Sock Knitting Machine, make your own!

Just when you’ve given up ever having a Sock knitter!

A 3D printer can be used to create this circular knitting machine.

3D-Sock knitting Machine. 

Well if you can make friends with someone with access to a 3D printer; here is an open source program to manufacture one, supply list and instructions included!

Here is a video showing it being made!

and How to cast on.

I call that awesome!

I have a Plan!

Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal

Only a few more rows to go!

Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser done!

Namaste Yoga socks #1- Finished!

My design, will publish soon.

This is a fundraiser for the Sick Kids Hospital Yoga rehab program.

Aquisition: Crown Jewels by The Yarn Therapist

Self stripping, designed for shawls! I have plans on knitting this on my vacation :0)

WIP List = 9

1. Namaste Yoga socks #2
2. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal
3. Without Moonlight #2 
4. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done! 
5. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket
7. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
8. Rose Harbour Shawl 
9. My Fair Cardi 
10. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
11. Zuzu’s Petals  – frogged I have a better plan
12. Namaste Yoga socks #1 – done
13. Simplicity Lace Scarf – Kal/feb2015 done 
14. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser – done

WIPS 2015 = 14 – 5 = 9

FO’s 2015 = 23 + 2 = 25

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 21 + 2 = 23

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 7

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Something new!

It’s been another rather busy week. I’ve been beavering away finishing a few things, and starting my next Kal.

Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal

3 pattern repeats

 One pair of Yoga Socks done and handed in 

Yoga Socks for Sick Kids Hospital rehab program

Published 2 new Patterns on Ravelry.com this last week.

Be Simply Different scarf – a freebee 

Be Simply Different

and The Herman Hat 

Made for our friend Herman

I came across 2 interesting Articals:

A Quick Guide to Stitch Markers and 

Make your own Stitch Markers

by Ashley Little

WIP List = 13

1. Pretty Basic scarf – May Kal
2. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser
3. Untangled #4
4. Without Moonlight #2 
5. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
6. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
7. Zuzu’s Petals
8. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
9. Sea of Dreams Blanket
10. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
11. Rose Harbour Shawl 
12. My Fair Cardi 
13. Simplicity Lace Scarf – Kal/feb2015 done
14. Be Simply Different Scarf  
15. Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab
16. 6X6″ afghan squares or Ukrainian Orphanages (2)

WIPS 2015 = 16 – 3 = 13

FO’s 2015 = 19 + 4 = 23

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 14

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 21

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 6 + 1 = 7

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Charity Knitting: Stitches to make the world a better place

Spring has sprung in these parts, shorts and tshirts have been pulled out of winter storage and sandals are abroad in the land. The sun is shining and the cats are at the front door watching the kids heading off to school. 

Jack and Willow watching the kids go off to school.

The garden is coming up flowers too.

Tulips and Grape Hyacinths

Meanwhile I have been working on a couple of Charity projects that my local LYS is sponsoring.

Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab 

I leave a long tail when casting on. Weaving back and forth at each pattern repeat. Works for me!
Knitting these magic loop.

Raglan Baby Cardigan (Top-Down)by The Students of Subway Academy II

A 6 month sized cardigan for the Church Craft Sale May 30th.

6X6″ afghan squares or Ukrainian Orphanages 

One a week, to be delivered on Knit night.
2 so far.

FO: His Birthday Socks

Finished these beauties just in time for my sweethearts Birthday. Every year he asks for socks for Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Christmas. He doesn’t always get them, but this is a special one so why not?

WIP List = 15

1. 6X6″ afghan squares or Ukrainian Orphanages (2)
2. Raglan Baby Cardigan – Church fundraiser
3. Untangled #4
4. Without Moonlight #2
5. Yoga Socks – for Sick Kids rehab
6. Be Simply Different Scarf
7. Buttermere #2 – ran out of yarn!
8. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal almost done!
9. Zuzu’s Petals
10. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
11. Sea of Dreams Blanket
12. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
13. Rose Harbour Shawl 
14. My Fair Cardi 
15. Simplicity Lace Scarf –  Kal/feb2015 almost done
16. His Birthday Socks

WIPS 2015 =  13 + 2 = 15

FO’s 2015 = 16 + 3 = 19

Other FO’s (not fibre) = 13 

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 19 + 2 = 21

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 5

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Feeling like a Heel Tutorial

First, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter/Passover or Chocolate day, whichever you celebrate.

Ok, “His Socks” are to the point of Inserting the Heels.

First make the socks, sans heels…

Thought a short photo tutorial would show you how easy it is. 

I start out with an outline of the foot I am making the sock for. Mark a line across the heel directly across where the ankle bone meets the heel. 

The outline for a custom sock, in this case 7″ to the heel line.

First make your sock, top down or toe up doesn’t matter. Magic loop or 5 dpns, works either way. 

Ok, I want to pause and explain something before we get under way.

Anatomy ala the Vitruvian man: 

You know how some sock just won’t stay up. They sag and drive you nuts.

Well if you follow this simple rule, your socks won’t do that.  Make your socks as long as the measurement from your toes to your ankle bone. Yup, then add your cuff. You see if you measure up from the floor, for example 7″ as for this custom sock, you will note that your calf starts to curve out and that is why your sock is sliding down. You can make socks longer, but past this point in order for them to stay up, they have to be above your calf muscle (to your knee) not to slide down. Thank you Leonardo! 

In this case I am making Toe ups

When knitting, I knit the whole sock cuff and all, inserting and knitting over the waste yarn at the ankle line. 

Note: this is a 60st sock on 2.5mm. Using 1/2 the stitches, (30st) I have knit 15st with my waste yarn, then left a loop in the yarn and continued to knit the remaining 15st. I usually to this with a separate dpn. I then continue knitting over this waste yarn row as usual.

So I knit my socks, (usually both) then I insert the heels at the same time.

Optional: I often make my heels in a complimentary yarn colour. This makes repairing and re-knitting the heel so much easier. I’ve never had to replace the heels in my own socks, but my guys have needed many replacements over the years. 

I was lucky to find a nice Kermit green yarn for these beauties  :0)

Ok, we are going to pick out the waste yarn. At first it is a little like a battle with an octopus, but it gets easier as you go along. Start at one side with 2 dpns; pick up the top live stitch on the waste yarn on one dpn and the bottom live stitch on the waste yarn on the other dpn.

Using the 3rd dpn, gently unknit the waste yarn being very careful that each stitch is securely on the upper or lower needle before persuading the waste yarn out of the stitches.

When you reach the middle, you will have 15 st on the upper needle and 15st on the lower. Now flip the sock over and work from the other end to the middle with 2 more dpns, (one for the top row and one for the bottom row). 

This is what we’re aiming for.

Oops you say, why do I have 61st instead of 60st? Technically the lower row is upside down and there is always one more stitch going the opposite direction. Therefore knitting upward, 60st, turn the knitting the other way up 61st. Weird but true!

We are going to reduce the stitches back to 60st by k2tog at the end closest to the ankle of the sock on the needle with 16st, on the first heel round. Clear as Mud?

How this works with whatever number of stitches your sock is. Use Half the number of stitches in your sock, (must work out to an even number) one stitch here or there is fine. 

Therefore if your sock is 72st, you would knit 36st on your waste yarn. Which would work out to be 18st on each of 4 dpns for a total of 72st for the heel opening. 

Note, that this method gives you only one tail to darn in at the ankle.

Inserted heel close up

Instructions for 60st heel

• Row 1: knit
• Row 2: knit (on 4 dpns rearrange stitches) dpn 1: 2st,pm 2st, dpn 2: 26st dpn 3: 4st dpn 4: 26st) (on Magic loop) 30st either side.
• Row 3: (on 4 dpns rearrange stitches 2,pm) pm *K2, ssk, k12, k12 k2tog, k2* (on Magic loop) pm *k2, ssk, k24, k2tog, k2*
• Row 4: knit alternate rows
• Continue reducing 4st every other row  to 24st. 
• Now reduce 4st every row to 14st.
• next row k1,*k2tog* (7st)
• Thread tail through stitches. Darn in tail.

WIP List = 11

1. Dish Soap Poncho – for church craft sale
2. Buttermere #2
3. EZ’s Baby Surprise Jacket – Fb/Kal
4. Zuzu’s Petals
5. His/Hers Socks
6. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket
8. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
9. Rose Harbour Shawl 
10. My Fair Cardi 
11. Simplicity Lace Scarf   Kal/feb2015 

FO’s 2015 = 9

WIPS 2015 = 9 + 2 = 11

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 13

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 5

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

for my Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

With Renewed Enthusiasm!

Well this last week begins another year blogging!

Here in Canada, we seem to have missed the major snow storm that threatened the U.S. Atlantic coast. We actually only have a fraction of the snow that we are accustomed to. It has been rather chilly; but with only 7 weeks to spring, I plaster a frozen smile on my face and look forward to better things to come!

With a little frogging here and there, it’s been a busy week.

His Socks 

One done with inserted heel to be done afterward. Other 1/2 done.

Zuzu’s Petals Cowl – (a slightly amphibian project)

Working round 15 of 42 rows, of the lace. Hint works better if you work from the Chart! Trust me on this…

Finished the Herman Hat #2 for my sweetheart!

Ok, try this with shaking hands. My first selfy ever!
Taking selfy of FO hat is a lot harder than it looks!

WIP List = 8

1. Zuzu’s Petals
2. His/Hers Socks
3. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket
5. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
6. Rose Harbour Shawl 
7. My Fair Cardi 
8. Simplicity Lace Scarf   
9. Hermans hat #2

FO’s 2015 = 2 + 1 = 3

WIPS 2015 = 8

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 4 + 1 = 5

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 3

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

My Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

What more Socks!

The question arises; can anyone knit too many socks?

Over Christmas my hands began to shake and I noticed an uneasy feeling when reaching into my purse, something was missing! I always carry a small parcel with a pair of socks in progress. Between Christmas and New years, I finished up both pairs that I had been making.

My Favourite Top-down socks

These worked up just as nicely as My Favourite Toe-up socks.

and

Knit by the Dozen Socks. Note the Kermit the Frog toes, heels and cuffs! I feel very happy wearing these babies!
Modification: Inserted heel rather than Short row in the original pattern. Magic looped.

I developed this idea last year; that one pair was not enough! So now I work on one fancy pair and one plain pair. The plain pair are knit when I am with my fibreholic friends. The fancy ones are just because ;0)

His and Hers Socks both my design 

Custom Socks: Bosnian Toe-up with inserted heel

These are the same pattern 

Ryan Cowl – Jan/Kal 

Finished object #2 for 2015!

WIP List = 7

1. His/Hers Socks
2. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
3. Sea of Dreams Blanket
4. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
5. Rose Harbour Shawl 
6. My Fair Cardi 
7. Simplicity Lace Scarf   
8. Ryan Cowl – Jan/Kal

FO’s 2015 = 1 + 1 = 2

WIPS 2015 = 7

Long-term Projects = 4

 Stash Used 2015 = 3 + 1 = 4

Yds of Handspun 2015 = 0

Sewing FO’s 2015 = O

Books 2015 = 3

cya next week :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

My Literary blog, see Totally Austentatious.

Happy New Year 2015!

Well it has been an active year. 

Fibre related Christmas gifts from my family this year!

Book: Knit Nordic by Eline Oftedal and a skein of Madeline Tosh Sock (spectrum)

The last few projects of the year 

Knit by the dozen socks my design 

Knit by the Dozen Socks. I started knitting these while I was ill socks.
Modification: Inserted heel rather than Short row in the original pattern.

My Favourite Top-Down Socks 

These worked up just as nice as My Favourite Toe-up socks.

my design – yet to be published 

and I am madly casting off my Hue and Value Shawl 

Hoping there is enough yarn to finish casting this off…

As I look back on my New Years Resolutions for 2014, I am stunned by the number of things I finished this year.

In 2011 – 105,

2012 – 78,

2013 – 112 

2014 – 61

It’s been a good year!

Projects in 2014

Resolutions for 2015!

1. I will Complete 8 WIP’s on my list
2. I will knit the lovely Madeline Tosh Sock yarn (spectrum) my DH gave me for Christmas 2014! 
3. I have given up on organizing my stash, instead I will parcel up 15 projects with pattern,  stash yarn etc that I will make this year! Ok this sounded like a great plan, last year and yes I did parcel up 14 projects ready to go…still there nothing happened. Going to add one more for 2015…
4. I will make ALL items for the Church Bazaar and craft sales from stash!
5. I will not replenish my stash as it deminishes unless DH approves  (update this lasted for 25 days last year) I am going to see how long I will last this year!
6. Goal this year, significant stash reduction! Again!
7. I am counting making my studio usable as a minor success. However the Guyz tidied the house for Christmas and the a lot of stuff has disappeared and 4 laundry baskets are missing, I am guessing where… back on the list since 2013!
8. I will complete one handmade gift for each of the 11 people that will be joining us Christmas 2015 
9. I will make my DH and DS each a Scarf this year
10. I will spin more. I have been spinning a little more, and I need to dig out my sewing machine this year too.
11. I am going to invest in Shelving and containers and organize (sort of ) my stash and studio. 
12. I will join Fibreholics anonymous (Just kidding :0)
13. I am going to use more none virtual patterns, I have loads of knitting books, magazines and patterns I should use them!

Total of 13 Fibre Resolutions for 2015, we will see how this goes :0)

The Jar 2014

I begin 2015 with WIP List = 8

1. Hue and value shawl 
2. Left over Cowl 
3. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket
5. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
6. Rose Harbour Shawl 
7. My Fair Cardi 
8. Simplicity Lace Scarf  

Thanks again for an interesting and eventful year.

It wouldn’t have been the same without you. 

FO’s 2014 = 61

WIPS 2014 = 8

 Stash Used 2014 = 80 + 3 = 83

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = O

Books 2014 = 37

cya next year :0)

I’m off on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!

Holiday Season Treats!

Botticelli’s: The Mystical Nativity

We are still working on getting ready for Christmas in my household. The tree is up, the gifts are purchased (no handmade this year as I have been under the weather for a few months), baking happening today and maybe a little gift wrapping.

Meanwhile I have been working on my socks. 

Knit by the Dozen Toe-up Socks

At 1 1/2 of a pair of Knit by the Dozen socks with insert heels and toes in kermit the frog green :0)

and waiting till I am a little more organized to finish up my Hue and Value Shawl. 

Almost there, one more section then garter stitch band and done!

Last year I posted a pattern as a gift to my readers. This year I am posting two sweet treats! Enjoy :0) 

Here is a downloadable PDF: Christmas recipes  

DH made the chocolate things so they are a little large, and we didn’t have any candied cherry for the top of the Mincemeat Squares. They are delicious anyway.

Mincemeat Squares  (Moms recipe/ Dads favourite)

2c Graham cracker crumbs

1 ½ c Mincemeat

15 oz Eagle Brand sweetened condensed Milk

Mix ingredients together, pour into well grease 9×12 pan. Bake for 30mins at 350 degrees. Cool then cut and place a bit of marichino cherry on each piece. Cut into pieces about 1½ x 2”

Chocolate Things!

(Grandma used to make these, my favourite)

2c sugar

6 tbsp cocoa

½ c butter or margarine

½ c milk

½ tsp vanilla

3 c instant oats

1 c  grated coconut

Mix sugar and cocoa in sauce pan. Add butter, and milk and bring to a boil. Add vanilla. Remove from heat and blend in oats and coconut. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper and chill till firm.

Makes: 4 ½ dozen – 1” cookies

I also found this recipe that looked rather good for those with sugar challenges (Diabetics).

Chocolate Star 

Made with Pizza Dough and nutella.

Hashbrown Baked Potato Casserole

(I use green onions, and add well done crumbed Bacon)

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

WIP List = 10 

1. Hue and value shawl
2. My Favourite Top-Down Socks 
3. Left over Cowl 
4. Cabled Hood with Pockets 
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 
8. My Fair Cardi 
9. Simplicity Lace Scarf  
10. Knit by the Dozen Toe-up Socks

FO’s 2014 = 54

WIPS 2014 = 10

 Stash Used 2014 = 80 

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 33 + 4 = 37

Thanks again, cya soon :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond

I also have a Ravelry shop 

As a Christmas treat all patterns in my Ravelry Shop are on sale for 25% off with the coupon code willow42 till Dec 31st

and an Etsy shop!

Sock Drawer Challenge!

Yes I have accepted the Sock Drawer Challenge, and it was a challenge! 

I took this picture after stuffing all I could into the drawer. Then socks started popping up all over, under beds, on feet, and in laundry baskets, lol

There are 30 pair in this photo, think I need a bigger drawer?

I challenge you to show off your drawer!

It’s been a while since I have posted, unfortunately I have been up to my ankles in alligators.  Lots of medical tests and other nasty stuff. The upside is lots of  knitting and reading going on here.

Available in Willows Pocket my etsy shop

and

Blue, green and purple

and

Red, pink, orange

and

Blue, pink, green

Found at Willows Pocket Etsy shop

I have also been working on items for the St Georges Anglican Church, Newcastle Annual Christmas Craft sale.

A few pairs of Toddler Tootsies (my design)

and

A friend designed this dish cloth for Estelle Yarns, it hangs over your soap bottle to dry. I have knit 2 so far.

and

Some nice person donated a big bag of “Boa” to the Church Craft group, a friend suggested Christmas Tree Garlands, 6 at 8ft each.

I’m also putting together my pattern for “Roses in Winter Boot Cuffs” in preparation for Test knitting. 

Really pleased with these!

So between this and that I have been a very busy bee.

WIP List = 9

1. Quicksilver Lace Shrug started Sept 5/14
2. My Favourite Top-Down Clog Socks (Did a little work on these since last posting)
3. Left over Cowl started feb 23/14
4. Cabled Hood with Pockets Started Sept 27/13
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 85% done started Mar 9/13
6. Isla lace Pillowcase edge  60% done started June 18/13
7. Rose Harbour Shawl 85% done started Jun 28/13
8. My Fair Cardi Started Apr 8/14
9. Simplicity Lace Scarf  

FO’s 2014 = 37 + 13 = 50

WIPS 2014 = 9

 Stash Used 2014 = 65 + 13 = 78

Ravellenic 2014 FO’s =  8

Yds of Handspun 2014 = 313 yds

Sewing FO’s 2014 = 

Books 2014 = 27 + 3 = 30

Thanks again, cya next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0 

I also have a Ravelry shop and an Etsy shop!