socks

Springtime Bunnies and Socks

Posted on by Dan

Inspired by the foraging bunnies in our back yard, a sign that Spring is on its way, I decided to show my support for warmer weather by making some little effigies.

Springtime Bunny

Of course, there’s never just one bunny in the yard. So, true to nature, I started putting together a whole warren.

Springtime Bunnies

Although, I have a feeling I did something to anger the weather gods, because I just finished shoveling 8 inches of snow off our sidewalks and driveway this evening. So, looks like we’ll be waiting a little while longer for Spring.

In knitting news, Virginia finished making a pair of socks from the new “Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn” book by Interweave. Our friend Barb (owner of Wild Geese Fibres) designed this particular pattern in the book, and this pair was knit with Koigu.

Sock #36 (52 Sock Challenge)

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On the Mend

Posted on by Dan

I haven’t been forthcoming with much detail on my hip problem (not exactly scratchcrafty news), but since I’ve mentioned it, I feel like I should at least say things are, as far as I can tell, clearing up. (It’s hard not to be a little skeptical at the process of elimination that is often used by the health care industry in trying to determine a diagnosis, but that’s a discussion for another day–or not.)

At any rate, I must have been channeling some healing vibes (or maybe it’s the thought of approaching springtime), because I made a few more happy-go-lucky felted friends. I think it’s important to be reminded every once in awhile that we should not be taking life too seriously. Having a couple of these guys in strategic places around the house provide a subtle reminder of that.

Felted Swinging Bears

Now that I’m back at work, my spinning production will decrease a bit. I did manage to finish another 4 oz. of sock yarn. This 3-ply yarn (yielding about 300 yards) was spun from some superwash colonial wool that we dyed last summer. It’s always satisfying pulling out and using stash that’s been sitting around for awhile.

Handspun - Superwash Colonial

And, Virginia is back at making socks. She finished this pair a week or so ago. It’s her own pattern, knit using KnitPicks Essential.

Sock #35 (52 Sock Challenge)

The Advantages of Being Confined to a Chair

Posted on by Dan

OK, “confine” is probably too strong of a word to use, but my radius of travel has definitely decreased, as well as the frequency with which that travel occurs. I will still be resting for another week, my employer graciously allowing me to do as much work as possible from the comfort of our home.

Besides working from home, I am so glad that, one, I have a single treadle spinning wheel, and two, my right leg is unaffected. That results of which are shared below:

Handspun - Superwash Merino

These are two, somewhat equal, skeins of superwash merino. The roving was dyed in a 4 oz. bump. I split the roving lengthwise and spun a three-ply (navajo) yarn with 150 yards on one, and 160 yards on the other skein. Virginia, barely waiting for the yarn to dry from setting, has already started a pair of socks with this.

Handspun - Merino/Tencel

Finished yesterday, this fun skein was spun from a 50/50 blend of merino/tencel top. It’s my first time spinning with tencel… not sure what to think. If it’s supposed to be a substitute for silk, I’ll take the silk. Still, fun colors, a gratifying little project, and the 190 yards from a 3 oz. bundle will make a funky scarf.

Lest you begin to worry about the lack of socks being posted, Virginia, filling a special order for someone wanting to show his support for the Vikings (even in post season), knit these using SmartYarn.

Sock #34 (52 Sock Challenge)

I suspect there will be more spinning content in the next several days. For the record, though, I am starting to get a bit behind at work, so this coming week will be a good test of will power and discipline.

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Cookuits, revisited… again

Posted on by Dan

You are all probably tired of reading about my pursuit of the perfect, healthful cookuit (as mentioned in an earlier post, they’re not quite buscuits, they’re not quite cookies). Don’t despair, though, there is some knitting content at the tail end of this post.

Cookuits

The ingredients are fairly similar to my previous attempt, but with a couple of key differences–slightly more liquid, and the order in which ingredients are combined. These are definitely less dense, more cake-like.

Combine these ingredients in small bowl:
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup kefir
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup chopped dates

Combine these ingredients in bowl:
3/4 cup oat flour
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chestnut flour
1/2 cup white flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup golden raisins

Mix dry and wet ingredients together, being careful to not overmix. For each cookuit, spoon about 1/2 cup batter onto baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 375ยบ. Makes 9 cookuits.

Promised Knitting Content
Virginia finished a pair of socks for me, using some of her leftover Cestari yarn. I’m wearing these right now. I love how toasty these make my feet.

Sock #33 (52 Sock Challenge)

Up a Notch

Posted on by Dan

It’s a new year, complete with resolutions and renewed resolve for cultivating our creative outlets. And, I’ve taken steps in providing better photos for sharing some of the results. A better camera does not make a better photographer, but it does help in providing more tools and control for capturing images in an interesting way. What’s exciting is that I can dust off the old lenses I had for my first SLR, a Pentax K1000 that I bought 17 years ago. And, I’m happy to report the ol’ lenses work just fine with the new Pentax digital SLR (a brilliant decision on their part). The following photographs were taken with a completely manual 50mm lens. There is something satisfying about meshing old and new technology and coming up with good results.

Kalanchoe

This Kalanchoe, a new year’s gift (thank you!), was just waiting to show off a little.

Quilt - detail

This is one of Virginia’s quilts she made a number of years ago (yes, she does other non-knitting activities).

Sock #32 (52 Sock Challenge)

And, since you are so used to seeing socks on the blog, I didn’t want to disappoint.

Sock #32 (52 Sock Challenge) - detail

Virginia knit these using Trekking XXL (Turtlegirl, you might remember swapping this yarn with her), and modified a cable sock pattern by Nancy Bush.

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