Return from Radio Silence

It's been a whirlwind few weeks!  I had two bridal showers to attend, a trip across the country, and things are work are picking up.  This past weekend, I finally had time to get back to a little bit of crafting.

First up, I used the remaining self striping yarn from The Loopy Ewe's Spring Fling goodie bags from 2 years ago to make a tube scarf.

I originally planned to make a pair of socks, but fate had other plans.  The sock machine and I couldn't hit it off and keep the stitches on the needles yesterday, so it went from socks to scarf in a matter of a few hours.  It's a little short for an adult, but would make a great kids scarf - especially with all of those colors!  The color combo reminds me of Dr. Seuss for some reason.

I'll try another pair of socks on it soon...but maybe we need a bit of a break from each other right now...

Giving it another go

I'm giving the sock machine another go today. 

<insert deep breath here>

<practice patience too>

From the deep stash, I found The Plucky Knitter 80/10/10 MCN blend sock yarn in the colorway Pallisades.  The base has been discontinued, but considering this skein has been residing with me since July 2010, it is time to put it to good use.

First Attempt

May I present the Summer Moss socks:

 

...my first pair of socks made with the Auto Knitter circular sock machine!  I may finally have the perfect excuse to buy self striping yarn.  I loved working on them, but they are not the prettiest pair of socks that I have ever knit.  See what I mean:

 

I was warned that there is a learning curve, and there most definitely is.  I struggled a bit with the ribber.  Once it is attached, you can't view the sock down the center or anywhere except the stitches that are currently being knit.  I dropped a few stitches (see photographic evidence above) and had a difficult time getting the sock back in shape.  I'm going to call this a learning experience, so it doesn't bother me too much and you can't really view the goofs from a little farther away. 

 

Moral of the story?  I think I'll need more practice but I don't think I did too badly for my first attempt.

Tube Scarves

 

First projects with the Auto Knitter Sock Machine: tube scarves!  It was a great learning experience to get to know the machine, it's settings, and it's quirks.  I think I'm in for a large learning curve, but it will be a good time.  Hopefully I'll have a pair of socks to show soon.

A hole in the head

I need another crafting hobby like a hole in the head, but here I am.  Facing this in the craft room:

 

 

And loving it!!!  It's an antique circular sock machine - an AutoKnitter from Canada.  It's not officially mine, but it is on loan from friend to see if I like it.  If the auto knitter and I get along, it will hopefully come to live with me permanently. 

 

 

I'm waiting on a few supplies I have ordered, so I haven't made anything with it yet but hope to be cranking away very soon!