September 09, 2008
Firestarters
So, I finished the Firestarters.
They look gorgeous!
However, they're h-u-g-e. Gigantic.
I have no idea what happened. I used Dream In Color Smooshy sock, and 2.25mm needles and followed the pattern to the letter.
They're only 60sts around.
For myself, I usually cast on 64sts, but I've got pretty broad feet. These were intended to be a gift for someone with smaller feet than mine, and they're too big even for me.
Smooshy must grow when blocked, it's all I can think of.
Admittedly, I like my socks nice and tight, but these are just too loose. Like move around on your feet when you wear them loose.
Back to the drawing board.
I did start the next pair in the sock parade.
Appletini socks!
These ones are all mine, no matter how much Em pouts. The yarn is the elusive Yarntini Self Striping (Sportweight) in the Appletini colour way. I'm in love with these. (So is Em) I scored the yarn in a Ravelry destash. Lucky me!
And speaking of Ravelry destashes, I managed to nab some Grignasco Tango from a lovely WA Raveler.
It's a gorgeous blue-green colour that I wanted for a Tangled Yoke Cardigan. However, there was only 6 balls, and I needed 7. So yesterday when it arrived, I called The Wool Inn to see if they had any in stock.
Not only did they have it in stock, they had the exact same dye lot. Sometimes things are just meant to be.
In sewing news, the Princesses are done and waiting to be delivered. Here's a few of them.
The Professors are almost done. To celebrate, Twinkie donned a party hat.
Then Emily came home and announced that she was going to a costume party. In two weeks. And she'd like to go as Snow White.
Every time I think there's an end to the sewing.....
Posted by Donna at September 9, 2008 05:38 PMComments
Too bad about the socks, they are lovely!
I believe it's time to teach Em to sew!!! :)
Posted by: Debi at September 9, 2008 08:41 PMFabulous looking firestarters. I was reading the numbers thinking, 'they are HOW big? On HOW many stitches?' I think you're right. It must grow when blocked. A shame.
Will we get to see the Snow White costume? Best fancy dress I ever went to, I went as Snow White. Great fun!
Posted by: bells at September 9, 2008 08:49 PMThey are lovely. How about washing them in the machine, as long as the yarn is super wash, I found out that helps sometimes. I wash all my socks in the machine after wearing but air dry. OK, here is the deal, Em can have the socks if she knits up the second one. LOL
Posted by: KSee at September 9, 2008 08:52 PMDonna, you are amazing. Those costumes are beautiful. Cannot wait to see Snow White!
We're always so appreciative of the women who sew the dance costumes ... you guys are great and deserve every cent (hope you get paid well!).
Love the Grignasco Tango colour and the Firestarter socks look lovely. Shame they are too big.
Posted by: Janette at September 9, 2008 09:56 PMGreat socks! What a shame they are too big though! Best put them in your gifting box and wait for the perfect-footed friend or relly to have a birthday.
I sent your parcel off today - you should have it by Thursday, hopefully!
Posted by: Michelle at September 9, 2008 11:46 PMOh my heavens... I almost fell out of my chair giggling at Twinkie wearing her cone hat...! Thanks for sharing that pic!
Posted by: CraftyGryphon at September 10, 2008 12:53 AMGood to know that Smooshy grows when its blocked since I have *ahem* voluptuous feet! The Firestarters are just lovely!
Posted by: Mandy at September 10, 2008 02:31 AMI wish my feet were bigger (now there's something I've never said before!) so I could beg for those socks. So pretty! And somehow I'd not heard of the Yarntini yarn but I've looked it up and now I have a new site to stalk. How awesome that you found the same dye lot!
Posted by: Restless Knitter at September 10, 2008 02:33 AMThose socks are lovely, its too bad they are too big. I love Twinkie's hat. LOL
By the way, I think your Shetland Shorty from your previous post is gorgeous!
Posted by: Samantha at September 10, 2008 02:55 AMOh too bad about the Firestarters. Those are so nice too! OMG Twinkie and her hat!! Sooo adorable!!
Posted by: monica at September 10, 2008 07:00 AMFirestarters look amazing. I chickened out on making them. The whole toe up thing scares me. I will master it!!
Posted by: Melissa at September 10, 2008 09:16 AMWhat a shame about the socks. It has to be the yarn... still they will make someone's feet very happy.
I can't wait to see the snow white costume too. Will you use a pattern?
Posted by: Karen at September 10, 2008 10:10 AMPretty socks.
Can't wait to see the snow white costume. Your sewing amazes me.
I took sewing in high school and made my graduation dress (it was never really finished but the gown covered it). I also made knickers for one of the plays in high school. I think they were hobbits. Then, after high school a friend was in the Wizard of Oz as the mayor of munchkinland and I made her outfit (with my sister helping as I wasn't as into it then). I really want to get a new sewing machine to make some nice felted bag linings and other things.
Posted by: Suzanne at September 10, 2008 10:22 AMThe Firestarters do look lovely. I was wondering whether you thought it was the pattern or the yarn that caused them to end up too big. I've never knit with Smooshy, but I think I might feel a bit cautious about it now.
Posted by: Susan at September 10, 2008 11:53 AMimpressive work on those Firestarters - such a shame about the size, but someone will love them and find they fit just right, like a Cinderella sock!
and can you believe the luck on the extra Grignasco?! fantastic stuff - can't wait to see the Tangled yoke
Posted by: Kylie at September 10, 2008 12:02 PMGive me the socks. I won't care if they're big, I'll only wear them around the house.
The colour is beautiful. And, if you put your head down you can get another pair of socks out in September anyhow. Even with the sewing.
Posted by: Ailsa at September 10, 2008 01:44 PMGreat socks - good heads-up about the DiC too! Pity they are so pretty!
Love the yarntini - ooh pretty!
Posted by: ceri at September 10, 2008 03:40 PMHow sad that the Firestarter socks are too big. Very strange. I LOVE the Appletini colour, it's fabulous!! Well done with all the sewing, you can see thousands of befrocked and made up girls outside the Princess Theatre here as the Competitions are on with a vengeance!!! I think Twinkie looks sad. I wonder what she would pull out of her hat???
Posted by: 2paw at September 10, 2008 05:44 PMTwinkie is just too cute! Too bad about the socks - they really are gorgeous!
Posted by: Jeanne at September 11, 2008 11:35 AMTwinkie is just too cute! Too bad about the socks - they really are gorgeous!
Posted by: Jeanne at September 11, 2008 11:36 AMOh what a shame those firestarters are ginormous, they are beautiful socks none-the-less. The next ones are looking pretty good too.
What a great yarn haul.
Love the pic of Twinkie!
Oh and I've nominated you for an award, come see...
The Firestarters are gorgeous & what a shame they are too big. I have used DIC smooshy & it is quite stretchy. I love the Shetland Shorty & saw the model shots on ravelry - it is so lovely! Happy sewing.
Posted by: Ann at September 12, 2008 11:45 AM
Oh they are gorgeous socks - such a shame they are too big - d'oh!
Score on the Yarntini and the Tango - that will make a great tangled yoke cardi.
Posted by: roseredshoes at September 9, 2008 08:21 PM