KNITSTER

You know, very often people who knit go and vacation and bring knitting projects with them, in the hopes that while on vacation, they will get some much needed extra relaxation time to pursue their favorite pastime (or at least one of them, namely their knitting). I’ve know those who said they brought their knitting and never picked it up, and I’ve know others who complete whole projects during their stay. For me, I fell somewhere in between.

I brought a few things with me, in the hopes that I’d be making some progress somewhere on something. Only on one item did that happen. Okay, two items, depending on how you look at it.  For my “mindless” project for the drive southbound and back, I started my first pair of adult sized socks (and actually the second pair of socks I’ve ever made), made of Knitpicks “Parade” yarn in a self striping colorway of turquiose, gold, orange and a gray and natural rag look (if that makes sense). I don’t remember the formal name of the yarn color, as it’s not on the label, but it’s definitely beach-y colored. I also brought my Doctor Bag project. And lastly, for the second year in a row, I brought my crochet hooks, my Sn’B “Happy Hooker” book, and a beautiful ball of cotton variegated yarn that my friend Z gave me last year that also reminds me of the beach.

Here’s the progress I made on all:

• The Doctor Bag– this is proving to be a project that’s going to take a LONG time. I wasn’t getting the stitch count right with the pattern for the longest time, even though I was very carefully following directions. I had to frog the thing a couple more times until about cast on #4 or #5 proved to finally work. I finally got over the “hump” of where I was getting stuck a bit, but then to knit 18 inches worth of herringbone in doubled-up chunky yarn was taxing on my arms, and my brain was scrambled after finally getting the first 32-48 rows on the needles or so, so I decided to take a break on that one. I will keep pursuing it, but I think it’s going to take a while. I think the other problem (forgive me, Mel!) is that I’m using a variegated yarn for this, so it’s not consistently one color, and it makes for interesting knitting. While you can see the texture pattern– if you look for it– my idea was to create something that would provide the cool texture, and with the color give the vibe of something like a tapestry/cross-stitched piece, something reminiscent of Mary Poppins’ carpet bag, y’know? I’m afraid of photographing the progress thusfar for fear of being blasted by the designer. :-S But, at least, despite having to frog and recast on twice during the trip, it’s on its way.
• The crocheting - no progress at all. I just looked at the book again, started a basic chain stitch, and still couldn’t get beyond the cast on row. I think I’m going to have to put that beautiful ball of yarn to some other use.
• The sock– WELL, I actually feel a little more accomplished with this one. I gauged and cast on during the initial part of our drive southbound, and got about 3/4s of the leg done, which was great. It was actually a lot! The part of making socks that I am always fearful of is not turning the heel, but rather picking up the stitches for the gusset and getting the gusset started. In looking at the sock now, I think I should have made some tighter stitched in parts of the heel, but other than that, it’s looking pretty good. I only have one hole on one side of the gusset, which is progress in my sock knittng skills. Hopefully I’ll get it fixed with the matching sock! When doing laundry at the hotel, and during the trip northbound, I made more progress, and was able to get a good portion of the foot done. If I hadn’t taken a break last night, I think I could’ve finished the sock, but perhaps I’ll get that done today or tomorrow. When it’s finished, I’ll take a photo. I like self striping socks, and was only so-so on doing them after the pair I made for Drew a while ago, but I think I like them a lot better this time after this trip, and only now can I see the appeal for them as a project, especially when travelling. I’ve been using the two-circulars at a time approach by Cat Bordhi, which is what I used before, and I have to make a slight adjustment in one spot, but otherwise, I got it down really well this time.  After making this matching sock, perhaps I will finally try the Magic Loop method. I have the booklet, but haven’t employed it yet. I might just get the hang of this sock thing yet, and I’m already thinking about teacher gifts for Christmas!

So, that’s what’s been going on with my knitting. Vacation knitting. It wasn’t exactly what I had hoped, but I did get some knitting time in, and enjoyed most of it, and need to keep knitting and get some ideas for future projects! Then again, what am I saying? I have a BUNCH of projects that are already in line that I haven’t even started! The skirt, some baby stuff for a family friend, Drew wants a hooded sweater….I have enough!

Posted on September 3rd, 2007 by Dani
Filed under: Projects