Re-knitting An Old Friend

A while back, when I first started designing, I made grand plans to take over the world with my two-needle sock knitting. I even created my first minion, "Sunset In Sedona" sock, which was to be the start of my sock army.

Well, a lot has changed since then. I no longer have plans to take over the world, (just my own little corner of the world). I also found that even though I love knitting socks, I much prefer knitting other accessories- especially those that are worn around the neck.

But the Sunset In Sedona sock is still one of my most popular patterns. Many people have commented about how it has helped them to make their first sock and get over the fear of knitting with small needles. Those who have found it awkward to knit in the round have shown relief in finally being able to enjoy the pleasures of sock knitting.

However, the pattern did have a few glitches in it and as more people attempted to make the socks, they brought to my attention those pieces in the pattern which needed some correction.

So, currently, I am revising the pattern in the hopes of making it more user friendly. I still plan to have the pattern available for free. I believe it is an excellent pattern for beginners and I enjoy reading the wonderful comments from beginner knitters who find the written out instructions to be very helpful.

I hope to have the pattern back up and running this week for all to enjoy.

I'm Back with a Pattern

Yes, I'm back. Missed me? Sorry about that. But unfortunately sudden disappearances tend to happen when you have Sickle Cell disease. I'm feeling all better now and ready to jump back into the swing of things.

While I may have been down, I surely was not out. I brought back a little treat with me made just for you- a free pattern made by me!

Yup, that's right, I published another pattern. What kind of pattern? Well, a sock pattern, of course. But this one is for the men. The pattern is published through the yarn company, Galler Yarns.

[caption id="attachment_1278" align="aligncenter" width="294" caption="Brick by Brick Socks by Liver Chick"][/caption]

As a bonus, I also did an interview with the company that was published on their blog here.

So, take some time to check out the interview and pattern, then tell me what you think.

I'm so glad to be back!

Dressing Humphrey Bogart

The Sanguine Gryphon Fall 2011 pattern collection was released this week on their website. This season's collection is presented with a Film Noir theme!

Named after some of the famous faces of the screen, the collection of patterns show off the dark seductive intrigue that is Film Noir.

I am honored that one of my sock designs was included in this wonderful collection. The socks are called Humphrey Bogart, the Hard-Boiled. Knitted in my signature two-needle sock design, these socks are perfect for those wanting to add a bit more flair to their man's wardrobe.  If Humphrey Bogart was still alive, I'm sure he would approve of the design.

[caption id="attachment_1101" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Humphrey Bogart Sock"][/caption]

 

A big "Thank You" to Jamie and the rest of the Sanguine Gryphon clan for al the work you put into making this collection.

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011: You Got Skills!

All this week my postings are a part of the 2nd Annual Knitting & Crochet Blog Week. To learn more about it, just click here.

[caption id="attachment_564" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="My Very First Two Needle Sock"][/caption]

Looking back on where I was this time last year, I am just amazed at just how much I've grown in regards to my knitting.

If you had told me last year that by this time I would have a pattern available on Ravelry, I would have laughed in your face. What started off as just me taking on another knitting challenge to conquer by knitting my first pair of socks, has now turned into a passion of wanting to make and promote two needle sock knitting. 

I can still remember being frustrated at how I was all thumbs trying to knit a sock on double-pointed needles. And how jealous I was watching Cookie A working on her latest sock at the local knitting group. She could make almost any sock yarn her bitch and I wanted to be able to do that.

I watched every YouTube video I could find on how to knit socks using various methods. I tried toe up and top down, sideways, knitting loom and even crochet. It was some random obscure pattern that I ran across online that finally made it all come together for me. Child socks knitted on two needles with a seam down the back and on the sides. Pure magic! 

After knitting my first sock with this pattern everything just started to make sense for me. I studied other sock patterns, learning about sock history and sock construction. Soon I was able to read a top down sock pattern and be able to convert it into a two needle pattern. Now, I have sketch books  full of ideas and thoughts of publishing my own book of two needle sock designs!

[caption id="attachment_565" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="A Recent Sock Design"][/caption]

I have learned and grown a lot. But I am nowhere near considering myself an expert by any means.  I am not ashamed to confess that there are still things I have yet to learn in knitting. My lace knitting is a true testament to resisting the urge to frog. I still have never done a cable pattern. My  I-cords look more like I-won'ts. And no matter how hard I try, I suck at Faire Isle.

The wonderful thing about the needle arts is that you are encouraged to always keep growing and learning and just when you think you've learned it all, there is always something new just waiting around the bin.

So, what new skills / techniques have you learned this past year?

First Sock Design Rejection

Well, last week I got my first sock pattern rejected by the online knitting and crochet magazine, Tangled.   It was the Sunset In Sedona sock that I posted on the site Sunday.

I figured that as I make and submit socks for consideration in magazines, any that get rejected will be posted on Ravelry for all of you to enjoy.

It's odd, but I don't feel at all bad about being rejected. I was able to create a pair of wonderful socks in a yarn that I love  and I finally sat down a wrote out a sock pattern- which wasn't too painful. The best part is that I got to share it with all of you. So that makes me happy.

One of my friends jokingly congratulated me on my rejection. "Your first rejection? That's great! Now you're just two more rejections away from being offered a book deal."

Well, it would be nice if that happened. But until then, I'll just keep knitting more socks and seeing where this yarn covered road takes me.

My First Two Needle Sock

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the two needle sock!
Go ahead, gasp in its awesomeness. Ooooh over its beauty. Be amazed by the fact I actually finished something!

This is my first sample of trying out a two needle sock pattern. I made a few mistakes that I will be able to make changes to when I make the actual pair.

Overall, I love the way it looks and how simple the pattern is to follow. I can see how easy it would be to add a pattern down the leg area. Okay, its official. I'm addicted to two-needle sock knitting.

Here is a link to the pattern I used:

http://www.stitchlinks.com/pdfsNewSite/Patterns/2%20ndl%20stitchlinks%20socks.pdf

Two Needle Socks

Yes, you read the title of that post correctly. There is no typo. I am knitting socks using only two straight needles.

I decided to do this after my failed attempts with DPN's and circulars. I even tried the 'magic loop' method and realized that when you start reaching for the rum and coke then that's the time you stop and find an easier way.

Knitting socks on two needles is by far the better way for me. I don't mind the fact that I will have to sew seams later. I have no fear of the sewing needle, (I'm a damn costume designer, after all).

There is not as much information about two needle sock knitting. Most of what you will find are from the early 1900's. That was when two needle socks and mittens got real popular.

I feel this type of knitting is well overdue for a modern renaissance. So, right here, right now, upon this pair of pink cotton toddler socks, I vow to bring back the noble art of two needle knitted socks, so help me God!

(Wow, that was a total Joan of arc-reliving-past-life moment)

When I get more work done on these socks, I'll give you a link to the pattern. FYI- I'm actually knitting both socks at the same time.