Me-socks!

Simple Trekking Socks
Originally uploaded by gwendrr

Last night I finished the first socks I've made for myself. It's about time, really. As proud as I was of the previous two pair that I gifted, I've worried that they might not be as nice as they look because I've yet to wear a pair that I've made. My inexperience might make a less-than-I'd-hoped-for gift. But at least I think the friends I've given them to appreciate the work that I did for them more than anything else.

I think they came out great, but my next pair for me will be a little prettier. So here they are. I'm wearing them tomorrow!

Stash Growth

I've been bad. I felt a little inadequate as a knitter because of my tiny stash, but that's over now. I've got yarn for at least 7 pairs of socks, two scarves, an entrelac headband, and another shawl (on the way). My boyfriend mocks me. Indie sock yarn will be the death of me. I stalk it daily, the sellers on Etsy tempt me with their luscious colors and bonus stitch marker.

My current crusade is to finish my Cozy so that I can cast on Ella with the Lorna's Laces headed my way via eBay. Of course I had to buy some lace Addi Turbos so I could try out a new type of needle. (Oh, and some Debbie Bliss to complete my Fetching.) And I have no idea how I'm going to block any of this lace, but it's just so gorgeous.

I watched the NV debate last night at my boyfriend's & twitched the entire time because I hadn't brought any knitting. I haven't a clue who I'm voting for in the (D) primary. I think knitting last night would have helped me decide.

Warming Ducks scarf

Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks scarf
Originally uploaded by gwendrr

I needed a gift for my friend Beth, and I decided that with the 50% off sale at New York Knits that she needed a scarf. I found a couple good patterns, asked for decision-making assistance in the Patterns board at Ravelry.. Someone suggested "Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks". It was meant to be really, Beth has a little duck-shaped birthmark on her neck. And now it'll be warm!

Beginnings of a Christmas Shawl

Beginnings of a Christmas Shawl
Originally uploaded by gwendrr

This is the first "more difficult" pattern that I've attempted. It has a couple stitches that are new to me, but were easy once I looked them up. It's easy to get into a rhythm which makes it perfect for TV watching. I'm about 1/4 of the way finished, and I've got about a month and a half, which should be exactly enough time. I'm really excited about how easy this pattern has been for me, it's really raised my confidence and encouraged me to attempt more "more difficult" patterns!

When I first started it I backtracked fairly regularly when I realized I'd made a mistake. That was before I found my rhythm, now the mistakes come much less frequently. I made one mistake that was too long ago to backtrack, but my boyfriend says he wouldn't have noticed it in a million years. I'm trying to let it go. Ah the burdens of perfectionism in knitting!

The Cozy will also be accompanying me on the Disney Cruise in April! Those dinners are delicious, but the dinning rooms freezing and you're wearing almost nothing because it's the Caribbean.

Fruit-striped socks

Fruity & delicious
Originally uploaded by gwendrr

I've finally finished them, my first pair of socks. I've been wanting to give sock knitting another try for a while and here's the result.

I made these for a friend whose birthday is Halloween. Things have been a little rough with our friendship over the past year, and knitting these socks for her has helped me accept the fact that we will likely never be the friends we were again. And that's OK. Luckily she is not such a picky girl, and will likely love them even with their little flaws. Hopefully they fit, she has little feet!