Monkey Socks

Well, I finished my monkey socks. I've knit these using Jaeger 100% wool fingering which I found in my stash. I have four more 50g balls of this yarn so will be making more socks with it. I'm planning on doing one pair in rib and another in plain stocking stitch. I'll be making a lot more socks in the coming months. As well as SAM3 I have also joined the 52 Pair Plunge KAL. The aim of this KAL is to knit 52 pairs of socks between 1 April 2007 and 1 April 2008. This could be the end of my sock obsession (or it could make it worse!). Wish me luck!

Yesterday I completed the first front of my Dollar and a Half Cardigan (Interweave Knits, Spring 2007), so I just have the second front (with the cable) and the sleeves to knit. It shouldn't take too long. I've found this a very quick knit. The lace pattern keeps me interested in knitting the cardigan, and I find myself knitting to either the end of, or start of the lace pattern in each session, so I probably end up doing more rows than I would if it was just plain stocking stitch.

I'm planning to spend this next week finishing off some WIP. I have a cardigan and a cushion cover that both just need stitching together, and a sweater that just needs the neck band doing and stitching together. These are all the WIPs I am currently admitting to.

Cat napping

Well I woke up this morning and what did I see? Two lovely cats napping with me!

Dollar and a Half Cardigan

I've started the Dollar and a Half Cardigan from Interweave Knits Spring 2007. I knew I had to knit this the minute I saw it. I am currently on a self-imposed 'finishing' session but couldn't resist this pattern. Here's how far I'm along at the moment.

Seedlings

I've just been watering my plants that I am starting off at home before transferring to the allotment. Some things are ok started off in the greenhouse which is unheated, but the more tender veg needs a bit of warmth to get going. Here's a photo of the mini garden in my dining room- lot's of tomatos. cucumbers, aubergines, sweet peas and dahlias.

More sock knitting

Yesterday was wet, wild and wintery in Liverpool. Lot's of rain, hail and snow so no allotmenteering for me. I had a walk to the plot with H at about 5pm just to check on how much damage had been done. The allotment site is on top of a hill so when it's windy there tends to be lot's of damage to greenhouses and sheds. I was quite lucky this time - just a couple of broken cloches.

We had also planned to watch the Paris Nice cycle race on the tv, so I had a good excuse to get my needles out. I finished the first sock of my second pair for SAM3, and started the next one. I could feel 'second sock syndrome' coming on, so knew I have to get started straightaway otherwise my first monkey would be very lonely for a long time. (I'm knitting 'monkey' by Cookie A)


Here is my first sock completed. I'm really enjoying knitting this pattern and will probably knit it again but with plain yarn so the pattern shows up more.



This is a close up of the cuff. The pattern shows up quite well when its on my foot and will probably be better when the sock is blocked.

The yarn I am using is Jaeger 100% pure wool fingering which I found in the depths of my stash last week. I really wanted to knit monkey and use this yarn. It was not the best choice as the yarn is a bit busy but I'm still pleased with the sock.

It's a half day in the Knitwise shop on a Wednesday so it usually rains in the afternoon! Yesterday the weather was on my side. It was a lovely afternoon, warm and sunny, perfect allotment weather. I spent half an hour in the garage making a trellis type contraption which will attach to the side of the shed. The plan is to grow sweet peas up this and over the shed.
I moved the lavender plants from between the shed and greenhouse and put them at the other
side of the greenhouse where there's more space for them. Last summer I couldn't use the path because the lavender had grown so big and was constantly covered in bees. I also started building a new coldframe between the shed and greenhouse out of recycled bricks and a windowframe. Doesn't sound great but looks okay.
Then I did my usual thing - went home, had a cup of tea, wrote a list of all the jobs that need doing at the allotment, almost had a panic attack so threw the list away.

Still finishing my blue beaded socks for SAM3. When I knitted the first sock I had a problem with the pattern I was using. The toe shaping wasn't quite right so I had to make a few adjustments. Of course I didn't make a note of what I had done so I ended up in the same situation with the second sock. I made three attempts at it last night before giving up. Tried again this morning and almost added the socks to my UFO's. Had a cup of tea with Teebo and fed the cats, and then somehow I figured it out and had the toes finished in 20 mins. Just got to graft the top and they're done.

It's a beautifully sunny early morning in Liverpool. I've fed the cats. That's why I'm up so early. The little black cat sent the big white cat upstairs to wake me. Viola (the big white cat) has a problem with her claws - they get stuck in things very easily, and she has to be rescued. When she wants your attention she'll claw something, get stuck and wait for you to say 'poor Vi' and rescue her. This morning she managed to get stuck in the side of the divan. It was impossible for me to release her by leaning over the side of the bed so I had to get out and do it. Her plan worked - once out of bed I was wide awake. Both cats are now outside eating. It's so early they'll be wanting their dinner mid-afternoon.
Everyone else is still in bed so I am planning to have a cup of tea and finish my first pair of socks for SAM3. These are not overly exciting - just a simple sock pattern with beaded cuff - but I fancied some beaded knitting and I am obsessed with socks.