It's not a sock -- What it is, is a . . .

I am pretty good about doing only one project at a time.  In the past, I tried working on about 2 or 3 at once, and that turned out to be a big mistake.  Everything I do has some special quirk, and if I am working on too many things, I forget what quirk was done where.  I decided to forego any further multiple WIPs (works in progress).

My last two WIPs were related, however.  I made Cindy's socks, and found that -- like me -- she has a slender foot and thus does not use near all of the sock yarn of choice.  I eyed that fist-sized cake remaining on my Yarn Buddy, and knew that I could not "not" dive right back into it.  In addition, when I bought the Yarn Buddy, it arrived with a couple of mini skeins, one of which was a beautiful cranberry colorway that looked so well with the Pearlescent colorway from Knit Picks.  Neither was enough for anything too big, but definitely enough for something about the same size as a small sock.  So I decided to make a mini-cowl since Cindy lives in cold country.  I ended up with a very small amount of both yarns left. 

The mini-cowl does not require a pattern.  CO 144 sts of sock yarn and knit in K2 P2 ribbing using US #2 dpn until the cowl is 6-8 inches in length, or length desired.  Bind off very loosely.  This one is 7 inches long, but can obviously be a little shorter or longer as desired.  Wear it up to cover bottoms of ears and chin, or fold over to keep only the neck area covered.  Stripe it with various left over yarns, or use a self-striping yarn or whatever suits your taste!  See the next three photos to see it worn three ways. 

 Folded, or

 Casual, or

Like the wind is howling! 

Pearlescent Grey

This subtle shading of pale greys in Stroll Tonal is so beautiful that I am getting more of it!  

It isn't a sock ...

... But the yarns are Knit Picks' Stroll Tonal, Pearlescent, and a little lagniappe from Sun Valley Fibers in a pretty raspberry color. 

Cindy's socks

We started the day with Husker's family before his bro and sis-in-law left for the airport.  So nice of them to fly here to see him once more.  On the evening before, Husker and his brother were able to enjoy the Husker's season opener winningly.  This afternoon, we had a visit from son and dau-in-law.  Nice day. 

Then I started on these Knit Picks Stroll Tonal Pearlescent socks this evening for sis-in-law Cindy.  Made it 4" down the leg before Husker needed to go to bed.  IPad did not pick up the pale shades of grey in the lamp light so well, but you can see it on the Knit Picks website.  It is such a beautiful colorway that I may order another one for me! 

Addicted to Yarn

I promised my sister-in-law, PhotoWit, a pair of socks last May.  The color she selected was a new Stroll tonal shade from Knit Picks, Pearlescent.  Unfortunately, it did not become available until August 25, 2012.  So we waited, and on the appointed day, I ordered it -- along with 4 other selections of sock yarn that I do not "need".  In addition, I have 3 hand-dyed yarns on order through Etsy.  Plus, there is another Knit Picks sock yarn sitting beside my chair calling to me.  Do I have a problem?  Only if I cannot knit!

Just finished another Hermione's Everyday Socks in Knit Picks' Stroll, colorway Queen Anne.  Gotta love it when a pair comes off the needles so easily. 

The heel is an unknown pattern that I found.  It is kinda like a linen stitch.  Anyone know its name?   


By the way, I am now knitting to keep my sanity.  Husker has withdrawn from chemo and is in hospice.  Mostly, he is in bed. 

Crash!

I have new socks to show, and other news, and my hard drive crashed.  Fortunately, there is the laptop, but it does not have the handy dandy little slot for my memory card.  Gotta figure out how I do this photo upload with this laptop.

Actually, the laptop is Husker's laptop, so I really do not know much about it.  With his current state of health, I am not asking for a tutorial.  By the way, we are finished with radiation and we start chemo on July 31st.  Going from a PC to a Mac Pro is a real brain teaser.

However, I can talk about my other news - at least news to other knitters.  I have finally said to self, "You have got to take time to do this."  So I did.  I have spent this afternoon practicing my Continental skills.  I have shied away from Continental technique because I simply could not get used to controlling the tension with my left hand.  I finished my latest project this morning, and looked at the remaining sock yarn, and said "It is time."  I am happy to say that I finally felt confident enough by evening to start a baby cap.  So far so good.

Dina's Red Socks

Now if we could just cool off enough to wear them!