BIG zebra socks

Sometimes you try something new and it works out. Sometimes not. These socks are in the latter category.

Pattern: Short Row Toe and Heel Basic Socks, by Wendy D. Johnson
Yarn: Zwerger Garn Opal 6-fach/6-ply, in 5306 (black) and 1450 (black and white)
Needles: US3
Modifications: None

I *thought* I had knit socks with this yarn before, but now I am wondering. The resulting socks are HUGE and thick and, after wet finishing, overly fuzzy. I see a future of pilling after very little wear.

I would not recommend this yarn for any project unless you want a halo effect. I knit the toes, heels, and cuffs in the solid black, but it doesn't match the black in the "zebra" yarn. It's not very often that I am this unhappy with a knitting project, but there you have it.

Checkered scarf

Sometimes a mistake turns into a happy accident. That is what happened with this scarf. I meant to warp for houndstooth, debated over whether to redo or go with it, chose the latter.

Pattern: none
Weave structure: checks
Loom: Ashford SampleIt
Warp: Patons North America Classic Wool Worsted, in navy and natural
Weft: Same as warp
EPI/PPI: 7.5/7.5
Ends: 44
Finished size: 56"L (without fringe), 5"W
Finishing: hemstitched ends

I wasn't sure about the "candy-striping" along the selvage where I carried the colors, as during the weaving it looked loose. But after wet finishing, I decided I liked it.

I also wasn't sure about the yarn, as it is rather "bouncy". But I was careful to not over tighten the warp and it turned out well. Not as much drape as I had hoped for, though.

On xmas, I usually bring some handmade objects for the family to pick over. Sometimes they find something they like, sometimes not, but they get first choice. I think this scarf may pass the test.

Houndstooth scarf

My SO *lost* the three-color log cabin scarf I wove him last year, so the replacement is something easier: houndstooth.

Pattern: none
Weave structure: houndstooth
Loom: Ashford SampleIt
Warp: Cascade 220, naturally dyed with rhubarb leaf (light color), mordanted with rhubarb leaf and dyed with rudbeckia and modified with iron (dark color)
Weft: Same as warp
EPI/PPI: 7.5/7.5
Ends: 42
Finished size: 59"L (without fringe), 5"W
Finishing: hemstitched ends and knotted fringe

Really, the only weave structure that could be easier would be a one-color plain weave. For houndstooth, the warp alternates two strands of each color, the weft the same.

I wasn't sure about how the colors kind of candy-stripe up one side, thought I might need to crochet over the selvages, but no, I like it just the ways it is.

In fact, I am a little embarrased about how much I admire the scarf whenever he wears it. Good job!

No excuses!

With a (relatively) clear calendar over the next few weeks, I promised myself that I would tackle those UFOs - and I have made a start. I also want to complete outstanding blog posts on FOs. That should keep me busy into the New Year.

Knitting: I *finally* finished the zebra socks - and I am even less happy with them than I have been, would NOT recommend the yarn. The footies (or anklets) are not going to match. Some say that life is too short for socks that match.

Weaving: The leno curtains I started in 2022 are finished and ironed, just waiting to be hung; separate post to follow (really!) Finished the checked scarf; and yes, separate post to follow. Today I am working on the tote bag, which involves sewing, not weaving - not my forte.

I hope you enjoy the holidays in whatever way, shape, or form that takes for you. This year my daughter is hosting the holiday meals, which is the best present she could give me. Here's to 2026!

Hiatus

I think I am "off duty" for the next couple of weeks, although I'm sure something will crop up. When I was still working, I tried to save vacation days for the last week of the year and used that time to get things in order for the coming year. A good habit to have.

One big event this past week was the spinning guild holiday party, which was also the end of our 50th anniversary celebrations. Ordinarily, members bring dishes to share, including entrees. This time I suggested that the guild provide the meat, and the request was for Honey Baked Ham (and roasted turkey). That was a hit.

Toward the end of the meal, our special guests - former members - shared some memories of the guild, many of which involved those members who have left this mortal coil. One of those long-gone members was well known for her cream puffs, so one of the guests provided those in rememberance.

Then there was the "Yankee Swap" gift exchange. One problem that is arising is sometimes the gift is something another member made. Also, at the very end, the last one to choose a gift was faced with her own gift... which she was happy to take back.

One can never have too many yarn bowls

My ulterior motive for staging this party was to drive home to the younger, less involved members the need for them to step up so that the guild continues for another fifty years.

Knitting: Started a pair of footies from sock yarn I think I dyed at a workshop and don't care for, first as toe-up, but I kept screwing up, so switched to top-down.

Top-down socks are a rarity for me

Spinning: Working on some fine yarn I don't care for much - I can't seem to get enough twist into it.
Weaving: Started a checked scarf because I screwed up the warping for another houndstooth scarf.

How NOT to warp for houndstooth

I like the checks, the selvages not so much

Another event this week was demonstrating fiber arts at one of the weekend farmers markets (my reason for warping the scarf). One member spun a combination of dog hair and wool, using her spindle. Two members spun on their e-spinners. Another brought a harness loom on which he was weaving a band. And I was there with my SampleIt and pocket loom. We had some items for sale but sold nothing.

Quite a few of those wandering through were wearing handmade scarves and hats and mitts, which led to conversations about fiber arts, which led to handing them business cards for the guilds, my not-so-hidden agenda for organizing these demonstrations.

Now all I need to do is get through the holidays.

Have glue gun, will travel

This week's weaving guild meeting was our annual holiday party. Besides eating, we participate in some kind of craft. I didn't attend the party last year, but there were complaints that the craft was too hard. This year's craft was super easy, yet it is possible to mess it up.

We were provided with the popsicle sticks already glued together in a xmas tree shape. All we had to do was wrap the sticks with yarn, tacking it down here and there with a spot of glue, then trim the outer legs of the triangle. If one wraps carefully, weaving the yarn in and out, no floats are created. I obviously did not execute this step carefully.

One recommendation I would make is to attach the hanging thread *before* wrapping with the yarn. Otherwise, fun and, yes, easy.

Two of our members are husband-and-wife. Husband came dressed as Father Xmas and handed out ornaments made from inkle bands. I've seen crocheted versions of this craft. Another fun and easy project, once one has the weaving or crocheting done.

Weaving: Finished my SO's scarf; separate post to follow.

Is that all I did this week?!? As far as fiber arts, I guess so.

My SO and I visited a new-to-us gallery here in the Fort: BIPOCA - Black Indigenous People of Color Art Incubator and Gallery. We met Clydia, its owner, at an exhibit opening at another gallery and decided we needed to check her place out. AMAZING! And out of my price range except for a handbuilt ceramic mug I purchased.

I also learned of another guild, one that has been active for 50 years but has practically no online presence. It flies under the radar, but is in need of new members. I plan to check it out in January.