All is going well with the Cashsilk top. I had knit about two inches more than you see here, but I realised I had miscalculated for the darts at the waist so I ripped it out. I started reknitting them but I was too tired to continue yesterday evening. Yesterday was a crazy day.
I have finally made a decision about the capped sleeves. Sewing is evil. Why not pick up the stitches for the sleeve around the armhole, do some short rows to shape over the shoulder but prevent a bulk of material from gathering under the arm, then do a small band of seed stitch. The advantage of this method over a sleeve that you sew on is that I will be able to try it on as I knit the short rows, and if I make a balls of it I won’t have to spend the rest of my youth unpicking seams.
Commuter knitting is sneaky. I thought I was never going to finish this other Jaywalker until I measured it this morning and lo! It was ready for some toe shaping.
Since I am now wearing the socks, you may safely assume that I stopped to finish off the toe between taking the picture and writing this entry! As for the book, I spied it in Hodges Figgis yesterday. Actually I spied it about two weeks ago. I like the Hodges Figgis knitting section because their turn-over is quite good. Since the appearance of the Vintage Socks and other books such as Loop-d-Loop and the Nicky Epstein ones, I am convinced there is a knitter on the staff there. I bought Vintage Socks for a few reasons. There are a few chapters at the beginning of the book – nothing too taxing – about how she gathered resources for the book. The socks are mostly drawn from 19th-century designs she dug out from somewhere. I enjoy concise writing about the history of knitting so that was an immediate plus. There is a good mix of patterns also. I would say the balance between mens and womens socks is about 50-50, and I like the variety between textured and lace socks. I didn’t have a chance to read it thoroughly last night, but at a glance I think all the socks are cuff-down. There are at least four or five different types of heels and toes illustrated. All in all, I think it will supplement my Cool Socks, Warm Feet book really well!
The sock is really pretty, I love the rainbow effect. And now I know where to go for my knitting books – thanks for the tip!
it’s comforting to know i’m not the only one who sometimes ends up ripping out (and re-ripping) their work. it can be frustrating, but better than something that doesn’t fit.
still loving those Opal Feelings colors!
I love the vintage socks book. I have yet to actually knit anything from it because I like toe-up, but I could totally incorporate the stitch patterns into my sockses. 🙂
The sleeve idea is great, and that yarn is unbelievably soft. It’s almost as if it was made of fine merino, cashmere and silk….oh….wait…
I was in Hoddes-Figges browsing the books yesterday too – they seem to have been slowly broadening and expanding the selection. I came out with The Crafter’s Companion – lots of prettiness and inspiriation.
I love knitting books that have good history/reading part & patterns, so it sounds like you made a great choice. your sock looks Fab 😉
I have the Vintage Socks book and I love it!