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October 30, 2006
No Socks for YOU!
I'm so sorry to disappoint but I can safely say that there will be no finished socks for October. NONE! I started three, finished none. You know in my heart I am a fickle fickle bitch and while I was going to try and finish at least one knee high or maybe a Pomatomus (I've turned the heel and am into the second chart) I said fuck it!
OH MY GOD! WHA? WHAT IS IT?
Yes, sweet ones, it's a seamed together Log Cabin. GASP!!!!
I know what you're thinking. What's gotten in to her?! First a finished Short Rows after 138 years and NOW she's seaming log cabins? Could she actually be FOLLOWING THROUGH with her projects?! Settle down. It's craziness I know. I had the squares in an exquisitely arranged pile on my dresser sitting atop some of the most beautiful quilting books known to man. They were lovely there - the ends hanging every which way and I could look at them and admire the stitches and the yarn and remember the gorgeous vacation where a lot of them were knit - maybe even catch a glimpse of some magic sand. But then I had a request to finish it. You know - one of those requests you sort of absolutely can't refuse and I decided this time was as right as any.
It was hardly as bad as I thought. I seamed this baby up in a few hours while watching a super cute movie that I now have to watch everytime it's on cable (basically I've got a crush on BOTH Reese AND Mark.) Kay, aka THE MASTER, had showed me once how to do a double crochet as a seam and I never really got the hang of it so I started to scootch around on the Internets and found that actual whipstich is a viable method of seaming afghans. Who knew? So I took out my handy dandy tapestry needle and started with two squares. After about five or six attempts - different yarn colors, different loops, fuck ups - I got my game plan on! Basically I ended up picking up the two bottom loops on the cast off (hold two squares together fronts facing - there will be two loops (?) for each bound off stitch - I picked the one at the bottom - the one you have to sort of dig for - I have no other way of explaining it.)
Right Side Seam
Wrong Side Seam
Once I started it was like I couldn't stop. I used this picture as my guide so there was absolutely no fiddling with the layout. I'm fairly certain I took some time laying out the squares when I set up for the original photo shoot, so I wasn't too concerned with how they would look all together. No, I never blocked the squares. There was only one instance where things got a bit wonky and for like five minutes I was sure I didn't finish a block, it seemed so much smaller, but I cajoled it and it fit and I dare you to try and figure out which square it is. (Honestly, I don't have a clue myself.)
Here's another look at the seams:
Right Side
Wrong Side
So now I have to figure out what to do with the border. I'm probably going to take a page from MY GURU and pick up stitches on each edge and do some kind of stripe thing - like five of the light color - one ridge of the dark color - and end with the middle color. Then do solid dark color miters in the corners. Or maybe just light, medium - dark miters. Any ideas would be grand. But before I do any kind of border - I'm tackling this:
After short rows, I can weave in these babies with my eyes closed. Damn straight.
Details: Socks That Rock Heavyweight in the colors Beryl (dark), Jade (medium) and Limestone (light). US Size #5 Addi Turbos. Right now I'm on track to use 2 skeins of each color and the blanket currently measures about 32"x44". I will probably have enough for the border - depending on how deep I make it.
So no socks. Sorry to disappoint. Next month for sure. ;-)
I'm off to see the kids for Halloween. We've got a parade tonight, a school parade tomorrow and then actual candy collecting tomorrow night. Apparently my niece has a different princess costume for each event. I'm looking forward to some baby love. I'll be back on Thursday - hopefully with some cute Halloween pictures.
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR YARNIVAL ISSUE 3!
THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1!
To submit a blog post, USE THE SUBMISSION FORM. DO NOT leave your submission in the comments. DO NOT email me your submissions. SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY FORM ONLY. The deadline to submit is November 1st. The issue will appear on this blog November 15th.
Remember, ANYONE can submit, regardless of how long they've been blogging or how long they've been involved with the fiber arts. Give me your funny, your sad, your FO yearning to be seen! NOTHING is off limits. NO THING!
Don't remember what Yarnival! is?
It's this Internet thing called a Blog Carnival, which is an online compilation of very cool blog entries. Of course, Yarnival! centers around knitting and fiber pursuits and it's a new way for us to read and get to know different blogs. I, for one, seem to be stuck in my same bloglines rut. Not that I don't have excellent blogs listed on my bloglines, but there are tons of new blogs out there and I've been too lazy to seek them out. YARNIVAL will help us all! Anyone, regardless of the length of time they've been blogging or the popularity of their blog, can submit a post to Yarnival. The editor for that edition will choose which ones to include and it will be posted on a certain day of the month. You can read more about Eve's vision here.
YARNIVAL people. YARNIVAL!
PS - If you'd like to edit a future edition of Yarnival!, please contact Eve at her blog, Needle Exchange.
Posted by Cara at October 30, 2006 09:57 AM
Topics: Log Cabin
~ Yarnival!
Comments
Just curious, what size needles did you use for the Log Cabin quilt of deliciousness? (No, didn't like it much!) I've never used STR, never knit a sock, but would love to make a blanket out of it. And yes, I know, I have to try a sock at some point. Maybe this winter...
Thanks!
Posted by: Steph B. at October 30, 2006 10:10 AM
Love. It.
Who needs to see socks?? (Not that they're bad, of course, but this is so pretty, it's not like I'm missing them!)
Posted by: --Deb at October 30, 2006 10:13 AM
Hi, new reader here =) I adore that gorgeous quilt (possibly because it's done in greens which are my favorite color!) You should be very proud of it =) Can't wait to see the completed version!
Posted by: Marvie at October 30, 2006 10:13 AM
Hey. Look at you! It's gorgeous, Cara. Nice job with the seams.
Posted by: Vicki at October 30, 2006 10:18 AM
We know you can knit socks; this is more interesting. It looks like the view from an airplane.
Posted by: B. at October 30, 2006 10:20 AM
Wow, that seamed log cabin makes me think of flying over the midwest during the growing season! I love it!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at October 30, 2006 10:27 AM
That is just gorgeous. Wish I could come over for some yogurt and you could show me how you did the seaming, dammit. I'm thinking attached I-Cord might be a cute border for mine. Rolly goodness.
Posted by: JulieFrick at October 30, 2006 10:28 AM
Oh, my. That blanket has me drooling. I've been waiting for those gorgeous squares to come together and they look so, SO good! I want one!
Posted by: Sarah at October 30, 2006 10:30 AM
A thing of beauty is a joy forever! Delish! Who needs socks when you can have a blankie that'll last forever?
Posted by: Shana at October 30, 2006 10:31 AM
It looks great!! What gauge did you get using the heavyweight on size 5's? I've never seen the heavyweight in person and I'm thinking of getting some but I can't figure out what kind of "sweater gauge" it would have, I'm guessing something like 5-5.5sts/inch? Thanks!
Posted by: ivete at October 30, 2006 10:36 AM
So who needs socks?
Seriously, I am in awe. Your seams are unbelievable. I am a writhing mass of seaming-impaired envy.
Posted by: Lucia at October 30, 2006 10:48 AM
You know it's just gaw jus! And I'm thrilled that I was reading long enough to remember all the stages of progress. I figure it this way, OK, so you didn't complete a pair of socks, but, since you made an entire Log Cabin out of STR, figure how many socks you would have made out of all that yarn. I'm partial to green too, so I'm drooling all over myself here...
Posted by: Carol at October 30, 2006 10:49 AM
wow cara! i'm speechless. it's absolutely f*in' gorgeous!! the colors, the blocks, THE SEAMS! really, if you can put together a quick photo tutorial on those seams, please do! i've not seen such lovely ones in a long time.
and you may not have finished any socks, but you DID make this blanket with socks that rock yarn! close enough me thinks.
Posted by: gleek at October 30, 2006 10:50 AM
Beautiful blanket! Do not feel bad about the Soctoberfest fiasco. I too started socks. My tactical error was deciding to make husband socks for Socktoberfest! Giant, never-ending husband socks......
Posted by: Carol at October 30, 2006 10:53 AM
Cara! The blanket is absofuckinglutely wonderful! I love those seams - I think the wrong side is even prettier than the right side. You've certainly got plenty of socks so a seamed up afghan is a wonderful choice.
Posted by: Carole at October 30, 2006 10:59 AM
Good God Woman! That's an awesome seam to match an amazing blanket. I'm so glad you were inspired to seam those lovely blocks together!
Posted by: nona at October 30, 2006 11:08 AM
That is a beautiful blanket. Are you going to be in the next MDK book?? I would love that--more log cabins on glossy pages to drool over!
I think a border in a contrasting (but not too contrasting color) might be really cool. A darker shade of green or brown would make it look framed.
Posted by: Laura at October 30, 2006 11:16 AM
Beautiful, beautiful blanket...
Posted by: melissa at October 30, 2006 11:37 AM
That blanket is stunning! Mmm, to be ensconced in Socks that Rock.
Posted by: kelp! at October 30, 2006 11:37 AM
Wow that is just beautiful! Can't wait to see what you do with the border.
Posted by: Jessica at October 30, 2006 11:42 AM
The log cab is super. I was 'oohing' as soon as the pic came up.
Posted by: Gillian at October 30, 2006 11:45 AM
I knew you seam it up eventually. It looks really nice! You did a great job on the seams. I don't have the foggiest idea how one seams garter stitch.
Posted by: Karen at October 30, 2006 11:51 AM
Wonderful in both conception and execution. See, who needs socks when you are cranking out lovelies like this and short-row?
Posted by: michelle at October 30, 2006 11:53 AM
Good God that is one gorgeous blankie. LOOOOVVVVE it. I've been dreaming of doing my own ever since I followed your creation this summer. Now I'm all the more inspired. It is unbelievably beautiful.
Posted by: earthchick at October 30, 2006 12:00 PM
It's beautiful and breathtaking. Even in green I love it! We can't always be about socks.
Posted by: margene at October 30, 2006 12:09 PM
No disappointment at all... you didn't need to finish your socks!
The LC blanket is stunning, C. and so are the photos ;)
Posted by: Lolly at October 30, 2006 12:11 PM
I love that blanket! It must be so soft and luxurious to cuddle up to something made out of such great yarn! Although I think I would have poked my eyes out with a darning needle halfway through all the seaming. And then again halfway through darning in all those ends.
Posted by: Adam at October 30, 2006 12:20 PM
it's really goregous cara!!
Posted by: Kathleen at October 30, 2006 12:39 PM
you know that I have the big, big love for this. It looks amazing!!
Posted by: Melanie at October 30, 2006 12:46 PM
Wow, the blanket is just gorgeous and so yummy to cozy up underneath!
Posted by: keri at October 30, 2006 12:50 PM
WOW! those are beautiful seams!
very impressive!
but it doesn't look like you used a whipstitch... did you end up doing a mattress stitch instead? am i just a little blind? :)
no matter, it is fantabulous.
Posted by: Lyssa at October 30, 2006 12:51 PM
Its beautiful!
Posted by: yvette at October 30, 2006 12:56 PM
holy crap!
Posted by: yahaira at October 30, 2006 01:04 PM
Screw socks! The blanket is AWESOME.
Posted by: Cookie at October 30, 2006 01:14 PM
It looks amazing! Good on ya for finishing it!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits at October 30, 2006 01:20 PM
those seams are beautiful! you should be so proud! the blanket is gorgeous. just gorgeous.
Posted by: kris at October 30, 2006 01:56 PM
You used sock yarn and it can cover your feet, I think it should count for Socktoberfest (never mind the un-woven-in ends and border)! Those seams are beautiful.
Posted by: Jess at October 30, 2006 02:05 PM
You know, I was wondering how that was coming along. It looks gorgeous! So SO beautiful! I am so happy to see it finally.
And you did an amazing job seaming it. Wow!
Posted by: Maritza at October 30, 2006 02:06 PM
That has to be the loveliest log cabin I've ever seen! And your seaming is spectacular :)
Posted by: jillian at October 30, 2006 02:25 PM
Oooo! Pretty green log cabin! Hey... this is *soctoberfest*... I think anything made with sock yarn should count too!
Posted by: Andrea at October 30, 2006 03:36 PM
gorgeous cara!!
Posted by: margaux at October 30, 2006 04:03 PM
At last! The Log Cabin. Wow, that's gorgeous and those seams! What's the sewing equivalent of eating off the floor? Because those are pristine. Just beautiful.
The stripes for the border sounds like it would look great and be a lot easier than that checkerboard on the one on Kay's blog that now
I want to knit for my LC border. You know, when I finish it when I'm 110.
Posted by: Carrie K at October 30, 2006 04:04 PM
OMG! I am SO ripping out my Holly Hobby log cabin work-in-progress..yours is incredible.
Posted by: flair at October 30, 2006 05:00 PM
That's a gorgeous blanket.
Posted by: Nicole at October 30, 2006 05:40 PM
Beauteous log cabin! Forget the socks for now!
Posted by: Lori in Michigan at October 30, 2006 06:25 PM
I'm in awe of your impeccable seaming! And the blankie as a whole, of course. Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Nonnahs at October 30, 2006 06:48 PM
Beautiful blanket!
Posted by: Alison at October 30, 2006 07:27 PM
You do SUCH incredibly good work. You'd never know it by meeting you, but....
Heeeeeeeee. I'm outta here before you deck me. mwah!
PS: I LOVE the blankie. LOVE.
Posted by: Norma at October 30, 2006 07:52 PM
Beautiful! And very nice seams too!
Posted by: Ellen at October 30, 2006 07:53 PM
That is really pretty. I love the greens you used. I can't wait to see it with it's border. Those seams are breath taking.
Posted by: Danielle at October 30, 2006 08:11 PM
Wow! Your blanket is beautiful. The colours work so well together and your stitches and seeming look perfect. Good job!!
Posted by: Jen at October 30, 2006 08:20 PM
Beautiful beautiful beautiful! I'm so impressed by the seaming - because that is something I HATE to do. :-)
Posted by: Angelia at October 30, 2006 08:53 PM
It looks absolutely fabulous! I feel a strong urge to make me one of those now.
Posted by: Schrodinger at October 30, 2006 08:58 PM
The Guru spake: Rock on, Grasshopper!
xoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay at October 30, 2006 09:10 PM
What wrong side? Beautiful work, beautiful greens, beautiful layout: gorgeous blanket, Cara. The socks can wait (we'll still be here when they're ready.)
Posted by: Kelly at October 30, 2006 09:24 PM
That blanket is pretty enough to make up for no socks. I'm going to go ogle it some more after I click "post."
Posted by: Stephanie at October 30, 2006 10:28 PM
ooh, just gorgeous!! And what fantastic seams!! Are the ends from the original log cabin-ing, or just from the sewing up of the blocks? Or both?? Just wondering ...
Posted by: k at October 30, 2006 11:17 PM
ps Yes, please, show us how you did those amazing seams!!
Posted by: kathy in juneau at October 30, 2006 11:22 PM
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww. That is beautiful.
Posted by: elizabeth at October 31, 2006 12:49 AM
YAY!! Its about time. I've been sitting on my hands. Trying not to harass you lest you send the knitting blogging police after me to tell me to leave you alone. I've been stalking the blog to see if there were signs of Log Cabin Life. But no. There hadn't been. Until now.
YAY.
*goes off to admire it all again*
Posted by: Morgan at October 31, 2006 01:01 AM
Wow. It is SO beautiful. Beautiful seaming too.
Posted by: terhi at October 31, 2006 08:33 AM
Fabulous!
Posted by: Monica at October 31, 2006 09:50 AM
I watched the same movie, but was not nearly as productive!! Great work, that's amazing.
Posted by: BethC at October 31, 2006 12:57 PM
What a gorgeous afghan! I absolutely love the colors you used for it! And the seaming looks so neat. Have fun weaving in those ends!
Posted by: turtlegirl76 at October 31, 2006 01:02 PM
I love that movie. Hubby thinks Reese looks like a monkey so I watch any Reese movie on TV just to torture him.
The blanket is awesome. Fabulous. Kick ass. You did a great job and I can't wait to see the border!
Posted by: amanda at October 31, 2006 01:24 PM
Wow. Your seams are immaculate...gorgeous. But the photos from your vacation are what really grabbed me. I've been longing to go to a warm island with blue, blue water. This may be it...sigh. And winter's not even here yet.
Posted by: Hannah at October 31, 2006 01:46 PM
I too have been waiting to see the finished LC - my favorite previous post of it was the one with the blocks hanging from the beach umbrella like signal flags. It's just fab.u.lous!!!
Posted by: Robin at October 31, 2006 01:58 PM
BEAUTIFUL.
The seaming is really lovely.
Well done!
Posted by: Corbett at October 31, 2006 02:00 PM
Wow. Just, wow. That is a thing of beauty. The knitting was spectacular on its own, but those SEAMS! How did you get such lovely even seams? The back side of that blanket is going to look just as fantastic as the front once you're done weaving in all the ends. :)
Posted by: Julie at October 31, 2006 02:42 PM
Honey,
That blanket is beautiful. Man it's gorgeous.
Posted by: nik at October 31, 2006 06:35 PM
OMG.....that blanket is stunning! Even my 12 yr old daughter was in awe (and that's no small feat..LOL).
Did you make up the pattern or is their one for that blanket? Love it, love it, LOVE it!
Posted by: Kim at November 1, 2006 07:53 AM
What a beautiful blanket!
Is there a way to weave in the ends of this blanket so that they don't show? Or will they always show on one side?
Posted by: Dorothee at November 1, 2006 09:04 AM
I'm so glad to see the log cabin again! It looks great! Good luck with all of those ends.
Posted by: Kirsten at November 1, 2006 12:22 PM
Cara, the log cabin looks fantastic. Good for you for throwing off the socks!
By the way, I think I'm finally giving in to the lemming-like rush for knee-highs. I found some gorgeous koigu on sale this weekend. It's all over. Sigh. At least I have an excuse to buy some tall boots.
xox, J
Posted by: Julia at November 1, 2006 01:59 PM
Those seams are a thing of wonder! Your log cabin is beautiful!
Posted by: Amber at November 1, 2006 02:52 PM
Ahhhhhh, dear me, what a beayooooootiful blanket. Just amazing. The ULTIMATE. A TREASURE!
Posted by: Ann at November 1, 2006 03:31 PM
I've been missing for a while again. I hate when that happens. I have so much to catch up on. But, for now, I must say the log cabin in freakin gorgeous. GORGEOUS!
And Just Like Heaven? Totally cute movie. And Mark Ruffalo is adorable. And the majority of it was filmed just blocks from my old apartment. It was fun watching it and seeing all these buildings I walked by every day.
Posted by: Stacey at November 2, 2006 01:18 AM
Love the log cabin!! The colors are fabulous and the texture is cuddle-able.
Am I reading correctly that you are hosting Yarnival #3?? (it is not perfectly clear...)
Posted by: Debra Roby at November 2, 2006 12:00 PM
Could you (please) send me the url or google search terms for the whip stitch seam. Must. print. the. instructions.
Posted by: PainterWoman at November 5, 2006 04:19 PM