The great thing about "handbag socks" (ie a sock project that lives in your bag and can be picked up whenever you get a spare couple of minutes) is that eventually they turn into a Finished Object. They haven't been washed yet, but I popped them on my sock blockers to show you...
This is another variation of my favourite Basic Gusset Heel sock, made from Araucania Ranco Multi. It's a sturdy sock yarn and using 2.5mm needles has resulted in socks that feel like they are made to last - which is a good thing! This is true mindless knitting and with each new pair I consider starting something challenging and then remember these are for my bag, and have to be easy to pick up and put down frequently. I've cast on another pair, but this time with a slight pattern on the instep - the Diagonal Lace Socks from the same book - the simple chart looks easy to remember. Let's hope.
Those following on Facebook and Instagram will have already seen my extreme delight with another little project yesterday - a hexipuff made from my own handspun yarn. I am rediculously excited by this and it feels amazingly soft and scumptoius. For those who have asked, the fibre came from Shamu Makes.
I've had lots of people comment, email or tell me in person that they are inspired to start spinning after seeing how quick it can be to progress from lumpy thick-and-thin "rope" to useable finer weight yarn, and I would heartily encourage anyone who is so inclined to give it a go - especially if you already enjoy knitting with different yarns, as there really is nothing better than something you have spun yourself. I can't wait until I have enough to make something bigger - perhaps Faraway so Close...?
I'll be back over the weekend with a few new posts including Pin It Forward UK, and a room makeover competiton which has me running around like a headless chicken today. Hope to see you then!