Snazzy Socks on a Summer Afternoon

Hi everyone,

I finished the first sock of a pair over the weekend this week.  My first time using Stylecraft Head Over Heels.  I like the way the colour has pooled in these, makes them look really different.  Just about up to the heelturn now on the second sock, so hopefully will have a finished pair by the end of the week.  

Love this yarn and would definitely buy it again in the future.

Its made up from 75% Superwash Wool and 25% Nylon, comes in 100g balls and has 437 yards/400 metres in each ball.

Washes in a machine at 30 degrees C.

Ta da, one finished sock, now to work on its mate.

I'm getting really enthiastic about knitting socks, I've never had something that I could carry on knitting throughout the warmer months, so far my socks have been to the hospital and in the garden, they are a really transportable project.  And I'm really enjoying knitting on DPNs, I never thought I would.

I have so many WIPs (work in progress) now, that I really must get something finished.  Too hot to sit crocheting blankets, so sock knitting is the thing for me this summer.  Me and the Bi-focals are doing me proud with my sock knitting.

My sock and the trusy Bi-focals.

A trip to Sirdar Mill, a trip down memory lane.

A few years ago Mum and I went on a Woman's Weekly Knitting Masterclass to Sirdar.  We have a lovely time and it is still fresh in our memories, we got to see how the wool was turned from fleece into a ball of yarn, had a days knitting and learning new techniques with the amazing Design Team and even better got to buy some wool.  I remember our trip home on the train laden with packs of lovely Sirdar Countrystyle DK.  Those were the days when Mum and I could do things like that together.  A memory we both cherish. 

The Trooping of The Colour Flypast

This past weekend was a warm one, Mum and I spent part of it in the garden, we were honoured on Saturday as it was Trooping The Colour and as happens every year we are on the flight path to Buckingham Palace and were treated to seeing the planes closer than the Queen and the rest of the royal household. 

Here are a few more of my finished sock.

A perfect fit.

Almost done the cuff for the 2nd sock.

Look at that perfect fitting sock.

If you enjoy reading my blog, why not send me a comment or give me a follow?  Enjoy the rest of the week and I will report back when I've finished my pair.

TTFN.

Tracy

xxx

TA, DA!!! A very proud sock announcement - I've finished my first pair!

Hello everyone, what a glorious Saturday morning it is.  I've got a trip to the garden centre planned and then a bit of pottering in the garden, sock knitting will be postponed until this evening/late afternoon today.

How are you all?  I've not been too well this past week, ended up with a rotten cough and cold, but now it is almost gone.  Mum had a hospital appointment on Friday and I took my trusty socks with me and ended up getting quite a bit done whilst I was there as we were there most of the afternoon.

I have an announcement to make.....

Are you ready?

The much anticipated first pair of socks have finally been finished using West Yorkshire Spinners Pennyroyal 4ply yarn.  The first time I'd ever knitted wool that was 75% wool and I did enjoy the experience, I have 9 more balls of varying shades to do some more socks.  It feels a little hard to start with but apparently once washed it softens up.  I've been told that it washes and wears very well, so I'm really pleased about that.  I'm addicted to yarn, I have quite a stash of double knitting already, but I fear its going to be staying in the cupboard a little longer as I'm determined to get some more socks made.  These beauties were finished yesterday evening.  Despite an initial set back, getting confused, struggling with small circulars I managed to complete these on DPNs.  I've ended up buying some slightly longer ones than I had and they make things much easier.

Ta, da.  drumroll please, my first socks and my trusty Bifocals.

I've decided to try as many different British yarns as I possibly can and write about them all here.  My next socks have already been cast on and the cuff knitted.  The pattern I follow is by Christine Perry (Winwick Mum).  A link to her fabulous and very supportive facebook group can be found here Winwick Mum Sockalong it is a really supportive group and they are all very helpful.  Christine's pattern is very easy to follow even for a beginner unable to read knitting patterns.

Now about West Yorkshire Spinners (WYS).  They are one of the few remaining worsted spinning companies left in the United Kingdom and are extremely proud of their British Heritage.  They source their own raw material which is then produced at their factory in West Yorkshire, truly home grown products.  I for one am extremely proud to be knitting their yarn.  Here is a link to their website if you wish to find out more  West Yorkshire Spinners.  I think its great that a small minority of yarn companies still produce everything in the UK. They have been very supportive in my venture and I do appreciate it and want to thank you West Yorkshire Spinners for being there.  Hopefully one day I will get to visit your mill and see the process.

My 2nd sock

What fabulous socks!!

My next socks are already on the needles.  This time I'm using Stylecraft Head Over Heels in Etna.  I've found this a lot softer than WYS yarn, And so lovely to work with such bright colours.  Stylecraft is a quite a new yarn to me, I only started using Stylecraft Special DK after being introduced to crocheting again by Lucy at Attic24.  Its a lovely yarn to work with when you are crocheting with such lovely bright colours.  I love bright colours, so pretty excited to be using Head Over Heels.  It looks such fun.  I'm going to end up with a pretty snazzy collection of socks I think.  I am in touch with the lovely people at Stylecraft and reporting back what I think of their sock yarn.

Look at the colours

Some details on the ball band

Just amazing.

The start of another sock

For more information about Stylecraft yarn please visit their website Stylecraft.  Stylecraft Head Over Heels is available in 8 colourways.  It has been specially developed to be durable enough for socks, but also fine and light enough for knitters and crocheters who like to make shawls.  The colour palette has been carefully crafted so each colourway has 3 short colour changes and 3 longer ones to give spectacular striping effects as your project grows.  It is made up from 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon.  I shall keep you updated as my work progresses.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!   Enjoyed reading this?  Why not leave me a comment or follow my blog.

Oh Mummy I like your socks xxx

Look Isla, Mummy's new socks are fab.

Mum's cross stitch