It's been a while since I've posted. I've been working on knitting a toe-up sock using the Magic Loop technique. That's a really great technique. Much better than struggling with double pointed needles. My first sock came out a tad big. I made some adjustments and started a second sock. That sock looked like it was going to be a bit too small, plus I messed up the gusset & heel part, so I ripped it back to before the gussets and am starting that part over. When the second sock is done, I'll post a photo.

I've also been teaching a few crochet classes at Hank's Yarn and Fiber store. That's been really great.

I'm also knitting a shawl from an 1864 pattern that was in Godey's Ladies Book. It's taking so long to finish that I'm really getting tired of working on it. Hopefully it'll be done within the next month or so.

Several weeks ago, I went to a spring festival. There was a booth with a man who restores and sells antique sewing machines. I'm now the proud owner of a 1927 Singer 128K hand crank sewing machine. I'm really excited about it.

Knitted Dishcloth

Lately I've had this urge to knit something. I was so impressed by the knitted cotton hand towels at Hanks Yarn and Fiber, I wanted to make one too. So, I got out my needles and some cotton yarn and found a pattern. The pattern was supposed to be the basketweave stitch but I somehow messed it up. It just wasn't turning out right. I decided that I would continue with the pattern I had already started and forget trying to do the basketweave. I think it turned out fairly well.

I did discover that if I hung it by the loop (as seen in the photo), the dish towel skewed so I crocheted 2 rows across the top and put a loop in the middle. It hangs so much better now. No more distortion. You can always count on crocheting to save the day!

I've also been busy spinning some yarn. I know, I already have a ton of store bought yarn but I got this really great fiber from Hanks last week. It's a combination of wool, alpaca, and silk. It makes the prettiest silver grey color when spun. I can't wait to finish spinning it so I can make something from the yarn. I was thinking I'd knit a pair of fingerless mitts. Hopefully I'll have enough yarn.

Amigurumi Swap

I belong to an amigurumi Yahoo group and we had a swap this month. This is what I sent to my swap partner. I purchased the pattern for Irish Rock People from CrochetSal's Etsy store. They are really cute and so quick to make.

I'm also making the Babette Blanket. At first I didn't particularly care for this afghan. Too many bright colors, I guess. Well, I was in the mood to make a scrap afghan and decided I'd try that pattern since it uses the solid granny square. I'm mainly using the scraps from the Molly Weasley Sweater with a few other colors I've added in. The afghan is made up of panels and I just finished the first panel. I'm using worsted weight yarn and a G hook. It's going to be a very heavy and warm afghan. Here's what I've gotten done so far.

Crocheted Socks Finished

I finished the crocheted socks. Although they fit my feet, they turned out to be a tad too big for my shoes so they'll become my house socks instead. When I make my next pair, I'll make them a size smaller.