Contrast Colour – CC), or any other comparable fingering weight yarns that compliment each other.

Needles: One set of five (5) double pointed needles in US 1 (2.25 mm) or size necessary to obtain gauge.

Notions: A stitch marker to mark beginning of round (optional,) a cable needle (also optional,) and a sewing needle to weave in ends.

Skills Needed: Knitting in the round, twisted stitches, chart reading, colourwork, cabling and grafting.

Enjoy the new pattern...Willistead (Ravelry link) is going to be the next pattern out!

Thinking outside the bowl.

Here's the final chapter in what might be my Most-Documented Project EVER:Yes, the second Willistead (Ravelry link) mitten is done! The next time you see these handsome fellows on here it'll be announcing the publication of their pattern. For those anxiously awaiting that day, it will be soon! I've just gotta get Domovina (Ravelry link) out there first. With any luck, she'll be out tonight!

Now look what jumped out of the bowl and onto the needles this morning: Yes, it's another pair of mittens, which are looking slightly Rastafarian this early in the game. Expect this effect to be dimished somewhat as there are more colours yet to be added.

I'm off to work on Domovina. Wish me speedy charting!

Sleepy! Ringing! New Yarn!

Work on Willistead's mate (Ravelry link) continues, albeit slowly. I cast on for him yesterday and started the cuff, but I had a show to attend, so I had to put him down for the evening. Said show was just about the loudest one I've ever seen and I did not leave unscathed. My poor ears are still ringing slightly now -- I should also mention that I was at the back of the venue. So between being sleepy and ringing, today was a particularly unproductive knitting day, as is evidenced here: I barely made it into the colourwork portion of the cuff. Rest assured, though, when this mitten starts going up it'll go up fast and be over before I know it. Round about that time (if not sooner) the pattern will be released and then anyone and everyone can make their very own pair of Willisteads (fingers crossed that this day is not too far off.)

Oh, and look what came in the mail today, courtesy of the effervescent Bertha:Right to left, that's Yarntini sock yarn in Gimlet and precious, precious Sock Hop in Magic Carpet Ride. The latter might be the only yarn I have ever encountered that I honestly do not want to knit. I mean, I will, eventually, I'm sure of it. But for now I'm leaving it be. Thanks so much, Bertha!

Bertha and I recently we did a swap where I traded her one completely knit Dream Twister sock and the rest of the yarn required to knit the mate in exchange for sock yarn. You've already met my new yarn, so Here's her new sock: This is one intense sock, and I was happy to only have to knit one of them. I think Bertha will be pleased to only have to knit one of them, too! Enjoy your sock, lady!

One finished fancy mitten.

Hey, I finished the mitten! He's even been steamed and pressed so he's looking his best. Meet Willistead (Ravelry link):

This is his back:

and here's his palm:

Now I'm working on his mate, who will hopefully go up as quickly as he did.

In other news, I'm off to see Spiritualized tonight! I can hardly wait!

How that mitten's grown!

Yesterday's mittens grew a bit today. With any luck it'll be finished in no time at all! It'll look even better once it's pressed.

Here's the back:


and the palm:


Now I can't decide whether I should just keep at it and see how much more mitten I can produce today, or whether I've earned myself a night off.

Sneak peek!

Hey, it's something new! This is actually its third incarnation, and hopefully, its last. I've been carrying around this concept since a pleasant summer evening in July. I really need to get this one out of my system.

Yes, it's posed like a sock, but it's a mitten -- a very young, incipient mitten. Be gentle with it!

Here is the back (back of hand) of the cuff:and here is the front (palm) of the same cuff: The yarn is Knit Picks Palette in Green Tea Heather and Calypso Heather. Try as I might I just can't keep away from Palette. The new heathered shades they've released for the Fall are irrestible!

And just so you know that I haven't totally forgotten about poor Penelo (Ravelry link), I'll have you know that she had a whole gusset yesterday! The only thing was that I looked down and noticed that her pattern wasn't properly staggered. I took a deep breath and ripped her back two glorious inches. I hope to have this mitt done soon so I can get back to her next week.

Domovina just doesn't quit!

Oh no, they don't. Domovina (Ravelry link) are the socks that just keep on giving, especially if you're keen on ending up with a pair of folky, cozy socks.They feature all kinds of fun details, such as the cabled cuff and colourwork leg. Handpainted yarn used as the contrast colour adds a bit of spark, though I suspect that a solid colour would be equally lovely. The leg has handy "seam" stitches down the sides to eliminate the inevitable jog at the ends of rounds. I just love how neat and tidy they look.
The foot does away with colourwork entirely and sports moss stitch "seams" and a wiggly little twist stitch cable down the middle just to keep it interesting.

Yes, these socks are a bit technique-heavy, but strangely, that actually speeds up the process. The techniques keep you engaged! Also, as a sampler, Domovina gives you the chance to try both colourwork and twist stich techniques in small, palatable doses without committing to a gigantic, complicated project.

I still can't believe that I finished this sock today. This morning it didn't even have a gusset! The pattern is going to follow shortly, which means we're even closer now to actually seeing Penelo (Ravelry link) released as well. And the new purple-and-green-thing, too.

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

Mainly because because I love both David Byrne and Brian Eno, and just because I can, here's Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, their most recent offering in it's glorious, streaming entirety.

Did you catch the two Simon and Garfunkel references in the first track?

The new record is amazing, and I've already got my tickets lined up to see David Byrne play Ann Arbor, MI this October. This tour is going to be extra special, since he's only touring the songs that he and Brian Eno have collaborated on. So yes, this means my three favourite Talking Heads records, More Songs About Buildings and Food, Fear of Music, and Remain in Light will receive pride of place! No, Mr. Eno will not be in attendance, much to my chagrin. I will just have to make do with the inimitable Mr. Byrne. The punishment, as they say, is not too bad.

It's a Something!

There's been lots of starting but not too much finishing round these parts lately. Here's the most recently finished Something:It's a...swatch, but it's a special swatch! It's made from an odd ball of Heather's handspun, and while the wpi and exact yardage remain a mystery, it matters little because it's gorgeous. My fingers are crossed that I get the chance to play with more Heatherspun one day soon. Now the question is, what to do with the swatch? Do I leave it as is, and sew it up, line it and give it a strap and call it a bag? Should I turn it into a clutch or a pouch? Should I felt it to within an inch of its life and then turn it into a similar accessory? I suppose I could leave it as is, wait for more Heatherspun to drop into my life, pick up the stitches and continue on as an amazing, eclectic and totally random scarf. I have no idea at this point -- perhaps I should just stash it away and go back to it later.

The other main finished object around here is the first of the FroggySox: It's green, and it's fuzzy, and BOY, does that bit of alpaca make for a warm, soft sock. Number two's been put on hold, because I've had a Visitor from the Bottom of the Basket.

Remember this? You might not, because she appeared a while back and then disappeared almost as quickly. She did have a brief appearance in my last post, but she didn't really get the attention that she deserved. Her name is Penelo (Ravelry link): All she needs is a foot and she's done. The pattern will follow shortly.

And here I am, mired once again in the middle of purple and green. There's another very special purple-and-green offering on the way, if I can ever get around to working on it. Must keep on track!