Knitting Dragonflies

It all started with the book by  Melissa Morgan-Oakes ( rav link ). Knitting two socks at a time. I have tried several other methods of knitting two at a time socks and this is the one that “clicked” for me. The greatest thing about knitting two at a time besides not having the “second sock syndrome” is any alterations you make in the pattern, are immediately done on each sock. I had trouble writing it down, (thinking I’ll remember I did this), ha, no telling how long it would be between each sock.     2 at a time Sailor’s Delight Socks I love her book and the patterns. Almost all of the patterns are for socks I would actually make and wear, or gift to someone. Hot tip!! She is in process of writing another book! The second book will be out in April of 2010 and is toe-up, two at a time.     2 at a time Berry Season socks I did try other methods before this one made sense, if this book doesn't work for you try some others: Knitting Circles Aroun...

I saw this sweater on this front of Knitscene Fall 2009 and decided to make it, but  with a twist of colors, minus the belt (why place a belt over your pattern area?). Deciding on blue I picked out some Blueberry Kool aid, then offset it with Lime Kool Aid. I did this in a three step solar dyeing process. For more info on my solar dyeing see this post . (more dyeing how to info links here ) Wet your yarn (natural fibers take up dye better), thoroughly, soak at least 15 min in warm water. While you are waiting for the soaking. Dissolve your Kool Aid packets in warm water (or the same temp. as the water you are soaking your yarn or fiber in), standard amount is 1 package of Kool aid per oz of fiber or yarn. Less Kool aid=lighter color, more kool aid=vibrant. 1-Solar dye my yarn with the Blueberry Kool Aid, I used 5 packets per 4 oz of yarn, dissolved in 4 cups of water. (I use a sun tea jar, I know many people use canning jars) After this is dissolved, gently place your ya...

I had dyed this yarn using Kool Aid and had so much fun it lead to a Kool Aid explosion in my kitchen. Lots of Kool Aid, lots of yarn, fun and color. See this post for the yarny back-story. So then I began looking for a pattern that would suit my needs. I settled on The Sailor’s Delight Socks (rav link)  from 2 at a Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes . I decided to use the dark plum for the cuffs, toe and heel. and the variegated for the rest of the sock (I hope I have enough) Here I have started the heel. This will be the 2nd pair of socks that I have knitted with Melissa’s 2 at a time technique. The first attempt was rocky, but this one is going smoothly. Heel turned and…. Gusset done, now all I have to finish is the foot and toe. Almost there…. All done, pre blocking. I do like knitting two socks at a time. Pros… -use every bit of yarn -if you alter a pattern, and don’t write it down (like me, thinking “I will remember that” no worries, you have already ...

I saw this bag in Bags That Rock and fell in love with it. It is a nice across the body, slouchy bag, with an easy style. From the beginning I had trouble deciding if I needed to knit it one stranded, (this looked much too thin), or double stranded, (oops, not enough yarn). Like any bewildered knitter, I just put my head down and started over. All of the pieces done, I wasn’t happy with the thinness of the yarn knitted up, but I kept going. Single crochet around all of the pieces. Now we sc the pieces together. And add the bottom, oops, the bottom is much too small!! I sc several rows around to make it fit, and then sewed it in. All together and ready to felt!! Now the fun really begins… All fuzzy and drying. It did end up to be quit thick and ready to finish up. I plan to get some fabric to line it with and haven’t decided on how to finish the closure. (zip, snap?) Straps are long enough to be worn across the body, the straps are knotted at the top, so the length ...