Finished Socks!

My Minions,

At last my socks are complete!  

I was able to complete all the way through the toe shaping before class as the toe was shaped using the same skills that formed the gussets.  And because I've recently had a pedicure, I’m able to show you the before and after of the toe shaping.  

Since I was ahead of where we were supposed to be when class started, we got to focus entirely on the Kitchener stitch.  I read the instructions, but, like the steps required to form the heel, was unable to visualize what to do.  Even after being shown what to do, I had to keep looking at my notes to keep track of whether to knit or purl and whether to push the stitch off or leave it on.  I’m sure with practice, it will become second nature. 

I would never have figured out how to make all of the uneven Kitchener stitches that came off my needle blend in with the rest of the stitches without my instructor.  It was simple to go through and remove the slack and made the toe look perfect.

What’s next on my needles?

I've cast on What A Mighty Good Manly Scarf for the Prime Minister.  This is the same yarn that was used for his hat.  While the pattern is simple, it is also dreadfully boring!  I fear knitting a six foot long scarf will feel like the never-ending project.  I’m trying to knock out six inches each day before moving on to something more interesting (or expiring from sheer boredom).  

Speaking of more interesting, I’m planning to use the yarn leftover from my socks to make a pair for my fairy goddaughter.  She doesn't sleep well when her feet are cold and I don’t blame her a bit. Plus, she’s so darn cute that I have to make them for her.

I already took the sad, messy looking ball of yarn that was left after knitting my socks and rewound it into a neat and tidy new baby ball with my new ball winder.  It brought me such strange satisfaction I considered winding all of my remnant yarn.  That was really just an excuse to avoid working on the Prime Minister’s scarf though, so I resisted.

I also signed up for the Beginning Fairisle hat class next month at my local yarn store.  I’ll be using a super soft and luscious baby llama yarn and can’t wait to have it run through my fingers!

Until next time,

Jessica, Empress of the Universe