Finished: More cowlses than you can shake a stick at.

It started out innocently enough... see pretty cowlses, be inspired to knit cowlses. then see a cowl knit from sock yarn... and the perfect storm of cowlses and cowlses was released upon the knitting world.


The first cowl. Otherwise known as The Cowl that Instilled the Passion For Knitting Cowls.


Finished: Watery Cowl (click link for Ravelry info)
Pattern: Gloria Cowl by Orinda5
Fiber: 1 skein of Fleece Artist Somoko in Peridot, doubled
Size: 99 stitches around
Needles: size 7 16" circular needle
Date Started: April 2008
Date Completed: two days later in April 2008


I cannot lie--this was a shameless monkey see, monkey do act of knitting.


The second cowl. Once I realized that a single skein of sock yarn could be magically transformed into a glorious neckwarmer, there was really no stopping me. I'm certainly not limited in the way of sock yarn in the stash. So, off I went, knitting cowlses.


Finished: Mineral Cowl (click link for Ravelry info)
Pattern: Gloria Cowl by Orinda5
Fiber: 1 skein of Fleece Artist Cashlana in Mineral, doubled
Size: 99 stitches around
Needles: size 7 16" circular needle
Date Started: April 2008, directly proceeding the Watery Cowl
Date Completed: a mere two days after casting on


Oh, yes. Then there's the bulky style cowl. Again, I saw and had to have.

Finished: Dolores Park the First (click link for Ravelry info)
Pattern: Dolores Park by Parikha of sixoneseven
Fiber: half skein of Schaefer Yarn Esperanza
Size: one size fits all
Needles: size 13 16" circular needle
Date Started: April 2008
Date Completed: a few hours after starting it. Quickest FO ever.


And then came the culmination of cowlses: the realization that single sock knitting could be replaced by cowl knitting. Because what is a cowl? A sock leg knit on big ol' needles. Forget about the foot and heel business. Also, there is no second sock involved. Hello, most perfect way to use up some sock yarn from the stash (to make room for more, of course)! And the discovery that one could, if one wanted, transform all of one's favorite sock patterns into cowlses. Which, if you're me, gets you the Cowl of Kindness.


Finished: Cowl of Kindness (click link for Ravelry info)
Pattern: My own, derived from Chawne's Socks of Kindness pattern. See my Ravelry link for pattern details
Fiber: 1 skein of Handmaiden Casbah in Glacier, doubled
Size: 96 stitches around
Needles: size 8 16" circular needle
Date Started: April 2008
Date Completed: April 2008


Fair warning, dear readers: this is not the last of the cowls. No, indeed. Also, can you tell I don't leave home without my trusty jean jacket?

Up next: single sock (did you REALLY think I'd give them up for the cowlses, did you?) progress for E A R T H ...

Finished: Giotto-With-the-Flow Socks & Prelims 2, 3, & 4

Hello, all. Wow, do months just fly right by you before you know it when you're all stressy and preliming. I promised to show you some more finished socks long ago, and I've finally shown up to do it...


Finished: Giotto-With-the-Flow Socks
Pattern: These socks are a hybrid of of Anna Bell's Giotto Socks and Evelyn Clark's Go With the Flow Socks from IK's Favorite Socks. The idea for the hybrid was inspired by Whitney's clever machinations.
Fiber: Sundara Sock Yarn in Gray Green over Mint (one of my most favorite yarn colorways ever; that Sundara, she's a genius.)
Size: women's foot
Needles: size 1 Knit Picks circular needle
Date Started: a long time ago
Date Completed: January 2008
Modifications: No modifications from the two patterns. I knit the top section of the Giottos as written and the bottom section of the Go With the Flow pattern as written.


Love these socks. And such wonderful lounging-in-the-bed-socks.


Not that I've had much time for lounging in the bed any time recently...


Along with another pair (PAIR!) of socks, I've also finished my last three prelim written exams. If only I could say that the whole shebang was over and done. But the oral was canceled on account of a teensy bit of snow. It'll all be over soon, though. This Friday is the big day, finally. Then... maybe more time to blog? I'm hoping, anyway. I've missed you guys!

Up next: I rediscover what it's like to *not* spend twelve hours a day trying not to fail PhD preliminary exams. Also, my progress with Project Spectrum 3.0.

Finished: The Prettiest Darned Socks I've Ever Knit, If I Do Say So, Myself.

Helloooo! I'm here to deliver up my most favorite FO to date--please excuse the glut of photos, but I just couldn't help myself... And I am now utterly convinced that yellow socks make the very, very, very, very, VERY best socks.


Finished: Coziest Cable Socks Ever
Pattern: Cozy Cable Socks
Fiber: Colintette Jitterbug in Vincent's Apron (1.5 skeins)
Size: women's foot
Needles: size 1 Addi Turbo circular needle
Date Started: December 2007
Date Completed: January 2008
Modifications: Continued the cable pattern down the heel flap.


While these socks looked really difficult and tedious to make, it turns out they aren't at all! The pattern is actually very easy to follow, and once the cable pattern was established, I barely had to look at the cable charts at all. But I sure can appreciate the detailed and textured finish of the socks. They look like an impressive knit, but I'd rate them more fun than fiddly.


I did modify the heel a bit. I rarely knit heel flaps anymore, preferring the short-row heel, but I really wanted the cable pattern to continue down the heel. So, I broke down and suffered through the flap and having to pick up all those gusset stitches. Looking at the result, I'm very happy that made that mod. The heel now mirrors the pattern on top of the foot.


These socks are pure happiness. And you'd better believe I wore them while taking Prelim #2, which, I can now report is done and done. Two more to go. And the oral. Then knitting vacation, here I come! And by 'knitting vacation', I mean writing a grant proposal to fund my dissertation research with a little knitting thrown in for good measure.

P.S. I eked out ONE last finished mate from the singles collection... which I'll share next time. But since then, I've gone and cast on three, THREE new socks! More soon!

Finished: Twinkleberry Socks & Prelim 1

The throes of prelim exams require that I just poke my head into the blogosphere briefly, but after getting all that Embossed Leaves love, I couldn't resist taking a few minutes to show y'all another finished PAIR! And can I just say, WHO do I think I am, finishing things like this? I am seriously losing all my Philistine cred over this, I just know it.


Finished: Twinkleberry Socks
Pattern: Twinkleberry Socks, a free Knitzi pattern designed by Beth of good-natured ribbing
Fiber: Yarn Nerd merino/tencel blend sock yarn in denim blues
Size: women's foot
Needles: size 1 Knitpicks circular needle
Date Started: September 2007
Date Completed: January 2008
Notes: This is a really wonderful pattern--super easy pattern repeats that turn into a gorgeous lacy sock with just a hint of cables. The merino/tencel blend also made these socks especially pretty; I've got it bad for merino/tencel sock yarns right now. I'm convinced that merino/tencel + lacy sock pattern = shiny, happy socks of perfection. More to come on this combination, just you wait.


And, as of yesterday at 5:00 pm, I have another FO! Prelim exam 1 down, and 3 more to go. What a grueling experience. I typed 14 pages (single-space!) in 4 hours. Can we say OUCH?! Don't they know I use those fingers to knit? Jeez.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments on my Embossed Leaves socks! I appreciate them all, and I hope that as soon as these narsty prelims are over I can get back to responding to comments and... LEAVING comments. Just 3 more weeks. I swear, once the exams are over, I am going to do nothing but knit for a week (maybe two!) straight. It is going to be awesome.

P.S.--Would you believe me if I told you I have already finished yet ANOTHER pair of socks?? It's true, I swear. I'll be back very soon...

Finished: Embossed Leaves Socks

Yes, dearies, you read that title correctly. The uncouth philistine who brought you the Single Sock Liberation Movement all those months ago has finished a pair. A PAIR. Wow, I can actually wear the socks I've knit! And match! How crazy is that!


The real question is, how could I not finish these?? I was quite smitten with the first sock; the pattern and yarn color was just such a happy marriage that I had to have the mate!


Finished: Embossed Leaves Socks
Pattern: Embossed Leaves from Favorite Socks, designed by Mona Schmidt
Fiber: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock lightweight in Olivenite
Size: women's foot
Needles: size 1.5 Knitpicks circular needle
Date Started: November 2007
Date Completed: January 2008
Notes: I really, really love this pattern. The pattern repeats are simple and painless, but the resultant leaf motif is awesome. This pattern is what they call a whole lotta bang for your buck! I will definitely knit more Embossed Leaves someday.


So, there you have it. I'm off to a good start on my resolution to knit mates for at least these 12 single socks. One down, eleven to go. Though, I do have a secret that some of you know: I've actually gotten another mate finished. Expect a full report on that sock very, very soon. Look at me, I'm a finisher!

Preliminary exams update: first exam was moved to this Monday, since the original scheduled time conflicted with the course I am TAing this spring. Thus, the cramming continues for another few days before the real fun starts... Life! I want my life back!

Finished: Chevalier Mittens

Despite my batty need to cast on a million and one projects in order to sate my batty nerves through crunch studying for prelims, I appear to have discovered a new side to myself. The side that actually finishes some of the knitting projects that I begin... and in a timely manner, no less. Case in point: I got yer awesome chevalier mittens right here! (Actually, these are MY chevalier mittens, but you could always make yourself some... no seriously, you NEED some. Really, they're that awesome.)


Finished: Chevalier Mittens
Pattern: Chevalier Mittens designed by tikru aka MadeByMyself
Fiber: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed DK in "Skip" (sadly, discontinued)
Size: Women's hand-sized
Needles: size 4 DPNs
Date Started: November 2007
Date Completed: December 2007


I can't sing enough praises for this mitten pattern! The cable design is spectacular and the shaping and fit of the mittens are perfect. I like my mittens to fit snugly, and this pattern fills the bill and then some. Because they have long, tight cuffs, too, which I love. I foresee lots and lots of chevalier mittens in my future (especially since the boy has already espied them and wants some of his own).


I also like my mittens to have a dense, tightly knit fabric so as to keep out that pesky winter wind. I knit my chevaliers at a slightly tighter gauge than the pattern suggested, and while my fingers didn't really enjoy knitting twisty-turny cables on size 4 needles with DK yarn, they're thanking me now, from inside their awesome new WARM mittens.


Chevaliers in their new habitat: permanently on my hands.
Me + my chevalier mittens = 4-ever and ever.

Finished: Colville Mitts

Hiya! Just popping in for a second to finally show off my new favorite winter accessory, the much-loved-by-me Colville fingerless mitts.

Finished: Colville Mitts
Pattern: Based loosely on Knitting at KNoon fingerless mitts
Fiber: crumbs & co. handspun merino in "Colville" colorway
Size: hand-sized
Needles: size 7 DPNs
Date Started: November 2007
Date Completed: November 2007
Notes: Easy-peasy mitts that now live on my hands all the time!


Made from handspun yarn and so snuggly! I am such a convert to handspun yarny goodness. I thought I would be bothered by the thick-and-thin aspect of handspun merino, but it turns out that I don't mind so much that some stitches are big and puffy, while others are thin and teensy. Handspun is so fluffy and warm--perfect for awesome mitts like these. Also, the color combination is pure, pure genius. I am also a total convert of all things aqua and olive.


The mitts, they live on my hands. Always.
I like my street cred striped, buttony, and awesome.


What is more, I can combine my mitts with my 'roo pocket for double hand-warming action. I didn't think it was possible to improve on the 'roo hand-warming method, but it turns out I just did. Perfection achieved.


Also, mitts are great nose-warmers. What aren't these things perfect for? Must have more. Many, many more.

And now, alas, I must *sigh* return...

Drat those prelims. They are kicking my brain's butt.

Finished: Sockapalooza4 Rococo Socks

They are finished. On time. My sock pal will have socks! And a matching pair at that. And, um, they fit me perfectly, despite my apparent sizing them for a foot two sizes smaller than mine. Hopefully with a little wash and block action, they'll fit her, too.


Finished: Sockapalooza4 Socks for my sock pal!
Pattern: Rococo by knitspot
Fiber: All Things Heather 100% superwash merino in "Orchid"
Needles: size 1 dpns
Date Started: 20 June 2007
Date Completed: 10 July 2007
Modifications: A few minor modifications. See below for more details.


First, I now love these socks. The whole time I was knitting them I was so not into them. But they turned out great. They're sort of difficult to photograph with any due justice, mostly because the yarn is very fine and the pattern is subtle. But the combination of those two qualities created these amazing light, wispy socks. Love the Rococo pattern. I *will* knit some of these for myself, definitely. And see that cool detail in the above photo? Gutters of purl stitches along the sides of the sock, which work a lot like elastic. For, you know, a perfect fit. Great design detail.


The most extreme modification I made to the pattern was knitting the back panel of the sock in plain stockinette, rather than repeating the front lace panel. I just fell in love with the little stripes the colorway created on the foot bottoms that I wanted to keep it going on the back of the sock. Now, I have to admit that I do like the lace panel knit in back too... have a look at the newly finished pair knit by the chemgrrl. Very pretty. But I think the plain stockinette works better in the case of my socks. The yarn is thin, so stockinette adds stability to the sock and seems more balanced for the variegated colorway.


Cute toes! I love the combination of pseudo-cables and laciness.


And check out those cute lacy cuffs! Love that detail.

Did I mention already that there are two? That's right, there are two. I hope my sock pal loves them.

Next up: 'Tis the season for blogiversary celebrations! Seems mine is coming up in a few days. There will be a big-time-fun contest. With some sort of give-away, I'm sure. Though I have yet to establish what that will be; I'll have to get creative, as I am beyond poor right now. Yay, one year old blog!

Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks

Despite my spearheading the Single Multiple-Women Single-Sock Liberation-Movement (thanks to these great gals for joining me!), I've managed to finish a pair! Two! A complete set!


Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks
Pattern: clementine's Baltic Socks by Di of clementine's shoes
Fiber: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock lightweight in "Rose Quartz"
Needles: size 1 DPNs
Date Started: 10 April 2007
Date Completed: 05 May 2007
Modifications: I cast on 68 stitches instead of 64 and completed 8 pattern repeats on the leg instead of the 10 called for in the pattern. I reduced the number of pattern repeats because STR does not have super-great yardage. I may have had enough yarn to do 9 pattern repeats, but definitely not 10.


The reason for my ability to finish these socks? This must easily have been my favorite sock pattern I've yet knit. What a great pattern! It is written clearly and it is super easy to memorize, making it a fun, quick knit. And the best part is that you end up with some really cute lacy socks that look somewhat complicated without the fuss of following charts.


See how cute? They go with my Birk mary-janes like nobody's business! Love!


The other reason I was able to finish these socks without procrastination is because it turns out I *am* a fan of STR... with two very important qualifications: it must be the lightweight version and it has to be the semi-solid "Shaded Solids." I love that the STR base yarn is perfectly spherical. It is sproingy and really tough (doesn't break easily, which is a characteristic I like in sock yarn). It also has great stitch definition. I will admit that even the shaded solids pool a little bit, but paired with the right patterns, like this one, it isn't incongruous and doesn't make me shriek in terror, like the pooling effects of some of the multicolors. I am no longer hesitant to openly praise STR. I like it, I like it!


Some favorite details of this pattern: I got to try out the short-row heel technique again. This time 'round was much easier, and, well, I love the short-row heel. Having done it a couple of times now, I am more able to appreciate the not having to pick up gusset stitches and try desperately to avoid gaps and holes. I also love the pattern the slightly variegated yarn makes on short-row heels.


I also love the vertical lacy-leaf pattern on the front and back of the socks. The lace panels are separated by panels of stockinette stitch on the sides, which makes the socks fit really well, as they provide a bit of stretch. You can also add or subtract stitches from these side panels to customize the fit of the sock for your leg size, too. Ingenious.


I love these socks. They may very well be my favorites that I've knit thus far. I know I will knit this pattern again, no question about it.

And now that I've finished a whole pair of socks, be prepared to see several new beginnings of socks-to-be popping up shortly!

Have a terrific Sunday and can't wait to see everyone's MDS&W Festival loot!