annbuddknits

A Sorry Sight

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:22:00 +0000

I've been quiet lately because I haven't been able to knit much. It seems that I'm experiencing hormonal changes that are affecting my vision (I am, unfortunately, "of that age"). Not only is my near-sightedness fluctuating, my astigmatism is going haywire. Sometimes I can see beautifully, but, more often, things look skewed, especially when I try to focus on my hands as I knit. I've had my vision checked and ordered new glasses only to find that my prescription changed again. I'm on a two-week plan with my optometrist now to see when my eyes stop changing so I can get a prescription that will work.

In the meantime, I've been cleaning like a bandit. Last week, I vacuumed under all the furniture and along the baseboards, rotated mattresses and washed all the bedding, and even hand-washed ALL of my sweaters (the floors were covered with sweaters on top of towels). One of my sons pointed out that it's too early to do spring cleaning. Ah, but when spring does come, I'll be ahead of the game.

I'm not writing this for sympathy or pity, but I would welcome encouraging words from anyone who has gone through similar vision problems. Oy, how long does this last?

Mock Cables and Lace--A Finished Pair

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:16:00 +0000

I finished the second Mock Cables and Lace Sock (page 102 of Sock Knitting Master Class) and am thoroughly pleased with the pair.

I noticed that I've used close to same color yarn for three pairs of the socks I've knitted from Sock Knitting Master Class. I do love the caramel-ly gold color, but I think there's a better reason.
A few years ago I bought a pair of Taos clogs. The clogs are covered in real color-stranded knitting! Many of my socks clash with the rust, gold, and brown pattern, so I've lately gravitated to solid colors that match the shoes. In addition to the Mock Cables and Ribs, my Rose Ribs (page 80) and Knot Socks (page 96) coordinate beautifully with these most special shoes.

Handspun Hat

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

I really should stop feeling so clever every time I knit something out of my handspun, but I just can't help it. If I had known how wonderful handspun is to knit with, I would have taken up spinning years ago. Now I feel I have to make up for lost time.
I just finished a hat for my oldest out of "barn blend" fleece I got from Stargazer Ranch Alpacas last June. I was afraid that pure alpaca wouldn't hold its shape so I carried a strand of Marianne Isager fingering weight wool (Wool 1) along with my handspun. Worked in a modified k2, p2 rib, the hat is lusciously thick and, no doubt, warm.
My son only takes it off to sleep. Talk about gratification!

Mock Cables and Lace--Halfway Done!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:02:00 +0000

With the completion of the toe of the first Mock Cables and Lace sock (page 102), I'm officially halfway through Sock Knitting Master Class.

This sock was relatively easy for me since I'd knitted the originals shown in the book and was familiar with the stitch pattern. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed knitting it a third time.
I made the following adjustments to the instructions:

Instead of the magic-loop method with a 40" circular needle, I used my very sharp Signature double-pointed needles to make easy work of the twisted stitches and right-twists.
Instead of the k2, p1 cable cast-on, I used the old Norwegian (also called German twist) cast-on. My only excuse is that I was lazy and didn't want to have to follow the chart for the cast-on row.
I decided that the heel flap was a bit too long so I stopped after 32 rows (instead of 36 rows). That meant that I only had 16 chain edge stitches to pick up for each gusset. As specified in the instructions, I picked up an extra stitch in each corner to help prevent holes from forming, making a total of 17 stitches picked up at each side for a total of 92 stitches (instead of 96 stitches). I decreased the gussets to 74 stitches as specified.
When using the zigzag bind-off (described on page 46), I worked the first two and last two stitches together on each needle to help minimize the "ears" that can result from this type of bind-off.

That Scarf I'm Wearing

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Every now and then I get a query about the scarf I'm wearing in my "about me" photo.

Though I'd love to claim it as my own design, it's Lisa Daehlin's Lacy Kerchief Scarf from the Summer 2005 issue of Interweave Knits. The scarf is pictured on page 49; the instructions begin on page 53. This is a very good example of how a different yarn can give a whole new look to a project.

You might notice that my scarf is decidedly different than the one pictured in the magazine. Instead of using sportweight mercerized cotton at 5 sts/inch, I made my version with fingering-weight cashmere at 8 sts/inch. I didn't save any notes on this project, but I believe I used size 3 or 4 (3.25 or 3.5 mm) needles. I followed the instructions exactly as written and worked the number of pattern repeats specified.

The original scarf measured 82 1/2" long and 12 1/2" wide at the widest point; mine measures about 80" long and 8" wide at the widest point. It has probably stretched through the years because I remember that it was both shorter and narrower than the original, which was my intention.

If I were to knit it again, I'd make the tails shorter by working the leaf chart just one (not six) times at each end of the triangular garter-stitch section.

Mock Cables and Lace Heel Flap

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

I'm making progress on the Mock Cables and Lace socks from Sock Knitting Master Class. I particularly like the heel flap pattern in this design. Instead of the usual k1, slip 1 pattern, I worked twisted ribs and a few right-twist cables (worked without a cable needle!).

I hope to finish the first sock later today. It will mark the half-way point in the book--I will have completed 8 and one-half pairs of socks and will have 8 and one-half pairs to go!

Just for Fun

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:49:00 +0000

One of my son's has asked for a hat (he lost the one I knitted two years ago, but that's another story). They don't often ask for something knitted so I'm going to jump on it.

This will be the perfect opportunity to use the yarn I spun from the alpaca "barn blend" fleece I bought last summer. I bet handspun alpaca is really, really great to knit with!

Wool People 2

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed just uploaded Wool People Volume 2.

I am happy to report that I have the great honor of being among the 14 designers for this volume. Check out Guston and let me know if you decide to knit it.

Another Useful Knitting App

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

I was recently given the phone app Yarn U by the author, Mary Beth Klatt. I don't normally write product reviews, but this is worth knowing about.

Available through iTunes, Yarn U is an extensive catalogue of knitting yarns that can be sorted by fiber or name. In addition to a short description and specs such as fiber content, yardage, and cost, you'll find pros and cons for each yarn and links to free patterns. You can leave comments, share with friends, and mark favorites. There is also a feature that lets you link to manufacturers and shops and locate them through mapquest, but I couldn't get this feature to work on my phone.

At $2.99, this is a great way to learn about yarns that are currently available, with frequent updates.

Classes for January and February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:43:00 +0000

I get enough questions about my teaching schedule that I thought I'd try monthly postings for upcoming classes and locations. Below are the classes I have scheduled for January and February, 2012.
I hope to meet some of you in class!

January 21, 2012: Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins, Boulder, CO
9:30 am to 12:30 pm: Conquering Kitchener Stitch
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm: The Mathematics of Knitting

February 10, 2012: Paradise Fibers, Spokane, WA
6 hours: Cast-On and Bind-Off Techniques

February 11, 2012: Paradise Fibers, Spokane, WA
6 hours: Toe-Up Socks

February 25, 2012: Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins, Boulder, CO
10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Cast-On and Bind-Off Techniques

It's a Wonderful Life!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year!
Although I don't make New Year's resolutions, I do usually reflect on the joys of the previous year, and 2011 was a good one.
The highlights for me were teaching at Sock Summit, Interweave Knitting Lab, and Knitter's Review Retreat, in addition to teaching at various yarn shops and guilds.
I also attended my first spinning convention at SOAR (SpinOff Autumn Retreat) and I spun yarn and knitted several projects including a pair of socks, a shawl, a scarf, a pair of fingerless mitts, and even a sweater.
Sock Knitting Master Class was published and Knit Handy and Crochet Handy became available as iPhone apps (they tell me droid versions will be available in early 2012).
I managed to write posts for this blog on a somewhat regular schedule and I have become active in the Budd's Buds group on Ravelry (a forum for questions and discussions about my various books and/or patterns, and an opportunity to comment on and post pictures of any and all variations made of my themes). Please visit!
But one of the best things that happened in 2011 is that my 90-year-old father completely recovered from his bike accident of September, 2010, when he fell on a curb, breaking 8 ribs and puncturing a lung. Four weeks in the hospital didn't keep him down and he got back on his bike in January. Two days ago, he past the 4,000-mile mark on his odometer for this year! Here's a photo of him two days ago at the spot where he had his accident.

If you ask me, he's still dangerously close to the fateful curb. And what about all that snow and ice on the street? Is he inspirational or just plain nuts?

Mock Cables and Lace

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:41:00 +0000

I've made my way to the Mock Cables and Lace socks, which marks the halfway point through the patterns in Sock Knitting Master Class.

At first, I thought I'd skip these socks since I knitted the originals for the book. But then I decided that I wanted to experience the pattern as other readers and knit them again. Besides, I really like these socks and I gave the originals to Julia Boyles, who did the great book design.
The originals were out of String Theory Bluestocking, which is a blend of 80% Blueface Leicester and 20% nylon. I don't have any more of this yarn on hand so I substituted Sanguine Gryphon (which will soon be split into two companies: www.verdantgryphon.com and www.cephalopodyarns.com) Bugga!, which is a blend of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon that has a round structure similar to Bluestocking.
Instead of working with one long circular needle in the magic-loop method as in the pattern, I chose to work this pair on my Signature double-pointed needles, which make easy work of twisted stitches, decreases, and 1/1 cables. I was also too lazy to use the k1, p1 cable method for casting on and used the Old Norwegian method instead (described on page 39).
The knitting is progressing quickly (probably because I've knitted these socks before) and I'm already at the heel.

Winter Wonderland and New Ball of Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:56:00 +0000

A few days ago, we woke up to an unexpected 14" of snow. For a day, only high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles could traverse our unplowed street. Here's what our back deck looked like:

In respect for the beautiful view out the windows, I spend the day in my favorite chair and knitted on my Diamond Jacket.
I finished the first ball of yarn and made good progress on the second. Unlike many knitters, I do not like to change balls at the ends of rows. The yarn tails make it more difficult for me to sew seams. Instead, I change balls at least a few stitches from the edge. For the Diamond Jacket, the first ball ended close to the center of a row.

To join a new ball, I simply work one (1) stitch with the yarn from each ball held together, then continue with the new ball, leaving tails several inches long from each ball. Ideally, I make this double stitch on what will be a purl stitch when the right side is facing. That way, there's just a small thick area that coincides with a purl bump and is therefore less noticeable. After the piece is complete, I'll weave in the tails diagonally across the wrong side of the fabric. In this case, I'll follow the "ridges" formed by the diamond pattern.

Diamond Jacket: #2

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:19:00 +0000

It's been only a few weeks since I started Marion Foal's Diamond Jacket (from Marion's Knitting Collection 1) and I already wonder if I'll ever get it done. At a gauge of 8.5 stitches/inch on size U.S. 1 (2.25 mm) needles, there are a lot of stitches and a lot of rows to knit. So far, I'm only about 7" into the first sleeve. But I do love the soft lightweight fabric produced by the small needles. The marker is to help identify right-side rows (the stitch pattern is reversible).

Knot Socks--A Complete Pair

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:11:00 +0000

I finished Nancy Bush's Knot Sock (p.96 of Sock Knitting Master Class) and enjoyed every minute of knitting. The pattern is one of those that is involved enough to keep it from getting boring and simple enough that the chart need only be glanced at a few times during each repeat.
Here they are just after blocking.

Notice anything different about the toes? Once again, I ran out of yarn and had to substitute another yarn at the end. Curse my big feet!
I could have avoided this if I'd paid closer attention to the number of yards in the skein I substituted for the Schaefer Yarn that Nancy used. Schaefer Anne has 560 yards (which is more than enough for even heavily cabled socks) and the yarn I used had just 385 yards. I should know by now that I need at least 400 yards for the longish legs that I like and big feet that I have.

Knot Socks--Nearly Done

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:20:00 +0000

I'm making my way down the foot of Nancy Bush's Knot Socks from Sock Knitting Master Class. Recently, I was asked how to make two socks the same length so I thought I'd show you what I do.
As I work my way along the foot, I place a safety-pin type marker in every 20th round of knitting. This way, I only have to count 20 rounds at at time, then I place a final marker on the round before the toe (or heel) begins. Then I know exactly how many rounds to work for the foot of the second sock. I've found that I try to knit at least to the next marker at each sitting, which makes me finish quicker. I do the same thing when knitting the legs.

If the sock has a stitch or texture pattern, as in the Knot Socks, you can simply count the number of pattern repeats in the first sock to make the second sock match. If you do this, be sure to make note of where in the last repeat the toe or heel begins so you can end the second sock at exactly the same place.

A Gift of Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:34:00 +0000

For the past several years, I've donated a Knitter's Gift Basket to Heifer International as a way to pass on the good fortune that knitting has brought me. Through donations, Heifer distributes livestock, from chicks to water buffalo, and seeds and seedlings to people in need throughout the world. These gifts provide families with the dignity to feed themselves and the means to pay for shelter, clothing, and education.
Especially in times of global hardships and uncertainty, I like to think that through knitting, we can bring a little peace and tranquility to our own worlds.
Won't you help me share the joy?

Knot Socks--Making Progress

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:02:00 +0000

I'm making good progress on Nancy Bush's Knot Socks (p.96 of Sock Knitting Master Class) and things are going smoothly. I've knitted the leg, heel, and gussets and I have to say that I love the yarn (Three Fates Tethys) and I love the simple rib and cable pattern.
Nancy used the Dutch heel for these socks. It's been a long time since I've done this type of heel and I wonder why. The heel turn is done in such a way that the center heel flap stitches continue uninterrupted (in the heel flap stitch pattern) along the base of the heel. It makes for a well-fitting cushiony and durable heel.

It Takes a Genius

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:08:00 +0000

Not only was I unable to email images from my iPhone to myself, my Mac mysteriously stopped allowing me to upload images to my blog a couple of days ago. Being the computer-challenged non-geek that I am, I made an appointment at my local Apple store with a "genius." Really, that's what they are called. And for good reason. In less than 15 minutes Brad fixed the settings in my iPhone so I can now show you the picture I took of my son (on the left) when he returned from Spain earlier this week (his travel buddy is on the right):

And the picture I took of my completed Traveling-Stitch Stockings (pictured on my own feet):

Brad deserves the "genius" moniker in my book, but I wonder if he ever feels a little overwhelmed by the pressure of the title.

Full House

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:45:00 +0000

We are now a happy family of five again.
Last night, our oldest son returned from three months in Spain. While there, he hiked 500 miles (!) along the El Camino de Santiago trail in the Pyrenees, then he spent three weeks each volunteering on organic farms.
I took a photo of him when he checked in at the airport back in September.

I took a photo when he got off the plane last night but I'm unable to post it--I can't seem to figure out how to email myself a photo from my iPhone. You'll have to trust me that despite much longer hair and much, much dirtier clothes, he looks about the same.
I was expecting there to be some adjustment period while we all got used to each other again, but I was not expecting the curve ball he threw my way today. He offered to make dinner! He's in the kitchen right now cooking up some sort of lentil stew thing that he learned to make on one of the organic farms. And he plans to make bread, too! Be still, my heart!

Knot Socks--Getting Started

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:20:00 +0000

Last night I started the eighth pair of socks in Sock Knitting Master Class--Nancy Bush's Knot Socks (pabe 96). Nancy used Schaefer Yarn Anne, which is a relaxed three-ply blend of merino, mohair, and nylon. The mohair adds a soft halo to the ribbed cable pattern.

For my version, I'm using Tethys Sock, a springy two-ply yarn from Three Fates Yarns in the colorway called Petrified Forest. This yarn was donated to the teachers at Sock Summit and I've been anxious to give it a try. Normally, I prefer three-ply yarns for socks, but this yarn is fairly tightly twisted and has lots of "spring." It also has 20% nylon, which should help in the durability department.
These socks begin with an interesting Double-Start cast-on (described on page 42) that creates a decorative seeded edge. The cable pattern is a welcome relief after the intense traveling stitch pattern in Meg Swansen's Twisted-Stitch Stockings (page 86). There are only two types of cables, and only one type is worked in any round. This promises to be an easy pattern to memorize.

I get gauge on size 1 (2.25 mm) needles but I cast on and will work the top half of the leg with size 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles to make them fit more comfortably around the wider circumference of my calf muscle.
It's currently 2 degrees outside with a predicted high of 13, and there is a foot of snow on the ground. Conditions are ideal for sock knitting!

New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the Knitter's Review Retreat is New Beginnings, when we each commit to a new project, one that hopefully will be completed in the upcoming year. Clara holds a short but solemn ceremony of commitment, then we cast on and share our stitches and good wishes with the entire group.
For my New Beginning, I plan to knit Diamond, a very fine jacket in British designer Marion Foale's book Knitting Collection 1 (distributed by Unicorn Books). I bought the book and the Marion's own yarn at Tutto, a delightful little yarn shop in historic Santa Fe.

Now, I just might be a little nuts. The gauge on this sweater is 8.5 stitches/inch, which puts it tighter than most of the socks I knit. Given that I plan to add a few inches (two more buttons) to the body length, I figure that this jacket is equivalent to about ten (10) pairs of socks. In order to see some progress, I decided to start with one of the sleeves. The knitting you see above represents about an hour of knitting. At this point, all bets are off on whether I'll finish in time to wear it to the retreat next year.

Twisted-Rib Stockings--Done!

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:10:00 +0000

This is probably the most interesting pair of socks I've ever knitted!
After the top of the foot and the back of the heel are completed, stitches are picked up around the entire circumference for the sole. This entails picking up a lot of stitches along each side of the instep. I placed markers to help me pick up the necessary stitches evenly.

After all of the stitches are picked up, the sole stitches are worked in rounds.

After surprisingly few rounds, some of which involve decreases at the toe and heel, the sole is complete.

The remaining heel and toe stitches are gathered and the others are joined with Kitchener stitch. I hope you're not intimidated by this grafting technique. Once you get started it follows a nice rhythm and is much, much easier than it sounds. Not to mention that it's absolutely necessary for this sock!

Here's a list of what I learned and what I did differently from the instructions in Sock Knitting Master Class:

Instead of working with two circular needles, I worked with one 40" circular using the magic-loop technique (described on page 13). I used an Addi Turbo needle, but wish that I had the sharper tips that come on the Addi Lace needles. Twisted stitches are most easily worked with sharp needle points.
I used the Old Norwegian cast-on (page 39) to ensure a strong, flexible edge at the top.
There is a correction to Row 3 of Chart A: the center two stitches should be worked as a left twist as described in the Stitch Guide.
There is also a correction to the set-up round of the Instep. It should read: Set-Up Rnd: (Rnd 4 of Chart A) Ssk, work 11 sts in patt, place last 8 sts just worked (center sts of Chart A) on waste yarn holder to work later for back of heel, work 3 sts in patt, k2tog, work to beg of held heel sts--54 sts rem.
I worked one less instep decrease to end with 34 stitches instead of 32, with the hopes that this would make the socks fit my biggish feet better. This left two twisted knit stitches at each end of the needle.
I chose not to use Meg's method of knitting (and purling) back-backward as described on page 94. Instead, I worked the old-fashioned and cumbersome way of working back and forth in right-side and wrong-side rows. I was afraid that my tension would suffer if I used Meg's technique. But I have to say, it's no fun working twisted purl stitches!
Also to accommodate my biggish feet, I worked the instep about 1/4" longer, working to 4" from the last pattern row of Chart A before beginning the toe.
I worked the toe in stockinette stitch instead of continuing the twisted-stitch pattern all the way to the tip.
I decreased the toe to 14 stitches instead of 12.
When picking up stitches along the sides of the heel "flap," I picked up through the back loops.
When picking up stitches for the sole, I also picked up through back loops. I picked up 34 stitches instead of 29 on each side (because I had worked more rows on the upper foot).
I worked the sole for 13 rounds (instead of 11) before the first decrease round to accommodate my wide feet (see note on the top of page 94).
To finish, I cut the yarn leaving a 30" tail, threaded the tail through the 7 heel stitches and pulled tight to gather them, then used the Kitchener stitch to join to 34 stitches on each side, then gathered the remaining 7 toe stitches.
Although the instructions say that two skeins are needed for a pair of socks, I miraculously finished with about 3 yards left of the first skein.
With the extra skein, I think I'll make another pair but adjust the pattern for a "normal" round heel and wedge toe.

Entering the Digital World

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Who'd believe it? A couple of weeks ago Interweave turned my handy guides to yarn requirements into iPhone apps and now they tell me that my books are going to be available electronically as well! You'll be able to purchase the eBooks alone or as a set with the print version--called a Collection--through the Interweave Store and, in just a few days, through my website (click on Books and Apps).

The following are available now:

The Best of Interweave Knits eBook and Collection

Getting Started Knitting Socks eBook and Collection

Knitted Gifts eBook and Collection

The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns eBook and Collection

The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns eBook and Collection

Knitting Green eBook and Collection

The rest will be available in the coming weeks.

Favorite Socks: 12/8/2011

Sock Knitting Master Class: 12/15/2011
Bag Style: 01/20/2012
Color Style: 01/20/2012
Lace Style: 01/20/2012

Simple Style: 01/20/2012
Wrap Style: 01/20/2012

Twisted-Stitch Stockings Upper Foot Completed

noreply@blogger.com (ann budd) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:04:00 +0000

These socks have me intrigued. I've never knitted a moccasin sole and it's a little hard for me to envision.
That's why I've been knitting like a bandit these last couple of days.
I finished the instep and the heel "flap" this morning.
It begins with the center 8 heel flap stitches put on waste yarn, then the upper foot is worked back and forth in rows while maintaining the twisted cable pattern on the instep and decreasing stitches each side of the held heel stitches. Then the instep is worked straight to the toe, which is shaped with decreases. The remaining toe stitches are placed on a holder.
Here's what it looks like when viewed from the wrong side of the instep. The two orange markers show where the heel decreases ended.

Next, the held heel stitches are worked (in pattern) while stitches are picked up along the shaped edges.
Here's what it looks like after the heel is completed. I've removed the two orange markers. (The color difference between the two images is because one was taken at night under artificial light.)

Tonight I hope to work the sole.
Stay tuned.