My newest project

I've started my gift knitting.  Yes, you read that right, I've started.  As in just begun knitting for a holiday that will be upon us in less than three months.  How many items will I be gifting my family this Christmas?  Well, that remains to be determined.  It all depends on how many items I complete.  But I promise you this- I will not cause myself any stress about it.  Knitting is my retreat and my meditation.  If I get several projects done, that's awesome.  And if I don't?  Well, I'll just order something awesome from Jen.  I've ordered many things from her, for myself and gifts, and I adore everything she creates.

Last year, I knit just for myself.  After finding my own sock drawer in sad need of filling, I decided to make myself a priority and warm my own feet.  This year, I've knit a couple pairs of socks for myself, but the majority of the projects I started have become store samples.  So while I might wear them one day, for now they are inspiration for others.

 

When I picked out the Decay colorway from the new Black Trillium Fiber Studio, I did it with purely selfish intentions.  Until I cast on the cuff of the sock, I intended on knitting much wider socks that I did.  But at the last second, I decided that I was going to gift these socks to someone who I have yet to knit a pair of socks for.  Since the Merilon sock yarn base is so durable (a very tight twist in merino/nylon) and soft, I knew that it would hold up to machine washing and drying well enough to be a good gift sock.

Because I soooo adore the socks Deirdre sent for the store, I knit the same Kalajoki sock pattern.  Since it's written for heavier weight yarn, I simply cast on 6 more stitches (these are for someone with a narrow leg and foot), two on each needle.  The above picture was taken at t-ball, my first time knitting at my child's game!  I feel like I've hit a parenting milestone!

Saturday marks the first day of October, widely known to sock knitters as Socktober.  So you can expect that rare Saturday post, maybe with a special sale.  And definitely sharing the October color from Dream in Color which is not only dyed on a brand new base yarn, but pairs a perfectly autumnal colorway with a beautiful shawlette.  You don't want to miss this one.

Comments

[Deirdre]

These colours are absolutely gorgeous!!!

And isn't it liberating to knit at kids' events? Although I have noticed considerable tension discrepancies depending on the action, and who's winning...

[Kim B.]

Another knitter and I just had lunch. After ordering we looked at each other, chuckled and said, "oh, why not" and promptly took out our knitting. I think it is great you go to games (which of course you wouldn't miss) and knit at the same time. Hope to get the fall kit on Saturday morning even with limited internet access. Love the new socks, too.

[Jen Avery]

Allison,

You are so sweet! Thank you so much for the mention! I love those socks, the colors are amazing!! Here's to an amazing Socktober! :)

xoxo,
Jen

[Allison]

Jen, it's sad how many things I found last night on your website that I wanted for MYSELF, even though I should be shopping for others. And, of course, it's the more expensive 180+ priced necklaces. I showed the website to my husband too, so I'm hoping he gets the hint.

[Donna]

I think I have fallen in love with that Decay colorway. I appreciate the info about which yarns are durable enough to stand up to machine drying. My grands LOVE hand knit socks so much but my daughter is super busy so easy care yarns are a must. Is anyone else interested in how well yarns stand up to machine washing & drying? Maybe we could share our experiences. I have found that Panda Cotton (a great warm weather yarn) survives machine drying just fine even though the label says to dry flat. On the other hand, Lorna's Laces really does need to be dried flat.

[brandi]

Decay is not so bad after all. Love the colors.