This and That

I am proud to say that the Laminaria is finally done! It may have taken me longer that I expected...and promised, but its finally finished and looking good! The next obstacle on the road to actually wearing my Laminaria is blocking it. I have the patience and skill to pin and re-pin until I have it in the shape that I want, but I don't have a surface large enough to accommodate the size of my shawl. My usual sheet of foam core is far too small, as the tips of the shawl reach the edge of the board already!
I am happy, at least, to say that I finished reasonably close to the deadline.

There is no time to waste now, getting into July and our month of socks! We have made a decision to change the rules just a little bit for sock month. This is because of the shear volume of excellent sock patterns that are available. So here is the change, if you are not interested in any of the sock patterns I suggested in my last post, feel free to knit one of your choice. Sarah and I will be happy to help you choose one thats well suited to you (if you just don't know what you're looking for). Here are a few more suggestions from us to broaden your selection...

Beginner:

• Back to Basics. Knitty.com Fall 2007. I have knit these socks a couple of times now, and enjoyed the experience. A simple stocking stitch fabric is combined with a slightly unconventional toe-up construction. This makes for a simple, but interesting knit.
• Pedicure Socks. Knitty.com Spring 2006. A basic sock construction, with a fun little twist.

Intermediate:

• Monkey. Knitty.com Winter 2006. For those of you who have not knit these socks (myself included) I think that you should. Easily one of the most popular patterns going on the internet these days, Monkeys feature an easy to memorize repeat that gives beautiful results. I plan to knit these babies soon!
• RPM. Knitty.com Summer 2006. A great affect achieved through a very simple technique
  
• Jaywalkers. Another pattern that has taken the internet by storm. These really show off a stripey yarn! You may need to be a Raverly member to view that link. If you have trouble click here to view the designer's page. From there you can email her for a copy.
  

Advanced:

• Pomotomus: Knitty Winter 2005. These socks are notoriously quite time consuming, but entirely worth the effort. Designed to look like the scales of a fish, the end result is quite impressive.
• Red Herring: Knitty.com Fall 2006. Yet another Cookie A design (she's a whiz with socks). The leg of these socks is knit with two colours! Fair isle fans get those needles out because this sock waas made for you.

If you have any sock suggestions that you'd like to share, please leave us a comment or send an email to info@nakedsheep.ca. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

P.S. I am so happy to hear that most of you prefer center-pull balls! I am completely on your side.