Cranked Socks

So many socks! As I work through the learning process, I'm getting more proficient at heels and toes. You have no idea how many times I've watched some of these instructional videos. This was my second pair on Saturday. 

Update: I finished the toes and started working on the afterthought heels of my hybrid socks. I promise I'll stop cranking long enough to share some tools.

2019 sock knitting count:

• Cranked socks: 2 pair (one still needs the toes closed up)
• Hybrid socks: almost 1 pair (partially cranked and partially hand-knit)
• Hand knit socks: 1 pair

Cranked Socks

I don't usually have much time during the week to work on projects. Between work, dinner, family time, and sleep there isn't much time during the week to practice on my knitting machine. This week I squeezed in a solitary turned heel. I was overly proud of it even if it is destined to be ripped back and put into a different project. 

Later in the week I decided to try again. This tangled mess is what happened to the toe. I don't recall what went awry, only that it did. That ball winder of mine is getting as much action as my sock knitting machine. 

Saturday morning I sat down, watched a YouTube or two, and got cranking. I managed to get through the heel and the toe without any issues. 

I followed that up with a second sock in no time. Some time with the Tricksy Knitter Kitchener Cheat Sheet and I had a pair of finished socks before lunchtime. They aren't perfect, but I didn't drop a stitch I couldn't pick up and they are wearable. Everyone on my holiday gift list should expect socks. Because that's what I'll be making.

Great heel and toe video by Jamie Mayfield.

2019 sock knitting count:

• Cranked socks: 1 pair
• Hybrid socks: almost 1 pair (partially cranked and partially hand-knit)
• Hand knit socks: 1 pair

Cranked Socks

My first pair of cranked socks are almost done.

Because I wanted to have something to show for my first week with my sock knitting machine, I grabbed a single 50 gram ball of Knit Picks Felici and got cranking.

I decided to go with hand-finished heels and toes but wanted to give the hung hem a go. I put in waste yarn for the afterthought heels (that's what the strange red strand is all about).

I picked up for the toes and got knitting.

I knit in the car.

And I knit waiting for dinner.

I almost finished the toes. I did not, however, finish by Friday morning. I'm still practicing turning heels and toes on the machine and I am making progress.  Just last night I turned the first heel with no holes! It sounds so silly to be crowing about not dropping stitches, but it is so much easier to do than you think. I'll keep plugging away at it and hopefully with have something more to show next week. I see many more of these in my future, if only because I like the bull's eye you get with hand-finished heels and toes. That's something the sock knitting machine doesn't do.

For those of you sad to see so little quilting, I will have to apologize. It is entirely too hot in my studio to work on quilts right now. I'm sure that will change with the seasons. That's when I will be wearing socks and working on quilting.

2019 sock knitting count:

• Cranked socks: none, yet
• Hybrid socks: almost 1 pair (partially cranked and partially hand-knit)
• Hand knit socks: 1 pair

Circular Sock Knitting - Cast-on Bonnet

Getting started with sock knitting: Cast-on bonnet

I wanted to make a cast-on bonnet for my Erlbacher Gearhart circular sock knitting machine. This is a great first project that will teach loads of skills.

With this first project I learned:

• how to attach the set up bonnet, 
• knit onto waste yarn, 
• adjust tension to avoid dropped stitches, 
• switch to project yarn, 
• again adjust tension, 
• transfer stitches for the picot edge, 
• pick up and hang a hem without dropping stitches, 
• transfer stitches and pull needles to switch to the mock 1x1 rib, 
• bind off with a crochet chain,
• how to set up for i-cord,
• how to create i-cord
• and how to put the machine back into order to knit with all the needles. 

If you want to see how this is done, I used this video from The Colorado Cranker to get started with this type of cast-on bonnet. I definitely wanted a cast-on bonnet that could hold weights and make those weights easy to remove. The i-cord drawstring for this bonnet does that. 

Awaiting Fullfillment

After returning from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, I decided I wanted a circular sock knitting machine. I wanted one enough to do some internet research, choose Erlbacker Gearhart to manufacture my machine, and lay down the substantial amount of money required to buy a reproduction machine manufactured in the United States. What I wasn't expecting, in this Amazon-will-have-that-to-your-door-tomorrow world, was the long lead time. Once I started investigating the lead time, I learned most people were saying 8-10 weeks. Then, when I started asking people in circular sock knitting groups when they had ordered their machines -- and received them -- I heard very different numbers. I was seeing production times as long as 13 weeks.

Don't get me wrong. I know all those things in Amazon warehouses were manufactured long ago and many of those products made the long cruise across the ocean from other countries to reach U.S. shores. Time already spent in manufacture or transit that I just wasn't seeing.

I ordered my machine on May 6th, 2019. The order was acknowledged and placed in the status "awaiting fulfillment". That is exactly how I felt. Week after week, for ten weeks. On July 15th I received my shipping notification. I followed that package every day until the status changed.

For those of you keeping score, that means from order to delivery was 73 calendar  days. From order placement to machine shipping was 70 days. That's right at the 10 week lead time I was hoping was the outside production time. Seems it is more like the norm. Please do not take this as I am unsatisfied with the product. I'm just setting expectations if you do decide to embark on this journey.

Each machine comes in a sturdy box manufactured just for the purpose of holding the machine. This box is then packed in a cardboard box for shipping.

What comes inside:

• Erlbacher Gearhart circular sock knitting machine
• second cylinder
• ribber assembly (still wrapped in paper under the handle)
• yarn guide and mast (mast is still wrapped in paper under the machine)
• weights (two are inside the second cylinder, the other screwed down under the still wrapped ribber)
• hand tools, including a screwdriver and wrenches to assemble and disassemble the machine
• cardboard cone with waste yarn
• set up bonnet suitable for the cylinder
• machine manual
• certificate of ownership

The manual gives you everything you need to get started. This diagram helps the new machine-knitter get familiar with all the parts of the machine. It also includes instructions on how to set up, knit on waste yarn and get knitting with a couple easy projects. I'll go over these in later posts.

The first thing I did was set up to knit with the provided cast on bonnet and cranked out a few rows with the provided waste yarn.

The first thing I made was this entirely too short set up bonnet. It was a valuable learning project, though. 

With this simple first project I learned:

• how to attach the set up bonnet, 
• knit onto waste yarn, 
• adjust tension to avoid dropped stitches, 
• switch to project yarn, 
• again adjust tension, 
• transfer stitches for the picot edge, 
• pick up and hang a hem without dropping stitches, 
• transfer stitches and pull needles to switch to the mock 1x1 rib, 
• and bind off with a crochet chain. 

There is so much left to learn. I spent the majority of Saturday with the machine learning how it works, how to drop stitches, how to pick them back up, and so much more. Even with the long lead time I'm super pleased with my purchase. Look forward to more posts about circular sock machine knitting. I plan to focus the next few posts on simple projects and highlight the tools used. There are so many little tools and tips that I have found all over the place. I'm going to add a new page to hold all this great information in one place. There are also some great videos on YouTube that will show you how the machine works. 

Erlbacher Gearhart website: http://stores.erlbachergearhart.com/

Erlbacker Gearhart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erlbacher-Gearhart-Knitting-Machine-Company-125605310823212/

If I had an opportunity to point out only one thing to the nice people at the Erlbacher Knitting Machine Company it would be this: Clearly explain your manufacturing process and lead time on your website. I don't mind that it took 10 weeks to manufacture. I do mind that it wasn't clear on the website, or in the order acknowledgment email, that there is a long lead time. 

Crazy About Yarn

On Monday I shared my Awaiting Fulfillment Socks. Today, I'm going to share the sock yarn I bought to be ready for that sock knitting machine.

I discovered that Knit Picks was offering their Summer 2019 Felici at 20% off. How could I not invest in the new collection of striping yarns? I added two of those to my shopping cart, then started adding Stroll Sock in solids for contrast heels and toes. I think Knit Picks changes their Felici colors once or twice a year, so if you see one you like you should pick up a couple balls while they are available.

There is also one set of Stroll Gradient Duo in there. I couldn't resist picking one of those up because it is on sale. I'm so glad I added those solids. I have so many more options! If you haven't tried Felici, or Stroll Sock, I recommend you give it a try. It is very soft for a reasonably priced sock yarn. Note: these are all 50 gram balls so make sure you buy enough!

I went through the packing list and sorted everything. Such a great collection! I should see if I have any other Felici hiding around here and add it to the big box of sock knitting. Everyone might want to expect socks for winter solstice.

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Knit Picks Fixed Circular Sock Knitting Needle Set (appropriate for magic loop sock knitting)

Crochet Madness

I fear this might become a regular thing. Last week I shared my Cakes Two to Tango Shawl and this week I get to share the finished shawl.

This is where I left off last week. I worked on it a little every day.  It's a really quick project if you're an experienced crocheter.

I was a little concerned when I hit the white section of both cakes at the same time. I think at least one of these sections was supposed to a color and there was some failure at the factory. That doesn't bother me so much as it is still a finished object and will keep someone warm.

Two 150 gram cakes made a generous shawl.

It's a simple enough project to keep your hands busy when you're doing other things, like watching television.

Bundled up around your neck it should keep off a winter chill. The fabric is soft and has great drape.

This is my next pairing. If I keep going, I can finish several way before winter comes. Colors: Sirens and Harpy.

Find the pattern on Ravelry: Cakes Two to Tango. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)
Lion Brand Mandala is available on Amazon, though you might be able to find it cheaper locally.

Awaiting Fulfillment Socks

On May 6th, after returning from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, I decided I wanted a circular sock knitting machine. I wanted one enough to do serious internet research, select my machine, and lay down the substantial amount of money required to buy a high-precision machine. What I wasn't expecting -- in this Amazon-will-have-that-to-your-door-tomorrow world -- was the long lead time. I'll talk about that experience when my circular sock knitting machine ships and arrives at my door. Until then, I decided I would hand knit some socks with the same stitch count as the cylinder I ordered so I would be ready for a comparison. What I learned is that you can hand knit more than a single pair of socks while waiting for that sock knitting machine to ship, even if you don't knit very fast. Anyway, this post is really about the socks, not the machine.

Because I was experimenting with socks that I will try to replicate on the circular sock knitting machine, I chose the Trust Toe Up Sock. This is a free pattern on Ravelry. I don't know that I've knit many socks from the toe up and my prior experience with the afterthought heel wasn't positive. But, I was going to give it a go -- for science!

I cast on from the toes on May 27th. This was my take-along project from then until last weekend when I got to finishing the afterthought heels and weaving in those ends.

I knit while waiting for Sunday breakfast. 

I knit while riding in the car. 

I knit while waiting for a doctor's appointment. 

I knit while drinking coffee. That piece of red yarn is where the afterthought heel goes. 

And in the car. 

I added a 1 by 1 ribbing cuff. I used Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off, but I didn't do the right stitch for the purls. I'm not bothered by this; I still have wearable socks. Then it was time to pick up those afterthought heels.

It wasn't difficult, even if it was a little stressful. Closing up the possible holes at the corners was the most challenging. I did use a YouTube video by The Chilly Dog to help me along. 

I used the Kitchener Stitch cheat sheet from the Tricksy Knitter to finish off those afterthought heels. No matter how many times I use this stitch I refer back to this cheat sheet to stay on track. This isn't the point at which I want to fail. 

After what seemed like forever, I was finished.

There you have it, a pair of finished socks. Time to knit: almost seven weeks; 48 days. And I'm still waiting for that circular sock knitting machine to ship. I have learned that I will likely use the knitting machine to knit the monotonous part of sock knitting, the endless rows of stockinette and then finish off with afterthought heels and toes in a contrasting, or coordinating color. That way I will still have projects that are easy to carry with me. 

Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Sock Yarn
Pattern: Trust Toe Up Sock
Kitchener Stitch cheat sheet from the Tricksy Knitter
Afterthought heel: The Chilly Dog
Bind-Off: Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Knit Picks Fixed Circular Sock Knitting Needle Set (appropriate for magic loop sock knitting)
Knitter's Pride medium sock blocker

Charity Quilting

A couple more quilts pieced by Mary for Annapolis Quilts for Kids.

And another by Mary. She makes panels so much more interesting than a panel tries to be.

This is the stack of quilts I have ready to go back for binding.

You can support Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quilt posts on purpose. 

Here is the EpochConverter for 2019.

2019 Charity Quilt Count: 42

Crochet Madness

Sometimes I get a crazy idea to go to one of the big box stores and buy yarn for a crochet project. I say crazy, because I have plenty of yarn. I don't need to buy any more.

I discovered that the local A.C. Moore had Lion Brand Mandala yarn on sale: 3 cakes for $10. I couldn't resist. I bought more than a couple colors. 

What was I going to make with those cakes? Well, a shawl, or six.

I have been meaning to try a pattern on Ravelry called Cakes Two to Tango. Two contrasting, self-striping yarns come together to make a big impact.

I'm not sure my first pairing was perfect, but it still packs a punch.

I'm using the colors Fairy (pink on the right) and Serpent (yellow on the left). I think the two cakes will make a generous size triangle shawl. I really like this project and I'm sure I'll be making more and not just because I still have yarn. Maybe I should try this pattern as a poncho!

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)
Lion Brand Mandala is available on Amazon, too.

Desk Upgrade

My IKEA desk has been collecting things for a while now. One of the downsides to this desk is that sometimes I wills spend entirely too much time sitting. I decided it was time to upgrade to a felxible workstation where I could sit or stand. I did some poking around and settled on the FlexiSpot Standing Desk.

I opted for the VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount for my monitors. This was the part that took the longest to assemble. It includes cable management which is always great. The FlexiSpot Standing Desk was mostly assembled when it arrived. I do recommend two people to carry the desk and get it set up.

Overall, I'm really happy with the desk and the set-up. I chose this desk because I don't want to sacrifice my desktop work-space. I like that space for writing, reading, or crafting. The desk raises and lowers smoothly, latches safely in place, and now I can sit or stand while working at my desk. The last addition was the Anti Fatigue Standing Mat to compensate for the laminate flooring.

Supplies (affiliate links):
FlexiSpot Standing Desk
VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount
Anti Fatigue Standing Mat