freeform around the world

No pics today (but I will have some very soon!), just a link. The International Freeform Group on Yahoo is a very active group of knitters and crocheters. They've just completed a "challenge," which is just a project that everyone works on and interprets in their own way.

This year the theme of the challenge was "Through Your Eyes." Members created something relating to the theme and kept it a secret until pictures of everyone's work could be assembled into a show. This on line show is ready, and it's really wonderful. I'm kicking myself for not getting something done so that I could be part of the show. Next time!!

Check out the exhibit here: http://www.intff.org

a little more work done

Couldn't resist posting one more progress shot. Only a little more leopard print to cover on this side! For now I have to take a break--sewing the knitting on to the purse is a little tiring for my thumb. You can see the curved needle stuck into the knitting at the bottom of the purse.

off balance?

Once again, the pictures are rotated, and I can't make them stop! One of these days, I'll figure it out and edit these posts. Until then, it's abstract freeform, right?


Today I started attaching the knitting to the purse. A little early, yes, but sometimes being able to see what it's going to look like helps me keep working at a project. For instance, I like to work buttonbands and collar shaping before adding sleeves to a sweater. Not only does it help me judge the correct length for the sleeves, it shows me what the sweater is going to look like in the end. A definite energy boost.


I've done a few spirals and circles for the other side of the bag, too. Still hoping to finish in time to use this purse for the opera gig.

footie socks

Talk about a fast project! These worsted weight footies were speedy and fun. They're Margaret's pattern, originally written for Tessin yarn. We talked about using the pattern for Cozy's beginning sock class, but we needed to use a different yarn since we're no longer carrying the Tessin. Berroco Pure Merino was our top choice, and the results are great.

Are you close to Durham? Always wanted to knit socks but put off by the tiny needles and fine yarn? Start with these! Come sign up for the beginning sock class at Cozy! Once you experience the construction of this type of sock using double point needles, you can move on to sock yarn and those size 1's.

steady progress

I'd really like to keep up the pace on this purse. The more of the leopard that is covered, the more I like it!

changing my spots

Who says a leopard can't change its spots? I'm using this purse (which is showing sideways in spite of my efforts) as the base for a freeform project. I'll make a bunch of freeform scrumbles and sew them on to the knitted part of this bag. It already has a leather base and handle, a zipper, and a nice lining. The only part of the bag I don't like is the animal print. It's nicely done, it's just not my style. So, I'm changing it to match my style!

Here are some of the yarns, hooks, and needles that I'll be using.

And here are some of the pieces that are done so far. It started out being all black, but I thought that it might be too hard to see the detail without a few splashes of color. Also, a little metallic silver and gold show up here and there. I'm hoping it won't be too glitzy to use as a gig purse!

Finished Coriolis sock!

The first Coriolis is finished, and the second one is just 30 minutes from completion. I might even wear these socks this week. It's chilly at night!
Details: Trekking sock yarn color #166, Addi turbo size 0 needles, 8.5 stitches to the inch.

tiny sock

This little cutie was made to use as a sample at Cozy to show the Berroco Sox yarn. It's a child sized sock, so it went quickly. The yarn feels a lot like Opal to me, and I really like the pattern in the yarn.

socks are back

After something of a sock hiatus, I'm back on socks! The last pair I made was finished in January. I started these in April when I taught a sock class at Cozy. The students each found a pattern for a sock beyond what they were used to knitting, and my job was to help them figure it out. Donita chose the Coriolis socks from Cat Bordhi's new book, and I was really excited about that because I've been wanting to knit those socks. We decided to embark together.

It's a cool pattern, very well thought out. The only drawback I can come up with is that you have to keep flipping back and forth in the book as you move through the sock. One page for the toe, another for the sizing numbers, another for the foot, etc. Post-It tabs make this workable, though.

Soon I'll have my new pair. The picture only shows one sock, but I've been working on both of them at the same time. I divided the ball of yarn, got out 2 circular size 0 Addi's, and got my magic loop going. Not much left to knit!