Traveller's Stockings!

It's Sunday morning, it's grey outside, even raining on and off. My arms hurt, so I think it's time to do a little blogging. I just realized, that I've crossed the border of 200 posts a while ago. Unbelievable! I remember getting the urge to create my own blog, after reading so many. By the way, did I mention my blogiversary is coming up on April 7th? So, there's a little celebration in order, don't you think? I can't believe that I stuck with it for a year now! I know, once I'm interested in something, I'm in it 100%, but usually it doesn't last (forever). I think, what kept me going was the response one gets from the readers out there. I honestly can say, that I made some friends, which I've never met, but still have the feeling we know each other very well. Of course it's a very different friendship, but it's an indication of our time. And this one is NOT a bad one!

There will be a contest, not sure you can call it that really. I will be picking one winner out of all of those who leave a comment between now and April 7th. I'll have to think about the prize. I'll let you know.

Since finishing the Noro blanket, there has been knitting going on. Mostly sock knitting. They are most satisfying and relaxing. The lace vest is still on hold. I've ordered the right addi turbo lace circs for it. I don't want to knit it and discover it doesn't fit. So I rather wait for the right tools.

I finished the Traveller's stockings, as you can see. Here are the specifics:

yarn: Knit Picks Essential, 75% superwash wool 25% nylon, 2 balls (got a bit worried with the first sock, because there where only a few yards left) This yarn looks a little flat, no shine or anything to it, and you can feel that it's superwash. But on the other hand, I'm sure it will last longer than a 100% (merino)wool would.

needle: 2.25mm Bamboo DP (nest time I would use 2mm)

pattern: "Knitting on the Road" by Nancy Bush

modifications: I substituted the yarn. She used Koigu, and I don't knit socks with Koigu anymore. I used 2.25mm needles, instead of 2mm, because I was afraid they would turn out too tight (now they are on the loose side). I used a different toe. Since I know now how to graft the toes together, I will never use the - pull remaining sts together tight - ever!

The part where you had to concentrate the most was obviously the cuff. Isn't it beautiful? Well don't look too closely, there are lots of mistakes, but who would look that closely anyway? Some mistakes I ripped back for, some i didn't. The socks are a bit loose around the ankles, but I need the 80 sts you have to cast on for the calf part. I also decreased down to 64 sts for the foot. But other than that, it was wonderful to work these stockings. The pictures in the book don't do these socks (actually any of the socks in the book) justice. I'm sure I will knit a few more socks out of this book.

By the way, no apples where hurt during the process of taking pictures - only eaten afterwards! ;o)