Sock it to me

I am a changed woman. Something has come over me. I am not only addicted to knitting socks (which I previously hated), but I am knitting them on size 3 needles (size 5 WAS as low as I would go) and knitting them on 2 circulars (I swear by dpn’s). All of this drastic change- and I’m loving it.

It all started after I joined in on KnittyDirtyGirl’s handspun sock knit-a-long. She is one of those crazy knitters full of sock love- particularly of the handspun variety. She is so fun and kooky it’s hard not to want to join in on anything she is doing! So I jumped on board and knit my socks in just a few days (once I finally got the yarn spun)!

You can read about that experience here and Raveler’s can see the project here or join in the KAL here.

Since I completed the KAL socks, I’ve worn them too many times to count and washed and dried them just as many (yay superwash!). I particularly like wearing this pair when I’m around the house, which is often. On top of that, I’ve been listening to the complete Knit Pick’s Podcast with Kelley Petkun, an avid sock knitter. Listening to her ramblings about the wonder of socks has really turned me on to all the sock possibilities.

And then there is the method. Both Kelley and Rachel-Marie knit their socks on two circular needles. I can remember the first time I saw someone doing this. I was doing jury duty and a woman was there knitting socks on two circulars. I thought she was insane. I don’t remember what I was knitting but I am almost certain it was in the round on dpn’s as that is my favorite method of knitting. Or should I say, was.
After wearing my KAL socks in sneakers I realized why people use such small yarn and needles for socks- my feet were a little cramped, ok a lot cramped. Confession, this is the reason why I prefer to wear my socks around the house. Also, when using dpn’s you often get lines up your knitting where your needles change, at least I do. I hate that.

So, with those two factors in mind and endless inspiration for Rachel-Marie and Kelly, I bravely cast on my current pair of socks using 2-24” no.3 circular needles. They are coming along swimmingly! I am in love! It was a little tricky at first, since I went into it without actually learning how it is done, but quickly got the gist (I assure you, it’s not rocket science). And honestly, no. 3’s seem barely any different than 5’s as far as speed goes. I started my socks late last night, and by lunch time I had finished turning my first heel.
I should also note that with my KAL socks I used the Lifestyle sock pattern by Charisa Martin Cairn. I however decided that I would rather knit them from cuff to toe and this decision proved to be a bad one. For this pair I am happily knitting toe up. ..Lesson learned.

In other news…

I decided on the pattern for my February sweater for the Sweater A Month Challenge. I am going to knit a Peplum Cardigan by Lion Brand Yarn. Also, I’ve decided to knit it with Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice yarn- which is acrylic *DUM DUM DUUUUUUUM*. More on that to come.

Until next time, be well & be positive.

Happy Etsianniversary To Me!

Today is my two year anniversary selling on etsy! I am just so unbelievably happy that I get to make things that I so passionately love, and people actually want to buy them!



Click here to read what I wrote after my one year Etsianniversary.

In the past year:

I’ve reached over 600 sales- thanks to some very loyal and AMAZING customers. Selling yarn, I’ve really come to LOVE being a part of people’s creative process!

I said (or am still saying goodbye) to my old friends the felt bangles. I started selling bangles on the site as a way to get my foot in the door and make some start up money. And within a year, felt bangles did just that for me. This business was literally built on felt bangles! So thank you felt bangles, you did good!



I've reached ALMOST 1,000 followers on Twitter! If you haven't yet, join me in my daily musings about life, motherhood, making, spinning, selling, & knitting!

I got my first negative feedback. A cosmic joke played on me and my customer. Her yarn was mysteriously lost in the mail, not returned to me, and then to top it off, the customers email was lost in a sea of notifications and updates. As soon as I realized what happened I quickly fixed the situation in a way that left that my customer very happy with her experience. We since can’t get the negative feedback changed. Honestly, it doesn’t even bother me. It’s not a perfect system, and I can take negative criticism…at last. You can’t have up without a little down, right?

I was able to retire my antique starter spinning wheel when I purchased an Ashford Kiwi! Now looking back, I have NO idea how I managed to make anything with that old clunker wheel. But like the bangles, it got me started, and I am grateful.



I burned through almost 180 lbs of merino– that’s more than my weight in wool! I had a lot of fun working on my dyeing techniques this year. I started the year out doing large dye lots of semi solid colors, and finished with small limited edition runs of semi-solids, hand painted self striping, and kettle cooked. You can look forward to seeing a lot more amazing color ways this year as I plan to push my skills even further! I’m working on a new photo album on my Facebook Fan Page – become a fan and check out my Year of Yarn!



I did my first craft show- and second, and third, and fourth! This year I discovered how much I LOVE doing craft shows! It’s really fun to get to see people see/touch/feel/smell your wares and to get to talk to other crafters face to face. I look forward to doing more shows in the coming year!



I created a look/feel/attitude in my shop that I am really please with- and excited by! I spent a lot of time this year reading the Etsy Blog and Forums. There is an unbelievable amount of helpful information in both about owning and operating a successful business. But, just because I’m happy now, doesn’t mean things can’t get better! I plan to continue to research and make changes to better my customers experience, my visibility, and my organization.

What’s next?

Now that I have my yarn line in a good place, I intend to offer more knits made with handspun and bring back hand dyed roving. I also plan to keep designing knitting patterns. Specifically- simple, classic knits made with handspun yarn.



Right now you can download my Handspun Baby Doll Tunic for free and if you’re on Ravelry, why not join in my Handspun Baby Doll Tunic KAL generously hosted by Rawfish.




And of course, in the coming year you can expect everything I do to be filled with positive energy and love!

Be well, be positive!