Off the Needles: Queen Alice Socks

I've been taking advantage of the free time I've had since my move, and knitting up a storm! Okay, so part of it is that I bought yarn for a new project... I only allow myself to do one knitting project at a time, so I had to finish these socks! Luckily, there are only 4 loose ends to weave in per pair of socks, so I didn't mind finishing them at all. The photos are before blocking. These beauties are currently drying in my bathroom (see last photo).

I absolutely love the designer. A few year ago, I was looking for a good hat pattern for my friend (now The Boy!), and found Irishgirlieknits. Her patterns are great! In fact, my first pair of socks were knit because I won a free sock pattern from her blog. So if you need hats, socks or shawls, definitely check out her site.

On to the pictures!

Pattern: Queen Alice, by Irishgirlieknits
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Sock in French Grey (100% merino)
Modifications: None

Ravelry Post: Here

I can't wait to share my explorations around my new neighborhood with you! There's a weekly farmer's market, and a monthly craft market, so I'm excited!

Sneak Peek: On The Needles

For some reason, I have about 3 skeins of yarn left over from my yellow cardigan. Instead of being financially responsible and returning them, I decided to make the extra yarn into socks! I finished the first sock last night (see below).

I admit, I used to think knitting socks was sort of silly. They're so tiny compared to sweaters and the basic shape is always the same. But this is my second pair of socks, and I think I might be catching sock fever!

My first pair of socks!

A few weeks ago, I won a sock pattern from a fabulous blog I read, We Do Not  Have A Knitting Problem.  The blogger not only knits a ton of socks, but designs them as well.  I have never attempted socks, but with this Sweet Home pattern I knew the time had come.

I picked out a beautiful yarn yesterday, and was excited to get started!  I've been trying to avoid started new projects since I want to spend time on weaving.  Unfortunately the custom pieces I ordered for my loom were not quite right, and I'll have to send them back to be remade.  While I'm waiting, the socks should keep me busy.

Beautiful Madeline Tosh yarn.

I love these colors.

The yarn is hand-dyed Tosh Sock merino wool.  So soft!

The other exciting thing about this project is that I got to use my new swift and ball winder for the first time!  I got them for my birthday, and have been very happy that I'll never have to wind balls of yarn by hand again.

Lookin' good.

I may have gotten a little artsy with the camera.  Action shots!

I also may have made my sister sit on the floor to shoot this...

Close up of the final product.

Hooray!  A great ball ready to be turned into socks.

 I suppose the dark colors will make it a little more difficult to see the pattern, but once this yarn caught my eye I couldn't put it down.  Why did I agree to go tubing with my friends this afternoon when I could be home knitting!?