Glynis

Last year I went on a knitting retreat in Tofino organized by Knits by the Sea and hosted by Cookie A, the most fabulous knitter-come-designer.  She really is an inspiration and if you ever get chance to take a class with her, it is something that I am sure you will treasure.

Here she is, in person, teaching us about 'suckage'.  Yep, really - but you know, she is quite right.  When you use cables, the fabric 'sucks in' and becomes tighter.  All very clever!

 And yes, she is holding my knitting !!

 And as glorious as Tofino is . . . .

 Boy, it rains!!

Anyhow, reminiscing aside, I have decided that I want to have a go at knitting the socks from her books, starting with Sock Innovation.  The first pair of socks is called Glynis (I mentioned them on this posting), and here they are:

 

The pattern was an easy one, but don’t forget to check out the errata as there is an error in the chart for the top of the foot, row 8.

 

These socks will be gifts, not sure who for yet, but I would like to build a stock pile of a few pairs for those special people in my life . . . and it helps to keep the yarn band for those all important washing instructions and yarn composition . . . . ! 

Sapphire Cheer

I love knitting test knits.  Like really, they are the best knitting ever.  So when I saw a request to knit this gorgeous shawl, I had to give it a go.  This beautiful design is knit bottom up in the shape of a long, wide crescent. 

  It is heavily beaded . . .

 And I had some lovely self-dyed Knit Picks Shadow lace-weight that was just calling out to be used

 So what about this - stunning, right?!

 It was an absolute delight to knit, very quick and easy.  The beads add a touch of glamour and a bit of weight.

The stats are:
Yarn: Knit Picks Shadow lace yarn - 44gms
Needles: 32” Knit Picks Options, 4mm (larger size for cast on)
Pre-blocking: 11” width centre, 6.5” width each side, 33” across
Post Blocking: 14” width centre, 9.5” width each side, 60” across
Beads: Clear glass, silver lined
Cast On: Backwards loop
Cast Off: 3 stitch iCord

I love, love, love this pattern, so why don't you pop over to Ravelry and get your own pattern?   :o)

What is next on the needles I hear you shout . . . . hey, I can be delusional if I so choose . . . well, I am going to work my way through Cookie A's two sock books, knitting up socks mostly as gifts - that way I don't need to get too hung up on sizing, I can just knit them as is, and if they don't fit me, I have a gift for someone else!  The first pattern is Glynis which is quite a straightforward pattern and I hope to have these completed in a couple of weeks as I have an Aunt and Uncle coming to visit from the UK and I think they would be perfect for my Aunt.