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WIP Wednesday

Even though this week has been busy with work and preparation for VK Live! this weekend, I've still been finding time to knit (is anyone surprised?). I've made considerable progress on my Malabrigo baby blanket. Of course, since it's just an endlessly-repeating pattern, it's not super interesting to see progress shots...unless there is a cute kitty in said photo, right?

I also started a project that has been in my queue for a while now, Marly Bird's Gradient Serendipity Shawl. I'm using the Himalayan Trail I bought from Bijou Basin Ranch at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival back in September, rather than the Lhasa Wilderness used in the pattern. I love the other projects I've made with Lhasa Wilderness - Narwhal Mittens and the Union Long Beanie - but wanted to try something new. Plus, I love the natural brown color, and it's soooo soft.

It's knitting up quite nicely; the cast-on is the hardest part (336 stitches!). Once you work through the first few rows with an easy lace pattern, you switch to garter stitch and work back and forth in short rows. Easy peasy and fun to knit!

Over the weekend, I performed some major sock surgery as part of my Darn-A-Thon efforts. I originally knit these socks for Tyler in 2008; I suppose it's no surprise that, four years later, they're in need of a few repairs. These socks really took a beating - not only were there rather sizable holes in both heels, the toes also had holes and threadbare holes-in-the-making. Rather than repair or reinforce each spot individually, I decided I should just cut off the toes and knit completely new ones, which I am now in the process of doing with some Brown Sheep Wildfoote from my stash. Tyler's favorite socks should be back in the game sometime soon!


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Comments

  1. cleancupOctober 24, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    I still find cutting knit fabric an intimidating prospect. Were they top down or toe up? And does that even matter if you're cutting, picking up, and knitting new?

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    Replies
    1. Handmade by StefanieOctober 24, 2012 at 9:08 PM

      They were top down, so it was fairly easy to pick up stitches and get knitting again. So far (knock on wood), I haven't had to repair any of the toe-up socks I've knit, so I'm not entirely sure how easy it would be to pick up stitches going the other way. It actually never occurred to me til just now - excellent question!

      Delete
  2. EmilyOctober 24, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    oooh, I'll definitely check out that shawl pattern! I'm totally obsessed with mostly garter shawls now! Looks fab!

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  3. bookworm-MaryOctober 24, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    I am super impressed with your sock surgery! OMG, I would be so scared to just cut the toes off my socks.

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  4. MichelleOctober 24, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    Three cheers for VKL Chicago! I hope that it's a huge success, so that they decide to come back again and again! I made myself choose between it and Stitches this year; It better live-up to expectations!

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    Replies
    1. Handmade by StefanieOctober 24, 2012 at 9:09 PM

      Agreed! I did make it out to Stitches, but I decided that if VK Live comes back to Chicago, I'll just go to that, rather than hoofing it out to Schaumburg. Fingers crossed!

      Delete
  5. LeahOctober 25, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    That's dedication - good luck with the sock repairs!

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  6. FujiyamamamaOctober 30, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    I love seeing your sock repairs!

    ReplyDelete

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