Just because I didn’t post about February’s socks in February doesn’t mean they weren’t finished in February.
Really.
RIVENDELL
Pattern: Rivendell by Janel Laidman
Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label in Deep Sea, a birthday gift from J
Needles: US 1 dpns
Notes: Oh, these did come out breathtaking, didn’t they? But that wasn’t without some pain. The pattern calls for a wrap design around the top of the leg that makes a scalloped effect. Very pretty, but… I have fairly short, wide calves, and they just did not fit. I ended up ripping back the first sock to start over. My options were to figure out increases, or… skip the scalloping entirely. I went with the past of least resistance, and just did ten rounds in the ribbing pattern before starting the charts.
This pattern is so, so pretty. And being rather fond of Lord of the Rings, I really love how it evokes Arwen’s pendant and the general beaux-arts elegance of the elves:
Naturally, within hours (seriously) of weaving in the last end, Janel Laidman released a pattern update including more sizing options. I think next time I will see if I can manage it with the scalloping. (Of course there will be a next time, are you kidding?)
Incidentally, Tanis Fiber Arts? Amazing. These are the second pair of socks I’ve done in Tanis and I love it love it love it. If you can get a hold of some, do so as quickly as possible and do not let it out of your hands.
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I’ve been watching the news out of New Zealand and now Japan with a rather dull dread, but like last year, LSG, my main hangout on Ravelry, has stepped up with verve. I decided against doing any pattern-sale fundraisers this time around, but when a few LSGers volunteered their time to run a silent auction, I decided to donate a pair of October Leaves. So, if you have a ravelry account and you’d like to see what else is available, point your browser here for a look. My offering is the fourth one down, a pair of October Leaves mitts knit in the winning bidder’s choice of KP Gloss Fingering colors, as well as their choice of patterns from my shop. The first round of auctions (including mine) end on Friday the 25th, so get a move on!
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While I’m not doing pattern sale donations, plenty of people are. Two that I indulged in are Mitered Crosses Blanket from the Mason-Dixon ladies, and the Japanese Garden Shawl from Wendy Knits. I have some Sekrit Plans for that blanket, yes I do. And I bought myself some really beautiful Madtosh this week, because I had news that was worthy of celebration and this is how I celebrate:
and I think that one of these skeins will work exceptionally well for Japanese Gardens. (And the other will become a Saroyan, I am thinking.) Of course, now I have to decide…which color with which pattern? I’m all about the tough choices.