Use it up!

When we moved this past December, I realized just how much stuff I own. I felt like I was unpacking yarn and patterns for days. Since even looking at all of my bounty is making me feel paralyzed, I decided it is time to do something about it.

The Plan:  USE IT IP!

I am going to try to knit new club yarns and kits as they come into the house. Either using patterns I already have or patterns I know by heart. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I want to knit my way through the books I already own.  That isn't to say I will completely stop buying yarn and patterns, but I do want to challenge myself to cut back and try to do with what I already have.

Along those lines, take a look at these little beauties.

Freckled Whimsy
Nature Palette Club #1 - March 2025

Spring Awaken

2.25 mm needle

Cast on: 5/27/25

Finished: 8/28/25

I know what you are thinking, but they are just a plain basic sock, what can be beautiful about these? Did you notice the self striping?  The pretty pop of green contrast at the cuff or those gorgeous green heels. I just love how these came together.

In the mail today, I received the book "Socks From Around Norway."  It was published in the USA in 2019.  I'm not sure how I missed it.  The patterns are absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to dig in.  I just have to keep telling myself to finish what I've started first. 😁

Aww, knitting dreams.  Someday I'll be able to dig into it.

Begin Where You Are!

It's been a minute since I posted anything. I'm not going to make excuses or reasons. I'm just going to jump back in.

I decided to work on a large daunting project. I am going to knit through some of my pattern books and yarn stash. And this is where I'm going to document it.

The book I am starting with is Summer Lee's "The Sock Project."

Since I started knitting socks in 2008, I have knitted a hundred and one basic socks, both top down and toe up. So, I decided to skip the first few basic patterns.  Then I came to a basic pattern that I've never tried. Page 53, The toe up sock with fleegle heel. What the heck, I gave it a try.

I used stash yarn from Yarnable and got to work. By the time I got to the cuff I decide I needed to add a little flair, so I did some colorwork around the top of the leg. It has been a bit since I finished these beauties so I don't know what the colorway is or when they were finished.

I have to admit that after I finished these socks, I ignored The Sock Project for a while. Then in July a spot opened up in Knitty McPurly's sock club. They are also working through this book. I jumped at the opportunity to have someone else decide on the colors for each pair of socks.  

The August project was page 148, Classic Flea Stitch Socks.  This sock is a shorty sock with an afterthought heal and easy repetitive color work. I started them on August 1, 2025 and finished them on August 14, 2025.  They were great fun to knit. I just couldn't put them down and turned out beautifully.

Now we wait until September 1, when I can cast on the next pair.  Stay tuned. 😀

Spinning Year End Wrap Up (or how many WIPS can I find)

I am currently spinning a variety of different fibers.  Just like my stitching, I want to finish all the items I have on the go before I start anything new.  And oh are there a lot of pretty things waiting for my attention.

On the Kromski Sonata I am spinning a wool and silk blend.  It is rather sticky and not a lot of fun to spin.  Once it is spun and washed, I think it will be very pretty. 

On my spindles, I am working on a 80/20 BFL and nylon blend in the color Bounty Hunter's Picnic.  This is a long term spin.  I am taking my time and enjoying the process.  The fiber came from a fiber club by Into the Whirled.  Even though it has been in my stash for a couple years, it is spinning like a dream. It wasn't compacted at all.

On the Electric Eel I am working on a fiber from Wisconsin Sheep and Wool.  I don't recall who the vendor was or what type of wool it was.  It is a mixture of wool and sparkle.  Emphasis on Sparkle.  It is oh so pretty and interesting to spin.  I really have to pay attention or I end up with all sparkle or all wool. But I think that may be what is making it fun.

Until next time, Be Safe, Keep the Shiny Side Up and Always Ride Your Own Life ~ Crystal

Weaving & Stitching Year End Wrap Up (or how many WIPS can I find)

I feel as if I have a million projects on the go.  I wanted to do a year end wrap up and discuss my goals for 2022.  But I've got so many WIPs that I think I have to split them into groups based on the type of crafting.  Today I'm going to start with weaving and stitching .

I just learned to weave about a month and a half ago.  I enjoyed it so much that I purchased a rigid heddle loom on the spot.  For my first project, I set up the loom for a scarf.  The length should give me plenty of practice with my selvedges.  The warp is a Yarn Bee, Hand-Dyed wool yarn from Hobby Lobby.  I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough yarn for both warp and weft, so I started the end with some left over navy blue fingering weight yarn and plan to add the same yarn to the end.  The plan is to get working on this and finish it up after the holidays.

This next picture isn't all WIPs.  I started the cross stich several years ago and would like to get it finished in 2022.  The Christmas Woolens and Redwork Mittens kits I purchase in the Amana Colonies in 2019.  We took a short motorcycle trip to shop and visit the colonies.  The memories were so wonderful.  It would be a great way to remember the trip if I could get these stitched up and put on the 2022 Christmas tree.

Until next time, Be Safe, Keep the Shiny Side Up and Always Ride Your Own Life ~ Crystal

Independence Day Socks

  

Pattern Name:   Independence Day Socks

Cast on: 6/18/21

Bind off:  7/13/21

Needle size:  US sz 1/ 2.25 mm Magic Loop

Yarn:

The main color is from The Wooly Cabin in the colorway Old Glory.  The Cuffs/Heels/Toes are in leftovers from Hobby Lobby's Yarn Bee in the colorway Dark Denim.

Notes:

These were meant to be done for the 4th of July.  However, I didn't quite make it.  There were still fun to knit.  I have to admit that the Yarn Bee Yarn is a little splitty, so I had to be careful when slipping my heel stitches.  Still I loved the way they turned out.

I used Susan B. Anderson's sock recipe from her blog for my heel numbers.

I knit 16 rounds for the cuff; 50 rounds for the leg; and 70 rounds for the foot.  Next time I'll try 60 rounds for the leg and 75 for the foot.  They fit well but are just a touch snug and I'd like a little taller leg. 

Da Crofter's Kep

 

 Pattern Name:   Da Crofter's Kep

Cast on:   5/10/21

Bind off:  5/26/21

Needle size:  US sz 3 (3.25 MM)

Yarn: Kit from Schoolhouse press

    Brand:  Jamison

Notes:  I loved this pattern.  There was enough left over from the kit to make a second hat.

Sebonzakura - redesigned

 Pattern Name:   Sebonzakura

Designed by:  Skein Charmer

Cast on: 3/6/21

Bind off:  5/10/21

Needle size:  US sz 1; 2.25MM

Yarn:

    Brand:  Knit Picks Stroll

    Colorway:  Ivy

    Yardage: 100 gram skein

Notes:  I started this as a Sock Madness sock.  I was not able to finish in time to complete.   So, I ripped back the foot, put in my favorite heel and worked a ribbed foot.