Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Tisket-A-Tasket Block 4 and Knitting Sox

Well guess what? It snowed overnight! Boo hoo! Even though it's just a dusting, at this time of the year, even two flakes are two too many! On the brighter side, it's supposed to warm up by the weekend which is just a short two days away...so I'm not going to whine too profusely.

Even with a few interruptions with friends dropping by, yesterday turned out to be a relatively productive day. I managed to complete the wool version of the fourth T-A-T block at our stitching group last night. Today I'm hoping to start the applique version.


When I arrived back home last evening, I went on the computer and started blog surfing. It takes me a couple of hours to wind down after our stitching group because we drink pots of tea and eat delicious goodies and I can never go straight to bed without relaxing first. Lo and behold, I came across the Blackbird Design gals blog. I love their work, both the stitching and quilting designs.

I believe it was the the second post where Alma wrote about being at a Moda designers meeting and took in some shopping. On this particular shopping excursion, she purchased some sock yarn and needles and decided to give knitting socks a try. Her story sounded a lot like my initial sock journey so I offered a few words of encouragement and mentioned that I would post some of the socks that I have knitted on my blog, just to show that there is hope for all who might like to venture down this path.

About a year and a half ago, I came across a quilt/yarn shop that had just opened in Renesselar Falls, NY, about 60 miles from where we live. On one of my recent posts, I briefly mentioned that I find it difficult just to sit and not have something to keep my hands occupied. To make a potentially long story short, along with some fabric, I bought a skein of sock yarn, some needles and a pattern...and so began my sock journey.

I was shown how to knit as a child and I think I made a scarf or two, but that was the extent of my knitting. With a little encouragement form the shop owner and a few tips, I struggled through the first pair which I chalked up to a learning experience. After that, there was no stopping me. Last year, I made 27 pairs of socks and the ones pictured above are all that remain. Everyone I know has received a pair of socks, and much to my chagrin, that's all my husband wears now!


So at the end of the day if I sit down in front of the television, I have the luxury of choosing either to stitch or knit socks. Isn't life grand!

Happy stitching...and knitting!

17 comments:

Julie said...

do your talents never end? and why do i not have pair of your lovely socks? LOL
julie xoxox

Rumi said...

I bought sock yarn, needles and pattern but have yet to make me a pair of socks. Do you use double points or or circular needles? My local yarn shop owner uses one circular needle! I am currently working on a lace scarf. Love to knit in the evenings!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Yum a chocolate bunny. Love your wools and the colors as delicious too. I LOVE socks. Good for your husband! Such terrific yarns I drool over but am allergic to most. And my knitting lesson didn't go very well. So I think I'll switch to crochet...perhaps just a dishcloth...think I can manage? And Rumi is a TERRIFIC knitter.

Kimberly said...

Lovely! Although I'm not needing socks these days... oh, you knew that already!
For some reason I can't seem to find the new BOM pattern, just the first three. Any ideas?
Thanks a bunch! Kimberly

Carrie ~ Cricketwood Prims said...

It is so fun seeing the basket blocks, such a happy basket this month, again. I have finished one pair myself, my second is still on my needles, a puppy got ahold and gave me a heart attack...lol... they don't appreciate the work we put into their chosen chew toys.

Sherri said...

I've never knitted...someday maybe! Do knitted socks last longer than purchased one? Just wondering! And I love your T-A-T block...hoping to finish mine today!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh I love the socks, i knit but have no idea how to knit socks, love all the colors, you are one talented gal!!

Loris said...

I love the chocolate bunny and yellow chick. These baskets are wonderful.
Somehow about 30 yrs ago, I knitted a pair of socks for my sister...have no memory as to how!Didn't look near as colorful as yours. Should pick up some needles and give it a go again. I need a hat.
Your DH is a lucky man!

Anonymous said...

Love the latest block! A chocolate rabbit! I'm not a knitter but fascinates me the talent you have for that too!

Candace said...

Your block is darling, Kaaren! A friend of mine just started socks and is having a terrible time....I think she needs you! Your socks are so colorful! Do you use wool or cotton?
Cheers!

Heidi said...

I love knitted socks. I don't knit but am always begging my mother to knit me things. :) I love your latest BH BOM block. Oh my! I really must start on February's block. I am so behind. Thanks for the link to BDs blog. I did not know she had one. I understand needing to wind down after getting together with stitching friends. I have that after my quilt group has been to my house.

Hugs ~
Heidi

Carrie P. said...

I just love Blackbird Designs and just found their blog too. You basket block turned out very cute and your socks are awesome.
You just know how to do all kinds of stuff. You are so gifted.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Hi Kaaren! Your block is lovely and your knitted socks are, too! I love to knit as well and have been "perfecting" the sock knitting by trying different cast ons/heels and toes. My absolute favorite cast on is in the tutorial section of this blog:
http://cottonandcloud.blogspot.com/ By using this cast on I no longer have tight socks! lol Give it a try...it's a great technique to know!

tami said...

I really like the T A T blocks in wool. Great fabric choices.
Your socks are beautiful. I have recently started on a sock journey, but haven't done 27 pair yet. I think I have enough YARN to make more than 27 pair. I am much better at acquiring than I am at completing.

Wendy said...

Your sock knitting journey sounds much like mine. I love knitting socks but you have one the race for the number of socks in one year.

Janet said...

I bought sock yarn 2 years ago and still haven't done the socks, maybe this winter. The block is lovely by the way.

Deb said...

kaaren.. your wool block is adorable and your sock story cute cute..I too saw BBDesigns blog and love their patterns so am just as excited as you!! so glad that other quilters are turning to blogging it really is great reading what others are doing and the story behind their projects.
btw I would love to sit in your sew session I am sure it is just a hoot!!