TAAT, Toe-Up

October 14, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    10/8/2023
  
    Completed
    10/14/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    N/A - Vanilla Socks
  
    Designer
    N/A - Vanilla Socks
  
    Size
    40 stitches
  
    My Measurements
    US 7.5 Women's Shoe Size
  
    Yarn
    Handspun / Hand Dyed; Color: Pumpkin Spice Delight; DK Weight Yarn leftovers
  
    Needles
    US 1.5 (2.5mm) / US 3 (3.25mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

In a moment of inspiration, I decided to dye and spin up some fiber from my stash.

Modifications

Used my go to Vanilla Sock Recipe, 40 stitches around for DK weight sock
- Two-at-a-Time (TAAT)
- Judy’s Magic Cast On
- Fleegle Heel
- Italian BO

RESOURCES

(Book) Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece // Gail Callahan
(Book) The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn: Techniques, Projects, and Recipes // Brenda Gibson
(Book) Color Works: The Crafter’s Guide to Color // Deb Metz

Final Thoughts

I really like this sock! This was my most successful dyeing project so far, and the colors were exactly as I had hoped (inspired by fall and Pumpkin Spice).

Ravelry Project Page

July "Herrensocken" Stash Socks// Daniela Muhlbauer // TAAT, Toe-Up Mods

July 20, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    7/1/2023
  
    Completed
    7/20/2023
  
    Yarn
    Various types of stash yarn
  
    Size
    Smallest sock size, 48 stitches
  
    Needles
    US 1 (2.25mm)

NOTES

I decided to use the argyle pattern from this cuff down sock pattern to fulfill the theme for this month’s sock bash challenge: a new technique.

Modifications

Switched to Toe Up vs. Cuff down
Judy’s Magic Cast On - (My favorite vanilla toe shape for my foot) 8 stitches each needle (16 total); Round 1: knit; Round 2: K1, M1R, Knit until 2 stitches, M1L, K1 (both needles); Round 3: knit - Repeat rounds 2 & 3 until there are 48 stitches total for the foot
I used US 0 (2mm) knitting needles for the foot of the sock until 6” (3” of foot not knit); US 1 (2.25mm) knitting needles for the sole
Decided to
Two-at-a-Time (TAAT), until the lace chart

RESOURCES

Converting a cuff down sock to toe up // Interweave Knitting // Website

Final Thoughts

The final result looks good, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with my modifications. I also missed a colorwork repeat.

Ravelry Project Page

Harlow Mark Tote (Crochet) // Two of Wands

June 23, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    Finished Object
  
    Started
    6/16/2023
  
    Completed
    6/23/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Marlow Market Tote
  
    Designer
    Two of Wands
  
    Size Made
    One Size
  
    Yarn
    Stash Yarn - Lion Brand, Caron Simply Soft, Big Twist
  
    Needles
    G (4.25mm)

NOTES

I decided to make a crochet project as part of a crochet challenge.

I was interested in trying my hand at this crochet tote.

Pattern (free, Joanns): Marlow Market Tote // Stitch Along Tutorials

Modifications

I used different yarn, so that I could use what was in my stash.
- MC: Big Twist Value, Ivory (color)
- CC1: Lion Brand Yarn, Jeans, Top Stitch (color)
- CC2: Caron Simply Soft Marled, Gray Heather (color)
I went down several crochet hook sizes to get closer to the gauge of the original pattern — to a size G (4.25mm).
I tried to use several tutorials for creating crochet rope, including a tutorial on YouTube from the Purple Poncho. I thought it would: 1) use up more of my yarn, and 2) be slightly sturdy and more finished looking than just making handles from crochet chains and single crochet stitches. However, I never quite got it. So, instead I made an I-cord that was 31” inches.

Final Thoughts

This was a fun reintroduction to crochet. The fabric created is thick and sturdy, which I think works great for a bag. The tutorials provided, along with the instructions, were absolutely necessary for my completion of this project. It’s not a perfect FO, but it will work just fine as a (small) market tote.

Baby Version "Classic Ribbed Hat" // Purl Soho

May 24, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    Finished Object
  
    Started
    5/22/2023
  
    Completed
    5/24/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Classic Ribbed Hat
  
    Designer
    Purl Soho
  
    Size Made
    Baby - 1st Size
  
    Yarn
    Stash - Malabrigo Washted, Worsted Weight, 210 yds. (100% Superwash Merino): 722 Fortaleza
  
    Needles
    US 3 (3.25mm)

NOTES

A quick knit for a last minute baby gift.

Modifications

No modifications to the pattern, but I did use a worsted weight yarn instead of a DK weight.

Resources

Final Thoughts

I thought the final product was cute and fast.

Ravelry Project Page

Stash Yarn "Classic Ribbed Hat" // Purl Soho

May 17, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    Finished Object
  
    Started
    3/30/2023
  
    Completed
    5/17/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Classic Ribbed Hat
  
    Designer
    Purl Soho
  
    Size Made
    Adult Size Large (fingering weight modification)
  
    Yarn
    Bad Sheep Yarn, Leftovers (Colorways: Currant & Spell On You)
  
    Needles
    US 1.5 (2.5mm)

NOTES

I wanted to make a fingering weight hat with left over sock yarn. I also wanted to include the brim from the Oslo Hat.

Modifications

I used fingering weight yarn and a 2.5mm needle.
I cast on for the adult large size, (cast on 132 stitches).
Fold over brim - knit 7.5”
Knit 6” past the fold before starting decreases
I followed the decreases as listed in the Classic Ribbed Hat pattern for the largest size.

Resources

Cast On - Norwegian: How to Knit the Old Norwegian Cast On // WEBS // Youtube

Final Thoughts

I like this hat, and I am a fan of being able to use up my fingering weight sock yarns. The 1x1 ribbing is warmer than I initially thought it would be. The combination of the Oslo Hat and the Classic Ribbed Hat pattern is a good fit.

Ravelry Project Page

"Mercury Socks" // Kim Drotar

May 6, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    5/1/2023
  
    Completed
    5/6/2023
  
    Yarn
    Malabrigo Yarn Ultimate Sock; Colorway: Gloria
  
    Size
    Smallest sock size, 48 stitches
  
    Needles
    US 1 (2.25mm)

NOTES

I was able to use some leftovers from my “Boneyard Sweethearts” hat. This light color was a perfect color for the lace pattern.

Modifications

Switched to Toe Up vs. Cuff down
Judy’s Magic Cast On - (My favorite vanilla toe shape for my foot) 8 stitches each needle (16 total); Round 1: knit; Round 2: K1, M1R, Knit until 2 stitches, M1L, K1 (both needles); Round 3: knit - Repeat rounds 2 & 3 until there are 50 stitches total for the foot
I used US 1 (2.25mm) knitting needles for the entire sock
Used my favorite heel construction - Fleegle Heel + No Holes Version
Knit 5” for the leg before starting 1x1 rib
Reversed the lace chart
Two-at-a-Time (TAAT), until the lace chart

RESOURCES

Converting a cuff down sock to toe up // Interweave Knitting // Website

Final Thoughts

This sock flew off the knitting needles. These were a surprisingly quick knit. I could see myself knitting these again.

Ravelry Project Page

"Laurelhurst" Socks // Star Athena

April 30, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    4/18/2023
  
    Completed
    4/30/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Laurelhurst
  
    Designer
    Star Athena
  
    Yarn
    Scrappy Yarn Left Overs - Succulents (Stress Yarn Knits) & Malabrigo 362 Under the Sea 
  
    Needles
    US 0 (2.0mm), US 1.5 (2.5mm)

NOTES

I wanted to use up some scrappy yarn, but I didn’t want a truly scrappy look for my sock. My yarn combo was perfect for this slip stitch sock.

Modifications

Switched to Toe Up vs. Cuff down
Judy’s Magic Cast On - (My favorite vanilla toe shape for my foot) 8 stitches each needle (16 total); Round 1: knit; Round 2: K1, M1R, Knit until 2 stitches, M1L, K1 (both needles); Round 3: knit - Repeat rounds 2 & 3 until there are 50 stitches total for the foot
US 0 (2.0mm) for the toes and foot; US 1.5 (2.5mm) after the heel & for the leg; US 7 (4.5mm) for the loose bind off - I experimented with several sizes and, for me, this produced a nice stretchy bind off
Used my favorite heel construction - Fleegle Heel + No Holes Version
4.5” length for the leg and then started the lace chart - sock was about 6.5” in total leg length
Reversed the lace chart
Two-at-a-Time (TAAT), until the lace chart

RESOURCES

Converting a cuff down sock to toe up // Interweave Knitting // Website

Final Thoughts

I really liked knitting this sock. I can see myself making this sock again.

Ravelry Project Page

"Water Bubbles" Socks // Anna Lange

March 30, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    3/13/2023
  
    Completed
    3/28/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Water Bubbles
  
    Designer
    Anna Lange
  
    Yarn
    Scrappy Yarn Left Overs - Succulents (Stress Yarn Knits) & Malabrigo Cote D Azure; New Yarn: Malabrigo 362 Under the Sea 
  
    Needles
    US 2 (3.0mm), US 1.5 (2.5mm), US 1 (2.25mm)

NOTES

I was drawn to the idea of knitting up this free pattern for the March Grocery Girls sock challenge. The theme for March was “under the sea”. Both the pattern and the turquoise yarn (Malabrigo, “Under the Sea” colorway) fit the theme.

Modifications

Knit smallest size - 56 stitches total: US 2 (3.0mm) for the leg; 5” length, 2 repeats of Chart A; US 1 (2.25mm) for the heel flap and turn only; US 1.5 (2.5mm) for the foot and instep
Two-at-a-Time (TAAT), until the heel; I then went back to TAAT after all foot decreases had been completed

RESOURCES

Knitting Help - Decreasing in a Charted Pattern // VeryPink Knits // Youtube
Tubular Cast On // Andrea Mowry // Youtube
Nbgriz Water Bubble Notes // Ravelry
Tubular Bind Off in the Round // Knitting with Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

Final Thoughts

This was a fun sock to knit. I had some trouble with the instep until I charted out the decreases in the pattern using graph paper.

Ravelry Project Page

"Overbury" Mitts // Lydia Gluck

March 9, 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

    Status
    FO
  
    Started
    2/13/2023
  
    Completed
    3/9/2023
  
    Pattern Name
    Overbury
  
    Designer
    Lydia Gluck
  
    Yarn
    Left Overs - Palette Yarn, Knit Picks; 2 left over buttons from sewing project
  
    Needles
    US 2 (2.75mm)

NOTES

I am always in need of a good hand knit. This pattern has become a TNT. I decided to try to make the overbury pattern as basic as possible, and it went smoothly.

Modifications

Two-at-a-Time (TAAT) knitting of fingerless gloves

RESOURCES

None used this time.

Final Thoughts

This project turned out exactly as I thought it had - minus the open thumbs. I knit those by accident, but I’m not mad about after giving them a try.

Ravelry Project Page