Back in the Saddle

I did it!  I did it!  I did it!!  I finished the Lakeside socks!!

You think that's impressive?  Look at the backs!  They're GORGEOUS!

I'd show you how much yarn I had left over- but it's an embarrassing display of my own over reaction so I won't. Let's just say there was no need to panic and worry as much as I did.  I'll just tell you I had enough and let the beauty of this project speak for itself!  (And yes the legs DO match up- the husband just didn't tell me they were lining up for the photo...)

Pattern: Lakeside Knee Socks by Julia Vaconsin

Yarn: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 100% Superwash in Jultomte (sock club colorway- LOVE)

Needles: US 1 (on my knit picks options which, FYI, were AWESOME)

Thoughts/Notes: There really aren't enough ways I can gush about these socks.  The yarn is absolute dream to knit with.  I really get what all the fuss about Wollmeise is now.   I also love the pattern - it's stunning, a very simple knit pattern that looks more complicated than it was.  I added the picot trim at the cuff and skipped the addition of the elastic.  (Although I left the whole open on the inside should I change my mind about sewing it in at a later date.)  The pattern author really thought the whole process out and the calf shaping is excellent.  Everything about this project was a PLEASURE- and my happiness in it is reflected in the finished project.

I just can't get over how awesome these look- I keep coming back to them and marvelling at myself.  Yeah, at the end I was getting sick of them, and my anxiety attacks about enough yarn, but the pain and suffering, (as it so often is), was TOTALLY worth it.  Oh hell, just look at it again!

It's amazing how I can go one minute to marvelling at my talents and in the next second move on to the next thing.  All that work, all that labor and the only thing I'm anxious to do is throw myself into the next project. I'm definately a process knitter- no standing around to admire for me!  And so- with a fearless heart I cast on my 28thirty sweater!

This little pattern should knit up quickly- and I can't wait to wear it out on those chilly (envitable for Calgary) spring days. So far I love the yarn- so soft and yummy. 

I could probably tell you I made more progress but also, in a fit of insanity and over confidence- I also cast on a baby blanket. (The number of babies due this fall is staggering... I must be prepared!) No pictures of that one yet, as it was kind of a last minute decision to cast on. I just decided one morning that I was also going to knit the blanket AND, oddly enough, right now the blanket is seeing more progress than the sweater. (Typically I drag my feet on that one, but not this time.)

AND if this post wasn't filled enough with "LOOK WHAT I DID" gloating... I finally got around to chipping away at the yearly baby hat total- which is now sitting at 6.

This last week was incredible on the progress scale-- it was great to get some new projects on the needles and feel "back in the saddle".  

Readers will also note that the blog seems to be working with photos again.  (And not a moment too soon- can you imagine if I had to WAIT to show you those socks?  I would have gone insane!!)  There are a still a few bugs and a few questions- although much of what happened I still don't understand, how does it go working one day and not the next?  I've switched my photo hoster- (I'm all Flickr now!) and you'll have to bear with me as I figure out sizing and such, but none the less, it's good to be back- and showing you what I've been up to.