Here’s a round up of what’s been in my knitting project bags this month. It’s been a mix of finishing, reworking, and experimenting, plus a few lessons learned along the way. You can also watch me talking through these projects on my YouTube channel.
Finished object - socks
This project was finished with a sigh of relief. It’s the third iteration of the first pair of socks I’ve knit for my daughter—attempts one and two didn’t make it past the finish line due to fit and style issues. These, thankfully, are pretty much perfect.
- Yarn: Cascade Heritage in Macadamia (a warm, creamy beige), purchased from Wool Warehouse
- Needles: 2.5mm (slightly larger than my usual 2.25mm for a better fit)
- Pattern: Plain vanilla sock knit to my recipe
Here’s how I knit them (UK slim size 6 foot):
- Cast on 56 stitches
- 29 rounds of 2x2 rib for a fold-over cuff
- 52 rounds plain for the leg
- German short row heel (10-8-10 stitch split)
- 60 rounds between heel and toe
- Regular wedge toe, finishing with 24 stitches
- Closed with Kitchener stitch
Final weight: 58g
Finished object - Sophie Scarf
Designer - PetiteKnit
This was another re-knit. My first version, made with Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino in Morning Haze (a DK weight yarn) just didn’t feel right. The fabric felt stiff and lacked drape, even though I used the recommended 3.5mm needles.
The confusion stemmed from the pattern listing DK weight yarn but suggesting yarns with fingering weight meterage (and indeed understandably another knitter suggested this was a fingering weight pattern). I assumed it was written for DK yarn, either actual DK or fingering held double, and pressed on with a standard DK. Indeed the pattern itself says it’s a DK weight pattern. But as I neared the end, the fabric didn’t feel right. After a bit of a deep dive (and a helpful nudge from other knitters), I now believe the recommended yarns are lofty fingering weights that behave like DK, especially when knit loosely.
I reknit the scarf in the same yarn, this time using larger 4.5mm needles, and the fabric now has the drape I was after.
Knitting tip: When substituting yarn, check not just weight and yardage, but how the yarn behaves in the fabric and the designer’s gauge.
Final weight: 75g
Finished object - Cognac Sweater
Designer - Atelier Castin
Hooray - something I only had to knit once!
This sweater is worked at a loose gauge using two yarns held together; Drops Alpaca (colourway 2020) and Drops Kidsilk (colourway 2), on 6mm needles. It’s finished with a choice of icord edging or ribbing if you prefer.
The pattern notes describe the construction as both contiguous and set in sleeve, which confused me. After a little research I believe it’s a contiguous construction, but I’m happy to be corrected!
The pattern is well written - detailed but not overwhelming - and the fit of the sweater is excellent, especially across the shoulders. The icord finishes are a lovely touch.
Final weight of sweater : 296g
Active work in progress - Le Bandana
Pattern by Aimée Gille of La Bien Aimée
Yarn: Eldenwood Craft Merino Nylon Fingering in Small Blue.
This is my second Le Bandana and I’m as happy with the pattern as I was first time around.
I like wearing small scarves knitted at the front in that chic French style. What I prefer about this pattern over the Sophie Scarf is the shaping # the ends increase and decrease more rapidly giving a broader, less tapered finish.
I have a slight obsession with these little scarf letters and keep imagining a whole collection knit up from my stash. Whether that happens is another matter, buts it’s a lovely thought.
On my list to try next:
- Polkagris by Kate Davies
- Bonnie and Clyde by Heidi Kirrmaier – (Ravelry link) two mini scarves knit from two 50g skeins
Active work in progress - Loom Wool scarf
I love the aesthetic of Loom Wool, so I subscribed to their monthly mini sets and decided to knit a long, colour blocked winter scarf. I’ve been subscribing since April and now have three sets of five mini skeins to work with.
Its a simple knit:
- Cast on 88 stitches with 3.25mm needles
- 16 rounds of 2x2 rib
- Each colour block = 30 rounds (about 10g per section)
I’m not sure how long the final scarf will be or how many Mini skeins it’ll need but for now I’m enjoying the simple round and round knitting with beautiful yarn.
Mini idea: I might use the leftover 10g from each skein to make matching mini scarves!
Active work in progress - Space Tank
Pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier (links to Ravelry)
Yarn: Drops Cotton Merino in Sea Green
This pattern immediately jumped to the top of my to make list when it was released. I love the neckline shape and the generous shoulder coverage. It feels like a perfect summer top.
It’s knit top down, starting in the round like a circular yolk, then switching to flat knitting for front and back before joining in the round again for the body.
I’m making the straight body version but there’s also an A-line option, and the neck and sleeves are finished with icord (again!)
The pattern is well written and the knitting has been straightforward so far (just remember lots of stitch marker in the increase sections!). I’m into the round and round body knitting now, and hoping to finish before the end of summer so I have an opportunity to wear this lovely top.
The yarn is nice to work with. Possibly a little splitter, which may be due to the cotton content, but I’d happily use it again for other summer knits
In closing
It’s been a good knitting month, even if it’s leaned towards the grey and brown end of the colour spectrum, which may not be to eveyone’s liking, but I don’t mind at all. Here’s to more progress in August, and happy making to you, too.
