Two Finished

I have been knitting like fury this last couple of days and can report, with much satisfaction, that I have finished two projects! I have to admit though, that it took a bit longer than it should have done. I am afraid, I got cocky on the second sock and didn't read my own pattern instructions, not once, but twice, so I ended up knitting the toes three times. However, the finished toes are rather fabulous, even if I do say so myself!



I used a video on YouTube to show me how to graft the socks this time, and played it and replayed it whilst I stitched, and I think this careful copying has finally nailed it. I have saved the video in my YouTube favourites so I don't lose it when I need it again. If you want to use it yourself, it is here.

As you can see, the pattern in the socks does not line up exactly, and I think this is because my tension was very slightly tighter on the second sock. I don't think it matters though.



After wearing the socks for a few hours, I can safely say that they are very comfortable, with my one complaint being, the sole of the heels feel a little bit narrow. I am sure that as I try more socks patterns and different heel turning techniques I will find the perfect heel and amend my saved pattern accordingly.



With that in mind, I have bought some lovely Wendy Happy wool in the colour Pisces to make my next socks. I have chosen Grumperina's pattern Jaywalker which seems to be very popular and some people have already used a combination of the sizes worked together, the way I want to.



The colour is not great on this photo, as the colours are more greeny in real life. But I think this fabulous bamboo/nylon mix will look beautiful in this pattern and wear really well.

In addition to my completed socks, I have finally finished (trumpet sounds) the Fair Isle Bag. I can't believe I have been knitting this since November!



I attached the strap inside the bag, to the base and then stitched it around a piece of binding, using mattress stitch. I then stitched the strap to the top of the bag to keep the bag in position.



I had thought about lining this bag, but I really can't be bothered when nobody but me is going to see inside it. If I find the strands of yarn catching, I may change my mind. But as far as I am concerned it is now in the "completed" list.

I started knitting the test pattern for BettyKnitter last night. I got this great cheap yarn from Kangaroo. It is Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran in Burnt Ginger. It is scrumptious and as it was the last ball, I got it very cheap. It is soft as butter and I wish I could afford to knit a whole garment in it. However, until I win the Lottery, I will have to stick to single skein projects like this one.

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When I have finished knitting, I will post more about this. Until then, please excuse me while I feel smug about completing, not one but, TWO projects this week!