October Stitches

This week the loom is empty – all of them.  I’ve taken some time to work on some smaller projects and get a few things done.  I’ve been considering the purchase of a used loom that’s fairly substantial in size.  I took a look at it and I think it would serve my needs well, but it’s not meant to be.  Perhaps later when its current owner is finished with it, it’ll find a new home with me.  I do have a few new weaving tools that I love, and I’ve discovered a new favorite cast on for knitting, perhaps I’ll make a video of it in the next week or so.

I have a sock on the needles at the moment.  It’s another short sock, you would think I would be ready for some longer socks with Fall here and Winter coming.  This sock yarn is self striping in Fall colors.  It’s Comfort Sock, by Berroco, and I’m using U.S. 2 sized double-pointed needles.  Perhaps the next pair will be longer.  For this pair of socks I decided to find a new (to me) cast on.  I want it to have a finished look and a lot of stretch.  I found the “Old Norwegian” also known as the “German Twisted” cast on.  It’s like the old stand by “Long Tail” cast on, but with an additional twist to keep more yarn between stitches.  When you pull on it, that extra bit of yarn allows the edge to stretch.  That’s really great for the cuff of a sock, that has to get over the biggest part of your foot.  Right now I’m working on the gussets.  I’ve followed this pattern and jotted notes so I can have consistent results. I’ve found the perfect length for my foot, and it’s so much easier when I don’t have to constantly measure.

My other project is a cowl for a cousin.  I found this ball of yarn that has a beautiful color, amazing shine, and so soft and cushy.  I’m certain she’ll like it.  The winters are cold where she lives; I know she’ll get good use of it.  I’ve posted the pattern for this cowl before.  I’ve made it a number of times, but this time I used my new favorite cast on.  If it has to go over her head then it has to have a stretchy edge.  I’m enjoying this project because I get to feel that wonderful yarn .  It feels too soft to give any stitch definition, but it looks great, and this stitch pattern gives it a lot of movement.

Cast on 120 stitches or any multiple of 6, join to work in the round

Rows 1 & 2 – p4, k2

Rows 3 & 4 – p3, k3

Rows 5 & 6 – p2, k4

Rows 7 & 8 – p1, *k4, p2, repeat from *, end with k4, p1

Rows 9 & 10 – p1, *k3, p3, repeat from *, end with k3, p2

Rows 11 & 12 – p1, *k2, p4, repeat from *, end with k2, p3

Repeat rows 1 – 12 – four times.  Bind off by p2tog, slip stitch back to left needle, p2tog, repeat until one stitch remains.  Break yarn, pass through last stitch and weave in end.  Wash and block according to yarn instructions.

This pattern is available free on the internet, but I can’t find its source.  I didn’t write this pattern.  The yarn is Folio, by Berroco, and it’s 65% Superfine Alpaca and 35% Rayon.  What a wonderful combination; I would have never thought of it.  I’m using a U.S. 4 sized circular needle.

My new weaving tools arrived today in the mail.  I have two small heddles for band weaving, and some new tablets.  The larger heddle is made of walnut and has some beautiful detail cut into it.  It has two sets of holes for special patterned bands.  The smaller heddle is cedar, and also has a second set of holes.  I think the smaller heddle will be useful when I want a narrow tubular band for trim and seams.  I love the tablets, I believe they’re made of walnut also.  They’re more sturdy than the others I have from the same source.  I may have to keep ordering from this lady.  She’s in Poland, and she does a nice job.

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