Knitting Blogcast #9 | The Woolly Wordsmith
Finished socks, a new project, and a blocking party
Welcome back to the ninth iteration of my knitting Blogcast. Here, I share my knitting makes. Today, I am going to share a finished pair of sock, a newly cast-on Musselburgh Hat, and the importance of blocking. Thank you for being here with me.
Today’s quote comes from Donna Tart’s The Secret History, which I am currently in the midst of reading.
There is nothing wrong with the love of Beauty. But Beauty - unless she is wed to something more meaningful - is always superficial. - Donna Tartt, The Secret History (1992)
I am forever going to keep this in mind while looking at beautiful things, whether that be knitting, art, vistas, or people.
Finished Objects (FOs)
Basic Ribbed Socks by Kate Atherley (Ravelry: Perth Socks)
I have finished the socks that I began during a trip to Perth, Western Australia. I managed to finish the entire first sock during the four days away and I have now cast off the second sock and blocked them. They are made with Schachenmayr Regia Design Line, a 4 ply yarn with a blend of 75% wool and 25% nylon. I used the 3x1 ribbed sock pattern by Kate Atherley from her book Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet. These are made toe-up and I modified the pattern slightly to be a broken rib instead of a full rib. Overall, I loved this pattern and yarn, and I had a great time knitting these socks. I have worn them a couple of times since they were blocked and they are very warm and cozy to wear.
Works in Progress (WIPs)
Friday Slipover by Petite Knit (Ravelry: Friday Slipover)
Yes, I know, this is still happening. HOWEVER, I have now begun the final ribbing across the bottom of the pullover, so it will finally be finished soon! I truly cannot wait to have this off my needles.
For those who are new here, I have spent the past few months working on a Friday Slipover by Petite Knit for my partner. The yarn I’m using is Dooish 100% Irish wool by Spinning Yarn Weaving Tales. The tweed flecks are looking very nice in the final fabric. I know from blocking my swatch that the texture will change quite a bit once I block the entire garment. This is truly going to be a luxury piece!
New Cast-Ons
Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague (Ravelry: My First Musselburgh)
I finally cast on my first Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague. I am using the Blackwattle Yarn & Fibre Mallee in the colourway Terra Rosa sock yarn in a 4 ply weight. I used the disappearing circle cast on method that Ysolda Teague shows on her YouTube channel. I found it to be less finicky than a lot of people have said. I quickly got through the increases and I’m now just working stockinette in the round. My plan is to have a folded brim, with one side entirely in stockinette (including the brim) in the Terra Rosa colourway that I’m current using, with the other side being in 1x1 rib (including the brim), with the 1x1 rib in maroon and the main hat in the Ghost Gum colourway, which is a cream base with dark speckles. I have drawn myself a little diagram so that I can follow what I need to do at what point to achieve what I want.
It is currently very cold in Melbourne, Australia, so I am feeling very motivated to finish this hat and wear it before the weather turns warm again.
Wearing my Knits
I have been wearing the Polina Pullover quite a lot. I was finally able to wet-block it (previously, I only steam blocked it). Wet blocking made such a difference to the length and overall feel of the fabric!! It has held up fairly well to a lot of wear. There is some pilling under the arms, but it is a very soft merino, so that is to be expected. Otherwise, I’m still so so happy with my first pullover project!
Up Coming
I am planning to cast on the Cinnamomum Pullover by Teti Lutsak as soon as the Friday Slipover is finished. I am planning to use an 100% Australian Alpaca yarn that I have in my stash.
In some other extremely exciting news…I am starting a YouTube channel! My first short is up now and I’ll be posting more. Feel free to go and check it out if you feel inclined.
As always, thank you so much for joining me today.
Until next time,
Jane
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I always love seeing your knitting project progress! There's nothing like a good pair of socks for a satisfying, quick knit! I'm finally beginning to see why many say once you start knitting pairs, you can't stop. 😊 I know my readers will also enjoy reading your updates, so I've featured them in my Tuesday post.