GG Pumpkin Spice Delight October "Vanilla" Socks // TAAT, Toe-Up

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).

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

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.

Tip Top Tank FINE #1 - Teal // Maker Maker [Free Pattern]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 4/1/2023
Completed 5/7/2023
Pattern Name Tip Top Tank FINE
Designer Maker Maker
Size XS
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Patons // Light (very) DK Yarn // Patons; 2 balls, TBD yds./50g, Color: TBD
Needles US 3 (3.25mm) // US 2 (3.0mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

I found this yarn - Paton’s Linen (50% Linen & 50% Cotton) - at Joann’s and I was over the moon to give it a try. I went a bit overboard and bought the yarn in three different colorways to knit three “Tip Top Tank FINE” tanks.

My gauge was loose compared to the pattern:

  • 21sts./4” with US 4

  • 23.5 - 23.75sts/4” with US 3

  • 24sts/4” with US 2

However, after blocking the swatch plumped up a bit.

I ended up knitting the XS size using US 2 for the ribbing and US 3 for the body of the tank. The drape of the fabric was even better after blocking.

MODIFICATIONS

  • 1x1 tubular cast on for both hems

    • Used Andrea Mowry’s Cast On

    • After Cast On, 1st Row: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); 2nd Row: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch; Row 3: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); Row 4: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch Be sure that the stitches (purl and knit) are not twisted on the needle. If they are knit, purl, or slip into back leg to untwist.

    • After set up rows for 1x1 tubular cast on, begin slipping the 1st stitch each row for cleaner edge

    • I knit 10 rows of 1x1 rib, end on WS row

  • Used a genius modification by Recreates (on Ravelry) to raise the back by 6 rows

  • I also added some extra rows for the length.

RESOURCES

  • Tubular Cast On (Flat) // Andrea Mowry // Youtube

  • Tubular Cast On // Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

  • Ravelry User Recreates’ Tip Top Tank Modification to the back

  • Three Needle Bind Off:

    • Martha Lyons // Three Needle bind off for shoulders // Youtube

    • Three-Needle Bind Off (3NBO) Basics // Technique Tuesday // Youtube

    • Very Pink Knits // Youtube

    • (Timestamp: 5:29) Finessed Three-Needle Bind off // Roxanne Richardson // Youtube

Final Thoughts

I really like this top and the fabric that the yarn created. This will be my 3rd Tip Top Tank (and 1st Tip Top Tank FINE). This pattern is definitely becoming an unexpected TNT for me. For my next version of this top — yep, there are more in my near future — I will try reversing the pattern to be knit from the top down.

I don’t mind knitting from the bottom up, but I am finding that I don’t use cotton blend yarns very much outside of summer, and I do not want a lot of leftovers. Bottom up construction makes it hard for me to use up as much of the yarn as possible without worrying about having enough to complete the top portion. This sometimes leads me to crop the tank unnecessarily (in an effort to conserve yarn) only to find that I have plenty of it left.

"Mercury Socks" // Kim Drotar

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.

"Laurelhurst" Socks // Star Athena

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.

LYS // Andrea Mowry

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 1/2/2023
Completed 4/16/2023
Pattern Name Little Red "LYS"
Designer Andrea Mowry
Size XS
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Palette // Fingering // Color: Pimento; 5 balls
Needles US 1.5 (2.5mm) // US 0 (2.0mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

I like that this cardigan is designed for fingering weight yarn. I always try to keep my stash to mostly fingering weight as I find this weight to be super versatile. It took me longer than I thought to finish up this cardigan, and I am super happy that I had a make along to encourage me to finish this project and not let it sit (and sit) forever until November when my WIP anxiety kicks in.

MODIFICATIONS

  • SO MANY BUTTONS. I was good, and I went ahead and knit button holes, just in case I decided to add ALL. THE. BUTTONS. I’ve had so many issues finding buttons in Anchorage that match my cardigan color — and with this many buttons, it is essential to me that the buttons are a similar color to the yarn. In a moment of desperation, I even contemplated ridiculous things. Perhaps, I could paint white buttons? Or make my own? If we were talking about 3-7 buttons, maybe… But 21? Nah.

RESOURCES

  • Tubular Cast On (Flat) // Andrea Mowry // Youtube

  • Tubular Cast On // Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

  • Substituting German Short Row for W&T // Patty Lyons // Website

  • Reminder for how to do a kitchener stitch // Tin Can Knits // Website

Final Thoughts

While this is probably not a TNT pattern for me, the finished project will be a welcome addition to my growing, hand knit cardigan collection. I think the color is a good accent color that will go with many items in my wardrobe. It will also give my pink, April cardigan (by Petite Knits) a break.

"Caturra" // Rachel Brockman // Interweave Knits Spring 2023

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 4/9/2023
Completed 4/13/2023
Pattern Name Tomato Red "Caturra"
Designer Rachel Brockman
Size 36.5"
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Swish Knit Picks // DK // Color: Serrano // 4.75 balls
Needles US 6 (4.0mm) // US 7 (4.5mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

Some knit projects sneak up on you. This sweater top was just such a project.

Last year, I purchased a ridiculous amount of tomato red colored (colorway: Serrano) DK Swish yarn from Knit Picks to make my “Candy Cane Lane Sweater”. My sweater was primarily made up of white yarn. But I over bought my contrast color yarn after modifying the pattern, which was written as more of an afterthought than actual instructions for how to make a thing.

It was just under enough to make any sweater and just over enough to be forced to make several accessories in a color that is just not my red. My red is a delicious, classic, lipstick red that has a blue undertone but would never dare cross over into merlot.

Personal preferences for red are tricky that way.

Enter the Caturra - an odd top, with a center lace/cable pattern that I felt ambivalent about. The more I stared at the picture of the model wearing the sweater, though, tiny shifts in thought began to occur. First, it was the seed stitch. The more I stared at that inviting texture, gently draping the shoulders, the more intrigued I became by a stitch pattern that I hereto had seen as a bit of a chore. Second, my eyes kept dancing back to the center panel of lace and cables, bookended by the ever faithful stockinette battalion.

All the pattern’s key words pointed true north to the yarn that was at greatest risk of aging right along side me. Being regretfully carted from apartment to apartment, a reminder of how stashes can go terribly wrong. My pattern size called for 984 yards of yarn. I had roughly 62% of that amount. I wasn’t deterred. The sweater would be cropped, the sleeves so short as to be called “cap sleeves,” and any ribbing past the collar would require a magnifying glass.

MODIFICATIONS

  • Collar - I used the Norwegian cast on. I find this cast on to be my preferred cast on for folded collars.

  • Sleeve length - I made the sleeves cap sleeves for two reasons: (1) yarn management and (2) I tend to like shorter sleeves on DK weight sweaters.

  • Short rows - There are no short rows included in this pattern, and I debated not adding them. I opted to add them after I had divided for the sleeves. I find that my body shape does not need very many, so I added about 4 rows of length to the back using the German short row method.

  • Body length - This sweater is cropped and hits about 2” past my belly button. The yarn is superwash, and I expect that it will lengthen significantly after it is blocked.

  • Ribbing - I modified the sleeves to have 5 rows of ribbing and the body to have 4 rows. I would have preferred that the body have at least 5 rows of ribbing, but I was dead set on doing an Italian bind off and couldn’t manage to squeeze out 1 more row of ribbing without running out of yarn.

RESOURCES

  • Casting on Cable Cast on Underarm Stitches // Youtube

Final Thoughts

I hate yarn chicken with a passion and it shows in my stash.

This project was a surprise joy - even with some minor, lazy knitting imperfections. The pattern was the perfect fit for this yarn, and playing yarn chicken kept me maniacally focused on this project until completion. This sweater has earned its place as my official Christmas sweater for 2023.

I am happy with the final outcome and could see myself eyeing this pattern again should I fall in love with a DK yarn in the future.

There is, after all, a little more room in the stash.

"Water Bubbles" Socks // Anna Lange

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.

"Overbury" Mitts // Lydia Gluck

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.