WIP: Husbeast Socks and Clapotis

In lieu of my previous posts, I have decided to simultaneously work on two projects: Husbeast socks and Clapotis. I cast on for the Husbeast socks on Saturday night and have 5 1/2 in of the leg complete on the first sock. My father-in-law will be the recipient of these socks, which were supposed to be part of his Christmas present. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and now I am trying to get them done before his birthday. We'll see how that goes. I'll post a picture of my progress later today.

The Clapotis and I are in a fight. She is not participating in my "I haven't picked this up for over two years and should be able to jump right back into the project" plan. In fact, I realized after starting the decrease section that I was still supposed to be working the straight rows, but somehow ended up with too many stitches; hence the reason I started on decreases. Ugh. Now I fear I may have to rip out several inches of work on something that already has intentional dropped stitches. If I follow the rules laid out by the Domiknitrix, then I must frog to my mistake (assuming I can find the blasted point of origin) and somehow figure out how to reincorporate the dropped stitches. This has become a conundrum of epic proportion.

That is all for now. I'll post pictures later.

FO: Thuja Socks

Project: Thuja Socks by Bobby Ziegler
Start date: 12/15/08
End date: 2/2/09
Yarn: 2 balls KnitPicks Swish Superwash; Jade
Needles: size 5 dpn's
Mods: I used different yarn than recommended and dropped the needle size down one. I wanted a little tighter gauge since I was knitting these for lady feet. No other modifications.
Project Thoughts: I really like this pattern because it was very easy to memorize and take on the go. This is my 3rd pair of this pattern to knit; the first one I was able to do while waiting in line to vote.

After having knit a handful of socks now, I think that the DK or worsted weight socks are my favorite. I don't mind the challenge of a size 0 - 3 dpn needle and resulting fingering or sock weight yarn, but it sure does do a number on my fingers.

In other news... I have decided, like many of my fellow knitsters, to bust out my UFO's and finally just get them done. I'll have to search my many hiding spots to find all of these unfinished projects and then I'll create a list here. I know I have a 1/2 finished Clapotis in my stash that's been in a holding pattern for over 2 years. Seems a sin to keep that gorgeous Lion and Lamb waiting.

FO: Tea Cozy

Pattern: Two for Tea by Amy Barker (Stitch n' Bitch Nation)
Started: 1/29/09
Completed: 2/1/09
Yarn: 1 skein KnitPicks Swish Worsted - Bok Choy, Remants of Cascade 220 (color unknown)
Needle size US 6 and US G/6 crochet hook
Mods: Aside from the different yarn selection, I chose not to add any of the intarsia patterns as written in the original designs. I used a regular mattress stitch to join the front and back and did a single crochet edging along both handle and spout openings. I attached a bow made of crochet chain above the handle opening.
Pattern thoughts: Ridiculously easy project and very straighforward pattern. I made this for mom's birthday this coming week and I think she'll enjoy it. I prefer coffee to tea usually, but I feel inspired to have a cup of Earl Grey upon completion of this project.

I guess this means I can no longer procrastinate on the socks I've had on the needles for 2 months. I have only one toe left to complete for the pair. After making 3 pairs in a row at the holidays, I had lost my enthusiasm for toothpick-thin needles and dental floss-like yarn. So say we all...