Fibers on Friday: A Challenge!!!

Friends, I'm so excited for this! Are you ready to take on a challenge for the New Year? Are you ready to get out those teeny, tiny little double pointed knitting needles and very fine yarn? Are you ready to join together as a knitting community and tackle a daunting project together....with support? Well, then join me for a New Year's Challenge for Fibers on Friday:

Turning Heels in the New Year!

It's SOCK time!! So here's my history with socks; I had barely graduated from washcloths and scarves and I dove right into socks. I completed the entire first pair and they were definitely wearable, but not for me. They were too big and bulky, think Wig Wams in 1990. So, I gave them to my sister in law who works outdoors.



Then I attempted the second pair with sock weight yarn. I wasn't happy with the tension, though. They seemed too loose and just not fitting, so I frogged them.

I thought I needed way smaller needles (size 0), so I bought those on line and attempted socks for the third time. Still not loving the whole process, so I gave up entirely.

But I'm still very determined to knit socks that I love and want to wear. So, I challenge you all to knit along right along with me. Whether or not you've ever knit socks! Whether or not you've even ever followed a pattern! We can do it! And if there are sock pros amongst us, good! Please join us and encourage us and teach us!

Here's my plan: to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 31st everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 7th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 14th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 21st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 28th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 4th we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

What do you say? Sound doable? Are you game? Here are the supplies you'll need:

• sock yarn- 2 balls
• double pointed needles-size US 2 or size to obtain proper gauge
• this pattern-Silky Soft Socks by Premier Yarns as found on Ravelry and here is the PDF
• The one and only sock knitting book I own is called Getting Started Knitting Socks. Maybe look for it at your library this week if you're so inclined. I found it very helpful.
  

It's a party guys! It's a challenge! I even created a button to grab for the event (Image courtesy of Forward Tumble who is way excited for this challenge!!) So post it on your blog, tell your buddies and let's turn some heels!!

Fibers on Friday

In light of all this excitement, let us not forget about this week's Fibers on Friday! I've been diligently knitting away on the a4A sweater. I completed one whole sleeve yesterday and started the second sleeve this afternoon. I was running really short on the teal yarn, so I switched to black for the cuff. Here is my enthusiastic model (click on image to enlarge for full hilarity):

Fibers on Friday: Heels!

Welcome to Fibers on Friday, a day that we can all come together and parade our crochet and knitting projects! And more specifically this month, to participate in a sock challenge, Turning Heels in the New Year!



How are the socks coming along? I've had much success and I'm still thrilled with the progress. I feel a sock addiction coming on, I must say! I really love the pattern I've suggested for this challenge, it's knitting up so nicely.

Here is our time line for the sock challenge:

Here's where we are in our time line to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 31st everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 7th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 14th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 21st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 28th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 4th we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

I did decide that I need to teach myself the Continental style of knitting in order to speed things up a bit. So, I watched some videos and started on a washcloth; a project that doesn't mean much, doesn't have to be pretty, but would give me practice. Here it is; the tension is not even, there are some mistakes, but overall I'm happy. I'm not ready to put the new method to the test with socks or a sweater, but I will move on to bigger projects using it.


And as if that wasn't enough knitting, I started a sweater. The Shalom. Ahhhh, I've been waiting and waiting to start this. I put it on the back burner in order to finish the sweater for Afghans for Afghans. Well, that has been mailed off, so onto Shalom!

My list of link parties is listed on my sidebar, but this has been a pretty big week of link-ups which has introduced me to a few more parties:

Fibers on Friday: Cuffs

How are your socks coming along? Are you having fun? Ready for our first sock link-up? Let's hit it!

Here are mine.

I knit the cuff and leg to just a tad over 6" as called for in the pattern. I would have gone longer, but I am trying to avoid needing another ball of this yarn since I don't know what it is or where I got it. So, if it will do two socks in total, I'll be happy! My next pair will be longer. And I can already tell you there WILL be a next pair! I am really enjoying these so much more than my prior attempts. Why? I'm not sure. I think the challenge is helping to keep me motivated. I think this pattern is just better than the ones I've tried in the past. And perhaps I'm a slightly better knitter than I was a year or two ago.

Last night I started the heel flap. I caught my self just in the nick of time for a major mistake: the pattern says to knit rows 1 and 2 of the heel flap and then repeat for a total of 29 rows. Well, I was well on my way to knitting those rows 29 TIMES....so I would have had double the amount of rows I needed. I'm thankful for that little voice that whispered to me....."Beth, read the pattern....read the pattern more carefully....something is not right.....read it! read it!"

So, tonight I will start Turning Heels....oh yeah, baby!

Here's where we are in our timeline to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 31st everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 7th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 14th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 21st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 28th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 4th we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

I can't wait to see who is participating and how you're doing! No worries if you're not doing socks, you can still link up any knit or crochet project you've been working on.

Fibers on Friday: Socks in Progress

Welcome to Fibers on Friday, a day that we can all come together and parade our crochet and knitting projects! And more specifically this month, to participate in a sock challenge, Turning Heels in the New Year!



Here's where we are in our time line to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 31st everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 7th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 14th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 21st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 28th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 4th we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

Here is my sock #2. I've been asked by a few of you what the yarn is. I had to go to the yarn store (an hour away!) to find out! It's Schoeller Stahl Fortissima Sock yarn color #25.


Did I confess you to a few weeks back that I was a one-project-at-a-time knitter? Then, do tell, how did this happen? THREE projects on needles! Here is the Shalom. It's coming along nicely. It's very nice to have this sweater going on such BIG needles (in comparison to my toothpicks for the socks), for a nice change of pace. I'm just about ready to divide for the arms holes.


And here is project #3. A hat for Rainbow loving girl. When I stopped into the yarn store for the sole purpose of finding out what the yarn is that I'm using for the socks (I threw away the sleeve a while back). Madison saw this yarn and actually started crying because I said I wasn't there to buy yarn, but I'd come back later for it. I'm not trying to raise a spoiled brat, but my girl was begging for YARN of all things! I couldn't resist. It's called the Sheepy Time Swirl Hat. I'm not getting a good feeling about the ribbing....I think it's going to be too big. But look at those colors about to emerge!

So next week, my friends, the challenge is over. We will show a picture of our two beautiful socks! Maybe some of you have been secretly participating in this challenge and will surprise us with a big reveal!

Fibers on Friday: It's On Like Donkey Kong

Are you ready for this? It's time for second annual

TURNING HEELS IN THE NEW YEAR SOCK CHALLENGE!!!

I'm so excited that a few of you expressed interest and some of you even got a little head start....yay! I am ready to start; my big project (the sweater vest) is complete, I bought my sock yarn, and I got the cool sock button loaded back onto my sidebar and it's ready to GRAB! So, please grab it and spread the word!!

So, first things first; here is the vest! I am really thrilled with it. I knit it to fit a youth size 10-12. Here is my model, a six year old, so I think it should be perfect. I used Lambs Pride Bulky Wool and it's so incredibly warm. The pattern is called Keep Me Warm Vest.

I really enjoyed learning how to do the cables and I cannot wait to knit something for me which includes cables! I need a nice cardi/hoodie, so if you can recommend one, I'd appreciate it. So far I've considered the Central Park Hoodie because I know Stitched Together knit one and enjoyed it.

So now....on to BUSINESS!! I hope you're IN on the sock challenge. Please accept the challenge as a friendly invitation to jump into sock knitting whether or not you've ever tried. If it's something you've always wanted to try, please do! And we'll all do our best to help along the way. Jump in!! Again, here's the outline of my plan. Next week, please come back and show us the cuff and leg of your first sock!

Here's my plan: to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 30th everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 6th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 13th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 20st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 27th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 3rd we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

Fibers on Friday: Cables at Christmas

Happy Friday!! I'm trying to post this week's knitting picture from my phone....

Wow! That was easy....but boy, is it ugly!?! Well, you get the idea. The vest....my first cabled project...is coming along nicely (despite how it looks in pictures!). I've completed the back entirely, cast off for the neck, and have the shoulder seams on holders. Now, I'm finishing off the front neck and it should be ready to ship!

Who's ready for this year's sock challenge??? We have a lot of new followers, so let's look back at last year when we did our first annual "Turning Heels in the New Year". Have you knit socks before? Are you an old pro who proclaims there's no sock like a knit sock? Have you always wanted to knit socks but haven't had the courage to take the plunge?

Well, in any case....join me!!! Below you'll find my projected schedule. Last year I found this time line to be the perfect amount of time to complete each phase without too much stress. If you'd like to join in, you have this entire week to gather your supplies, maybe get a book if you've never attempted socks before (may I suggest Getting Started Knitting Socks?), and check your gauge. And we'll take it from there!


Here's my plan: to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 30th everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 6th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 13th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 20st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 27th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 3rd we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

What do you say? Sound doable? Are you game? Here are the supplies you'll need:

• sock yarn- 2 balls
• double pointed needles-size US 2 or size to obtain proper gauge
• this pattern-Silky Soft Socks by Premier Yarns as found on Ravelry and here is the PDF
• The one and only sock knitting book I own is called Getting Started Knitting Socks. Maybe look for it at your library this week if you're so inclined. I found it very helpful.

I'll work on our button from last year so we can all show that we're participating in the sock challenge. I'll try to do that this week.

Fibers on Friday: A Sock!!

Welcome to Fibers on Friday, a day that we can all come together and parade our crochet and knitting projects! And more specifically this month, to participate in a sock challenge, Turning Heels in the New Year!



A sock! A sock! I have a sock that I love and can't wait to wear! This is a first....I love firsts! Thanks for taking this journey to sockhood with me, guys! My second one is on the needles, I've completed the ribbing and have about 2 inches of the leg knit. It's such slow going. I'm convinced the Continental method of knitting will help on future socks, I just wasn't ready to employ it now....would have had unequal socks, I'm sure.

Have you closed your toes? Did you have any problem with the Kitchener Stitch? It's a really nice seam, but I don't foresee myself memorizing the steps any time soon.

Last week I showed you my sweater, The Shalom, that I started. Thanks for all the lovely comments. Little did I know at the time, I was already pretty deep into a several row mess-up. Seems I don't read patterns very well, since I've already had to frog twice on this sweater! I had to rip out about 7 rows at that point because I was past the point of needing to start my increases. Then I got that worked out and was right at the point that I needed to increase once more and I messed up one row, so I frogged that. I need to pay more attention.

Next week we'll show our works in progress. In case you're deciding now to join this challenge, here was my proposed time line. You're not too late...especially if you're fast like Forward Tumble....that girl can put out some socks!

Here's where we are in our time line to knit a pair of socks by the end of January:

• By Dec. 31st everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 7th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 14th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 21st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 28th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 4th we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

Fibers on Friday: Moving Right Along

Another wonderful Fibers on Friday!! I'm happy you're here!

I've finished one whole sock and am on to the leg of the second. How are you coming along?


I've got my plan for what to knit after this sock challenge! I'm going to knit the NY Cardigan pictured here:

(image source)

I've ordered and received my yarn from Knit Picks. I went with the Gloss DK in Fedora. I'm excited.

I've also decided to knit another pair of socks. I know!!! So soon??? I'm going to knit a pair for my kids and I'm going to MAKE MYSELF knit them using the Continental method of knitting in order to speed along my knitting. If I'm going to be a sock knitter, I need to train myself to be quicker.

If you're participating in the Turning Heels Challenge, here's where we are in the schedule:

• By Dec. 30th everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.

• January 6th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 13th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 20th we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 27th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 3rd we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!

Fibers on Friday: Turning Heels Challenge Starts NOW

Are you ready for this? Have you gotten your supplies and checked your gauge? Are you ready to

TURN HEELS IN THE NEW YEAR?

I am! I spent the week finishing the sweater for Afghans for Afghans. I'm proud to report that this is my second sweater I've knit and donated to the cause. It feels good. Do what feels good! Take a look at my sweater, if you will, and also hop on over and read about the cause. Depending on how this sock challenge goes, we can do a charity challenge in the future!



I had to knit 3....count them THREE swatches in preparation for socks. My gauge was just too big, so I'm ending up with size 0 needles, something I was really hoping to avoid. Oh well. And want to hear what else? I'm using a yarn that I had in my stash....one skein...and I have no idea what it is! So, stay tuned for the debacle that's sure to ensue when I run out of yarn!

So, I cast on last night and took some pictures along the way just to sort of guide those of you who have never cast on the double pointed needles for knitting in the round. This is what we need to start now so that next week we can link our cuffs and the leg of our sock. If you'd like to read my proposed time line for this challenge, please read here.

Cast on 64 stitches on to one of the needles

Divide the stitches onto 3 needles as outlined in the pattern; 16....32....16

Now, join in the round. I do this by slipping one stitch from the left needle over to the right needle. Then, I slip the second stitch that's on that right needle over to the left needle. You're just criss crossing stitches and that secures the work and you're ready to start knitting the cuff.

Ines, over at Forward Tumble, wrote a detailed tutorial on casting on and knitting socks, complete with tons of pictures for those of us who need a visual.

Make sure your stitches are not twisted before you start knitting!
Make sure you're knitting in the direction you're suppose to be! I've been known to put down my knitting and when I pick it back up, I've gotten it backwards so I'll actually be purling where I should be knitting.

Knit the cuff in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing. Come back next week to show us what you've got! I can't wait to see who's participating. Got questions? Need help? Post a comment and I know you'll get help from me or someone else!

Fibers on Friday: Show Us Your Legs!!

Helllooooo!!! How's everyone doing on their socks??? Here I am leading this challenge and I barely made the first deadline. My pattern calls for a 6" leg, measuring from the cast-on edge. But I like to make it about 7", so I'll work a little bit more tonight. Here's a pic from earlier this afternoon and I've since knit another inch.

Furthermore, I finished off this super easy, super quick drop stitched scarf. Our February ski trip is fast approaching, so the girls needed new scarfs.

I can't wait to see your sock progress! If you're having any difficulties, please reach out and we'll try to help! And if you're behind, don't worry! Just have fun!! Here's the rest of the plan:

• By Dec. 30th everyone needs to have gathered their supplies and checked their gauge.
• January 6th we'll show off our cuffs and leg of the sock.
• January 13th we'll show off our heels. Yes, Turning Heels in the New Year!
• January 20st we should be done our gussetts and foot and be ready to close the toe.
• January 27th we'll be well into our second sock and we'll display our works in progress.
• By Feb 3rd we should be able to take a picture of our feet adorned in TWO fabulous socks!!