NoLA Knitting with French Market Fibers

I was in New Orleans last week. The city inspired me to cast on a new pair of socks using French Market Fibers, a New Orleans-based indie dyer. This fingering weight yarn is a blend of merino and cashmere, and it’s the creamiest thing I have ever knit with, much like the cocktail for which it’s named.

I had never heard of Brandy Milk Punch, but I saw it listed on the drinks menu at dinner one night. So I tried it. It won’t become my signature drink, but Brandy Milk Punch yarn could possibly become my signature color.

I always thought knitting with neutrals would be boring, but not so with this yarn. The color has so much depth and dimension. And the yarn mirrors the drink perfectly!

I used the Parade pattern, which kept my interest but did not require a lot of concentration. Better yet, I was able to get a cable effect without a cable needle.

I really love how he these turned out, but I’m going to consider these my “reserve” socks. Without nylon, their "drawer life" is limited. I'll wear these on a day when I can curl up with a good book and read as long as I want to.

I have more French Market lovelies in my stash – even some worsted weight in Brandy Milk Punch. But given how beautiful this yarn is, I’m going to need some time to select just the right pattern. In the meantime, I guess I’ll cast on (wait for it, wait for it…) another sock.

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There’s Nothing Plain About Vanilla – Another Set of Stockinette Stitch Socks

It’s been a few weeks since my last post, but I’m proud to say I’ve survived a stint with strep throat, my son’s first birthday party (with 24 of his kindergarten classmates), and Easter, complete with a visit from the Bunny, an egg hunt in the backyard, and a trip to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s circus. It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least. But in that time, I’ve been sneaking in some knitting when I can. To feel creative and productive (which don’t always co-exist happily), I find it best to have a pair of plain vanilla, stockinette stitch socks on my needles at all times. I can trot them out of my project bag and knit a few rounds while waiting for folks to shop our yard sale, like I did this past weekend, or while I watch the kids play outside in the front yard.
The first time I saw the Regia Jacquard sock yarn was on Susan B. Anderson’s blog. I was saddened to learn it’s since been discontinued. But during my Google search, I found it discounted at se…

2018 Knitting Goals

I’m a creature of habit.I eat the same thing for breakfast, the same thing for lunch.I drive the same way to work.I exercise the same time every day.Trying new things does not come easily to me.So I created a bucket list in 2017 with the hopes of pushing me outside my comfort zone – to innovate.
My list was ambitious, and while I didn’t accomplish everything I had hoped to in 2017, I’m pleased with my progress…and the finished handknits.I knit fewer socks and more shawls.I learned several cast ons and cast offs.I knit my kits, including my first toy.And while I failed to pare down my stash, I did focus on creating versatile, wearable wardrobe staples.
1.Complete shawl that requires garter tab cast on
2.Knit a toy
3.Complete a sweater (kind of, if you count the sweater on the Velveteen Rabbit kit)
4.Knit something for the house – blanket
5.Knit something lace weight
6.Knit holiday ornaments
7.Use a gradient cake
8.Knit a set of mittens and a pair fingerless mitts
9.Knit my kits
10.Use mini skeins
…

Knit Brit: Burberry Inspired "Novastripe" Socks

I’m addicted to indie sock yarn, and after the success of my Missoni knock-offs, I’m excited to merge my love of handknit socks with all things Burberry. In my search for self-striping sock yarn on Etsy, I came across TurtlePurl’s Trenchcoat colorway. The designer’s listing states that U.K. fashion plaids inspired the yarn.
I have always adored tartan plaids. I’m particularly enamored with Burberry’s iconic Nova Check, which accents many of its designs, including the brand’s signature trench. What I’m less enamored with, though, is the label’s exorbitant price. So imagine my delight when I found this smashing yarn! I paid a little more money to upgrade the yarn base with cashmere. I justified the splurge: I’m indulging a luxury experience without the luxury cost.
In keeping with Burberry’s classic appeal, I decided to use my tried and true vanilla sock pattern – ribbed cuff, stockinette leg, foot, and toes. I’m delighted with the results so far. Dare I say these socks are qui…

Bon Tricot

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