If…Then
It would follow logically that if I post Saturday baking on Sunday, then I would post Monday knitting on Wednesday, right?
Addendum (If you can put a postscript in at the beginning of a post after the fact, this is it…) Have had a few enquiries regarding the the patterns below. Here’s where they’re from:
Socks—Over the Knee Socks designed by Cindy Taylor, published in Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick.
Lace Cardigan—No. 22 in Vogue Knitting Holiday 2005.
Back to the original post…
So, I’m still a bit off sync, but look for more orderly postings next week. Anyway…
While on our mini break in Cork, I did indeed finish a little knitting project. The second of the over-the-knee-lace-cabled socks is complete and I’m quite happy with the result.
I realize, though, that it would be difficult to wear these socks without the added help of the sewn-in elastic. I had yet to put in the elastic before taking the photo, and found the sock drooping below the knee. The elasticized one stayed up like a dream. Well, it was either that or resort to a garter…scary thought, I know.
What is more noteworthy is that winter knitting is finally done and it’s now on to spring-ier things. First up, a lace cardigan. Another VK pattern. Never content to leave well enough alone, this one is going to be shortened to bolero length and worn over a sleeveless summer dress. Never having had occasion to use Rowan’s Kid Silk Haze, it’s obviously the yarn of choice, but wait…
…uh oh, after knitting the gauge swatch, US10/6mm needles are called for. Hmm…I pull out the Denise Needles, but after a few rows, it’s gonna be tough going as the needle points aren’t sharp enough and I’ve already made a mistake after only 4 rows. Grr…
Oh well, will just have to rationalize an emergency purchase of Addi Lace Turbos. Er…am I correct or do they stop making them at US9? I…can’t…find…any…US10…argh…Not to be diverted from my mission (recognized by steely glint in eye), certainly there must be another way.
Aha, the solution…simple enough!
Take one set of unused cheap wooden needles.
Take one household pencil sharpener.
Insert needle into sharpener.
Rotate handle until any friction from paring is complete.
Take out needle and presto!
One (questionably turbo) lace needle.
A little light sanding to reduce any snags and hopefully I’m in the lace business.
So, IF this works, THEN I’ll be happy!
It’s no use, I have fallen deeply in love with your cable socks and can deny my feelings no longer. It was love at first sight, quite a few months ago now. Do you take commissions?
02 Apr 2008 at 10:12 am
Your socks are lovely! I love the color too. I like your solution to the needle problem. Hmmm… I might have some needles around to make into lace needles. I’m off to check!
02 Apr 2008 at 1:29 pm
The points on those needles are almost scary.
Gorgeous socks!
02 Apr 2008 at 2:41 pm
Oh, niiiice socks. And point is really important with kidsilk haze. I also think the join on the Denise needles could be a problem, so the newly sharpened wood looks good. My favorite for ksh and really fine lace weight is the old Susan Bates Nylon needles. No longer being made but you can find them at garage sales/ebay.
02 Apr 2008 at 3:00 pm
I LOVE those socks!!! Takes me back to when I was a kid - I had over the knee socks like that (not hand knit of course).
Ingenious approach to your needles - never thought of that!
02 Apr 2008 at 4:18 pm
I am stunned by the beauty of those socks. So glad to see them finished!
My roommate makes her own needles and uses a pencil sharpener, but I don’t think she’s ever made a point that sharp! She sands them and then rubs them really well with a piece of wax paper to make them really smooth. Good luck!
02 Apr 2008 at 6:05 pm
not yet - but they will be available from june 08 onwards, in lengths 60/80/100/120 and 150 cm! maybe you have to wait a bit, if your homemade replacement doesn’t work that well?:))
02 Apr 2008 at 7:41 pm
lovely socks…
02 Apr 2008 at 8:03 pm
Oh my. I never would have thought to use a pencil sharpener on wooden needles! Very brave in my mind. The green knee socks are lovely. I think I should put some elastic thread on mine too.
03 Apr 2008 at 12:52 am
The socks are lovely!
As for the kid silk haze…I love that yarn! I do NOT love knitting it on wooden needles, though. It sticks something awful, in my estimation. If you cannot find Addi lace turbos in a big enough size (not sure how large they go), I think regular Addi turbos should suffice. I’ve used them and the point has worked fine. Some people find them to slippery for kid silk haze, though, and get as frustrated as I do trying to use bamboo with it, in an opposite way of course!
A really good needle I’ve found for working lace with kid silk haze are Inox Prym circulars…if you aren’t familiar with them, they’re a coated metal, which means they slide better than bamboo but not as much as turbos. And they have a sinister point on them, which is perfect for this yarn. LOL
03 Apr 2008 at 3:50 am
the socks are truly spectacular. the point on the needle isn’t bad either. quite ingenious. you may want to rub a bit of wax paper on the points to try and make them slippery. good luck
03 Apr 2008 at 5:29 am
Those socks are absolutely gorgeous! Because of the green the lace pattern running the back looks like shamrocks (at least it does to me…) Well done!
03 Apr 2008 at 7:27 am
to use a pencil sharpener was really a smart idea. I wouldn’t have thought of that but I will certainly do the same because I often find my wooden needles not sharp enough. Love those long socks !
03 Apr 2008 at 8:07 am
Don’t stab yourself with those points!
The socks are beautiful and I can’t wait to see the cardigan.
03 Apr 2008 at 12:41 pm
Wow, you are the mother of invention! ha-ha! I love the stockings - they’re beautiful. You’ve really been working behind the scenes, haven’t you?
03 Apr 2008 at 10:17 pm
The socks are gorgeous. The points on those needles - wow! Just don’t poke yourself!
04 Apr 2008 at 5:15 am
Socks are lovely; cardi is amazing. Which VK, please? And does it come in any size larger than “anorexic”?
05 Apr 2008 at 8:44 pm
Smart ladyto “fix” your needles! and I have to say that my feet have turned a bit green from envy looking at those socks!
08 Apr 2008 at 1:02 am
OK, I’m a little late to the game, but I LOVE those socks! Is that your pattern or something I could attempt to do myself? Also, What is that sweater pattern from. You have great taste but it’s hard to copy you without the patterns
18 Apr 2008 at 5:12 pm
am desperate to know whick VK the cardi is from too! Just done the Kelly cardi from Erica Knights Classic knits - its so warm and cosy, but love the lace on the one you have chosen. Please tell!
19 Apr 2008 at 4:19 pm
where can I get the VK pattern as picture as you posted ..which is sooooo beautiful lace made ..I really love it ..can you tell me where can I find it???
26 Jul 2008 at 3:45 am