On the road to yarn/pattern experimentation...

Watching ejchang's blog and photos, I couldn't help to notice some really gorgeous yarn she was knitting with. After inquiring with her, I finally discovered Fleece Artist's yarn. "Not too late!", you might say, but I was completely unaware of their existence and I instantly fell in love with their yarn.

Sea Wool
Originally uploaded by diluvienne.

I had my first physical, sensorial, actual encounter with Fleece Artist's products when I had my first visit at Effiloché (mandatory visit for any serious knitter in Montreal, in my opinion!). I caved for a skein of Sea Wool (70% Merino, 30% Seacell) and of Merino yarn.

I started playing with the Sea Wool yarn, using the Bordello Sock pattern. However, after a few inches, I started to realize that this pattern has a basic flaw for socks that bothers me a lot: they are not stretchy (mind you, I knit on the tight end).

I ended up ripping it off (hence the lack of photo of my own), and started again with a different pattern (another post!)

For obvious reasons, I cannot divulge the pattern online. However, I am inclined to give it to anyone who asks for it! Any takers?

post-Toronto knitting vigor

Sock yarn heaven
Originally uploaded by diluvienne.

Last June, while I was in Toronto, I visited what I heard afterwards to be the biggest yarn store in North America. Really cool store. It is called Romni and while I was there, I started a really strong yarn envy. I always wanted to try cotton and since it was in the middle of Summer, I felt that knitting cotton made sense, so I went a little crazy and bought a big bunch of cotton skeins.

Spiral sock
Originally uploaded by diluvienne.

While I visited Toronto, we were staying at a friend's parents' house. One of our generous hosts was a knitter too and she gave me a copy of an easy sock pattern. I felt that there couldn't any better usage of one of my cotton skeins!

The pattern is taken from a knitting book from the 50's. Very easy to do, no heel to execute, but entertaining and interesting spiral. It has no name, so I'll call it "Spirally"!

Spirally

Gauge: 12 rounds = 1 inch.

Cuff: Cast on 56 sts loosely; divide on 3 3mm needles; join. Work K2, P2 ribbing for 1 1/2 inch (or less, like I did).

Leg:
Round 1 *K4, P4; repeat from * to end; mark end of round. Repeat last round 3 times.
^At beginning of next round K5, *P4, K4; repeat from *, end round P3;
P1 st from next round and mark for end of round; then K4, P4 for 3 more rounds.
Repeat from ^ shifting end of round pattern, 1 st to the left every 4th round until desired length. At this point, try sock on to determine exact length require before toe.

Toe:
K1 round plain.
1st dec. round: *K6; k2tog; repeat from * to end of round; 49 sts. K3 rounds even.
2nd dec. round: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round; 42 sts. K3 rounds even.
3rd dec. round: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round; 35 sts. K3 rounds even.
4th dec. round: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round; 28 sts. K3 rounds even.
5th dec. round: K2tog 14 times; 14 sts. K1 round.

Break off, leaving an end. Draw end through all sts twice, tighten and darn in end.

The Sock is Done
Originally uploaded by dcoombs.

The yarn is Mandarin Petit (color 5200), a Norwegian cotton yarn. Very soft! I like it!

I realized with wonder and happiness as I was knitting it that the yarn I chose was equally spiraling, but in opposite direction than the stitch spiral. Very interesting!

I have instructions for children and men size as well, if anyone is interested. Feel free to ask any questions!

My second (completed) pair of socks!

An intro, for a beginning.

Hello there!

This idea of a separate blog for elaborating on all knitting thoughts had been germinating in my head for quite a while now. Seeing other people's blogs gave me the motivation to proceed forward as they have been a great source of inspiration and ressource for me. I figure that maybe, just maybe, the same could happen to someone else. :-) Wishful thinking I guess.

Jersey torse
Originally uploaded by diluvienne.

I want to freely discuss many aspects of the obssessed knitter life, such as yarn manufacturers, stores, patterns, technical issues, social issues, experimentations and so on. It is a little bare place for now, but it'll elaborate with time.

I want to be able to share pictures, stories, patterns (whenever possible), etc. All comments are welcomed! It is a tribune to encourage discussions, exchange, ideas, inspiration!

To all of those who inspired me, I thank you!