Greetings Minions!

My Minions,
Ruling the universe is hard work!  One must ensure the galaxies are aligned and harmony exists among one’s minions.  Add to this the raising of the future Emperor while ensuring the Prime Minister does not feel neglected and it’s pretty easy to see why an Empress needs an outlet.  For this Empress, that outlet is sewing and knitting. 

So what’s on my needles? Socks!

Having decided that two scarves was sufficient experience to master casting on, knit, purl, and binding off, I enrolled in a sock making class for beginners at my local yarn store.  Our first class was this past Sunday and this is what I’ve learned so far:

1.      Using DPNs requires a level of coordination that I have not yet developed.  There are a lot of points sticking out all over the place and I’ve been struggling to figure out where the needles should go in relation to my fingers and hands. 

2.      I have very inconsistent ribbing.  I think there are a number of factors influencing this.  First, there’s the whole DPN learning curve noted above, and the fact that the cuff ribbing is the first section of the sock to be knit.  Second, the projects in my vast knitting experience have been completed with worsted weight yarn with size 8ish needles and this project is being completed with fingerling weight yarn on size 2 needles.

3.      Knitting with tiny yarn on tiny needles takes forever.  I must have a 6-10” leg completed and be ready for the heel turn by the time I walk into class this Sunday and it takes me about an hour and a half to knit an inch of stockinet.  In terms of labor cost alone, these will be the most expensive socks ever.  I’m hoping my speed improves as I learn how to hold my DPNs.

4.      I love Superwash Merino Wool.  It’s smooth and shiny and has great stitch definition!

Here’s what my sock looks like so far.

I also have the Welldigger hat on my needles for the Prime Minister.  In two years of sewing and four months of knitting, I haven’t made him a single thing.  One of my friends made me feel a little guilty about this on Wine Wednesday, so I pulled out some Knit Picks Swish Worsted (which is delightfully soft and squishy!) and started casting on.

And what’s on my cutting table?

Fabric!  Duh!  Specifically, fabric for the Knit Sweetheart Top in Gertie Sews Vintage Casual.  I’m planning on making every variation of this top detailed in the book.

All of the fabric I will be using came from Emma One Sock.  I have a complete inability to control my spending when I visit that website.  Everyone has their flaws, even an Empress.
So here it is.  I’m planning to use these lovely rayon knits to make the cap sleeve and sleeveless versions, but I’m not sure which fabric will become which variation.

For the Boat Neck Top version, I’m planning on using this crazy lily print rayon knit.

The Puff Sleeve Sweater version will look a lot like the photo in the book since I’m planning on using this creamy sweater knit, though I’m going to make the sleeves ¾ length.

What can you expect over the next week?

• A riveting reflection of heel turns and gussets
• A completed Welldigger, modeled by the Prime Minister
• Knit tops under construction

It’s worth noting that while I have grand plans for finding time to make progress on all of the projects above, the universe does not always cooperate with those plans.

Until next time,

Jessica, Empress of the Universe