Can You Believe It? More Socks

I have one more pair of socks to finish, and then I'm swearing them off until school starts again and I'm commuting on the Metro. In fact, I'm working on a beautiful lace show now. More on that later. For now, a pair of socks. I've been lusting over this pattern for ages and finally got around to making them. If you want a quick, simple pattern with a bit of interest, check it out.

Pattern:Candy Twist Cable Socks by Leanne Brown
Yarn: J. Knits Superwash Me - Sock in Washington DC
Needle: size 1.5 circular
Date Started: June 13, 2009
Date Finished: June 25, 2009
Comments: I modified the pattern to only 64 stitches around the ankle because of my gauge. Next time I might keep the 72 though because the ribbing looks pretty stretched out around my ankle. I love this pattern with its huge cable and the fact that the socks are mirror images. < rant > However, I'm not very thrilled with the yarn. I know it is superwash, but it feels scratchy. Plus, I found 2 knots and I did not use all the yarn. I do not think it is too much to expect knot-free yarn. If you cannot make the yarn long enough, sell it in 50 gram hanks so that the knitter is expecting to have to join it. If I buy 100 grams, I expect it to be 100 continuous grams. < /rant >

Notice a Pattern?

Did you notice anything in my last pattern (besides that I'm obsessed with sweaters)? Yea, I seem to have a thing against buttons.

Sweater Love

I am so in love with sweaters this week. Here are some of my favorites:
Picture from http://knitquest.typepad.com/knit_quest/2009/06/a-little-something-done.html
A Little Something by Samantha Roshak. I'm thinking this would be amazing in Cascade Venezia. A lot of people in my knitting class made Loppem out of that yarn and I think the sheen and drape would be perfect for this design, if I can get gauge.
Picture from http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/71-summer-2009/321-ashbury-by-norah-gaughan
Ashbury by Norah Gaughan. The pattern is from Twist Collective Summer 2009. I'm thinking about that one in Knit Picks CotLin.
Picture from http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTamelia.php
This is Amelia by Laura Chau. It was in the Winter 2008 Knitty. I've already picked out the yarn for this one- Cascade Quatro in a beautiful red/orange color (9436).

What about the Featherweight Cardigan that I gushed over awhile back? I've been working on it exclusively this week. I'm almost to the place where I separate for the sleeves. It seems to be taking forever, but I'm sure once I have a lot less stitches on the needles, it will go much quicker.

So for now, it is sweaters, not socks, that are on my brain.

Completely Non-Knitting Related

But it's Red Sox/Yankees time! My slingbox is fixed, so I'm set to get my dear NESN via Internet, although it's not the same without Remy. Tonight is a going away get together for some friends, so I'll probably miss the game (see how much I love you guys?), but I'll be watching the other ones.

Some SSS Alleviation

Yes, if you look over at the sidebar, I no longer have five sock projects going. That means that I've finished some things! Funny enough, they are three Wendy Johnson patterns. She really is an amazing designer. Her patterns are easy to follow and fun to knit. Now, I just need to learn how not to make the foot too long in toe up socks.
Pattern:Trilobite Socks by Wendy D. Johnson
Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Merino Cashmere Nylon Fingering in Nicholas & Alexandra
Needle: size 1.5 circular
Date Started: May 17, 2009
Date Finished: June 4, 2009
Comments: This yarn is so soft and squishy. Love it! Part of the Plucky Classics club.
Pattern:Van Dyke Socks by Wendy D. Johnson
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Ginger Cinnabar
Needle: size 2.5 circular
Date Started: May 12, 2009
Date Finished: May 30, 2009
Comments: I bought this yarn right after I turned in my final piece of classwork for my master's degree. Now I only have my thesis to write, so I named these my "ABD (all but dissertation) socks". I've always loved this yarn for its stitch definition. If only the yardage was a little more generous. This pattern just flew off the needles.
Pattern: The Purple Rose of Loopy by Wendy D. Johnson
Yarn: Handmaiden Fine Yarn Casbah Sock in w(h)ine with roses
Needle: size 0 circular
Date Started: May 11, 2009
Date Finished: June 7, 2009
Comments: The yarn and pattern were part of The Loopy Ewe's "Don't Be Blue" kit for not getting into their sock club this year. I love the yarn and the pattern. This is the first time I have used 0s for a sock. I needed them to get gauge, but I think this yarn would be happier at 7.5 or even 7 stitches per inch. At 8, it is stiff with almost no stretch.

Stash Enhancement

I've been in the mood for self-striping yarns lately, plus I could not resist a craft fair.
First, the coveted Vesper sock yarn by Knitterly Things! in colorway "Sweet Summer Sky". I want to buy a contrasting color for heels and toes (they were out of stock) and make a cute pair of knee high socks out of these. I figure both this and the next socks will be good commute projects for when I'm taking the metro to school next year. I still can't believe I'm going back to DC!
I heard about this dyer from Ravelry. It is Studio Avenue Six. I don't know what it is about this colorway, but I could not get it out of my head. I think it will make an awesome pair of Jaywalkers (Ravelry link). It is a little thicker than some of the other sock yarns I have been working with lately, so it should knit up fairly quickly.
Finally, I bought 3 oz. or so of 100% mohair. I got this at Ithacafest's craft fair last weekend. The lady working at the stand was so friendly and interested in talking about her farm that I could not stop thinking about this yarn. I went back later that day and bought it. I was going to buy a champagne color, but then I saw this orange and had to have it. She said it is 100 yards, but I just do not see how that is possible, especially if it is light sport weight. I'm going to measure it when I ball it up and hope that there is enough for a cute shawl or cowl. You can find out more about this yarn and the farm at Laughing Goat Fiber Farm.

I also joined the Plucky Knitter lace club, but that does not ship until the 15th, so you will have to wait to see that. Also coming up, an update on my Single Sock Syndrome!