Thought Id open a thread of its own since you are bulling me into doing them:razz: I feel Im up to the task of trying toe up socks - after all Im going to do Rogue:D

Ive had a look at the pattern and have a few questions before we start :help:....
1) it says fingering weight 4 ply - is that normal sock yarn (33sts and 46 rows to 10cm using 2.25mm)
2) I have 2.5mm dpns is that likely to cause a problem when the pattern sas 2.25mm?
3) how do you wrap a stitch - its for the heel and seems quite important?
4) Would any 4ply work - e.g. Jaeger Matchmaker or something similar - is it best to have a little bit of something
5) Have you found me some yarn :hihi: :hihi:

I am casting on for the scarf tonight as Im nearly done Samus sleeve 2:D

LisaHxxx

This is going to take some time. I'll get back to you :).

By the way, I've penciled you in for a step by step Knitting Group guide to knitting the Elfines, and toe-up sock knitting in general, is that ok?... ;) .

This is going to take some time. I'll get back to you :).

By the way, I've penciled you in for a step by step Knitting Group guide to knitting the Elfines, and toe-up sock knitting in general, is that ok?... ;) .

:o :shocked: Umm never having tried it could be interesting - kind of blind leading the blind eh:D

Lisah xxx

:o :shocked: Umm never having tried it could be interesting - kind of blind leading the blind eh:D

Lisah xxx
LOL. Absolutely, but just think how much you'll learn and be able to pass on once you get into knitting the Elfines.

Should I put you down for a magic loop tutorial too?... :D .

LOL. Absolutely, but just think how much you'll learn and be able to pass on once you get into knitting the Elfines.

Should I put you down for a magic loop tutorial too?... :D .

I wasnt going to do magic loop - then I was - then I wimped out again - oh I dont know - it might make my head explode - not too pretty:suspect:

Need to find out how to do magic loop first:P

LisaH xxx

I wasnt going to do magic loop - then I was - then I wimped out again - oh I dont know - it might make my head explode - not too pretty:suspect:

Need to find out how to do magic loop first:P

LisaH xxx
And now you're banned from the knitting group for conjuring up the image of exploding heads... :hihi: .

I must admit I'd be very tempted to just stick to the dpns. I wouldn't want to risk buggering up some gorgeous yarn and a lovely pattern on a new technique. Then again, you took to the Kitchener stitch quicker than I did, so maybe you'll get into it.

Oh, and re. the fingering weight wool. I haven't looked into it in any great detail, but if it turns out that you can use it for socks, it does open up a new lot of yarns. The Celestial Merino (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Celestial_Merino.html) is gorgeous; I used the Sugar Maple for this (http://dogsstealyarn.com/vines.htm) pattern. It was for a Christmas present, and unfortunately I didn't take a photo before I wrapped it. It did look lovely though, and the colours were amazing.

I think the only problem would be that because all fingering weight yarns aren't specifically designed for sock knitting, there might be a problem with how they stand up to the amount of hard wear that socks get.

I've been looking at toe up socks this morning this could work either of two ways, it might help and encourage you or it might dissuade you!!:confused:

http://webdesignsbybarb.com/tostetoes/twosocksoneneedletoeup.htm

I dont think Im scared of the toe up bit - Im a bit scared of the short row heels though but theres probably nothing in it once you get going (dont you find that instructions can sometimes seem daunting but once you follow them it all works out). The magic loop looks interesting but I think I would do just one at a time to start with:D

LisaH xxx

1) it says fingering weight 4 ply - is that normal sock yarn (33sts and 46 rows to 10cm using 2.25mm)...
That figure of 46 rows is a bit confusing. According to this (http://www.yarnstandards.com/weight.html) chart, sock-weight and fingering-weight yarns are classed together. From having a quick look around at various sock yarns, most appear to be 4-ply, while many fingering-weight yarns not specifially designed for sock knitting seem to be 2-ply. Presumably the 4-ply gives the yarn a little extra strength. The celestial merino (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Celestial_Merino.html) is fingering weight 2-ply, and so should be a little thinner than 4-ply. However, the gauge for that is 36 rows to 10cm. Maybe the row gauge specified for the Elfines should be 36?
2) I have 2.5mm dpns is that likely to cause a problem when the pattern sas 2.25mm?...
I don't think that 0.25 mm is going to make too much difference to the gauge. maybe you could do a test swatch and see if it does? I did my previous Jaywalkers - and I'm doing the current ones - on 2.5 mm instead of 2.25 mm, and they're fine.
3) how do you wrap a stitch - its for the heel and seems quite important?...
Wrapping the stitch when doing short rows helps to avoid the little gap that can sometimes form at the site of the turn. This (http://nonaknits.typepad.com/nonaknits/2005/04/japanese_short_.html) article is fantastic. I knitted up swatches as she did, though using only a single colour. Here (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f40/ppn_2204/Wraps.jpg) is the result. It is a little fiddly, but it's worthwhile experimenting with the other techniques to see which you prefer.
4) Would any 4ply work - e.g. Jaeger Matchmaker or something similar - is it best to have a little bit of something...
I must admit that I've never used anything other than sock yarn to knit socks. The Cherry Tree Hill is also 100% merino, but it has a distinctive twist to the ply which, I think, gives it some extra strength. If the Jaeger was more loosely twisted, it might be prone to fluffiness and hence not be able to stand up to the hard wear that sock yarns need.
5) Have you found me some yarn :hihi: :hihi:
No, not yet :) . I like the idea of looking at yarns other than those that are specifically for socks though. It would be a case of matching the gauge (or playing with the needle size til you get the gauge), and also looking for something that, if it doesn't have the nylon or similar for strength, has a tightly twisted ply. This would give strength to a pure merino, for example.

Forgot to mention re. the stitch wrapping. I found that the Yarn Over method gave the the smoothest result on the reverse of the fabric. From the front, all three techniques gave a fabric which looked very similar.

Right thanks for that Hecate:thumbsup: . Ive looked at a couple of videos on knittinghelp and I think I might just be able to do these on magic loop - 1 at a time I hasten to add though:D Theres also a video on short rows with wraps - Ill watch that at home as the link is faster:suspect: Im not scared of the cast on - but cant decide yet on a figure of 8 or a turkish cast on.

So we are getting close to the ordering stage (I got paid today *hurrah* - but spent £100 on shoes for the boys yesterday *boo* so cant OVER spend). Im still considering splashing out on the Lornas laces almost solids as the Shephard worsted Im doing the scarf in is yummy - havent totally decided on a colour yet though...or it might possibly work in the aslan colourway as I DO like that too. Havent got a clue though on what length of circular I need yet though although the pattern suggests 60cm:?

LisaH xxx

Just wondering about this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8281228380&fromMakeTrack=true) as a possible yarn. Even ordering from the States with Airmail its about the same cost as from GetKnitted before the postage:D

LisaH xxx

Just wondering about this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8281228380&fromMakeTrack=true) as a possible yarn. Even ordering from the States with Airmail its about the same cost as from GetKnitted before the postage:D

LisaH xxx
I really like that colour. It would be good for the Leaf Lace socks too.

It says further down the page, though, that delivery is to the US only, which contradicts what it says further up. I'd check with the seller as to whether they will ship to the UK and what the postage is.

If it does turn out that you can buy the Lorna's Laces from the Ebay seller, and the postage is economical, any chance that you'd order a couple of skeins for me too? I haven't used Ebay before and as I understand it, I can't use the 'Buy it Now' thing until I've got a certain amount of feedback, or purchases or something? :confused: .

I'd send you a cheque/paypal etc and split the postage. Let me know what happens :) .

Another note re. the Lorna's laces sock yarn. I've found an American shop that sells it for £5.25 and the postage for two skeins is £2.71. Let me know if you want me to post the link.

Another note re. the Lorna's laces sock yarn. I've found an American shop that sells it for £5.25 and the postage for two skeins is £2.71. Let me know if you want me to post the link.

YES please:D Still waiting to hear back from that EBay seller. It would definitely suit the leafy socks. Wonder why Getknitted doesnt stock it! BTW did you notice that they are going to stock Socks that rock soon:D

LisaH xxx

YES please:D Still waiting to hear back from that EBay seller. It would definitely suit the leafy socks. Wonder why Getknitted doesnt stock it! BTW did you notice that they are going to stock Socks that rock soon:D

LisaH xxx
Here it is: The Knitting Zone (http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/index.php?cName=yarn-by-name-lornas-laces-sock). I've linked directly to the Lorna's laces sock yarn page. You don't get the postage price til you've registered and gone to the check out, but don't worry; you don't have to enter card details or anything until you're ready to buy. I used this (http://www.xe.com/ucc/) for the currency conversion. Let me know if I've gone wrong with the conversions, but it looks like a bargain to me :) .

Get Knitted are going to stock Socks that Rock? Excellent! ::Hecate goes to investigate getting credit limit extended on Barclaycard::

Are you happy to get our own now? I think I have found my yarn:D

LisaH xxx :D

Are you happy to get our own now? I think I have found my yarn:D

LisaH xxx :D
Absolutely :) . Unless the Ebay seller turns out to be significantly cheaper, and not just by a few pence.

Don't go buying up all the Sage... :D .

From the Knitting zone the total for 2 skeins is £13.30 - I will wait until tomorrow for the EBay seller, but Im guessing there wont be much in it.

LisaH xxx

From the Knitting zone the total for 2 skeins is £13.30 - I will wait until tomorrow for the EBay seller, but Im guessing there wont be much in it.

LisaH xxx

The EBay seller has come back to me with a postage cost of $5.55 bringing the total for 2 skeins to £12.50ish so theres not much in it. The cost of postage of 4 skeins would be $8.45. I think its probably easiest to go with the Knitting Zone:D

LisaH xxx

The EBay seller has come back to me with a postage cost of $5.55 bringing the total for 2 skeins to £12.50ish so theres not much in it. The cost of postage of 4 skeins would be $8.45. I think its probably easiest to go with the Knitting Zone:D

LisaH xxx
I'm going to order mine from there, certainly. Make sure you don't spend over £18 though, or you'll get clobbered for import duty and all sorts of handling fees.

I'm going to order mine from there, certainly. Make sure you don't spend over £18 though, or you'll get clobbered for import duty and all sorts of handling fees.

Are you sure its as low as £18 - I thought it was about £35 before you got charged import duty - never got caught before:D

Whispering (BTW there is some LL sock on EBay atm from the UK)

LisaH xxx

It is £18. I looked it up recently here (http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454).

It seems to depend on luck whether you'll get caught or not. I've heard that many have escaped the duty, while others have been caught every time.

I really am going to have to look into this Ebay business...

Yep sorry you are right - I think I was thinking in dollars spent not converted to pounds:D

LisaH xxx

All ordered:D Went for the sage and the Fiber Trends lacey sock pattern too. BTW never seen any LL from the UK on EBay before - must be a private seller culling her stash:?

LisaH xxx

I've just ordered mine too. Two skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn in Sage :) . I almost went for some of the 'pinks and reds' Regia too, and I had to restrain myself from ordering the merino Kogiu. Soooo tempting.

If there's no problem with the delivery, I shall be shopping there again.

Did you pay the extra 10 cents for air mail - I nearly forgot to tick the box and only noticed on confirmation:D Should be here mid next week or even possibly by the weekend. My zig zag scarf (well its more of a zig zig - I decided not to do the zag) should be done by then too - Ive done 10" now;)

LisaH xxx

Did you pay the extra 10 cents for air mail...
Ooops. No, didn't notice that. It was early when I placed the order. better send an email to check...

EDIT: Just checked. It says that it's being sent by air mail. Phew!

Let's be seing your zig zig scarf on the What you're working on thread when it's done or even sooner if you like!!

I want to see a photo of the zig zig (no zag) scarf too. What pattern was it again?

Here (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/zigzigscarf.jpg) is a picture of the Zig Zig scarf (to date). Very simple pattern but I did get very confused to start with (told me to K2 before I started the chart - I knew it had to be K1 or there wouldnt be enough stitches and got too many stitches as with the yo I put in an extra knit - doh!). Anyway its this pattern (http://www.lloydknitting.com/zig_zag_lace_scarf_and_stole.htm) - dont buy it though if you like it there are only 10 very simple rows;)

LisaH xxx

It might be a simple pattern, but it's very effective. I like the way you can block the bottom edge into points according to the pattern of the YOs.

Those colours are gorgeous. You've got the spring clours of the greens and the berry colours of autumn there. It's Lorna's Laces worsted isn't it? Remind me what the colour is.

Have you seen the pattern for the Koigu Charlotte's Web shawl? I don't know if you're into shawls or not, but the colour schemes I've seen that knitted in remind me of your scarf.

Just a sec. I'll find the link to the one I'm thinking of...

There (http://www.keyboardbiologist.net/KnittingGallery/KoiguCharlottesWeb.htm) you go. I've had the pattern for ages, but I've never got around to ordering the yarn.

Thats a nice pattern with very similar colours. The yarn Im using is LL Shephard Worsted in the watercolour colourway. Im really pleased with how its going so far - good lace practise (for the socks) and chart (for Rogue):D

LisaH xxx

Lisa that scarf is lovely, i might end up asking you tell help me figure out those 10 rows at some point ;) i attempted lace for the first time on the baby blanket and before the knitting group was set up someone started a thread about knitting and Hecate helped me figure out how to do yfwd, s1, k1and psso, the book i had was making absolutley no sense to me over these stitches...besides the fact that they didnt call it yarn forward - that didnt help me!

They call it yarn over in this pattern - but its the same:D Hows the blanket going btw?

No-one pointed out the mistake approximately 3 rows down from the top of the zig zig scarf before I had knit another repeat and a half:( Just noticed it and had to unpick what I did last night:|

Ah well its going quickly - I might finish it for just as the Elfine sock yarn arrives:D

LisaH xxx

All ordered:D Went for the sage and the Fiber Trends lacey sock pattern too. ...
Just received the notification that the LL yarn has been shipped today, so it should be here next week!

Just received the notification that the LL yarn has been shipped today, so it should be here next week!

Ive not had one - Big sulk:( Ive just tried to look online at my account and it says my email address is not recognised - I paid by Paypal and have a copy of the transaction:(

Just emailed her and the y key problem struck again - my email address was wrong - so was 'orkshire':?

Shes just mailed back and its being posted today - she was waiting for confirmation on 'orkshire' - nice lady:D

LisaH xxx

So progress is going slow - so far Ive done the toe shaping and am going to start on the lace tonight:D Turra21 did you find tightening up the figure of 8 a pain - it was OK until I got to the end and it took ages to sort it out:( The LL is knitting up lovely and soft - the yarn does seem to hold together too well which is the reason I did the toe a number orf times as I managed to split the wool - i think thats what I mean anyway.

LisaH xxx

maybe I misread my pattern but I didn't have to tighten up my figure of 8.
I used Knitty help (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html)for the pattern. The tostetoes pattern (http://webdesignsbybarb.com/tostetoes/twosocksoneneedletoeup.htm) said about tightening but it seemed a lot of fuss. So I used the magic cast on instead and just incorporated the toe increases as and when.
I've just turned the heels, and nothing to worry about there. The wrapped stitches seem ok. you just have to keep an eye on your tension.
I'll try to get a pic for you soon.

maybe I misread my pattern but I didn't have to tighten up my figure of 8.
I used Knitty help (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html)for the pattern. The tostetoes pattern (http://webdesignsbybarb.com/tostetoes/twosocksoneneedletoeup.htm) said about tightening but it seemed a lot of fuss. So I used the magic cast on instead and just incorporated the toe increases as and when.
I've just turned the heels, and nothing to worry about there. The wrapped stitches seem ok. you just have to keep an eye on your tension.
I'll try to get a pic for you soon.

Hmm might have a go at that cast on for the next one. Im a bit scared of the wrapping but think I can see what you are supposed to do. Wont be a long time until I get to the heel though as this lace pattern is taking some time to get used to:? Piccies would be brilliant - Ill do one of the Elfines when I do a couple more repeats;)

LisaH xxx

I've finally bought a 80 cm circular this morning. I've got to finish the final Jaywalker (about 3/4 of the way through the foot) and then I'm going to cast on for the Elfines. I really can't put it off any longer :hihi:

I've finally bought a 80 cm circular this morning. I've got to finish the final Jaywalker (about 3/4 of the way through the foot) and then I'm going to cast on for the Elfines. I really can't put it off any longer :hihi:

Just had a look at my Elfines and realised that I forgot to knit into the back of one of the rows of the cast on so I do have a twisted row - only visible to me but will it annoy me - probably:suspect: The 80cms are MUCH easier to use than the 60cms by the way:D

LisaH xxx

Just had a look at my Elfines and realised that I forgot to knit into the back of one of the rows of the cast on so I do have a twisted row - only visible to me but will it annoy me - probably:suspect:...
You know it will :hihi: . I had to rip out about 2 cm of the foot, the gusset and the heel of the second Jaywalker last week because I managed to add an extra stitch somewhere along the way. For some reason, it meant that little holes appeared where the right hand side of the instep met the sole :suspect: .

The holes were tiny, but as I knew they were there, I ended up with a pile of loose, slightly crinkled wool sat on the desk instead of a nicely turned Jaywalker heel and gusset. I wish I wasn't a perfectionist :sigh: :rolleyes:
...The 80cms are MUCH easier to use than the 60cms by the way:D
I remember you said that in an earlier post, which is why I specifically looked for the 80 cm. I was going to send off for a Addi Turbo, but as I was in Fenwick's yarn section (pitifully small, unfortunately), I thought I'd settle for the bog-standard aluminium. It'll do for a starter.

Well it did bother me so off the needles it came (after I had tried the magic cast on from Knitty using the 60cm needles of course;)). Definitely use the magic cast on - less faffy and no tightening needed:D Im now redoing the toe shaping - again ...ho hum:D Oh yes I forgot to say that a 100cm would work well too - you would just have bigger loops.
LisaHxxx

When I was looking for my circular needle I could only get an 80cm one. But I did want an Addi bamboo so this could have restricted my range:)

I finished the tigger socks (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i217/turra21/wrappedheeltigger1.jpg) today. I hope you can see what my wrapped heel looks like on the left sock. I pinned it to emphasise it.

Having now made socks up the way and down the way, I prefer the toe up method. There is no grafting and the heel is simpler. No gusset pick up and decreases and markers, far simpler to do a plain sock this way. And you can try it on as you go so you will always get a good fit! Does anyone know how to convert a pattern if you wanted a design on the sock?

I like those, and the heel looks great. I'm just off to gather the refs from the links you posted about the magic loop method, and I'm going to get started on the Elfines this evening :) .

The heel does look intriguing. I think I prefer the look of the traditional 'heel flap' heel, but I'm not going to judge til I've done one myself and see how easy it is.

As for converting a plain sock into a patterned one; you mean adding stitches other than just plain stocking stitch? I haven't tried doing that actually. I know there are patterns out there for toe-up socks which have a stitch pattern; I'll have a look for some links.

Thinking about it, if you wanted to do one yourself, you would have to take the pattern for the plain socks and look how many stitches constitute the leg and the foot section (the places where you wanted the pattern to be). Then you'd have to find a stitch pattern which could be accomodated into that number of stitches. I'm sure it would also be possible to juggle the stitch number according to the stitch pattern you had in mind, but I haven't tried it myself.

Turra21, I've just noticed that the magic cast on as described in the Knitty (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html) article you linked to, uses two circular needles. Did you knit your tigger socks on two circulars then?

No Hecate, I did the toe section of the first sock for about 6 or seven rows (if I remember correctly) then put those onto 2 dpns as a holder, then started the second toe on the circular for the same number of rows so that I had two identical toe sections. Then pushed the last one I made onto the loop of the circular and then transferred the first one I made back onto the circular needle. Hey presto two socks on one needle.:cool:

I prefer short row heels, they seem to fit me better and double wrapping the stitches makes sure there are no holes. I've had the elfine socks bookmarked for a while now, I'm still trying to find the perfect yarn for them :)

...I'm still trying to find the perfect yarn for them :)
::Hecate directs AmelieB towards the lovely Lorna's Laces sockyarn:: :D .

Not that I've actually started to knit with my LL yet; I simply take it out of the stash every now and again to give it a quick fondle :hihi: . It's gorgeously soft.

Mine was intended for the Fiber Trends Leaf Lace (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/Sock_patterns.html) pattern (scroll down to almost at the bottom of the page), but I think I shall have to use that as an excuse to buy more.

I need no pointing towards LL, believe me! I like LL but think Koigu and Cherry Tree Hill are slightly nicer to knit with. And anyway, I'm currently on a sock yarn diet due to the risk of being buried alive by my stash...

Im wondering if Ive taken on a bit much starting my first toe up in a very lacey pattern. Frogged about a day and a halfs work yesterday as I noticed a really obvious mistake in the first repeat:cry: Will have another go tonight - again:rolleyes: Although the LL yarn is nice it doesnt seem to take too kindly to frogging:(

LisaH xxx

I need no pointing towards LL, believe me! I like LL but think Koigu and Cherry Tree Hill are slightly nicer to knit with. And anyway, I'm currently on a sock yarn diet due to the risk of being buried alive by my stash...
Of course! Cherry Tree Hill! That is my all time favourite sock yarn. I love the twist and the lovely sheen. It's wonderful to work with.

I've knitted two pairs of Jaywalkers with Cherry Tree Hill. The first pair were in Indian Summer and the second in Old Rose (actually, I'm still working on the last sock of the second pair, after having to rip out and re-knit a massive section a few days ago :roll: ). I've also used the Peacock colourway for a pair of Pomatomus socks, and I've got a skein of Martha's Vineyard sitting in the stash, crying out to be knitted up.

Im wondering if Ive taken on a bit much starting my first toe up in a very lacey pattern. Frogged about a day and a halfs work yesterday as I noticed a really obvious mistake in the first repeat:cry: Will have another go tonight - again:rolleyes: Although the LL yarn is nice it doesnt seem to take too kindly to frogging:(

LisaH xxx
That's a pain. The LL does seem to be a bit delicate. I think I might be tempted to try a basic stocking stitch pattern before having a go with the LL and the Elfines.

Is the problem just with the lace pattern, or is it to do with using a new technique?

That's a pain. The LL does seem to be a bit delicate. I think I might be tempted to try a basic stocking stitch pattern before having a go with the LL and the Elfines.

Is the problem just with the lace pattern, or is it to do with using a new technique?

Lace - Im out of practice and its more difficult with smalls about:suspect: With cabelling I find it easier to see the mistakes quite quickly and much easier to undo again;) The toe up was good (and very neat and relatively easy to do) once I redid it using the magic cast on a la knitty. Im just making loads of mistakes with the lace and its slow going recounting the stitches after each round to see if Ive done anything obvious. Im sure the pattern will stick in my head soon:D This time I will succeed! I now have some post-its to try and make sure I do the right row of the pattern - its a 16 row repeat (or something - Im at work so cant remember -shhhh). The last seriously lacey thing I did was BC (before children) - a baby shawl (which I must say is beautiful) - but Im sure motherhood has stolen some of my brain:suspect: Im desperate to try the short row heels:D

Dont mind trying new techniques at all - most of the time they give results better than Ive been using:D

LisaH xxx

Of course! Cherry Tree Hill! That is my all time favourite sock yarn. I love the twist and the lovely sheen. It's wonderful to work with.

I've knitted two pairs of Jaywalkers with Cherry Tree Hill. The first pair were in Indian Summer and the second in Old Rose (actually, I'm still working on the last sock of the second pair, after having to rip out and re-knit a massive section a few days ago :roll: ). I've also used the Peacock colourway for a pair of Pomatomus socks, and I've got a skein of Martha's Vineyard sitting in the stash, crying out to be knitted up.

Damn you woman I am going to have to purchase some of this fine yarn - well once the bank re-issues my cards as I lost my purse over the weekend:(

LisaH xxx

...Dont mind trying new techniques at all - most of the time they give results better than Ive been using:D

LisaH xxx
I didn't mean that the technique might be taxing your post-children brain cells :) . It's just that I usually find that unless the technique comes automatically (with practice, obviously), then I end up making mistakes on the stuff I would ordinarily be able to do without much of a problem.

Wish me luck, Im about to start my short row heel:o

LisaH xxx

Wish me luck, Im about to start my short row heel:o

LisaH xxx
Good luck! :D .

I'm just about to start seaming up a cardi, and it's irritating me intensely. I've been meaning to do it all week, but it's just been too hot to contemplate handling wooly things.

The shoulder edges have a little step in them, so that the grafting has to sort of go around a corner; it ends up pulling the stitches out at a funny angle. Grrr. I was thinking of just back stitching it together at the shoulders, but that always ends up looking too bulky. Sigh.

In more knitting news, I'm off to Milton Keynes tomorrow, the home of a lovely big John Lewis. I'm after material to make a couple of needle cases; one for the straights and one for the DPNs. I bet I end up coming back with at least four different types of fabric, or else they'll have nothing in stock that takes my fancy.

I was going to treat myself to one of the cases from that American company, the Organised Knitter, but if I recall correctly they're about $70; even I can't justify spending that much on a knitting needle case :hihi: .

OK some progress has been made:D The lacey pattern (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture009.jpg) is coming on nicely and the short row heel (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture008.jpg) was a success and quite quick once I worked out wrapping:D Please scuse my hairy legs - they are normally hidden underneath jeans :blush:

LisaH xxx

They look lovely. That's the LL in Sage I presume? It looks a lot more lacey knitted up than I anticipated; perfect for that pattern.

Which wrap method did you do for the heel?

Yup its LL sage (wich Get Knitted has now started stocking lol). I just used the wrap technique for the heels straight as in the pattern really (altough the pattern doesnt tell you that you need to knit in the wrap and rewrap but I found that somewhere else). The only bit I dont like is that there is a hole at the top of the heel bit where you rejoin the front foot - as its on the both sides though and its a lacey pattern we could pretend its intentional :wink: Someone else has pointed me to this (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8mnnp/toesheels.html) and has used the PGR technique (http://avocations.blogs.com/ShortRowHeels/index.htm)as a possible wrap free alternative - actually the general link is a good resource maybe to include with the sock knitting bit in your recommended links.

LisaH xxx

Thanks Lisa. I'll add those to the recommended links section.

Lisa,
What a lovely pattern, the colour really suits the design too. Which heel do you prefer? the short row heel or the traditional top down with gusset?

Lisa,
What a lovely pattern, the colour really suits the design too...
The colour is perfect isn't it? I'm really torn now between using my LL for the Lace Leaf socks or the Elfines. Seeing Lisa's lovely Elfines, I'm coming down on the side of those (though I hope she won't accuse me of copying...).

I've got to make the decision soon too, as I've just finished the cardi I was working on (pictures to follow once it's pinned out for blocking :) ).

Of course I dont mind you using the LL:)

My Elfines definitely have a better side (the one photographed of course) - Im guessing its to do with swapping between knit and purl and where its done giving less even stitches:? Is this normal?

Short row heels are definitely quicker to do and quite neat. I shall reserve judgement on which I prefer though until I try them on:D

LisaH xxx

The colour is perfect isn't it? I'm really torn now between using my LL for the Lace Leaf socks or the Elfines.

Im wondering about doing the lace leaf socks in Poshyarns in the Lichen colourway....hmmmmmm

LisaH xxx

Mmm, the Lichen is lovely. I'm rather fond of Robin's Egg too, though I think it might be a bit similar in colour to the LL Sage.

I'm still in love with Highland Mist. That is definitely going to be one of my next purchases (providing of course that it hasn't sold out by the time I get around to ordering it).

Mmm, the Lichen is lovely. I'm rather fond of Robin's Egg too, though I think it might be a bit similar in colour to the LL Sage.

I'm still in love with Highland Mist. That is definitely going to be one of my next purchases (providing of course that it hasn't sold out by the time I get around to ordering it).

Ooops I accidentally ordered some lichen:o I do like the Highland Mist too but Ive got lots of varigated waiting to be knitted up:D

LisaH xxx

Ooops I accidentally ordered some lichen:o I do like the Highland Mist too but Ive got lots of varigated waiting to be knitted up:D

LisaH xxx
The accidental yarn purchases are always the best sort. It happens to me all the time; I'm happily browsing for a set of DPNs and the next thing I know I have two or three skeins of sockyarn in my virtual basket. I think it's an illness :hihi: .

Progress! Well sort of.

I've been practicing the Magic Loop knitting, using the Magic cast-on and a bit of Celestial Merino left over from the Traveling Vines scarf (didn't want to waste the LL on something that I would inevitably make a mess of).

I used the video from Knitting Help first, to get the hang of the idea. Of course, the fact that she casts all the stitches onto one needle and then splits them by pulling the cable through the centre point means that the toe end would remain open. Then again, the video isn't specifically about using that method for socks; it's more about small diameter circular needles.

Anyway, that's where I found out that it's a pain to have to keep swapping the stitches between the cable and the needle; pulling the stitches over the join where the cable meets the needle was dreadful. I think this was mainly because I knit tightly, but also because the circular needle I'm using is a fairly inexpensive one. I'm going to have to place an order for an Addi Turbo. I only sent an order off to Get Knitted this afternoon too :roll: .

Once I'd got the hang of transferring the stitches, I used the Knitty article for the Magic cast on, which I found surprisingly straight-forward. I think the only real difficulty at first was keeping that initial stitch from coming loose (and remembering to do the increases in the appropriate place!).

So thanks to LisaH and Turra21 for the recommendations. Once the Addi Turbo arrives I'll be able to make a start on the Elfine's - at last.

Right. I have my Addi Turbos. They're a dream to work with - there's hardly any join to be felt at the site where the cable meets the needle, so the stitches slide along almost effortlessly, despite my tendency to knit really tightly.

The Magic cast on is easy, though I seem to be knitting inside out! A bit more practice needed, I think.

Oh, and you're right Lisa; the LL yarn does have a very annoying tendency to split. I'm going to try to perfect the technique using a bit of left over Cherry Tree Hill before I do any more with the LL.

Oooh exciting:D Glad you like the turbo - they are MUCH nicer than normal circulars arent they? Bet you finish yours before I finish mine though - I had to take apart half a repeat again last night - I just dont see the mistake until Ive done at least half a repeat:( Dont think Im any further on that I was last week - only got 6cm of leg done:(

LisaH xxx

So - Ive done 14cm of the 18 needed for the leg so should have the first one done this week - its been a long struggle, I need a rest - think I should just finish off the zig zig scarf:suspect: Ive just had a look and this sock has been on the go for just over a month now - and Ive not got the excuse of another project on the go:( Hecate have you decided whether to do yours on Magic Loop or dpns? Photos will follow later in the week all things going well:D

LisaH xxx

So - Ive done 14cm of the 18 needed for the leg so should have the first one done this week - its been a long struggle, I need a rest - think I should just finish off the zig zig scarf:suspect: Ive just had a look and this sock has been on the go for just over a month now - and Ive not got the excuse of another project on the go:( Hecate have you decided whether to do yours on Magic Loop or dpns? Photos will follow later in the week all things going well:D

LisaH xxx
I'm still determined to do them on the Magic Loop, though I must say I haven't made a great deal of progress. With the exception of finally finishing off the Jaywalkers (just the Kitchenering of the last one to do now - about time too!), I haven't done much knitting at all in the last week or two.

I do find that the DPN method flows much more easily for me, though I reckon it's just because that's the method I'm used to using. Now if the weather would just cool down enough for me to contemplate holding yarn again, I could make (yet another) start with the circular needle and the LL...

I'm still determined to do them on the Magic Loop, though I must say I haven't made a great deal of progress. With the exception of finally finishing off the Jaywalkers (just the Kitchenering of the last one to do now - about time too!), I haven't done much knitting at all in the last week or two.

I do find that the DPN method flows much more easily for me, though I reckon it's just because that's the method I'm used to using. Now if the weather would just cool down enough for me to contemplate holding yarn again, I could make (yet another) start with the circular needle and the LL...

I know what you mean about it being too warm to knit - Im sure thats why these Elfines have been going so slowly:)

LisaH xxx

Well at least there is something to be said for living in the wilds of Scotland, we're only about 14 degrees and have been since last week. The children have broken up from school you see and this is what usually happens, scorching up til the end of June then as the holidays begin cool and wet weather:confused:

Perhaps that's why Lisa thinks I knit quickly:huh:

Well at least there is something to be said for living in the wilds of Scotland, we're only about 14 degrees and have been since last week. The children have broken up from school you see and this is what usually happens, scorching up til the end of June then as the holidays begin cool and wet weather:confused:

Perhaps that's why Lisa thinks I knit quickly:huh:
I wish it was that cool here. I really can't stand the heat. I have a huge desk fan next to the computer, which works until about 5 miliseconds after I've tuned it off, then I'm instantly sweltering again.

It's too hot to go running and it's too hot to do much other exercise, so I'm wandering around like a bear with a sore head at the moment. I need a holiday!!!

Guess what I finished last night - well nearly just got to do the stretchy cast off:D Im doing a happy dance today:D Photo to follow.

LisaH xxx

Guess what I finished last night - well nearly just got to do the stretchy cast off:D Im doing a happy dance today:D Photo to follow.

LisaH xxx
That was blumin' quick! I'm soooo behind :( .

Actually, I've chickened out again. I've just cast-on for the leaf lace socks...

That was blumin' quick! I'm soooo behind :( .

Actually, I've chickened out again. I've just cast-on for the leaf lace socks...

Not quick - it took a month to do just the one - I must cast on number 2 tonight before I wimp out:rolleyes: Id like to see how your lace leaf goes - cant decide whether to do those next or a verigated one with no patterning whatsoever for a rest:D

LisaH xxx

Not much in the way of knitting happened this weekend because I was making this (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture001.jpg) for my big boy who was 6:D

Here are a couple of piccies of my finished Elfine - just layed out (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture004-1.jpg) and being worn (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/Picture003-1.jpg). I did the stretchy cast off and its very nice - it wont make the sock look flarey at the top when its been blocked:D Notice that I have cast on number 2 and have done the toe and half a repeat:D Mum didn't impress me with her comments about how it looked like a matinee jacket tough - guess who wont be getting lacey socks this Christmas.

LisaH xxx

Wow what a cake!

Those socks are very nice!! the yarn looks lovely and i love the colour.

That cake is fantastic! Lisa, my birthday's in January; if I put the order in now, I can have one too? Could you make it in the shape of a Jaguar MkII though? :D .

As for the socks... I'm going off to sulk. I had to rip out most my Leaf Lace sock because I'd done one blumin' YO too many on the very first row after the ribbing!!

They're lovely, Lisa. The yarn looks beautiful.

That cake is fantastic! Lisa, my birthday's in January; if I put the order in now, I can have one too? Could you make it in the shape of a Jaguar MkII though? :D .

As for the socks... I'm going off to sulk. I had to rip out most my Leaf Lace sock because I'd done one blumin' YO too many on the very first row after the ribbing!!

They're lovely, Lisa. The yarn looks beautiful.

Thankyou about the cake, Im going to sue the '30 minute kids cakes" author though as it took more like 1.5 hours to decorate - :D I noticed that your birthday is only a few days after mine - we are nearly the same age too:o

I know how you feel about having to rip out your socks - Im sure I actually knitted the equivelent of 2 Elfines in this sock with all the ripping out I did - its so disheartening:( I found That I had to underline the row I was on with a postit or I lost where I was and read the wrong line (which made things easier) - even then I had trouble and still managed to do the wrong row too many times not noticing until I had done half a repeat or so:suspect:

LisaH xxx

If you are working from a chart Lisa try this tip use a magnetic cross stitch chart holder with the magnetic lines. I'm using one for my lace scarf and find it invaluable:thumbsup:

Can I also put in my order for a birthday cake? 1st Sept, something girly please!!!!!!!!!!

Thankyou about the cake, Im going to sue the '30 minute kids cakes" author though as it took more like 1.5 hours to decorate - :D
You were supposed to decorate that in 30 minutes?! Good grief, it would have taken me a few hours at least. I've just noticed the chocolate biscuit wheels, so I'll take that estimate back. It would actually take me half a day, because it would involve a couple of trips to the supermarket to replace the ones I'd eaten :hihi: .
I noticed that your birthday is only a few days after mine - we are nearly the same age too:o...
So it is! maybe we should have a knitting meet-up in our birthday week, and all the other knitting forummers could buy us lots of yarn?... :D .

You were supposed to decorate that in 30 minutes?! Good grief, it would have taken me a few hours at least. I've just noticed the chocolate biscuit wheels, so I'll take that estimate back. It would actually take me half a day, because it would involve a couple of trips to the supermarket to replace the ones I'd eaten :hihi: .

So it is! maybe we should have a knitting meet-up in our birthday week, and all the other knitting forummers could buy us lots of yarn?... :D .

LOL the wheels were mini jaffa cakes - yum and the gun was a cadburys finger biscuit double yum:D

I like the idea of everyone buyng us yarn :hi hi:

LisaH xxx

Can I also put in my order for a birthday cake? 1st Sept, something girly please!!!!!!!!!!

Aaaaargh no dont do orders except for ones from cute boys related to me - sorry:D Done 4 now - a spider (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/spider_cake1.jpg), a rocket (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/rocket_cake1.jpg), a racing track (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/lisahxxx/cake1.jpg)complete with cars and now the tank.

LisaH xxx

That's a shame, never mind I'm probably too old for a birthday cake now anyway:cry: They do look lovely though. You are very talented.

That's a shame, never mind I'm probably too old for a birthday cake now anyway:cry: They do look lovely though. You are very talented.

Not really:blush: A cake would never survive the post to Aberdeenshire anyway:wink:

LisaH xxx