Monday, May 19, 2014

Catching Up - the Knitting Chapter

Well, it has been a few weeks since I last posted (Gosh! It sounds like I'm in confession!) and thank-you to those who inquired about my well being. I am fine - I just lost my dressmaking and blogging mojo. Most strange as it seemed to leave a gap that was quickly filled with knitting and patchwork/quilting! I have been a little loathe to share this diversion with you as I have read many blogs were people say they are put off by posts about quilting/cats/children etc., and then I reminded myself that it is my blog and my journey, so I hope that you will read on and who knows - maybe open your thoughts to other projects that you may find fun!

I am going to start off with a couple of knitting projects - both socks, so no surprise there, but also a little tale about how this has leaked into work.

The first pair of socks are made from my Billy Basic sock pattern (free on Ravelry)



I remember years ago - probably in the early-mid ‘80’s reading about Kaffe Fassett. It was a magazine article and he was photographed sitting on the floor with baskets of yarn around him and he was knitting a jumper or cardigan.

Each basket had a different color of yarn in it - and not all the yarns were the same weight, and some of the lengths of yarn were only a metre or so. He would pull out a piece of yarn in the color he wanted, and would just knit, using many different shades (yellow springs to mind) and it gave such fabulous depth to his knitting. To me, it seemed such a ‘way out’ way of knitting - so liberating to knit with what you had (including leftovers) rather than buying X balls to complete a project, and although I never knit like this myself, he has always been an inspiration - the first knitter that I had read about who broke to rules.

Fast forward 30 years (has it really been that long?) I came across some of his yarn in my local yarn shop, and all those happy memories came flooding back. So I knit some plain socks to show off the lovely yarn. And this is them!

Second up was a pair for Mr. SDSC.  Plain brown in colour but a fabulous pattern that makes clever use of  contrasting knitting and purling to get great results.




I am so pleased with both of these pairs as I have not been able to knit for the best part of 2 years now as I have 'thing' called De Quervains Syndrome that effects my left (non-dominant) wrist.  It has been excruciatingly painful and meant wearing a brace, lots of physio and finally . . . . . a steroid injection.  Oh boy - that injection was fabulous and means that I can now knit quite happily.  Woohoo!

So, a couple of my colleagues at work commented that they wanted to learn to knit and had contemplated signing up at a local yarn shop.  I volunteered my services and for two lunchtimes a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) we gather in our lunch room to knit and chat  no work conversation allowed.  It has really been fun - I have taught four or five ladies to knit, and it has really helped in the workplace (not that we have tough jobs or anything like that, but we do have to deal with quite volatile situations and angry people on the phone and in person).  One of things that I found interesting was that having taught someone to knit - they wanted to go and purchase fancy yarn to actually make something - rather than practice, practice and lose interest.  As a result, there are a number of finished fancy ribbon/fluffy scarves, booties, cowls, infinity scarves etc., and the feeling is that this is 'their time' in a busy workplace, a time when they can relax and clear their minds.  It certainly makes my week a lot happier being able to knit at work!

How about you - any sock knitters out there?  And what are your thoughts on blogs that cover a number of different topics/crafts?

9 comments :

  1. Your socks are lovely :) I like your story of teaching others to knit and I think it is so good for you and others that you can have a creative outlet at work. I wish I had someone to sew with - my only crafty friend moved away last week, so online is more important than ever!

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    1. Thank-you! I find knitting with others rather strange, because (with the exception of a couple of retreats that I have been on), knitting (and sewing for that matter) is a solitary craft for me. However, it is rather fun to see how others knit/what they buy etc., and it does make two lunchtimes a week fun! I do hope that you find a sewing buddy soon!

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  2. I started my very first sock a couple of months ago using variegated yarn. I only did one :< but to my amazement it actually fits. I should knit the second one but I've started a jumper for my grandson instead. :)

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    1. Variegated yarn and the self patterning yarns are they way to go - I find that they knit up really quickly. I knit two socks at a time on one circular needle, otherwise I suffer terribly from SSS (second sock syndrome) and I end up with orphans socks as all I want to do is knit up some new yarn! Have fun with the jumper - I'm sure your grandson will be thrilled!

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  3. Love your socks. I have sock envy when you knit a new pair as I won't start any until fall when it is cooler.

    My blog is about a variety of things in my life. I chose it to be that way and it certainly has a different feel since I decided to explore this year. I enjoy reading blogs and when they take a twist in some way, I find that exciting.

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    1. Here in Alberta we have have had a seven month Winter this year - great for sock knitting but terrible for everything else! Your milder weather would be much appreciated! I enjoy reading your blog - lovely day-to-day musings!

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  4. I knit socks all the time, I always have a pair or two on the needles at all times and I live in Florida. I like a blog that covers lots of crafty things. I also sew and quilt, so I love to see what others are making. Your blog is great and I just became a follower.

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  5. Good morning I'm here from Sew Many Ways. I am primarily a quilter followed by knitting. I love to knit in situations where I am mobile as I don't like to hand sew. I have taken my knitting on trains and planes and automobiles as well as doctor visits and most fun while standing on those wonderful lines at Disney ( I actually worked on socks watching one of their parades. I sewed up a draw string pouch just big enough to hold a skein of yarn a circular needle and a photo copy of the pattern that velcros to my belt loop or fanny pack strap and away I go.

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  6. I love your socks - they turned out great! I am a sock knitting dropout. I started some a few years ago and never even finished one of them. My friend knit me some so I decided I would also learn to knit them and failed. I am better at knitting or crocheting scarves, shawls and even sweaters. I love to knit and have at least 3 projects going right now. Enjoyed your post.

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