Little Sky Sock

Well, I got Cat Bordhi's "New Pathways For Sock Knitters" a while ago and I decided it was time to try something from it. So I did the logical thing and made the first project in it, the "Little Sky Sock," which is a small-scale learning sock. It is meant to teach you the basic techniques you'll need to know in order to make a full size version of the same style sock.

This all seemed fine and good but then I wondered what I would do with this one, lone sock. Then it dawned on me that my co-worker/friend's brother is having twins. So I have made a pair of these socks. I will also be making a pair from the "Little Coriolis" pattern, which is another learning sock.

This will work out well since I will get plenty of practice on two diferent types of "sockitectures" and I will have two gifts when I'm done. Nice!

So here is a look at the first pair of socks. It's not the best picture because I took it under artifical light. But I wanted to get this posted while I had time tonight, so it'll have to do for now. I made these both today and they were very fun to make, different than other socks that I have made and knit up quickly. I'm looking forward to making a full-size pair with some of the new sock yarn that I just got!

Spooky!

Here's a scary (well...) Zombie that I made for Ron, the biggest Zombie fan that I know. Though he's not very frightening, he is awfully cute...the zombie that is...well, Ron too!

Sock #1

Here is one of the socks that I'm knitting currently. That is to say, this is the first, finished one. I have the other one on the needles now and am about half way done with it. The yarn I'm using is anyones guess. It some that I've had around for well over a year and the labels are gone. The pattern is the Simple Sock from Cat Bordhi's "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles" however I decided not to carry the ribbing down the leg and left it as a simple cuff.

In other news, I've become fairly active on Ravelry...finally. I was signed up before, but never even filled out my profile. Mostly as a way to look for patterns. So when reminded by Amanda to check it out, I decided to! So now I've got pictures of a lot of my projects, have my 'library' of books listed, and have joined a couple of 'groups.' If you'd like to find and/or 'friend' me on there, look for me as KenInMaine.

Amigurumi KNITS

In response to Dave's wish that there were more Amigurumi patterns for knitters...there are! They're gathered together in a book called Amigurumi Knits by Hansi Singh. I just picked the book up on Knit Picks for 40% off during their fall book sale. In actuality this is probably technically more of a knitted toy book than Amigurumi, which tend to be much smaller and less complex. Nevertheless, the patterns are incredible. The jackalope pattern alone is worth the price of the book. Though I haven't gotten a chance to make any yet, this is already my favorite knitting book (of the moment anyway...). I hope to delve into some of the projects soon, though I have a couple pairs of socks lined up first. So for any knitters who've been wanting to try their hand at Amigurumi, or toys in general, here's your chance!        

A great weekend...

Just wrapping up a nice weekend off.

Yesterday Ron and I took the convertible for one last spin and got some leaf-peeping in while we were at it. It was slightly chilly, but overall, very nice. Today was spent on yardwork and getting the roof tapes on the front of the house. Last winter's snow lead to ice which lead to ice dams which lead to water in the house. So we're hoping this will take care of things. And with the potential for snow at the end of the week, we got it done just in time!

Here's another present I made for a co-worker, our beloved Dr. Lyn. I decided to surprise her on her birthday with this little guy.

Has anyone been following the innovative knitting work of Cat Bordhi? I've gotten a few of her books recently and am excited to dive into some of her patterns, especially those from her two most recent sock books. I'd be interested to hear any feedback if you've tried either.

More critters

Because we all like to show off our work, I wanted to post a few more pictures of the Amigurumi that I've made over the past year. Two of them are the Amineko, or crocheted cat from the original Japanese pattern. I've made three of these now in different colors as presents for people. It's a fun project and while most Amigurumi are fairly rigid due to their tightly constructed gauge, I like that this one is poseable due to the long floppy appendages.

 

The one that I've made most recently is a seen below. He went to my good friend Karen who collects giraffes. She LOVED him which made us both very happy! He was very fun to make due to the unique way the legs are made separately and then joined together in a round to start the shaping of the body. The pattern for him can be purchased on Ravelry.

The Toy Society

Has anyone heard of  The Toy Society?  Here is a description from their website:

"The Toy Society spreads the love throughout the streets of the world. Nothing to it really just a bunch of handmade toys looking for a nice home.

What started as a small street art project in Australia is slowly spreading around the world.

Should you come across a member of The Toy Society on your travels collect them up and take them home with you! But don't forget to let us know about it here."

I guess the premise is that you make a small toy (knit, crochet, sewn, etc...) and leave it in a public place. You attatch a sticker to it that says "Take Me Home" with The Toy Society's web address. The person who takes it is then asked to go online and post that they've picked the toy up and given in a home. It's a kind of feel-good project for you and them. I'm thinking I'll give it a try and see what happens. Anyone with me?