Petits Diamants

Last summer, I went into Michael's Arts and Crafts and saw they had Patons Stretch Socks yarn on sale, so I purchased several balls, each in a different color. My plan was to make one pair of ankle socks with each ball. I made some plain ribbed socks for the first pair, and these are the second.

The pattern is one I improvised, consisting of a lattice pattern on top, stockinette at the toe, heel, and on the bottom, and a 1x1 folded ribbed cuff. They are knitted toe up, with a short-row heel.

These I planned as very short ankle socks, and I definitely achieved that. If I were to do it over again, though, I would have made them a bit longer -- another pattern repeat and a longer cuff.

I really like the color of these (the colorway is Algae), but I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of this yarn. It's a cotton/wool/nylon/elastic blend that just doesn't have the softness or smooshie-ness that I like in sock yarn.

I have now knit several pairs of socks from yarns that are primarily cotton, and I find that I feel the same about all of them -- the cotton makes them hard on the feet. This disappoints me because wool is very warm, and I live in a very warm climate. I had hoped that the cotton blends would extend the sock wearing weather, and it does, but I find myself reaching for the wool socks first and saving these as a last resort. I also won't wear them if I'm going to be on my feet a lot. I think that wearing them is to the feet what knitting dishcloth cotton tightly is to the hands.

One positive is that I have found socks made from this yarn to be very sturdy and have had no issues with holes.

I really like the patterning on these, and the fit (apart from being a bit short) is perfect. I think I would knit them again, but with a different yarn.

In fact, I don't think I'll be making any more socks out of this yarn. Anyone have any ideas for other projects? I think I still have at least 2 balls in different colors.


Details:
Pattern Name: Petits Diamants
Pattern Designer: Brenda McCunn
Pattern Source: Not available (yet) -- I improvised this design
Yarn: Patons Stretch Socks in the Kelp colorway
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Knit Picks Harmony double-pointed needles

Visits and Travel

Last week made it impossible to be on the computer for more than a handful of minutes.

Scott had a business trip to Dubai (I'm so jealous!), and the day he left, my dad arrived to stay for the week.

Scott's trip went well, I'm very happy to have him home again, and I'm so grateful for Skype. It enabled us to talk every day without breaking the bank, and the quality of the calls were amazing. It's also where all of my computer time went.

It was lovely to see and spend time with my dad, and I'm happy he came. He's been considering moving here, so we went and looked at some homes for sale. He didn't find anything that would work, and I honestly don't think he'll be moving, after all.

Things are finally getting back to normal around here now, and I have some project updates that I'm excited to be able to share about this week.

I hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!

O Mio Babbino Caro

Just wanted to share a lovely version of one of my favorite arias.



Lyrics:
O mio babbino caro,                                     Oh my dear father,                    
mi piace, è bello bello,                                  I like him, he is very handsome.
vo’andare in Porta Rossa                              I want to go to Porta Rossa
a comperar l’anello!                                      to buy the ring!
Si, si, ci voglio andare!                                 Yes, yes, I want to go there!
E se l’amassi indarno,                                   And if my love were in vain,
andrei sul Ponte Vecchio                               I would go to Ponte Vecchio
ma per buttarmi in Arno!                              and throw myself in the Arno!
Mi struggo e mi tormento,                            I am pining and I am tormented,
O Dio! Vorrei morir!                                     Oh God! I would want to die!
Babbo, pietà, pietà!                                      Daddy, have mercy, have mercy!
Babbo, pietà, pietà!                                      Daddy, have mercy, have mercy!

More WIPs Than I Can Shake A Needle At

I ended last year, and began this year, with so many works-in-progress (hereafter known as wips) that it is a bit overwhelming.

I just checked my Ravelry notebook, and I have a total of 10 wips listed there. I have another 5 wips that aren't listed.

Sadly, the only project I've completed is a pair of felted clogs for my dh.

Did I say completed?

I mean, finished knitting. They are now patiently waiting in my laundry room for me to get around to fulling them. And to be photographed.

I am finding myself making a fair bit of progress, though. On all of the wips. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm going to end up finishing several projects within a period of a week.

'Til then, I guess I'll just keep plodding along, and find something else to talk about.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Today is the official end of the winter holiday break. I hope everyone was able to spend the holidays with the people they love, enjoying one another's company.

As some of you may know, I listen to a lot of podcasts. They cover a variety of subjects, but most of them are craft related. You may also remember that I don't do New Year's resolutions. So, what do the two things have to do with each other?

One of the podcasts that I listen to is The Knitmore Girls. One of the hosts, Jasmine, does a theme for the year, as opposed to a resolution. I think this a marvelous idea. So I'm stealing it.

My theme(s) for 2012:

     Gratitude

     Thoughtful

     Diligent

     Living intentionally

Does anyone else have a theme or resolutions for 2012?