I think it's about time to do a round up of what I've got on the go at the moment, seeing as I have been a bit low on knitting photos recently. It may also spur me into some action to finish a few things.
First up is the Swallowtail Shawl.
I am on the second section of nupps but haven't touched it in about a week. While I don't hate the nupps, I do find them a bit tedious and they slow down the flow of knitting. Only 8 more rows to go and then I am nupp free.
Next up isn't on the needles but is finished and off them at last.
These are my Trekking XXL socks for the Trek-a-long. You may remember seeing sock one frolicking in the Lake District back in July. Sock number two accompanied me on my many treks between London and Somerset in July and August and was finally finished off last week. These socks may well mark the point when I just give up with short row heels.
More socks, of course, and thankfully not a short row heel in sight. These are Jaywalkers in Opal Zebra. Currently stalled at the gusset due to my having lost the pattern and being too lazy to get up off the sofa and go and print off another one.
I have also broken my rule of only one pair of socks on the go at once in response to a distress call from Toby. Apparently he only has one pair of socks left without holes. Clearly not a situation that can continue for long.
Toby likes bright socks. This is Lana Grossa Cotton Fantasy 45% cotton, 42% wool and 13% Polyamid. A cotton blend wouldn't have been my first choice, given that colder weather is on the way but I am running low on bright woollen sock yarn. Good job Ally Pally is not too far away. I feel a visit to Web of Wool will be in order.
And finally, I feel like a competition. Do you? Take a look at the photo of the Jaywalkers. Can you tell me what is different about these socks from all the others you have seen on this blog? Clue, it isn't to do with the pattern. Leave a comment with your answer. To make it fair, please send an email with your guess to mail(dot)thewoolpalace(at)virgin(dot)net. All correct emails received by midnight Sunday (UK time) will be put in a draw and the winner will get some yarny goodness from my stash. Good luck!
I finished my swallowtail last night, and it's looking very small, I won't be able to block it until next w/end. My nupps are not perfect, I kept missing one of the sts on the p5tog!
Posted by: dawn | September 14, 2006 at 03:13 PM
The swallow tail looks great, love the color. OK I'm a sock addict, I love your socks. I think my favorite is the Zebra, maybe I'll make the Jaywalkers again. You have been busy.
Posted by: paula | September 14, 2006 at 03:43 PM
whoops just realised that I shouldn't have posted that - please delete it if you can - sorry
Posted by: blueadt | September 14, 2006 at 04:05 PM
Oh, I LOVE the Trekking socks. The pinks and greens melting into one another are just fantastic!
I prefer an old-fashioned flap and gusset heel. It's easy to do, it fits well, and I like to think that the slip-stitch heel flap is more durable than a short-row heel. I just wish it didn't interfere with the patterning of self-striping yarns--that's the one good reason I can think of for knitting short-row heels.
Posted by: Beth S. | September 14, 2006 at 06:15 PM
I love the colour of your trekking socks, another shawl is on my list but not sure if I am up to doing nupps.
Posted by: yvette | September 14, 2006 at 06:17 PM
i adore trekking yarn, its great, and these colors are very lovely.
the shawl looks very soft. is it alpaca?
I have looked at this shawl, but I think I want to knit a rectangle next.
I have booked my flight to London, so I hope to see you at ally pally!
:-)
Posted by: hPNY knits | September 14, 2006 at 08:44 PM
Beautiful banner - I'm envious :)
I haven't got a clue what is different so I'll have to skip on your comp! I'm wavering about Ally Pally - I wasn't going to go but...
Posted by: mrspao | September 14, 2006 at 09:56 PM
Isn't the Trekking so beautifully coloured?? Only 1 pair of socks on the go?? I always have 3 or 4 on the go!!! I am hopeless!!!
Posted by: 2paw | September 15, 2006 at 12:38 AM
Love the new photo....although the other one was cool too - NFI about the Jaywalkers....haven't given in to that pattern yet...yet I say.
Posted by: Donni | September 15, 2006 at 01:34 AM
I think your short row heels look great! What's the problem?
I don't know if the problem is fit but I "unvented" a combo mini flap with gusset short row heel that gives a much better fit because it deepens the heel cup...it's on my blog sidebar if you want a peek!
Posted by: Debi | September 15, 2006 at 07:47 AM
Love the new header! Hope that the 'rural' life is treating you well?
You've reminded me that I've got the Swallowtail shawl on the needles as well. Wonder where I've put it....
Posted by: Anita | September 15, 2006 at 12:35 PM