Today I will show you the two latest projects I have just taken off the knitting needles. The first are two scarves that I knit from left over yarns. Since both are the same, I am only showing one. The yarn is nubby yarn, called Cindy, Bouquet. I cast on 40 stitches, used a size 8 needle and just did a garter stitch. It gave the scarf texture and made it look like it was more work creating it than it actually was. The scarf is very warm.
This next project is a pair of boot socks. I used the pattern from the booklet,
The Magic Loop. I used the pattern directions as they were written, but find that the socks were loose in fit. I used Lion Brand, Wool-Ease Worsted, which I have found has stretch in it, which doesn't always go back to the original shape after washing and drying. The second pair, I used one size smaller needle than the directions called for, but think I could go down at least one more needle size for even a better fit. On the second pair, I also knit in some nylon thread to give the sock a bit of longer wear. The pattern didn't call for a ribbing at the top, but you will see in the second pair, I did knit on a ribbing, which I like so much better than without.
If you are just beginning to knit socks, I would recommend the booklet:
The Magic Loop, for the directions are well written, and you are using larger threads and needles to learn with. I made my daughter at least 7 pair of these socks and she loves them. She mentioned that she would like a closer fit. The next time I use this pattern, I am going to use a different kind of washable worsted wool to see if it is the yarn I used, or, if indeed, one needs to go down a size or two in needles.
I got carried away with buying sock books, so will move on to the smaller yarn, smaller needles and different patterns. I cruised the internet and found sales on discontinued sock yarns, and bought enough for several pairs of socks. I am a slow knitter, so don't look for the new socks to be posted anytime too soon.
