I have some great news too....I LOVE DPN's (double pointed needles) in knitting! My first foray into socks was with Magic Loop as I had heard DPN's were "difficult" but then I was a novice so they might have been for me at that time. Since I've made several pair using Magic Loop I wanted to learn DPN's and to me they are much easier and do a better job and the result looks better, on mine anyway. But again, is it because this is my 3rd pair of socks or is it the DPN's? I don't know the answer to that but right now I am pretty certain that any future socks will be knitted using DPN"s. AND...there will be beautiful, wild and crazy sock yarn too.....none of this solid color yarn for awhile. Ahhh...the joyful, peaceful art of knitting! BTW, I saw some cute socks where the cuff was one color and the sock another and also where the heel and toe were a different color....I liked it! Something to think about and a way to use up scraps if you don't have enough for 2 socks. "BRILLIANT I tell you"!
DRUMROLL....please..........
which is Purl Soho's craft blog and it is a free pattern. They have all kinds of wonderful photos, projects, and inspiration. It's like a Pinterest for crafters! LOL! It's so fun to just browse and several of my projects on this years's YOP list came from there. So, I'm looking to make this as my first project for YOP 2013/2014....if I can wait that long!
Have any of you made this? One gal on the Purl Bee commented that she made it for people for Christmas and it was THE present that year! Everyone loved them! I've seen one made and they are even prettier in person and soft and squishy.....GORGEOUS!
I'm having a hard time looking at my "blanket" projects since it's 73 here and I have the windows open. Plus, right now is my Summer actually since when it gets to be the REAL Summer here it is way too hot to be outside much. So please excuse me if I seem "spotty" out there in blog land for a bit but this is a short window of opportunity to do gardening, landscaping and painting outdoors before it gets too hot. It's just me since I haven't been able to talk "the girls" into giving me hand, or should I say "paw"! LOL! I know, bad, sad humor. I hope you are all safe and well and having nice weather! I WILL stop by later! I have some catching up to do!
Go for the owl, it's a lovely make, perfect for your new dpn usage too. I made one but with the wrong yarn and wrong needles, mine was a lot smaller than the purl bee one, but still lovely....I ended up crocheting the eyes and beak as for me it seemed quicker.
ReplyDeleteYour socks are looking good...clever you! I am not a fan of DPNs but I know a few (I'm sure Ruth is one) that love DPNs.
I prefer DPNs too for sock knitting. What material though depends on the pattern. In most cases I try to knit on my Blackthorn needles. I generally find metal needles too slippery. And I've broken too many wood needles on tiny little crossed stitches and cables to invest in any more. My Blackthorns are pretty much unbreakable and have a lifetime guarantee.
ReplyDeleteBring on the fancy sock yarn!
I've mainly used DPNs..I've only done Magic Loop once....I like my DPNs..I just got a pair of Karbonz I like a lot...we are still kinda having yucky weather here in New England....
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo! Get out in that sun :D I'm a don girl too, love them. The owl will be fab!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the DPN's...still on my list of things to try. Sitting here in the house, long sleeve, and fleece on and still a bit chilly. Maybe I need to get up and move around a bit, lol. Enjoy your warmer weather, wish we had it.
ReplyDeleteIve seen those owls they are adorable! I love the socks by the way.. I am a very new knitter and I learned Continental knitting instead of the regular way. There are many other things I'd like to learn how to knit Im just not sure I can translate the patterns to fit continental knitting.. For some reason I can not get the hang of the 'usual' method of knitting..
ReplyDeleteRobyn
I haven't tried the magic loop or whatever it is called..and it is on my YOP to complete a project using that method! I keep thinking it will leave a crimp my circulars and ruin the smooth finish... I am a fan of the blog..a very generous site with free patterns..I've made a scarf/hat combo from one...
ReplyDeleteI have put down my sock yarn and am saving it for the warmer weather....seems like it will be easier/cooler to work with then!
I have to make one of those owls for my friend, thanks for the link! And I love the socks, they look so soft and comfy. I'm a DPNs girl too, I like them so much more than magic loop.
ReplyDeleteOooo I have to add that owl to the queue!!! You did a gorgeous job. I totally prefer dpns too. Two circs just seem like too crazy to work with for my toddler-addled mind!
ReplyDeleteLove the dpn's .. I use them all the time. I've only tried bamboo, metal, and 'vintage' plastic ones .. only the metal have with stood tiny stitches. Glad you braved the dpn!!
ReplyDeleteThe world of knitting is a mystery to me Sam, have never heard of double pointed needles! But the colour yarn is a gorgeous blue, that i can appreciate!
ReplyDeleteThe owl looks a fun project,hope you have fun with that when you have time, what with all the other hard work you're doing. Something to look forward to relaxing with in the evenings maybe.
Gill xx