A few days ago, Lauri B posted about her knitting bag, which is actually a cosmetic bag. While looking in my bathroom linen closet this morning, I noticed a new cosmetic bag containing a pedicure kit, which was a birthday gift last summer. I thought it would be the perfect size to contain my current sock WIP. So here it is:

I like to carry only essential items, so in it I have included a measuring tape, ruler, chibi with yarn needles inside, fold-up scissors, pencil, crochet hook (for picking up the gusset stitches as well as repairing any dropped stitches) and a photocopy of the Ann Norling Basic sock pattern, which is the formula I use for most of the socks I make. Here's what it looks like all packed up and ready to go:

I'm still looking for just the right case to store my growing collection of double-pointed needles!

I've been feeling somewhat under the weather the past few days, so didn't touch the Mexiko socks all week. Picked them up today though, and and just finished the gusset decreases on one sock, about to start the heel on the other. I was really hoping to finish them this weekend, but that now seems unlikely with the assortment of Sunday chores to do tomorrow. Worked a little on Topsecret the last few days, and am making good progress on that. I'll try to post a WIP picture of that soon.

posted by Brenda 7:55 PM

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Needle Choice

I am on the quest for the absolutely nicest double-pointed needles to use to knit socks. I really dislike the metal ones, so cold and sharp in the hand. The size that I use for most socks is 2.0 mm (0 US). I have tried Swallow Cassein needles, and except for the smell, LOVE the feel of these needles, they're like knitting with glass. Unfortunately, they aren't available in the size I need. Next I tried Brittany wooden needles. I had tried them in a larger (8.0 mm or US 11) size for the fuzzy feet, and really liked them, so decided I'd buy some of the 2.0 ones. I was really dissppointed, they're just not strong enough, and after really not much knitting, began to warp. Next I tried the Bryspun flexible needles. I liked knitting with them, although they flexibility made the casting on and first row or two a little difficult. Unfortunately, they are not available in the smaller sizes either. I have now ordered some pony pearl needles, as I've heard good things about them, AND they are available in the size I am after. I really hope they do the trick, or I might just have to try using circs. I will ultimately be trying that technique anyway, as I recently ordered this.

I would really like some feedback. Please, if you have any needle recommendations, please let me know. You can do this by using my new comment function, which I believe is now working properly. (Or just say hi to me, no one has left any comments yet and I'm lonely, LOL!)

Lastly, I'm working on adding some knitting blog links to the sidebar. I have a number of daily reads that I will include, but am always looking for more. If you'd like to trade links (you can grab my button to the right), please let me know (comment function or e-mail). Off to work on Topsecret now.

posted by Brenda 7:28 PM

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Hmm, I see my sock wip picture in my last post isn't showing right now, but it was last night. Go figure. I hope this upgrade to blogger pro doesn't turn in to a royal pain. Also, I've added a comment feature, lets see if it works.

posted by Brenda 7:33 AM

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Yikes, blogger just ate my last post! I've read several other bloggers mention this happen to them, but this is the first time it has happened to me. I think I'll save this one to word before I post and publish this time. Let's see, what was I saying........first of all that I've been spending too much time trying to tweak my blog which of course has taken away from knitting time. I tried to use a non-blogger template, but after much time, it wouldn't work so I'm back to what I had before. I think I better just leave well enough alone. I did however work on the Fortissima colori 9069 mexiko socks:



I am so enjoying watching the pattern emerge on these socks as it is so completely different than the previous jaquard type socks I've done. I'm pleased too that I've been able to get the patterning on the pair to match fairly well.

Okay blogger, please don't eat this one, but I do have it saved this time!

posted by Brenda 4:48 PM

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