Christmas finish line
I made it. This was the year I thought it really might not happen, but I finished the Christmas knitting.
I made another pair of Log Cabin Socks from Handknit Holidays. I knit a pair for my brother-in-law, and this pair is for my dad. I used chunky yarn on size 9 needles, and followed the directions for the woman's size. (Heh, don't tell my dad I knit him girl socks!) Initially, I used the chunky yarn on size 9's and knit the man's size, but they were clearly too big, so I ripped almost an entire sock and reknit using the smaller size. This is the first time I've ever knit socks and actually, they knit up pretty quickly (Love you, chunky yarn!) but I'm still not sure how well they're going to fit. I guess I'll find out tomorrow morning!
Which leaves...(dramatic pause)...the Tapestry Cowl. My knitting nemesis. Oh, boy. I realized pretty early on that I may not necessarily enjoy knitting this pattern, but little did I know I would come to dislike it so. But I should clarify. I LOVE the pattern, I despised the knitting. I think the real issue is that I probably don't enjoy colorwork in general...as much as I wish it weren't true. So having to constantly focus all my attention on the double knitting chart was exhausting. It's complex (which is what makes it so beautiful!) so I couldn't take my eyes off of it or even let my mind wander for a second, lest I screw it all up and have to tink back. And really, I like to do most of my knitting in a state of semi-consciousness, eyes glued to some trashy reality tv show on Bravo. That's just how I roll. So that's one of the reasons that the Tapestry Cowl and I did not get along. But since I chose to knit this as a Christmas gift, having that deadline looming made it that much more frustrating. Yar. Now, if the pattern wasn't absolutely exquisite, I may have quit halfway through. And if you already love colorwork and you get a kick out of impressing the commoners with your crazy knitting prowess, this is the pattern for you! I'm sure many knitters would find this pattern incredibly enjoyable. On that note, the double knitting itself? Well, that's quite the little fancypants technique, that is! It is pretty cool to wind up with a reversible piece of fabric. So I was rather intrigued by the process (if only for a moment) and I did like using the Berocco Ultra Alpaca Fine, so...there's that.
I hope I remember to take pictures of the handknit gifts in action...
Merry Christmas!
I made another pair of Log Cabin Socks from Handknit Holidays. I knit a pair for my brother-in-law, and this pair is for my dad. I used chunky yarn on size 9 needles, and followed the directions for the woman's size. (Heh, don't tell my dad I knit him girl socks!) Initially, I used the chunky yarn on size 9's and knit the man's size, but they were clearly too big, so I ripped almost an entire sock and reknit using the smaller size. This is the first time I've ever knit socks and actually, they knit up pretty quickly (Love you, chunky yarn!) but I'm still not sure how well they're going to fit. I guess I'll find out tomorrow morning!
Which leaves...(dramatic pause)...the Tapestry Cowl. My knitting nemesis. Oh, boy. I realized pretty early on that I may not necessarily enjoy knitting this pattern, but little did I know I would come to dislike it so. But I should clarify. I LOVE the pattern, I despised the knitting. I think the real issue is that I probably don't enjoy colorwork in general...as much as I wish it weren't true. So having to constantly focus all my attention on the double knitting chart was exhausting. It's complex (which is what makes it so beautiful!) so I couldn't take my eyes off of it or even let my mind wander for a second, lest I screw it all up and have to tink back. And really, I like to do most of my knitting in a state of semi-consciousness, eyes glued to some trashy reality tv show on Bravo. That's just how I roll. So that's one of the reasons that the Tapestry Cowl and I did not get along. But since I chose to knit this as a Christmas gift, having that deadline looming made it that much more frustrating. Yar. Now, if the pattern wasn't absolutely exquisite, I may have quit halfway through. And if you already love colorwork and you get a kick out of impressing the commoners with your crazy knitting prowess, this is the pattern for you! I'm sure many knitters would find this pattern incredibly enjoyable. On that note, the double knitting itself? Well, that's quite the little fancypants technique, that is! It is pretty cool to wind up with a reversible piece of fabric. So I was rather intrigued by the process (if only for a moment) and I did like using the Berocco Ultra Alpaca Fine, so...there's that.
I hope I remember to take pictures of the handknit gifts in action...Merry Christmas!
posted by jenna at 8:52 AM
9 Comments:
Ooooh - I love the cowl!!!! Have a Merry Christmas!
Great stuff! The cowl turned out gorgeous. I've had that pattern for awhile and am also totally intimidated by it... maybe in the new year ;)
Merry Christmas to you!
Congratulations on completing your Christmas knitting. Those socks are just exquisite! The cowl is lovely as well. Bravo.
I'll have to show you my double-knitting project I am doing cos you are my sister in double-knitting frustration!! Mine is a polka-dot scarf that is excellent for waiting rooms. Your knits are all absolutely gorgeous. I need to learn to work entrelac, because Nana's scarf is incredible and that is probably the idealest way to work Noro (sticks and rocks not withstanding) to the fullest. Love ya. xoxox.
I'm with you on colorwork. Stockinette is my best friend!
i hear ya. fair isle is hard!! i did it once and it was a lesson in frustration and focus. but i do love the tapestry cowl and i think that i'll give it a shot again :) yours turned out gorgeous!! i'm sure the recipient will love it.
the cowl is stunning - knit envy!
all the gifts you posted were gorgeous. those were really your first pair of socks? i have never made a pair, seemed to stressful, but now i'm thinking i might!
Nooo, that can't be true.. Is this your first pair of socks?? Wauw!! That's amazing. I'm trying for a while now and think it's very difficult. You are amazing!
And they are beautiful!
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