Monday, June 2, 2014

Sockupied

Happy Monday all! This post is a day late, but no worries, I was just busy all day yesterday.

If you read my last post, you'll know that I was in the process of moving back home. Well the good news is that I am officially back home and all unpacked.  The bad news is that I am officially back home. Living under my parents is a bit stressful after living alone so long.

Luckily, I've been keeping my self occupied lately, or should I say Sockupied? I got quite a bit done on the knitting front and it's all about socks :)


First up is my "Road Trip Socks", started on my way to Colorado last month.  Between two trips to Manhattan for moving and a couple movies this week, I was able to finish these up at last.  But go figure, I made the foot too long (anybody have any secrets to the perfect food length? I always get them too long or too short). But it was easy fix, involving folding the toes in and sewing them. And you can't even tell.




The yarn used was Berroco comfort sock, and gradated, sorta striping yarn.  It's 50% acrylic, 50% nylon and is very squishy.  But it also seems static-y and I have a feeling that it's going to fuzz up a bit as time goes on. I will keep you posted on my thoughts. This is the first time I've made socks without any wool in them.


Remember these cuties? They were my favorite pair of socks ever, what with the colors and stripes and squishyness. However, after wearing a couple of times I realized that the foot was too short (see above comments about foot length). I haven't worn them since and have been just letting them hang out in my project bag. After finishing my road trip socks, I decided I needed to do something to make these wearable that didn't involve ripping out a whole sock. Thus the above solution was born! 

I decided to separate the toe from the foot very carefully.  And then even more carefully, I put all the toe stitches on needles (I didn't lose ANY!) and added about 1/2 in (1 stripe). I then grafted the toe back onto the foot and tah dah! Longer sock! I don't have a photo yet to show you and I only have one done, but rest assured, it worked like a miracle and was definitely worth not ripping out the whole sock. 

Weekly Inspirations:
Art: Being back in Salina is exposing me to the (although somewhat lethargic) art scene here. One local artist I think is spectacular is Debbie Wagner. She is the founder of the KS figure group (which I may join, we'll see) and also an amazing pastel artist. I saw some of her figure work last night and it was stunning. 
Knitting: What's my next project? Well I am pretty sure I need a new summer top, and Creme Brule is screaming my name. Especially if I use my lovely turquoise yarn. 
Cooking: Last night we needed a side dish for our salmon, and these garlic parm potatoes fit the bill. I minched fresh garlic for the first time to use in these and it definitely made the difference (compared to that stuff in the jar that I usually use). They were loved by all, even my ever picky sister.
Life: Last night The Indigo Girls performed at our local theater and I was able to get two tickets for under $50. What a night! I have only been listening to them as of recently, but I really was able to enjoy myself. Such a relaxing, entertaining show. If you haven't heard of these gals, they are a folk/country duo that is simply amazing. 



Power of Two, by the Indigo Girls



And one last shout-out to my baby brother, who is TWENTY ONE today! WOOO!
~Lisa 

8 comments:

  1. Glad to hear that the move went well. I can completely understand the stress of living w/ the parents after experiencing freedom. Good luck.:)
    Well done on adjusting your socks to fit you better!

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    1. Thanks Andi! I just couldn't let all that lovely stripy yarn go to waste after all! And I think once I get into working more, the home life will get easier as well.

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  2. Moving is always stressful, especially if you're not only moving to a new apartment but also a new 'roomie situation'. But living with your parents isn't too bad - you get warm meals on a regular basis :)
    As for the socks... smart lengthening technique! I always start my socks at the cuff so I simply try them on to decide whether they're long enough.

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    1. True - they are paying for a lot of my things this summer.
      As for the socks, I have been doing toe up, so one would think that I'd get the length right, but it's all about knowing when to start the heel, which is hard.

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  3. So much going on! As for foot length, I know for top down socks I knit a little longer than I think I need, usually until the sock hits about halfway down the length of my pinkie toe. Usually about 1.5 - 2" shorter than your total foot length, depending on how long your toes are, how wide your foot is, and how quickly you decrease.

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    1. That's what I do for top down also! :) Great minds think alike. Toe up has been a challenge because I wasn't sure how long the heel would be. The pattern said 2.5 inches but my heel ended up being only 1.5, so there was a whole inch lost! But I think I have it figured out now.

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  4. I am amazed at your sock surgery. You are one brave -- and talented -- knitter!

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    1. Thanks! Both socks are now done and ready to show off :) But the second one needed a whole new toe.

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