So much to tell, so little time

The knitting group was here today, and while knitting swatches for the So You Think You Can Swatch challenge, we watched a movie - The Blind Side. It was fun! We're thinking of watching Up In The Air or It's Complicated next. I got a used Proxmia projector a while ago, but couldn't use it due to a lack of a monitor cable. Those things are so hard to come by now as most monitors have the cable built in. The prjection screen still isn't installed yet, however, the walls are white and the movie displayed just fine.

The girls brought the preemie hats they have been working on this week. The sock yarn ones are so cute! I'd better get knitting some soon.

On the weekend I felt like knitting a scarf from a skein of tilli tomas Milky Way - a mixture of merino, cashmere and casein (milk fibre). I think it turned out well. The vintage pattern I used was written for worsted weight yarn, and this is more of a sport weight, so I adjusted the number of stitches and rows accordingly.  I will be assembling kits, including casein needles, and will label them "Got Milk?" Sadly the Milky Way has been discontinued, but I have ordered several shades of another casein yarn "Elsie" from tilli tomas that I also will kit up. Elsie is a mix of merino, casein and silk. I like calling projects like this "One skein wonders" as most of the yarn is used, it's a quick and easy knit, and the end result is brilliant.

I have been asked several times for a sock pattern that is knit on two needles. There are several versions out in cyberspace, but I didn't totally like them for one reason or another. Mostly because of the long seams down the sides or back. Here's what I came up with....

traditional heel

Beginning at the cuff, make the heel with the traditional heel flap, knit along the sole then make a short row toe, and then knit up the instep. However, the instep is joined with the sole as it is knit.
Thus the only sewing up needed is grafting of the instep to the bottom of half the cuff and the cuff side seam. Two ends to weave in, and the sock is done.

side with seam on cuff

The sample is knit in a superwash worsted weight merino, and the pattern could be adapted to any weight of yarn as it all based on percentages. Are any of you willing to test knit it for me? Just drop me an email, and I will send you the pattern. I'll now start working on various stitch patterns for the 2 needle socks, using a lighter weight of yarn. I have some pale mauve "On Your Toes" bamboo that has been calling out to me for some time. I'll bring home my Barbara Walker Stitch Treasurys and choose a stitch pattern. Tonight's the night!