I'm happy to join Kat and the Unravelers today. I'm still working on my HotM; I've started a regular old Hitchhiker, and I've got another project all ready to cast on but I have to wait for some more yarn to arrive. Sadly, I haven't knit any cat toys for Nugget, but I'm cat-sitting her into next week, so there is still time.
I have really been enjoying working on my HotM, and thank you to those of you who suggested double-ended crochet hooks as repair tools for garter stitch last week. I now have my own set, ready for any mistake I might make. I hesitated at paying almost $15.00 for three small plastic double-sided crochet hooks, but my grandfather always advised using the right tool for the job. I didn't understand how these were different from my regular crochet hook, but once I watched the video that showed how the repair was accomplished without continually flipping the knitting over, I was convinced. I haven't made any mistakes yet but I'm sure there will be more in the future.
While I was knitting away on my HotM, a thought popped into my mind, "What if I forget how to knit a regular Hitchhiker?" I had this variegated yarn sitting beside me (it was sort of like emotional support yarn that I had gotten out of my stash) and promptly cast on. Since I only have one skein I'm combining it with the same solid blue that I'm using in my HotM. (Can you tell I really like royal blue?) I'm happy to report that it's just like riding a bike and I have not forgotten how to knit a Hitchhiker.
I was perusing an email from Must Stash when I saw that they had a colorway named Denali, a lovely succession of Alaska-colored stripes. Jess went to Alaska last year and since I always puzzle over what to knit her for Christmas, I thought some Alaskan-inspired socks would be just the thing. I've received the Denali yarn and decided that using a contrasting color for the cuffs, heels, and toes would be a good idea so I didn't disrupt the stripe sequence. So now I'm impatiently waiting for my contrasting color yarn to be delivered. I'm anxious to get them started before my sock mojo starts to decline.
This post is getting a bit long, so I think I'll do what I did last week and write a book post on Friday. It's only two books so far but maybe Nugget and I will read together and finish another one. What are you making and reading this week?
I'm pretty sure you could knit a Hitchhiker in your sleep and that it's impossible for you to forget how to knit one. Jess is going to love her new socks!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to know that Hitchhiker Knitting becomes part of a Knitter's DNA! :) I have long loved that Denali striped yarn... what did you pick for the heel/toe contrast? Will you do afterthought heels? (If you do, the Hermoine's Everyday Sock toe works really well for a heel! And if you want my recipe for the short rows to add a tiny extra in the "bend" I will gladly share!)
ReplyDeleteYou remind me that I have not touched my HotM in weeks or months! Yours is looking fabulous. I also really like your latest Hitchhiker (thank goodness you have not lost that talent!! hahaha) - combining a solid and variagated is a great idea. The Denali striped yarn is gorgeous!! I'm curious as to what color you chose for the contrasting heel, cuff, etc. Have fun with Nugget!!!
ReplyDeletesorry - once again forgot my name. Geeze!
DeleteI have a Fix-a-Stitch (I couldn't remember the name of it last week. . . ). It does work really well. BUT I have to re-watch the videos every dang time I need to use it. And . . . right now I have no idea where I put it. ;-) I love all your projects, Bonny. And ain't nothin' wrong with knitting the colors you love best! XO
ReplyDeleteThat blue caught my eye in a flash! A much-needed burst of color on a very gray day here. I, too, find I knit a lot with my favorite colors (which makes perfect sense--and makes me happy!). And I'm right there with an ear to your grandfather. My first (and best ever) boss said something similar. Anything that helps one 'do it right the first [or second] time' is worth the investment.
ReplyDeleteAnd your Denali socks are a great plan! Won't you be thrilled come December when you have the perfect handknit gift ready to go.
I haven't even received the contrast yarn or cast on the socks for Jess, but I'm already patting myself on the back for deciding on the perfect gift for Jess. I'm imagining sitting at Justin's house while I knit on the socks and Nugget sits on my lap, so I hope my yarn arrives soon!
DeleteWhen I saw the thumbnail on Kat's blog, I thought something had to be frogged! I'm happy that's not the case... and LOVE that yarn! It's going to make a lovely pair of socks.
ReplyDeleteI just had to raid my Audun bag to get a hook to pick up some underarm stitches. I still can't pick up stitches without a crochet hook unless they are on a sock gusset. I have no idea why that is.
ReplyDeleteI'll be kitty sitting all weekend up at Daughter's. I'm going to have to go figure out what I can pack to keep me busy for three whole days.
I'm lucky my son is only 40 minutes away so I can check on Nugget but still sleep in my own bed. Pack a book or two, your hand-quilting, and cat treats!
DeleteThanks for linking to that video - I'm now convinced I would benefit from this tool. I have a Susan Bates Handi Tool in each of my notions bags (knitting needle on one end, crochet hook on the other) and I use it for all sorts of things. But when fixing a mistake in garter, I often struggle and end up turning the work a bunch of times and redoing half the stitches anyway. I will keep my eye out for this little gadget! Maybe they will turn up at MDSW.
ReplyDeleteThe Denali socks will be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI think a Hitchhiker on the needles as emotional support sounds like a very smart idea.
ReplyDeleteThat royal blue is a color it would hard not to love. The HOM is coming along nicely and so pretty. Whew! I'm glad to know that knitting a hitchhiker is like riding a bicycle and not easily forgotten. The socks are going to be a great gift.
ReplyDeletegorgeous!!! I love your knitting and the hitchhiker pattern reminds me of you :)
ReplyDeleteNow that you have the double-ended crochet hooks, your garter stitch will be perfect -- never a mistake!
ReplyDelete