More Show, Less Tell

Despite some worries I had earlier on in the year regarding whether or not my sock knitting had taken a back seat to my baby knitting, it turns out that 'Ms. Overly-Dramatic' (that's me) needn't stress anymore. Turns out... that my sock knitting mojo is still entirely intact.

Need proof?

Pfft.

Not a problem.

After finishing these puppies, I realize that no matter how soft and gooey finishing a baby sweater makes me feel (Oh, come on! It's a miniature sweater! SO! CUTE!) I still find that knitting two socks, that actually slightly resemble the same size as one another is the most satisfying thing to ever come off the needles.

That's right.

EVER.

Especially when they fit ME.

This kind of fun just never gets old.

However... I realize that reading about yet another pair of plain vanilla socks might start to get a little tiresome after a while... So I'll keep this post short on words, and heavy on pictures.

I always tended towards books that were heavy on the pictures anyway.

Details? (For those of you that haven't given up on the reading part of this just yet)

Yarn- Misti Alpaca Sock in colourway 'Reggaeton' (coming soon to a Mary's Yarns near you!) 50% alpaca, 30% merino, 10% nylon, 10% silk
Needles- 2.5mm
Pattern- It's in my head
Soft Factor- SO soft. I can`t wait for boot season! These will be ridiculous.

And so my friends (who are readers), since I tend to end off each post with a flower picture for you (especially this time of year!), I thought I'd share what I carried down the aisle as a bridesmaid last weekend instead of some lovely flowers.

Something not quite as fragrant, but something that is still completely lovely.

Glorious, Glorious Garter Stitch

When I cast this project on, I knew that it would be a bit of an undertaking, but a pretty straight forward, easy-peasy kind of undertaking? Right?

 

Well, yeah... sort of.

While it was pretty easy (not going to lie), it wasn't as easy as I'd hoped. Garter stitch can be one temperamental son-of-a-gun when it wants to be! But I found that once I stepped back from it (and gave it the occasional 'time out'), I realized that it really wasn't so bad.

We knitters just often get to be way too close to our knitting, thus in turn making us way too critical. (Why are we so hard on ourselves anyway!?!?? Isn't this supposed to be a relaxing sport?)

Not only did I find myself a bit discouraged in regards to the quality of my work... but the hours. OH! The hours! I lost track (not that I ever keep track...) after about hour fourteen ka-jillion.

Having said all of that however, was it worth it? All that time and frustration?


Well yeah... It kind of was.

And would I do it again?

Well yeah... I think I would.

At the end of it all, I really and truly love this thing.

It almost makes me wish it was freezing cold outside again. (Yeah. I said it. So sue me.) 

It's just so dang versatile!

No joke. This feels like some kind of heaven.

And just so huge!

A customer knit one of these up and said that her husband uses it for his afternoon naps.

He sounds like my kind of guy.

See? It's massive.

Especially if after his nap he agrees to take her out for a lovely dinner so she can throw it casually over her shoulder like this.

Yeah... Totally terrible picture, I get it.
But I just want to show you that there are options!!! OK?

 

My soon-to-be-brother-in-law would appreciate the multi-functionality of this piece. Perhaps I should consider making another one for him as a wedding gift?

Details you might just want to know (in case, you know, you also have about fourteen ka-jillion hours that you're looking to kill, or you need a wedding gift).

Yarn- 9 balls of Sandnesgarn Mini Alpakka in shade 2025
Needles- 4.5mm
Pattern- This one! (Go on! It's free!)

So dear knitters, despite the hot, hot heat, I pulled this off. I knit the biggest piece of garter stitch I have ever knit out of one of the warmest fibres out there.

But since it might be a little too toasty out there to wear it these days... (but clearly not too toasty to knit!)

I guess I'll just have to sit back and enjoy those beautiful yellow sunflowers until it's time to toss my new yellow wrap around my shoulders.

Stay cool!

Nesting

This past weekend, I took the opportunity to 'nest'. My dear man was out of town and I made a point of making absolutely no plans, all in the name of getting through some knitting (and cooking... and cleaning... and laundry... you get it, right?). And you know what? It was successful. I knit until my needles wore out (and my house is pleasantly tidier). It's funny how rare weekends like these are... especially in the warmer months! There's another barbeque, pool party or wedding around every corner! (Not that I'm complaining of course...)

The only exception to my 'no plans' rule however, was a great big ol' family dinner on Sunday night, prepared by none other than Mother Mary herself (and those who know her cooking, know what a treat it is to eat one of her dinners!).

As is usually the case in my family, we all threw on our sandals and strolled down to the garden after dinner to check out what was going on with all of the plants and animals.

While plucking raspberries off of the raspberry bush, what do you think I happened to stumble upon??? But a mother duck who was also nesting! As it turns out, I am not the only one who likes to nest when it's this this stupid-hot out. Looks like in just 12 short days from now (give or take), my parent's pet duck Clark is going to be a father! His girlfriend Lois was sitting pretty amongst those raspberries like one proud momma atop of some beautiful, warm, baby eggs.

What a wonderful and welcomed addition to the family that will be.

Shame she has been so resistant to picking up the art of knitting... she could have had those 12 baby ducks outfitted in no time! Clearly, she missed the memo that told her how nesting works wonders for one's knitting production.

As for my 'nesting knitting'... progress report to come.

Growing Garter Stitch

After discovering that my garter stitch is far from perfect, I reminded myself that it's practice that makes better (I'm not going to aim for perfect... no one's perfect!).

So as evidenced in the photo below...

The garter stitch continues to grow.

Aaaaand... have I noticed much improvement over the miles and miles of yarn knit? 

Not in the least.

I have a hunch that this garter stitch rectangle is going to be epic if I hope to see any sort of improvements.

Happy hollyhock season everyone!

Black Socks

They never get dirty.

Yarn- 2 balls of Waikiwi by Naturally (amazingly beautiful yarn FYI)

 The longer you wear them,

Needles- 2.5 mm

 The stronger they get.

Pattern- It's in my head

 Sometimes, I think I should wash them.

But something inside me says....

No, no, not yet...

Not yet...

Not yet...

Blossom Everyday

I'm no fashion blogger (and you readers surely know that by now), but the fabulous shop 'Blossom Lounge' asked if I would like to be be featured on their weekly 'Style File', a weekly style profile that they do on their blog 'Blossom Everyday'.

My answer? Naturally, yes! How flattering!


And while I'm no fashion plate (not like the girls at Blossom are), I can't help but feel a little bit excited that the art of knitting somehow found it's way onto a blog like theirs.

Photo courtesy of Blossom Lounge

Click here to read the full post.

Photo courtesy of Blossom Lounge

And for those of you wondering... the bright blue top I'm wearing is a very recent Blossom purchase. As is pretty much every bottle of nail polish that I own...


Be sure to stop by their website- and their shop!

Thank you Blossom Lounge!

xo