Coralicious Socks & Kollage Yarns Sock-a-licious Part Two

Coralicious Sock part two.
So the foot is done, the heel is turned and the heel flap is made. The first photo is of the heel turn. For the most part I usually prefer a short row heel. But, this heel turn and heel flap is so comfortable and easy to knit that I have incorporated it into other toe up socks that I've made. My only suggestion is if you have a thin or smallish heel, when you begin the heel turn, go down a needle size. I've had to do that when knitting socks for a friend. It works out wonderfully. Then when the heel flap is finished go back to the original needle size. Look how great and smooth the heel turn is and it flows right into the heel flap.

This photo is of the connection of the gusset stitches and the heel. I would like to note here that the pattern calls for M1's. Paula uses the K1f&b but she suggests that you can use the M1 that you prefer.  When it comes to the decreases the pattern calls for the SSK and P2tog. Recently I learned a little trick to the SSK. The first stitch I slip as to purl, the second stitch I slip as to knit. I just like how it looks. If you haven't tried it before, now's the time.î

These photos are of the finished heel and heel flap. I also wanted to show you the instep. I wear a size 8 1/2 shoe if that helps give you a little idea of the sizing.

So now it's time to decide how many repeats to do for the leg and how much of a cuff will look good then bind off and cast on for the second sock. Another wonderful things about this pattern is that it is easy to customize. Everyone likes their socks a little different. Finished photos will be next!

Wandering around in pattern world

After I finished the Hemlock Ring I thought for sure I'd start a pattern that I had really had planed to do for a long time. But, NNNNOOOOO. Found out that I wasn't in the mood for it. Have you been at that place before? So I spent days going through Ravelry. Every pattern, everything I had in favorites, etc. Finally I thought ok, I just need to knit something, I don't care what it is. (not like I don't have a few things on the needles right now, but they didn't interest me either) So I started a Moebius scarf. Check out this really cool moebius pattern. It turned out really well. I will be making a lot of these for gift giving. The picture is about 2 rounds before I did the bind off.



So that filled the knitting appetite a little, but I was still hungry. So back to the search. A search that I was beginning to believe would not end. And to be honest, though I have picked up another project, it isn't the project that is taking care of the "one" project. The best that I can compare this to, it's like having a craving for your favorite food, and not getting it for a few weeks. You eat things that you like, but it isn't THE thing you crave. So in the mean time while I am searching the THE project I started the first block on a Barn Raising Quilt
by Shelley Mackie & Larissa Brown. You can find it here.




But check out this website. If you would like to participate in something and feel the need to give of yourself. This is the site for you. This knitalong is for you. Click here. For a short time the pattern will be available for free. This is a picture of SenoraFuerte’s version.



It's a wonderful pattern to cut your stash down to a manageable size. I'm using all my leftover sock yarns. This pattern can be done EVERYWHERE. I love it. Here is the start of my first block.

So while I wander around for THE pattern I will work block by block, sock by sock.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

From my heart to yours: I hope everyone has a very blessed New Year and that your lives are filled with love, that you are equipped to face everything that comes your way in 2009 and that experience joy beyond your wildest dreams.

On a quick knitting note. If you have seen my Ravelry page. You'll know how how excited I have been about these socks and how I couldn't wait to get them done. It's been a long time since I went nuts over a pattern, but I really like this pattern and the yarn I used. Knit Picks Felici turned out to be wonderful. Once I hand washed them and blocked the sock, that yarn got so soft. I love how it feels on my feet. So below are the finished pics.



Oh I have one more thing, I've never made socks from the toes up before. (Yes, again I'm the last knitter on earth who has not done toe up socks or done a short row heel,) but this morning I did the cast on for my first pair. Pictures of those are coming.

Quickie

Being under the weather always has a sweet side. That sweet side for me is that I have more time to knit. (I bet you all feel the same way too.) Anyway, I haven't had much of a chance to work on my Monkey Socks so that was my project to start with. Throughout the day I worked on everything that I have on the needles but these socks have my attention. Here is a picture of them. This was take the other day, but I wanted to share with you how they are looking with the Knit Picks Felici.

There are 4 of the lace rounds finished in the picture but I've finished the 5th round and I'm starting on the heel.

So it's back to knitting, letting the Day Quill work and sitting in my knitting chair.

Blessed be

I'm growing up

Yesterday I turned 51. I enjoyed turning 50 and being 50, but 51 has a kind of a lack luster feel to it. But, I had a wonderful day. My kids, I still call them kids, though they are 22 and 19, busted their butts to make sure I had a great birthday. I wish I could have taken pictures of the dinner my daughter fixed. OMG, Java crusted steaks with a perfect baked potato, veggies and all the trimmings. The steak melted in your mouth. It's officially my favorite steak in the world now. But I didn't take pictures because my camera is messed up. But little did I know that they had bought me a camera. It was ordered online and will be here today so I guess you can say that I'm still getting presents. LOL.

The other gift was something that I have wanted for a long time. The sock blank from Knit Picks. They also got me purple and a green Jacquard Acid Yarn dyes. I love those two colors together, it reminds me of Scottish Thistle.

We watched Iron Man, ate cake, (which I will post a picture in the next day or so, when my daughter sends me her pictures) and had just a fun, relaxed day. I will always have special memories of my birthdays with the kids. They make them the best gift of all.

Blessed Be

Some times it just makes you feel better

Like many knitters I need another book and yarn like a hole in the head, but some times it just makes you feel better. Getting a new book with new projects and then finding some yarn that perks you up and gets you excited again, about not just knitting but you find you are actually smiling late in the day when your ass is usually dragging. So some times even though you shouldn't have, and some times when your yarn stash is over flowing, it's a good thing to make the purchase. So here we are. this is what I got in the mail today.

and then I ordered this.

yup, it's Lorna's Laces Yarn: 2 skeins of Shepherd Sock #27 (Black Purl) 80% Superwash Wool, 20% Nylon. Out of all the socks I have made I have never used Lorna's Laces Yarn. So I'm treating myself. I can't wait till it arrives.