Creativity check, July 2024

I haven't shared an overview about my current creative projects since March of this year, so I figured this was overdue! I have been knitting and making quite a bit. It is always helpful for me to sort it all out in a cohesive blog post – to see what I've accomplished in a set amount of time and to better plan future projects.

Knitting, finished

As you will see, I have done a fair amount of sock knitting. They are portable, they are gift-able, and I have a large supply of sock yarn ever "at the ready" in my yarn collection.

Heel toe do si do socks

I had these planned for awhile! This pattern is a favorite for self- striping yarn, but I couldn't get a simple, neutral, speckled yarn version out of my head. The pattern was easily memorizable and enjoyable, and I would happily knit it again. This yarn is from Nanette Wake Studio; the colorway is called Paris, and base is a 80/20 Merino/nylon. This pair is for my mom! More details (needle size, yarn, etc.) can be found on my Ravelry project page.

Marled gradient socks

I cast on another pair of gift socks after that, this time in a tried-and-true recipe with garter rib. It's easy and mindless, but the fit is great! I knit these in Paton's Kroy Socks FX in the colorway Clover Colours, and it produced a subtle, slow gradient. I didn't attempt to match the socks to one another, since each one was knit from a 50g skein, but they ended up matching fairly closely. I did opt to use some dark grey Paton's Kroy for the toes, since I didn't want to run out of yarn. For more details, see my Ravelry project page.

Summery colorblock socks

In the amount of time it's taken me to write this post, I had to bump this project from "works in progress" to finished projects. Now, these were a really fun project! I had three skeins of a sock yarn from Purl Soho called Posy, which is now discontinued. I knew that was more than enough for a pair of socks (with plenty of leftovers) but I knew I couldn't do a standard main color socks with contrast heels, toes, and cuffs. Taking inspiration from Summer Lee's The Sock Project (see more about this book in the "books" section below!), I followed the directions for the Luna socks in terms of ribbing length and initial color change. Then I just decided as I went along when I wanted (or needed) to change colors. I knit these concurrently on 9" circulars, US 1, since this sock yarn is very plump (and very soft, with 15% cashmere)! I am thrilled with how they turned out.

I've already written separate blog posts about my Traveler's cowl and my Everybody cardigan, respectively, since these were larger (non-sock) projects completed since my last check-in.

Crochet, finished

While most of my projects are knitting, I am thoroughly enjoying gradually learning new stitches and techniques on a small scale, with crochet. In practice, this looks like crocheting a lot of dishcloths and potholders. It made sense (and was fun!) to try out the bobble stitch, for example, on this very small scale. I am learning more about adding borders and maintaining an even edge on my projects and gradually (slowly) adding to my skills.

I completed a few hot pads, using the excellent bobble stitch pattern from the Daisy Crafts Farm blog post.

Knitting, in-progress

And as for projects that are currently "on the go," I have a few. Two projects at a time has long been my ideal number for me personally.

A pair of pink/purple/peach scrappy socks – Months ago, I looked through my sock yarn leftovers and set aside some yarns that I thought blended nicely together. I knew that I had enough total yardage to work out some sort of improvised scrappy sock, so that's what I'm doing! The first sock is done. I will share all the details once the pair is done, but I'm changing colors every ten rounds, apart from a few select narrower stripes. I think they're fun and somewhat cohesive, or at the very least, a way to make use of some leftovers!
The Traveler (crew neck version) – I've eyed this pattern since it's release. I do think the hoodie is cute, but since I think I will find the crewneck more wearable and a bit more versatile for my wardrobe, that's what I cast on! I am using up a sweater's quantity of Purl Soho's Good wool in the color "driftwood grey," an undyed colorway. I'm just into the body of the sweater (knit bottom up) and the texture. You may recognize the texture, since it's part of Andrea Mowry's Traveler collection, of which I knit the Traveler Cowl previously (linked above). It's a sportweight sweater, so it will take me some time to knit, but I'm enjoying it so far! I love this yarn.

Knitting & crochet, upcoming projects

I still want to knit an Ollie's Classic Crew for Finn, in bright blue Purl Soho Good wool. I will likely wait to cast this on until the fall, where I can choose a size that will fit him for a longer season of wear.
I have at least three smaller Christmas gift knits that I would like to get completed and set aside – I'll share more about those much later, apart from a photo of the yarns purchased for these particular projects.
I do still like this very chunky Nellie Neck Warmer pattern that could work with some bulky yarn I have in stash.
I have some neutral-colored scraps set aside that would be fun to use in a crochet Half Granny Square shawl. I think the color play would be fun and I would love to use up more scraps.
I have some Knitting for Olive Merino in the Oatmeal colorway set aside for a Musselburgh hat, or some such similar hat pattern.
And...I'm always thinking about more pairs of socks (to keep or gift!) First in line would be a pair of DK-weight socks, since working with a slightly thicker yarn sounds appealing to me right now.

Sewing, finished

I actually did manage to finish a sewing project back in March – a spur-of-the-moment springy project bag. I made this one a bit larger than many others I've made. It easily fits 2-3 skeins, rather than the 1-2 skein (sock- or hat-size) bag size. It's currently housing the beginnings of my Traveler sweater quite comfortably. The solid green is a cotton duck from Hobby Lobby, and the green floral I bought on Etsy.

Notable knitting and crochet books

And lastly, I wanted to mention a few outstanding fiber-related books that I've been enjoying these past months:

Everyday Crochet by June Gilbank – This is well-written with very clear photos and is perhaps the most approachable book on crochet that I have personally looked through.
The Sock Project: Colorful, Cool Socks to Knit and Show Off by Summer Lee – I mentioned this one above, but it's a wonderful book. A friend knew I had my eye on it, so she surprised me with a copy of my own! Thank you, Kathleen. There is a massive amount of great information in this book from detailing various sock constructions, to color theory, to taking care of finished socks. And there are 18 patterns included in the book. It's beautiful and I would highly recommend.

After that novel, I think I am finally caught up on sharing several months of making! I anticipate that my plans will change, as inspiration strikes, or full-blown Christmas knitting sets in, but for now, these are the projects inspiring me and bringing me joy. Thanks for following along!