Gauge, cast on and ribbing for snowboard socks

Using #6 needles I get 6 stitches per inch with the Nature Spun yarn. I'll cast on 56 stitches and work K2, P2 ribbing for an inch or so.

Ron's snowboarding socks

Ron wants some socks for snowboarding. He's got some pretty specific requirments: They must match his boots (so I'll make these black with orange accents), they must be knee-high, they must be padded from knee to ankle along the shin-bone, and they must be warm.

I've decided to knit a pair for him with Lamb's Pride Nature Spun (worsted weight) yarn. They should be thick and toasty.

Follow along on the knitting adventure. I'll post details as I knit them. First step: measuring, guage sample and needle choice.

Arazi's first birthday

Yesterday was Arazi the Wonder Dog's first birthday. He had a grand time...as evidenced by the worn out birthday boy in photo 3!

Painted warp silk scarf

This scarf was in the Convergence 1998 teacher's exhibit. The warp is handpainted silk; the weave structure is satin weave and plain weave stripes. Hemstitched ends and twisted fringe finishes off the scarf.

Tip of the day

Finishing a project can leave you feeling on top of the world, especially if the project has been on your "to do" list for a long time. Set a goal of finishing at least one project before starting a new one.

Tip of the day

When knitting socks, sleeves for a sweater, or other items in pairs, knit them both at the same time. Work the ribbing on one sock, then the other; turn the heel on one sock, then the other, etc. That way you'll have a better chance of having an truly matching pair than if you complete one at a time.

A great quote...

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy sh** - what a ride!"

I don't have attribution for this quote...if anyone does please post!

More of my work

This handspun, knitted shawl has appeared in Spin-Off magazine. I love knitting shawls as they don't need to fit a particular person and they can be as simple or as difficult to knit as you choose. Click here to find out more about Spin-Off magazine.

Tip of the day

When purchasing yarn for a project, whether it be knitting, crochet, weaving, etc. make sure all the yarn of the same color is from the same dyelot. Dyelots may look the same in the skein but it is guaranteed the difference will show up in your finished project.

Beginning blogging

Yes, I've joined the blogging bandwagon. The need to review a book about blogging for one of the magazines I write for prompted me to actually do this. I'm hoping this blog will turn into an educational tool for fiber artists; to that end I hope to publish patterns, hints, tips, photos, and more. So, to start it out, here are some pictures of my work...