Wednesday 10 February 2010

Penguins and Pigs

One of the little challenges I've set myself this year is to finish off all those half knitted things that have been abandoned in favour of new projects. There are several of them... including (I'm ashamed to admit) the back of a sweater that has been on the needles at least thirty years. Might even dig it out and show you one day... who knows, it might even be back in fashion one day. Meanwhile I've finished off something started about six months ago.

When my friend Jane gave me this super book of knitted socks I just knew I had to make these zigzag socks... tempting though the penguins are...

I found a suitably stripey yarn (Wendy Happy, I think) and set to work. The first sock was finished in no time and I loved its rippled stripes... but it was just a tad too small. And although the lovely bamboo yarn was very soft it wasn't very stretchy. So the lone sock was consigned to the bottom of the knitting basket and meanwhile several other pairs of socks were made.

But in my effort to finish things off I took pity on the lone sock and have just finished its partner, which has turned out different from the first one in more ways than just the order of its stripes.

But if I don't point out the differences I'm not sure anyone will notice. And despite being a tad too small, with a bit of effort I can get them on! (Yes I know, they are looking rather stretched around the cuff!)

But I'm really quite taken with all the ripples. I might just have to knit another pair... but in a bigger size!

I can't go without mentioning all the lovely parcels received from Pink Cat in Ali's swap that have made this past week so special. Not only did I get the "Chicken and Egg" but also a card making pack, some fun little stickers (I love stickers!) some seeds for Aster and Aquelegia, Rose scented bath salts, Percy Pig sweets and a book, called The Dressmaker which seems very apt given my current degree module... can't wait to read it! Thank you both... it has been a super swap! Better get back to my knitting now...

21 comments:

  1. Oh goodness! You have made me feel so much better! Thank you! I can now confess to having a waistcoat on a pair of needles for thirty years! It was fashionable at the time and I still like it, so why can't I finish it? All it needs is to have the bands around the edges finished, sew it together and add a drawstring through some knitted holes

    As for the socks they would make great cheerful christmas stockings

    I adore Percy Pigs from M&S and also Percy's Pals ... lovely ... but I'm on a diet!

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  2. Well done on finishing the socks. I too want to have a 'finish all stuff you've started" - starting with my patchwork quilt that was started two years ago.
    Also, somehow I missed out on your last post - what great work! You are so disciplined ......
    Was that Jack White I just spotted as a Pearly King????

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  3. I know all about the idea of not-quite-complete projects.

    Grand that you've finished that second sock. The two make a wonderful pair. I really like the idea of using hand knits to get a unique result. Those colors are beautiful.

    xo

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  4. Beautiful socks Gina! I love that zigzag pattern. And good for you for getting some UFOs done. I have a bunch of them that i need to finish too!

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  5. Great socks! One of my "things" for this year is also to finish bits and pieces that have lain around for ages...........

    There's something very "wantable" about stickers, isn't there?

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  6. The socks look really good ,my daughter wears odd socks on purpose more fun ,oh dear unfinished projects ,Hmm ...love Jan xx

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  7. Hello Gina, thnak you for visiting my blog a few days ago. What a lovely pair of socks. Different zigzag pattern on each sock look fun. I wish if I could knit... Chloe Patricia

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  8. Fantastic stripey, ripply socks! (I do love the penguins too!)

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  9. What wonderful socks. I could never knit anything like that and once knitted could certainly not think about knitting another pair. Fantastic.
    www.tizduster.typepad.com

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  10. Fab socks! I just finished a sock too: does that count as finishing off or do I have to make the second one now as well?!

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  11. Lovely socks Gina!

    Now if you want confessions about unfinished knitting and stitching projects - I could fill a book!

    I must either finish them or recycle them into something else...

    Celia

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  12. Very pretty stripeyness. UFO's? I daren't go there!

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  13. what lovely socks - i think the ripples are brilliant - almost tempts me!!!!


    xxx

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  14. Super socks - I love the stripey ones. Maybe I'll unpick my cardigan which cost an arm and a leg yet makes me look like an elephant, and reknit it into a hopefully, more flattering garment. Your parcel of goodies sounds very useful and interesting - I'm sure you'll put it all to good use.

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  15. Gina those socks are wonderful! I love the petally-tops and the stripes.

    What a lovely parcel of goodies you have there. Those stickers are sop sweet - little birdies!

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  16. oh your socks are beautiful Gina, I have several unfinished cross stitch projects that i'd like to finish too. Jane x

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  17. I have so many unfinished projects that I try not to think about them! I do like the jazzy socks, though, and you have reminded me to finish my pair, too - just the toe decreases, so really not too much more to do!

    Pomona x

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  18. Oh wow - love those zigzag socks! x

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  19. oh boy! I am oficially jealous of your socks!!

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  20. Gina, your socks rock!

    I have a scarf that's been on the needles for a few years - I just can't bring myself to finish it - it's like the longer it's there, waiting, the harder it becomes. Maybe it's a sign that it should never be finished (?)

    Monda
    x

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  21. Those socks are fabulous! And so are all your lovely swap goodies! Lucy x

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