Summer Days

Hard to believe it; summer is over. Well, yes, it's sticky hot outside at the moment. But the week of cool and rainy weather we just had was a warning and these 2 days of heat are a last gasp. But for me, the lazy days of summer are over. Work has jumped up into full speed, chorus rehearsals start on Monday, and the romance of summer has been derailed. But, hey, I've got a trip to Greece to look forward to. Yippee!

So, on to knitting. Here's my latest contribution to Summer of Socks KAL.

Pretty, huh?
Yarn: Steinback Wolle, Aktiv Effect
Pattern: Standard toe-up, short row toe and heel, 3/1 rib on US0

Then I added the pair to pile of socks and they looked so pretty all lined up in a row I had to take a photo. Four pairs of socks completed this summer. Not too shabby! For me anyway. Don't forget before this summer I had never knit a sock. I'm quite proud of myself.



But socks are not the only things on my needles in the last few weeks. Did I mention that my sister is having a baby? So, I'm also knitting baby things. Such as this blanket.



I'm finding this a supremely comforting knit (just what I need right now). Could be the soft, cozy feel of the yarn (TLC Cotton Plus), could be the soothing colors, could be calming repetitiveness of stockingnet. Or the combination of all three. Whatever it is, I'll take it!

I'm off now to commune with my cotton blankie.

It's a Mystery

On the sock front I've started the Socktopia Mystery Sock. So far only the cuff has been released. This is the first top-down sock I've ever done and I'm a bit apprehensive about how badly I'm gonna mess this up. But then, we don't learn if we don't try.



I'm researching and reading lots of patterns for baby socks, booties, hats, and blankies. I've recently learned that my sister is expecting. I already have 4 nephews and 2 nieces but this will be the first baby since I've taken up knitting. I don't usually put too much pressure on myself but I really, really want to gift new baby with a knit treasure that will become a favorite.



This is my first baby garment. The cutest hat using this pattern. Haven't done the flowers yet but even without them it is soooo cute!

Does anyone have suggestions of best yarns for babies? Preferably machine washable and dryable?

Lacy Socks

Here's my latest.
This was a lot of fun to do. The lace pattern was very simple to work and remember and since it's not highly repetitive, also keeps the engaged. I'm gonna have to do this one again and again and again. Guess what my sisters are getting for Christmas. Hee, Hee. Ho, Ho.


Yarn: ArtYarns Supermerino color 129
Pattern: generic toe up; lace pattern inspired by Padded Footlets from Favorite Socks

I've recently learned that one of my sisters is having a baby. Hmmm. Knit baby stuff. I haven't knit baby stuff before. So I did a big swan dive into the internet looking for patterns. My, my. Sure are alot. Tons in fact. So many choices. Can't write anymore. Gotta go read...