Knitting: Dotted Rays

I think I made it to the final wedge. I know it doesn't look like much all scrunched up like this but I'm not changing my needle. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)

Stanwood Needlecraft Large Yarn Ball Winder

Knitting: Dotted Rays

Progress is slower. Still fun. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)

Stanwood Needlecraft Large Yarn Ball Winder

Knitting: Dotted Rays

A couple more wedges completed.

I shifted to working from both balls or yarn so could keep the color changes from narrowing. I really like how it is working up. This is the part where it starts to take a long time to knit each wedge. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)

Stanwood Needlecraft Large Yarn Ball Winder

Knitting: Dotted Rays

A friend gave me this fun yarn from Knit Picks a few years ago. I was going away for a weekend and wanted a hand project to take along.

I used my winder to make some fresh cakes and picked a color order. 

The pattern I decided to use is Dotted Rays by Stephen West. I find this shawl to be perfect for those times when my hands need something to do but I don't want to really think about it.

I did the first couple wedges in this orange. 

Then, switched to the rainbow yarn at the orange. 

Each color change is a delight. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)

Stanwood Needlecraft Large Yarn Ball Winder

Travel Crochet

What does one do when travelling? Bring yarn! All of this is from Knit Picks. These are singles. The solid color is no longer available. The multicolor is Chroma fingering. 

I held the two strands together. The pattern is the Just Feel Festive Shawl by Caleisha Ryan.

I made mine using fewer cast on stitches but I like how it turned out. 

I do wish I had used a larger hook, to make the fabric a little looser. Still a good finish. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Stitch markers: CLOVER Lock Ring Markers 20/pkg 

Knit and Crochet Tools (affiliate links): You can read my post about these tools in this post from December 2018. 

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold needle, needle threader, and stitch markers)RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Clover Locking Stitch Markers
Large eye needles 
Clover Yarn Threader
clear makeup bag

Felted Slippers

I have this collection of blue yarn perfect for felting. 

I used the LK150 and a video tutorial to make some more slippers

I finished them what seems like ages ago but I didn't wash them to felt them up until recently. Here is how they compare to my earlier experiments. Felting is not very precise and more of an experiment each time I do it. 

They came out great! I still have yarn that will felt so expect to see more of these. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Knitting claw weights (5 each)

Silver Reed LK150

Cranky Socks

This collection of mostly blues, greens, and yellow, became a pair of monster socks. Sometimes I pick a color, or collection of colors. Other times I just throw stuff in. 

I made sure to match the cuffs, heels, and toes this time. 

They turned out great! I just need to finish them. 

Pairs of socks knit in 2022: 16

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Cranky Socks

Sunday I sat down with my circular sock machine and cranked out some monster socks. This was as I took the back needles out of work to make the heel. I plopped the little cake I was working from the mini mast into the sock to keep it out of the way and to prevent it tangling while I worked the heel. This isn't an issue when I work the toe because I will only be working with one yarn as I near the toe. 

I should have been a little more careful with the green I used for the cuff so the heels would match but monster socks don't have to match. 

Pairs of socks knit in 2022: 15

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Cranky Socks

This is what happens when you reset your photo ratio from 1:1 to 3:4 so you can take one photo. You forget to set it back to 1:1. Ah, well, here are some sock photos. Socks knit on my Erlbacher Gearhart circular sock machine. Even after a few years I still love this magical machine. 

Cuff knit with Knit Picks Stroll Tweed, body of sock knit with a mystery yarn gifted to me by my yarn bestie, contrast blue heels and toes knit with Knit Picks Stroll. 

Pairs of socks knit in 2022: 14

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Cranky Socks

Sometimes I just need to knit a pair of socks. I had a 50 gram ball of this ombre yarn. I paired it with a solid Knit Picks Stroll and quickly knit up a pair of socks. This is where I added the contrast yarn for the toe. 

Contrast cuffs, heels, and toes makes that 50 grams become a pair of socks. It's been months since I knit a pair of socks. That's crazy. 

Pairs of socks knit in 2022: 13

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Felted Slippers

After the last pair of felted slippers turned out too small I decided to give it another try. I modified my notes to make the slipper wider and longer. 

I knit up the pair on the LK150. 

And sewed them up. I so enjoy the color blocking on this design. It's something you can't do easily while knitting in the round. 

Here is what that unfelted (top) slipper looks like next to the felted slipper I made (bottom). 

Here is how it felted up. Sadly, it is still too small for me. I figure the size is around a ladies size 6 shoe.

I learned even more and I'm going to give it another try. They are just too cute to give up now. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Silver Reed LK150

Felted Slippers

I decided to give felted slippers another chance. This was my second attempt. I make major changes to the design I was using and I'm much happier with this style. Yarn is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. It felts up so nicely. 

These are knit flat on the LK150 knitting machine and then the sides are seamed by hand. The color changes are partially a style choice and partially to assist with lining up that hand seaming. 

This time the felting was just awesome! Unfortunately, I didn't knit them big enough so these are really a child's size. I learned so much making them. I learned how this knit fabric felted (so great!) and how many rows I need to knit to get an inch of felted material. The next pair will be so much better! 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Silver Reed LK150

Felted Slippers

I've been experimenting with making felted slippers on the knitting machine. This was my first try. 

Sure, it started out huge, felting works like that. 

While it felted very nicely, and the length was about right....

The width just wasn't workable. Even more felting wouldn't fix this problem. This was a great learning experience. 

I've gone back to the machine and tried again. I changed tension and the way I'm forming the heel and toes because I'm not a fan of that boxy toe. Now to get the second pair assembled and washed. Wish me luck!

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Silver Reed LK150

Machine Knitting

I've been trying to make a shawl with the LK150 knitting machine. I'm not having much success. 

That isn't entirely true. I'm having some success. I managed to make the first half of the shawl before I dropped a bunch of stitches. 

Then, I managed to make the first half of the shawl again. Again I dropped a bunch of stitches. This is completely operator error. Knitting machines take a level of attention I am still learning. 

Then, I managed to complete the shawl, wrong. This was entirely my fault for misunderstanding the directions. Both sides should be the same size and that didn't happen. I'll have to try this again. I've learned so much! I'm going to try again. And again. I will get it. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Silver Reed LK150

Knitting Claw Weights

Machine Knitting

Sometimes things don't go as planned. I was nearing the cast off of this machine knit hat and managed to drop all the stitches. That just means I got to knit it again. It wasn't the right size anyway. 

I cast on again and managed to finish the hat. I'm still trying to figure out the perfect tension and stitch counts to reliably make a beanie appropriate for my noggin. I'm hoping to figure it out so I can make some more charity hats. I should use my Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns to get it sorted out. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook
addi Express Hook

Silver Reed LK150

Knitting Claw Weights

The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns

Cranky Socks

It was time for another pair of Monster Socks. The way to know if they are matching is by looking at the cuffs, heels, and toes. These turned out great! Someday I will open my Etsy shop and sell some more of these. Maybe in the fall. They do make great winter holiday gifts. 

Pairs of socks knit in 2022: 12

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Crochet Crazy

I'm continuing to progress on my crochet hexagon blanket. I'm not planning much, just grabbing and attaching the next hexagon. I'm loving it so far. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Stitch markers: CLOVER Lock Ring Markers 20/pkg 

Crochet Crazy

It was finally time I grabbed my bag full of crocheted hexagons and started stitching them together. 

I don't have a plan for these. I'm just grabbing one from the bag and joining it to the others. That means I don't know how big this thing will get. I like creative surprises. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Stitch markers: CLOVER Lock Ring Markers 20/pkg