Merry Christmas!

This year I only knit presents for my 3 boys. I'm happy to report they were all finished on time and well received.

Pattern: I did matching socks for David and Owen. David's are the Gentleman's Half Hose in Ringwood pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. Owen's are also in the Ringwood pattern, but using the basic toe-up recipe I always use so I wouldn't run out of yarn.
Yarn: Gems Super Fine Merino in Indigo
Needles: US 2 DPN
Thoughts: Good yarn, good pattern. Tragically after only a few hours of use, David's toes broke through and unraveled the toe. Sigh. I am now knitting them a few rows longer, but I think the main problem was the round toe. It isn't a good idea to have the pressure point right at the big toe. I'm doing a flat toe with a grafted end instead. I think that will be stronger. The next step will be, of course, to cut David's toes off.
I was pondering what to make for Nathaniel, but a trip to Webs solved that. I saw the Woobie hanging up on the display and bought the yarn and 2 days later I had this:

Pattern:Woobie
Yarn: Valley Superwash
Needles: US 5
Thoughts: Very fun. This is the 4th(?) project I've used with this yarn and I'm a big fan. I didn't use buttons for eyes and tools as Nathaniel is so young. Owen picked out the yellow felt that I used instead.

I think he likes it!

Socks socks socks

Today I'm sharing some Christmas knitting I've been doing. I'm pretty sure my husband, who is in Vancouver right now at a conference, is not checking my blog.

I decided to make him the Gentleman's Half Hose from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. I picked up some Gems Merino in indigo at Webs a few weeks back. I've only been able to knit during the day while my husband is at work, which means only during the boys' nap times. I was able to finish one sock already. The only good thing I can think of about his being away this week is that I can work on the second sock at night after the boys go to bed.



I have to say this pattern is awesome. The Ringwood pattern is deceptively simple. I think he'll like it. I hope he likes the calf shaping, too. My plan is to make matching socks for Owen with the leftover yarn and maybe socks for Nat, too, if there is enough. I do need to get going on these because my dad, in the meantime, has commissioned me to knit 2 baby blankets for a colleague of his who is expecting twins in March. Eep!