Cubist Socks

My PA left the company recently to go on an amazing adventure, volunteering in the Highlands of Scotland and then trekking in Nepal.  I was so excited for her and wanted to knit her a pair of socks before she left (because knowing the weather in Scotland she will need all the warmth she can get.  Also she was someone who was so pleased to received hand knitted socks in the past and it is so gratifying to knit for people who really love getting handknit gifts.

So I had gone to Knit Nation with her in mind and bought the bright rainbow coloured yarn from Easyknits.  My PA often wore bright colours to work and I hoped that the bamboo in the yarn would mean that the socks would be hardwearing in her hiking boots.

One of the things I bought at the show was a programme because it contained two free patterns - one by Alice Yu which I shall be knitting up in due course and the Cubist socks by Cookie A (and I do love Cookie A patterns).  So I decided to use the Cubist pattern with the rainbow yarn as they seemed to compliment each other.

 In think in hindsight they were a little tight around the top and across the instep - which I was surprised about (particularly the instep bit) as the pattern didn't appear to be lacking in give.  It was not like it was lots of tight cabling or anything.  I hope that these elements didn't make them difficult to wear or put on in the end though.  My PA was really chuffed with them though and I do hope she is enjoyed wearing them even now.

Finished Cubist Socks

Close up

Laminaria

This is the most complicated shawl I have knitted to date it is Estonian Lace from this free pattern from Knitty - Laminaria. And I was successful only on the 3rd attempt at which point I felt the yarn was the best fit (even if the colour is detracting from the overall effect the actual fibre and spin composition of the yarn was a good one).

I finished it a while ago but got a little behind with blogging so here it is in all its glory.

Laminaria Shawl

Knitted with Zauberball sockenwoolle in the Blackberry colourway.

I liked the zauberball but it is a single.  I would never even consider using this for something as hardwearing as a sock - it would felt/wear thin in a heartbeat.  It was perfect for the shawl though and I have seen many shawls on Ravelry that have worked very well in this yarn.