Crusoe Socks

These socks were knitted up in Koigu Painter's Premium Palette Merino [100% merino wool; 175 yds/m per 50g skein] yarn using US#1 Needle. The yarn was a delicious treat and the pattern was really easy. Get the free pattern from http://www.knitty.com/.

Finished "2 Socks At a Time" on Magic Loop

Progressing on Socks on Magic Loop

Finished Socks Unwashed

Finished, Washed and Blocked

Liking this yarn lots!! Does not split and has a springy elasticity to it.

Finally finished the socks!! Not sure if I like the Magic Loop technique as much as like my dpn's but nevertheless it was a great exercise in learning something new.

I did make a mistake when reading and interpreting the pattern and you will notice that my heel flap actually started on the bottom of the foot rather than on the actual heel flap section. BUT, since I have been experiencing some heel pain the extra cushion actually works in my benefit.

Also, for some unknown reason as I was doing the slip one knit one, I did something really wrong but it was too late to go back and frog the piece. Doesn't matter. . .the socks are for me and I will know next time to do better, besides it will be hidden by my shoe so no one will be the wiser.

Meida Socks by Nancy Bush BUT Knitted by ME

These socks are finally done! I used a US#1 needle with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Weight in Seaside Colorway from Jimmy Beans Wool. It took me quite a while to finish these socks as the pattern was not that difficult but combined with the variegated yarn and my migraines, it took longer than expected. I fully enjoyed the outcome and hope the recipient enjoys it too.

Be sure to click on photograph to enlarge it, you will have a better look at the intricate details of the stitch.

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn - Seaside "Media Socks"

I am in the process of knitting a pair of sock from the book "Favorite Socks". They are called Media Socks. I am using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn in Seaside colorway.

These socks have a mock cable and lace design which might be a little difficult to see because of the busy colorway. The socks are knitted in US #1 dpn needles.

I just love knitting on smaller needles. I find as I expose myself to different designs and patterns, that I really enjoy using smaller sized needles versus larger sizes. I enjoy how the smaller needles create such a tight fabric that seems almost seamless. Granted, with larger sized needles you progress a little faster in your garment, but for me its the process of creating that I seem to enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy the end prodcut as well. I derive a certain pleasure in knowing that not everyone can create SOCKS! Yes, I have become a SOCK snob. There is a certain aura about the majic of turning the heel, picking up the stitches for the gusset, etc. Wow, what a feeling of accomplishment.

This yarn is also really nice to work with. I love Lorna's Laces products. The Worsted Weights are also great. Please check out this yarn by visiting your LYS or online knitting store.

My Zitron LifeStyle Socks

Well, I finally finished another pair of socks. These will be for me. All the other socks I have made have been given away and what a lovely pleasure to give such beauties away. But, these I definitely cannot part with. Why you might ask? Well the yarn was purchased by my daughters over the Christmas holiday for me, and so I made these socks for me and while thinking of my girls. They were knitted up using Zitron's LifeStyle Blue colorway on US#2 needles. I love the fabric this yarn created!!

Opal Ankle Socks

This is another pair of socks I recently finished. I love this yarn as it is self-patterning. It almost looks like Fair Isle knitting, but NOT! This yarn is lovely to work with and very forgiving. I encourage everyone who knits to always use a yarn that will be pleasing to the eyes so that you don't get bored with it. This yarn, you will definitely not get bored.

These socks are simple basic ankle socks, knitted on US #2 dpn needles.

Colinette Jitterbug Yarn, et al

The Jitterbug hanks I have at home, and I have lots, come in hanks of 100 grams, approximately 267 meters and according to the label and LYS owner, one hank is enough for a pair of socks. I always purchase two hanks of everything if making socks, because I am always afraid that I won't have sufficient yarn to complete the project.

I recently completed a pair of socks in the Crystal Palace Cotton Panda, 170 yards, 50 grams. And one skein completed two socks although I did use a small amount of yarn from the second skein, but virtually one skein completed the pair. I used size US #2 needles.

Flying Geese Pattern Socks

Here is the Flying Geese Sock finished. And, yes, I am in the process of creating its mate. Jitterbug is a wonderful yarn to work with. I love the flecks of cranberry color scattered throughout the yarn. If you see this yarn in any of your travels, pick it up. You won't be disappointed.

Colinette Jitterbug Yarn

Some have asked me how do I like this yarn. I must say I love it. Of course, I compare all yarns against Jade Sapphire's Mongolian Handspun Cashmere yarn and nothing compares to the softness of that yarn, but this yarn is fun to work with. Because I am not as experienced at knitting as some others are, I find that I cause the yarn to split. This yarn is excellent in that it did not allow me to split it easily. The ply was a tight ply unlike the Cotton Panda yarn which split too easily, that doesn't mean I didn't like Cotton Panda, I loved it and loved the product it produced. Jitterbug feels very substantial in the hand, and I noticed that with the heat it would get a little crunchy, possibly because my hands were starting to sweat. Who knows, but overall the yarn lent itself to the pattern very nicely and it has a little sheen to it. I don't think that can be seen in the picture but it does, trust me. Very slight sheen, which I like. Would I use this yarn again ABSOLUTELY!!! The color is very pretty. That moss green color has little flecks of cranberry spotting throughout and it falls ever so nicely on the sock. Just love that about the yarn.

Working with Panda Cotton Yarn

Working with this yarn was lovely. It has a nice elasticity and cool feeling. My socks came out with a nice drape and 'heavy' or substantial feel to it different than the first pair of socks made in Opal superwash wool. The colors are bright. I used one 50 oz. skein to virtually complete the pair. I only had to use a little yardage from the second skein. So now I can make another pair, maybe shorter in the same material. The only feature I didn't like about this yarn was the splitting of the plies. I found that I had to be careful not to split the plies and when I had to rip back a few stitches I found that the yarn would separate its plies. Other than that the yarn was terrific and the end result was quite satisfactory.