Category: Knitting

Early this morning (a little after 12:00 a.m.) I finished knitting these socks. I’ll take better pictures soon.

I realized, when I was finishing them, that this is Valentine’s Day, and so I’ll just call them my Valentine’s Day socks. Currently, they are soaking in a nice bath of tepid water to which I’ll be adding a few drops of essential oils of lavender and cedarwood.

You know what? This is the first time I’ve played yarn chicken. See that strand at the top of the sock. That’s all that was left. I’ve been knitting since I was eight (38 years) and I never had to do that, until this morning.

I must say that I’m thrilled that I’m finally finished knitting these socks. Why wouldn’t I be? They were frogged four times, before I finally got them exactly how I wanted them. I’m a process crafter and I’m stubborn, so I will keep redoing until I get something exactly how I want them. With the amount of “do-overs” that happened, I could have easily knit two pairs of socks. These socks should have been ‘easy’ socks to finish (and completed in record time) since I used DK weight yarn instead of my fingering/sock weight yarn. However, I really focused on customizing these hand-knit socks and I also used a personalized sock template designed specifically for my feet. I adore the sock template! It was extremely helpful in gauging when I needed to start my heel. Moving forward, I’ll definitely be using them with all the socks I knit for my daughter and myself. Another ‘new thing’ with these socks was the fleegle heel. I will be using it in the future.

Because of the (seemingly) never-ending frogging  I really had a chance to put my brand-new Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock interchangeable knitting needles set to good use and I must say, these were well worth the purchase. Yes, even though I already own the other two Hiya Hiya interchangeable Sharps (Small and Large) knitting needle sets. As my recent postings testify, I have a hand-knit sock addiction. My only regret is the Hiya HIya sharp sock interchangeable set don’t go down to a 000. However, I have fixed Hiya Hiya circulars that do.

I know I’ve said this many times since starting to write about my hand-knit sock obsession, but these are the most softest hand-knit socks that I’ve ever created. A softer fiber keeps knocking previous hand-knit socks out of this position.

 

These socks are made with super fine merino and yak. Yak, yep that shaggy animal makes an appearance in the creation of these hand-knit socks and it’s my first time knitting with this fiber. It’s still on my list of exotic fibers to spin. Because of the incredible softness, a minor thought is how will they withstand a lot of wear, but since I’m in not stopping knitting socks anytime soon, that’s fleeting, since there will be plenty of other hand-knit socks to wear.

After weaving a few ends (I typically do this while knitting so this is a non-issue) I did try them on and oh my goodness do they feel good. Since I knit these with my Size 0, Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock needles using DK weight yarn, these actually feel as if they would provide support, almost like a compression sock, might feel. I’ve never worn them, but based on how those socks are typically described, these might be similar.

 

Yesterday, I was able to try out my new Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock interchangeable knitting needles and I must say that I’m really pleased with them. As I already mentioned in an earlier post, I already have the Hiya Hiya Sharp Small and Large interchangeable knitting needles set and so acquiring the set devoted to sock needles, means I have all the sets.

If you already own the Hiya Hiya Sharp Small set, you might not want to make this purchase since two of the five needles are repeats; 2 US/2.75mm 4″ and the 2.5 US/3mm. However, since I do tend to knit a lot with both of those needles (and was already planning on purchasing at least one more of each) I bought them.

The Hiya Hiya interchangeable sock set set contains  one set of Hiya Hiya interchangeable tip adapters. These adapters are useful since you can use your larger needles from the Small interchangeable set with your Sock needle set and while some knitters might not swap between sizes when knitting an item, I do. Yes… even with my much loved hand-knit socks. What I did not see was an interchangeable tip adapter that allows you to swap from your sock needle set to the small set.   I’ll have to research a bit more to see if those are available and if not, I’ll follow up with one of the owners who is on Facebook.

But back to my new Hiya Hiya interchangeable sock needles. The cable color is different than the blue cable that I’ve become used to with the Small and Large Hiya Hiya interchangeable set. The cords are pink. I’m unsure if that’s the standard for all the interchangeable sock needle sets, but it’s the color in my set. Although it’s a minor detail, I do prefer the pink cable over the blue. Which is saying a lot, since I don’t actively choose pink with anything.

Below, I’ve included pictures of the socks in progress that I used with these needles.

This is that squishably soft yarn (superfine merino and yak) that I wrote about in an earlier post. What heel did I use? Fleegle! The ‘Fleegle heel’ is a “new to me heel.” I used the size 1.5 needles for the heel flap on my latest socks, which I’ve shown above. Before, I was mainly using german short rows for my heels.

I must say I really like this heel a lot and it will most likely be one that I use often.

While I was extremely satisfied with the fleegle heel, I wasn’t thrilled with the socks fit and so these socks will be frogged… again. Yes, I said… again! This will make the fourth time that I’ve frogged (ripped out stitches) these socks. It’s definitely my fault. With the first frogging, I forgot that this yarn is DK weight which meant I did not need to cast on as many stitches. The second frogging I decided I wanted to switch to different pattern (another one by me) and the third frogging? Well, it has everything to do with the fact that I did not make the foot long enough. So much for eyeballing, right? Instead of having to go through the hassle and sticking my foot into the sock, today, I will take the time to trace my feet and mark where I will stop for the heel flap.

Thank goodness, that I am a process knitter. Although I’ve easily spent 30+ hours on these socks (I’m factoring in everything) I’m not bothered by that at all. When it comes to my crafting adventures, I enjoy the journey.

Earlier this week, I posted the links for creating the fleegle heel. However, I’ll post them again. Enjoy!

Check out this link for the written tutorial of how to create a Fleegle heel and be sure to view the video included below.

 

 

In my last post I mentioned that I finally purchased the Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock Interchangeable Set. This had been sitting on my want list for months and while I could have easily purchased them when they were released, I didn’t. Well, I’m happy to say that they arrived today and while I have not had a chance to take them for a test drive yet, I’ll be knitting with them soon.

Check out the beautiful brocade knitting case. Isn’t it gorgeous? Do you see those socks? They are my newest socks in progress and I’m actually knitting them two at a time. I’ve been knitting socks four at a time, so this is a step down from my normal way of knitting socks. The fiber is superfine merino and yak! Yes… yak! Yak is at least three times warmer than sheep’s wool. I must say this makes for some incredibly soft yarn. In fact, this is the softest fiber that I’ve used for socks thus far. I’ll be tempted to see how they hold up?

What sizes are included with this set?

• 1 set of 0 US/2mm 5″ HiyaHiya SHARP Steel Interchangeable Tips
• 1 set of 1 US/2.25mm 5″ HiyaHiya SHARP Steel Interchangeable Tips
• 1 set of 1.5 US/2.5mm 5″ HiyaHiya SHARP Steel Interchangeable Tips
• 1 set of 2 US/2.75mm 4″ HiyaHiya SHARP Steel Interchangeable Tips*
• 1 set of 2.5 US/3mm 4″ HiyaHiya SHARP Steel Interchangeable Tips*
• 2 24″ Sock Interchangeable cables
• 1 32″ Sock Interchangeable cable
• 1 40″ Sock Interchangeable cable
• 1 Set of SOCK Interchangeable Tip Adapters
• 1 Interchangeable Tool
• 1 Set of Needle Grips
• 1 HiyaHiya Interchangeable Needle Case
• Hiya-Hiya Sheep Needle Gauge

The Sock Interchangeable Tip adapters allow knitters to utilize the HiyaHiya size 2-8US interchangeable tips with the Sock Cables.
*Using 4” 2 and 2.5US cables with the Sock Interchangeable Tip Adapter and a Sock Interchangeable cable creates a 5” interchangeable tip.

 

I love that my Hiya Hiya interchangeable sock needles case is a different color than my other two Hiya Hiya Sharp interchangeable sets. Because of that, I’ll be able to easily identify my sock/lace knitting needles from the other two sets.

Here’s another look at all three sets, but this time I’m showing all my needles. In total, I spent over $200 for them. I didn’t purchase the sets all at once. I’ve had my Hiya Hiya Sharp Interchangeable Set (small and large) for at least three years and of course I purchased the Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock interchangeable set last week. Like this purchase, these sets were on my wants list for a bit before I made the purchase. I will say that I have no regrets in any of these purchases. My Hiya Hiya needles are the only knitting needles I use now. Before, I was using KnitPicks Options, however I gave those away to another knitter. For her, they were an upgrade.

Well, I’m about to take my new sock needles for a test drive. Checking out the first picture, you’ll see my two at a time, toe-up socks. I’m about to add a lifeline and start making a Fleegle heel. It’s my first time using the Fleegle heel and so it makes sense to install a lifeline in case I make mistakes. Check out this link for the written tutorial of how to create a Fleegle heel and be sure to view the video included below.

 

 

Is anyone surprised that I’m knitting more socks? Last month, I finished knitting my four at a time socks. Which makes the total hand-knit socks I’ve knit for 2017 to be five. Yes, I knit five socks in January! That’s the most I’ve knit in such a short time frame.

 

These are the current socks that I’m knitting. Of course I’m knitting them four at a time. The colors are a bit subdued, which is a first for me and to be honest. I’m not liking the colors as much, but I’m still knitting them. To be perfectly honest, I’m not knitting them as fast as the other socks I’ve created and I know that has everything to do with the somber colors. Crazy right? But there you go. The socks on the right are made from sportsweight yarn in a blend of merino wool and polyamide. I think the pattern is very ‘masculine’ and I’ve decided to knit these for my father. Since they are machine washable (I’m using superwash wool) I don’t have to worry about mom handwashing his socks.

The socks on the right are for my daughter. I really need to start taking more pictures with my good camera so it captures the colors correctly. The above socks are navy blue. I searched for about three days before I found this navy blue sock yarn. This is fingering weight yarn is superfine merino wool and silk. It’s extremely soft and slippery. It’s a fingering weight yarn and it’s a delight to work with although the dark color makes it a challenge to see under dim light. However, I’ve rectified that situation by purchasing a portable clamp on light that I can attach to an object near me and knit with properly illuminated stitches.

 

 

For socks, I typically knit with needles ranging in size from 0-2; however, for these socks, the needle size is 000. Since I’m using fingering and sports weight yarn, at such a small gauge this makes for incredibly stretchy socks. Because the needle size is so small, the stitches are tiny. Hopefully these socks should last for a long time. Then again, all my handknit socks are holding up just fine and I knit most of my socks with 100% natural fiber.

Since it’s obvious that I’m stuck on sock knitting, I finally purchased the Hiya Hiya Sharp Sock interchangeable set. It should be here on Monday! I cannot wait to use them. I already have the small and large Hiya Hiya Sharp Steel set. What have I been using to knit socks? My size 2 knitting needles from my Hiya Hiya Sharp interchangeable set (Small) and also my Hiya Hiya fixed circular knitting needles size 0 and 000.

It’s been so busy the past few months which has caused me to be quiet on my websites. During that time, I’ve been dealing with life… its highs and lows and to round that out, I had two wrist sprains (yes at the same time) in November. But despite the occasional hurdles, I still have so much to be thankful for… and I have been! I did have a few months of much needed extra time with my daughter and for that I’m grateful. We’re very close.

In 2017, I have knit a lot of socks, five pairs to be exact. The last four pairs of socks, were knit, four at a time, toe-up. So twice, I’ve knit four socks at a time and I don’t plan on slowing down. Two days ago, I cast on four socks at a time.

Some might think knitting four socks a a time is a bit much, but suppose I’ve tell you that I’ve knit six socks at a time? I have seen some ladies (via various Facebook groups online) knit eight at a time. Now granted, ‘four at a timers and up’ are a rare breed of sock knitters but we’re out there! Although I have made six at a time socks, I know I won’t be doing that regularly! Six skeins of yarn means six more times there can be tangles. My standard way of knitting socks will most likely will be four at a time. Why four at a time? My daughter loves hand-knit socks as much as myself, but… she also feels bad if she has freshly made socks and mom doesn’t have any. Even though I’ve told her she shouldn’t feel terrible, she does. She’s such a tenderhearted girl. Making four socks at a time, erases those feelings for her.

Here’s the latest hand-knit socks that I’ve made. I’ll be posting additional pictures soon, just to document what I went into creating these socks. However, you can get the sock patterns free on Raverly. For the variegated socks I used the pattern Petty Harbour and the ivory colored socks used the pattern Hermoine’s Everyday socks. Yes, I knit two different patterns at the same time for the four at a time socks. It wasn’t complicated and the stitch patterns were similar. I just had to remember which was which. 🙂 I ended these socks by dropping down to my size 0 Hiya Hiya fixed circulars and doing a rib stitch (k2,p2) for about an inch.

The ivory hand-knit socks were made for my daughter and the variegated pair, well.. I’m wearing them now. I have more pictures of those socks and will eventually getting around to posting about them.

I’m hoping to start writing a bit more regularly here. Be warned, most of my crafting has centered around sock knitting; however, I’ll be posting about some of my spinning and sewing adventures too.