Some Finishing, Frogging, and New Beginnings

Let’s get started with some finishing, then move on to some frogging and some new beginnings in my knitting.

Sorrel (Finishing)

I mentioned in my last post that Sorrel would be done very soon and here she is! This is the smallest of the three sizes in the pattern. All three of the sizes can be knit from one skein of Classic Merino Bamboo. I used 65g, which is about 320 yards, to make this size.

It is quick to knit and fairly simple for even newer knitters. You need to be comfortable with knitting in the round. The shaping is simple and the stitch pattern is only knit and purl. What I think the most special attribute of this design is that the range for wearing is flexible. It can be made a bit larger and be worn as a dress, but later as the baby grows it can still fit as a top.

Spiral Splash Socks (Frogging)

There is a story here.

When I began the Spiral Splash Socks in late January, I had a hard time choosing the size to make. My foot size was in between sizes 2 and 3. Size 2 began with 60 stitches and size 3 with 72 stitches. I know that socks that fit me best are 66-68 stitches but 64 can work too. It was with trepidation that I went for size 3.

Here’s the next problem I was worried about: the leg stitches increase after the cuff to 80/88 respectively for sizes 2/3. This is to account for the slipped stitches, I assume, to prevent them being to tight. This was feeling very wrong to me all the time I was knitting them. You know how it is though. You’ve already invested the hours and you hope if you keep going it will work out. Hint, it usually doesn’t. Trust your knitter instincts.

After I knit the heel flap and turned the heel, I tried them on. You can see how huge that leg is. My ankle was swimming in there. It was a little painful to do it, but I frogged them. I considered casting on the size 2, but I really don’t see how 8 stitches less was gonna help that leg section fit. They were way more than 1 inch too large. So, that brings me to the new beginnings part of my post.

Knitting Glittering Snowscape Socks and Dora (Beginnings)

I am using that same Dark Rose Classic Merino Superwash Sock yarn to make the Glittering Snowscape Socks by Stephen West. I am making the size 2 this time which begins with 64 stitches. I thought about going with a three color gradient, but then changed my mind. I am not in the mood for the extra fuss of color changing so I am just using the one color throughout.

My other cast on project is the Dora Cardigan in the large size. I showed you the yarn in my last post. I like to begin this sweater by knitting the sleeves. These are small and quick and work as a swatch too. I am spot on for the gauge on size 3 US (3.25mm) needles.

The sleeves are knit flat and then joined to the body stitches after that piece is knit to the underarm length. The raglan shaping forms the top section. The button bands are knit along with the body. When the knitting is complete, the sleeves are quick to seam and you stitch closed the underarm stitches at the same time.

I knit about 1-2 inches of the sweater body but I didn’t take a picture yet. I’ll show you next time. It will be big enough by then to see that lace better. I hope I will get some time to finish it while I am in Raleigh, NC this weekend.

I am leaving on Wednesday for the Carolina Fiber Fest. I am setting up the booth bright and early at 6am on Thursday. I received by booth number today, so if you are planning to come, look for me in booth 21.