Pass It On

Where Did The Weekend Go?

I had a very stressful week with taxes and all, and I needed to relax.  Saturday, I hung out at the yarn shop, and yesterday, I went to a Bloggers' Meet Up.

Mostly, I spent the weekend reading the latest installment in Alexander McCall Smith's excellent No. 1 Ladies Detective Series, The Good Husband of Zebra Drive. 

I just love, love, love these books.  They are so beautifully written and make me think and smile.  I find them witty as well as wise, they and speak deeply to the humanity in us all. 

Most of all, his love for his birthplace of South Africa infuses nearly every page of these books.  They are just gems.

I'm so thankful to Jillz for introducing them to me since she sent me the first book as a Secret Pal present.

It was a nice weekend, but went way too fast.

Fiesta Raglan Baby Sweater

I finished another baby sweater, and it's now on display at Knit.  I wanted to make something eye-catching and showy for a display sweater.

This sweater is so cute and easy that I'm going to knit yet another one for a co-worker's grandson.

Granny Madness

Have you seen all the beautiful granny square creations going on at the Granny-Along?  During my high school days, I was all about granny squares, and I'm ready to jump back in again.

Since I wanted to go simple, I started a Funky Felted Granny Bag.  I know it was featured on the What Not to Crochet website a few months ago, but I don't care.

While crocheting it, I felt the allure of granny squares all over again. 

I know it looks pretty rough right now, but once I felt it, line it, and put a cool handle on it, she'll be pretty.

Beautiful Crochet

Check out some beautiful summer crochet I saw on Shelia's blog recently.  I so heart that purse.

Tina Strikes Again!

Speaking of purses. Tina is really rocking on the needle felting purses.  I must show you her latest creations.

Just fabulous!!!  She designs the bags also.  I'm digging the handle on the creme colored one.

BTW, she's teaching a class at Knit Thursday evening, April 26, 2007 on how to make her stunning yellow bag.  Give them a call at 843-937-8500 if you're interested.  They are closed today, but will be open Tuesday at 10 am.

Pass It On ...

You know I love socks and all things sock knitting, and that I'm so excited about Charlene Schurch coming to Charleston this weekend that I'm forgoing the NFL draft.

Anyway, I cannot let such an occasion pass without a contest.  Tell me in the comments something you love about sock knitting--a pattern, yarn, technique, whatever. 

The winner will receive this...

An autographed copy of either Sensational Knitted Socks or More Sensational Knitted Socks.  I will get Patrick to spiral bind it too.

Pictured above are Tina's copies, and I'm sure she doesn't want me giving these away.

The contest ends at noon EST on Thursday, April 26, 2007, and I will announce the winner on Friday.

I know many of you already have one or both of these books, but wouldn't it be the hotness to have an autographed copy?

Now put on your thinking caps and Pass It On!

Comments

[Eva]

I've been meaning to tell you that your beautiful baby sweaters encouraged me to buy the pattern you are using. I have several friends with babies that are on their way or have just arrived. I can't wait to get started on one!

And socks... I think my favorite part about socks is turning the heel - the magical part when it becomes a "sock" and not just a tube knitted with really small yarn. :)

[sarebear]

Well, I haven't knitted a sock yet, but I've been recommended Sensational Knitted Socks to learn.

What I love about knitting socks that makes me want to learn, after having read so many knitting blogs, is how YUMMY they'll feel on, how pampered I'll feel, all the yummy sock yarn out there, how beautiful they look, how easily portable the projects are, the fact that I'll be trying something that's a little out of my comfort zone and that's good for me, ie, trying something so new for me and I've heard can be tricky.

So I don't know if this counts since I haven't knit a sock, yet . . . lol!

[Dorothy]

I just finished reading The Good Husband of Zebra Drive too! I was so sad when it ended. What I love most about sock knitting is the portability. I keep a small ziploc bag with a sock tucked into my purse, so I'm never without a project. No worry about getting stuck in line or waiting anywhere!

[Sandy]

I love the look of variegated sock yarn-- I feel like th colours are so vibrant compared to a lot of other yarns. But I, also, have yet to knit a sock. So what am I doing with all this sock yarn?!

[Adelle]

I am SO loving that baby sweater! Especially the colors :)

As for the socks... There are 2 things I love most. 1. They are a quick knit. Satisfying! 2. There are so many different patterns out there for them. The possibilities are endless.

[Princsstrish]

My favorite thing about knitting socks is the connection I feel to the past when doing it. Remembering all those women (and men) who would knit so they had clothes to wear. I mean you couldn't just go to the store and buy socks! Socks have been knitted for ages and it's amazing that it still continues on today and I can take part in that tradition!

Have a wonderful day!

[Sharon]

I love love love that my socks always come out looking great and fitting perfectly. Of course, the yarn does all the work.

You baby sweater fits that criteria too....looks great, and will fit perfectly...eventually.

[Pam]

Hi Vera - I missed being able to see you last night, I couldn't make the meet-up. Hope you had a good time. I've been reading about all of the socks over the past few months - boy, as I've said before, you are a madwoman in only the best of ways. Hope you are well.

[Beth]

The spiral binding is brilliant - I should have that done to mine.

The thing I like most about sock knitting is the opportunity to go crazy with bright colors where you might not with a bigger project.

Have fun in the workshops - I'm envious!

[Allegra]

Wow, that baby sweater is adorable!!! I think I will have to knit one up!

[monica]

Lovely baby sweater! I love the seed stitch and the stockinette stitch together. I have to add that pattern to my collection. You make me want to run over to the local Kinko's to spiral bound my Sensational Socks book!

[Andrea]

Those bags are gorgeous!

Two things I love about making socks is that they're extremely portable, and there's so many awesome yarns and patterns out there that you can never get bored!

[WINDVIEL]

Hi Vera,

After the last week or so of dreadful news and the media preoccupation with it, your blog is about the only bright spot on the internet. That Fiesta baby sweater looks pretty good to me. What a nice upbeat and optimistic gesture at a moment when some folks must wonder whether they want to bring any new life into this dreadful world.

If the day should ever come when you find it necessary to knit ballistic vests, then I'll know it's time to move the Mustang to Montana.

All the best,

Geo/MUSTANG ROLLING

[Brenda]

LOVE the baby sweater, great colours!

What I love about sock knitting....simple yet diverse or even complex. You can go toe up or top down, many different heel or toes to chose from, and different stitch patterns too. I always have socks on the needles.

[deneen]

I can't believe you are missing the draft-I saw the promo on ESPN last night and I thought of you immediately, funny.

I bought the first book-still haven't learned to knit, but am making progress on the toys, finally ordered a DVD and interchangeables.

I want to learn to knit socks because I think they come out so much nicer than crocheted socks for comfort on the feet, there are so many patterns out there for them, they use way less yarn than crocheted socks and just because I love socks in general!

[Katy]

The think that I love most about knitting socks is how you can knit them forever and never get bored. Yes, its still a sock, but you can play with all sorts of techniques, just about any yarn can be made into a sock or slipper, you can never have too many handknit socks and they go quickly if you work on them during "stolen" moments everyday.

[AmyS]

Wow, I just discovered your blog today!

You touched on my new passion - knitted socks! They are portable, easy to learn, a quick knit, a relatively inexpensive way to play with luxury yarn, a great way to play with color, and a fantastic way to impress a non-knitter and get a mini-ego boost at the same time.

My favorite website for sockknitting tips is sockknitters.com.

My knitting dream sock (and it's a free pattern too) is on Eunny Jang's knitting blog: eunnyjang.com/knit/

And of course knitty.com has a bunch of free patterns.

I'm adding your blog to my favorites! BTW, you go girl on the granny square! I love the rebeliousness of conquering a pattern on "you knit/crochet what?" blogs. A well-executed "granny" will forever be fabulous!

AmyS

[Janelle]

I love that baby sweater! The blue & green one is going to be great, too.

I love knitting socks for a lot of reasons, including: they're portable and easy for those short stolen knitting moments while out and about; there are so many great sock yarns and colors to choose from; a never-ending list of fabulous patterns means you're never bored contemplating the next pair; and they're cushy and warm and everyone loves them!

What a fabulous prize! Thanks for offering the contest!

[Paula]

I have to do SOMETHING with all that sock yarn I have amassed. I love Magic Loop, it revolutionized my sock knitting. That baby sweater is so cute! the felted bags are lovely.

[Cassie]

The thing I love about socks (other than the speediness!) is the happiness you feel. I received a pair of hand knit socks a bit ago and everytime I wear them I feel so content and special because MY socks are HANDKNIT by someone who took the time to find ME in a pattern and yarn. The husband has said the same thing and the few people I have knit socks for adore them. I love the desire to show them off too. I hate going anywhere when I am wearing my handknit socks because I don't want to put shoes on. I just want everyone to see the awesomeness on my feet. lol

[Dianne]

Socks - what's not to love? The best thing about knitting socks would be the versatility. I have a "mindless" pair in my car at all times, and then other socks in various stages of completion and pattern difficulty so that I can work on whatever one that I have time for and/or "mind power" for, depending on what I have planned for that day.

[Julia]

Wow, the Fiesta Raglan is adorable! And those needlefelted bags are awesome.

[Rebecca]

What I LOVE about knitting socks is that I never become bored with them. In all my crochet and knitting, I have a tendency to never make the same pattern twice, socks are the exception to that! They are portable, I can afford the really nice stuff and they are a great gift.

[Rebecca]

What I LOVE about knitting socks is that I never become bored with them. In all my crochet and knitting, I have a tendency to never make the same pattern twice, socks are the exception to that! They are portable, I can afford the really nice stuff and they are a great gift.

[becky]

What I love about socks: 1) the many, many possibilities, both in yarn color/type and patterns; and 2) the portability.

Ok, I guess there is one more: they knit up relatively quickly.

[Vicki]

for me it's the actual finished sock.... I'm always amazed on how some tiny needles and yarn can turn into something so comfortable and useful!!
I'm VERY partial to Wendys generic toe up pattern, so fast and quick... just pick out some awsome yarn and let it do all the work for you...lol ;)

[Pioggia]

What I love about socks? It can go down to $11 per finished project. Plus, you can wear them right away without blocking!

[Felicia]

Those bags are amazing!

I love sock knitting because it is so portable. It fits easily into nearly any bag so you can carry it with you in case you get stuck in a line at the post office for a half an hour. Oh, and so I guess I also like it because you can knit socks standing up. Its guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Ok, that was three reasons. :)

[Sheri]

My favorite thing about knitting socks is finishing them. I really dislike knitting socks. The yarn is tiny, the needles are tiny but the socks' foot and cuff seems to take forever. BUT, when they're finally done? I LOVE putting them on my feet. That's what I like about knitting socks.
Sheri in GA (who is sad to say I can't make it to the store for Charlene Schurch, but, I'll get up there again soon.)

[Dana]

I can't wait until this weekend!
I adore knitting socks for moments like last night when I finished a pair of socks for my 3yo who wanted an identical pair like mine in Lisa Souza Pacific yarn. I put them on his feet while he was sleeping, and he RAN into my room this morning screaming that he had NEW MOMMY KNITTING SOCKS!!! and was jumping up and down with glee. There's no greater joy than knitting something for someone that they will reach for first, before all others, and feel loved.

[Heather]

It was so nice to see you again. Sorry if I was overly chatty, but I've been cooped up with the boys for weeks and am bursting with words that need to escape. The problem is they all try to do it at the same time and I'm left making little or no sense. ;)

Thank you so much for coming out, it was nice to see Patrick, too.

[Nicole]

I love the variety possible with knitted socks. I'm new to it and have only knitted very basic stockinette socks so far, but I like how I can choose yarns that will give me interesting patterns anyway and I like knowing that there's room to learn so many other techniques.

[Lisa in Oregon]

Hmm, there are many things about sock knitting that "do it" for me...

I can attempt new-to-me techniques (like cabling wo a needle, provisional cast on - both on my to do list) without a gigantic project looming to do it.

Cost is relatively low, again compared to "big" projects like sweaters etc.

Most of all, the truth? I'm a sock yarn addict. All that COLOR!! I can wear the conservative office stuff I'm required to at work...and still sport COLOR - amazing color! in my socks. I must be a rebel at heart. :)

[Laura]

I love that sock knitting is so portable and versatile! Much smaller time and financial investment than sweaters and wow... wearing hand knit socks is such a pleasure. :)

I don't have More SKS yet so I'm definitely IN for this contest and how GREAT to have an autographed copy! Have a blast seeing Charlene Schurch - you can't Tivo HER! hehe

[Stacey]

That baby sweater is adorable! Maybe I can convince someone I know to have a baby so I'll have an excuse to make one.

I am at last check three and a half inches into my first so-far-successful attempt to knit socks, so I don't know if I'm eligible :) But what I love about it so far: The challenge of learning new techniques (I've finally figured out how to use dpns--hooray!) and the thrill of finally getting it right. I also love the endless variety of sock yarn that's available. It's wonderfully entertaining watching this yarn work itself into stripes of color, like magic. And I love the idea of such a simple and basic clothing necessity being transformed into something beautiful and extraordinary.

[Jeane Michelle Culp]

Hello Vera, this is Jeane from Binding Ink, I enjoyed meeting you and the other LowCountry Bloggers Sunday. Wish you would have brought some of your crafts, I’ve never seen them! However; I now can become familiar with your craftiness here at your blog!

[Lisa]

That baby sweater is awesome. Very colorful!
I've tried the granny squares, but haven't gotten it fully figured out. So I just make dishrags in single crochet. Oh well.
I love love love love that purse and those two dresses!
The knit purses are very cool.
I still need to take my book in and have the spiral put on it. I also still need to give you this yarn.

[Leah]

I am rather new to sock knitting...just finished my first one and have cast on the second one to try to avoid putting it off. But what I love about socks is they are great gifts!!! You give them and they will most likely fit and the person knows the love you put into making them everytime they put them on. Handmade socks are for very dear people. I'm excited to try the magic loop method on my next pair!

[Jessica]

The purses are amazing! I love your baby sweater too. So bright and cheerful. :)

[susan]

Hmmm . . . what do I love about sock knitting. That's a silly question, Vera! I love everything about sock knitting. But especially that you can hold one, little 100g skein in the palm of your hand on Monday and by Sunday you can be wearing a new pair of socks.

[Beverly]

Toe-ups, toe-ups, toe-ups! I have socks that fit my long, skinny 9 1/2 narrow feet and mom has socks that fit her 10 narrows. I can make them as crazy or as subdued as I like, so you never know what surprise is going to peek out from under my pants leg.

Sometimes I forget what I put on and when I look down or see someone's face I burst out laughing.