I've been wanting to start some patterned mittens but in my usual OCD way, I've been spending way too much time musing over the best pattern to start with, how to maintain proper tension using lightweight yarn with boney fingers, on and on. I finally realized that what really was nagging at me was the prospect of starting a mitten, working out these issues, and then trying to make a second, matching mitten. Lightbulb moment. I decided to put off the mittens, (just for a bit, Sandy) and start something else that would give me experience, wouldn't have to have a matching mate and could be used. (I'm a New England girl. Love the idea of everything being useful.)
Using Lambs Pride worsted (which isn't slipping through my fingers), I'm definitely getting the hang of two color knitting while making a patterned sock to use as a holiday decoration. This pattern from Folk Knitting In Estonia was the perfect beginner's choice because it regularly alternates patterned and plain rows. I'm quickly feeling more comfortable with the two colors and the uneven tension in the first few inches won't make any difference since this won't be worn, only displayed. I'm having fun with it...no stress! Love it!
Despite the knitting progress, I'm feeling the pull of my neglected quilting projects. Nothing to share on that front this week, so I'm going to link to a few things I've seen this week that you might have missed.
- I love Diane's polka dotty quilt, in progress. I'll be keeping an eye on this project.
- If you're a quilter and don't read the knit blogs, you may have missed Bonne Marie's post about the Fine Art in Fiber Show in Chicago. Check out that green quilt!
- And for a unique advent calendar idea, look at Teresa's clever creations. Those are small cookie sheets!! (Scroll down to the bottom of the post.)
I just glanced out the window and it's snowing. Must dart out to the Post Office...packages to mail!!
* I had so many inquiries about the pillowcase pattern, I typed up the instructions and will email them to anyone who'd like them. Just ask!
What a great start! I love the red and white together.
Posted by: kelli | November 16, 2005 at 11:34 AM
I'd love to have the pillowcase instructions.
Thanks!
Posted by: ~ bridgette ~ | November 16, 2005 at 12:08 PM
That cuff is looking really beautiful. Great work.
Posted by: Cassie | November 16, 2005 at 01:13 PM
That sock looks great and I love the idea of knitting just one as a Christmas decoration. Clever! (And, Hi!, I think this is my first comment here. Norma sent me.)
Posted by: Carole | November 16, 2005 at 01:46 PM
Oh, it's BEAUTIFUL. That's LP worsted?!
Posted by: Norma | November 16, 2005 at 01:47 PM
Ha! Genius! Perfect! One sock! And how brilliant is it that you thought of it _before_ the holidays? Imagine if it'd been last February that you thought of making a holiday stocking for practice.
I think I might trade you for the snow; we've got 70-degree weather here ("here" being the Northeast, in mid-November) and wind like I don't believe...
Posted by: Cordelia | November 16, 2005 at 03:00 PM
Your holiday sock encapsulates all that's perfectly neat and tidy. Love it! Oh, and I'll take one of your pillow case instructions since you're handing them out.
Posted by: Julie | November 16, 2005 at 03:34 PM
Those are awesome! Soo cute!
Posted by: brit | November 16, 2005 at 04:28 PM
Packages? PACKAGES!? Hope you made it to the post office ok. :)
Posted by: molly | November 16, 2005 at 06:12 PM
Love your one sock Christmas idea. The pattern is gorgeous.
Posted by: myra | November 16, 2005 at 06:13 PM
I was wondering at the logic of knitting socks until I realized I had missed the part about it being decorative. Good choice, then! :)
Oh, and I guess we can just think of socks as mittens for the feet.
Don't be intimidated. Jump right in and do it. There is no better way to learn. If you don't like it, rip it out!
:)
I do so love that sock!
Posted by: sandy | November 16, 2005 at 09:37 PM
i love the sock, great idea as a christmas stocking.
Posted by: kath | November 16, 2005 at 10:01 PM
Love the pillowcases - when you get a chance could you mail me a copy please??
The mittens (aka socks) are so festive - and snow....how I would love to experience just one white Christmas - enjoy!
Posted by: Sally | November 17, 2005 at 12:05 AM
Jan, I love that sock pattern so much I knit them twice! I also have bony fingers but it doesn't seem to affect my knitting.
Posted by: Nanette | November 17, 2005 at 02:23 AM
I love the stocking. I also can't believe it's LP worsted, it must be bigger than I'm thinking. I've also had trouble with tensioning with thinner yarns so I got into the habit of looping the yarn twice around my finger. Since I knit continental, thats my left pinky, but it works pretty well. So how much snow did you get???
Posted by: Kristin | November 17, 2005 at 02:40 AM
Great sock idea, I have some yarn that would work perfect for that.....hmmmm......
Would you be able to email me the pillow case pattern? I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
Posted by: Dani | November 17, 2005 at 07:08 AM
Can I get the pillow pattern?
Thank you!
I love reading your blog--very inspiring.
Posted by: Jeni | November 17, 2005 at 11:17 AM
Beautiful work! Practice makes perfect...or nearly perfect;-)
Posted by: margene | November 17, 2005 at 12:37 PM
I don't have bony fingers... is that good? I always thought pudgy fingers were bad. But my nails look beautious because they are brand new polished in "Hell of a color, eh?" Love the sock idea, Jan.
Posted by: Cindra | November 17, 2005 at 11:53 PM
Hello, Jan ... may I have the pattern for the pillowcase ?? I have one, that's pretty good, but can always try another.
God bless
Posted by: Christine in Los Angeles | November 18, 2005 at 12:02 AM
Hi! I stumbled across your blog and would love the pillowcase instructions. I am looking for a specific pattern that looks similar to your examples. But it worked a little differently than some I have seen...
Posted by: Linette | December 09, 2006 at 05:15 PM