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I made this cloth in July, but I was not able to post about it before until my Virtual Vacation swappee, Ari, received her package - which she got at the end of August, but then I forgot to post about the cloth... 
Pattern: Maine State Cloth
Yarn: Sugar'n Cream, Dark Pine
Needles: Straight needles #7US
The very first time I saw one of those Origami Hotpads (I didn't know how it was called back then), it was at my MIL's few months ago. She has one in her kitchen, and I remember spending some time trying to figure out how it was stitched. I couldn't...
Only a while ago, and searching the Internet for something else, I came across instructions for a Hotpad just like my MIL's. 
I was so thrilled that I couln't wait to cast on - or should I say chain on for crochet? 
- and make one of those Origami Hotpads right away. 
This project is really fantastic and quick to work on (I make one in two hours) and those hotpads make great little presents! 
I made them for my swapees - although I kept one of the blues is for moi... It is perfect for handling my keetle when I make my tea.
I like to use varigated worsted cotton. I used Sugar'n Cream and Bernat Handicrafter for the hotpads on the photo here below. And it akes a whole skein of cotton to make a hotpad.
I got the pattern really well memorized after a while, and I dared a little variation, an Crocheted Origami Bean Bag that I made using the same yarn that I used for my Seamless Bean Bag (free pattern in the left side bar here, under "free designs").
My family is very fond of Bean Bags. 
Kids use them for playing, and Mister Tricotine and I like to rest our elbow or/and wrist on one when we are at the computer. Besides, warm up few seconds in the microwave, they make great warm pads and pocket warmers in winter. Ones never got too much Bean Bags, right? 
Insects reproducing. I had never seen that before! 
More Wordless Wednesday...
No knitting at all this past weekend. I was just not in the mood...
Except for Soccer practice in the morning, Saturday was a stay-at-home day, kids played in the yard and I baked some bread.
[Click on photos to enlarge]
As often in New England, Sunday's weather was completely different; sunny and warm. So, we decided to take advantage of it, and to celebrate Fall by visiting the Corn Maize and the Pumpkin Farm. Because we never know how many other warm weekend days there will be in October...
[Click on photos to enlarge]
... and me, in front of the camera for a change. 
HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYONE!
I am making that pair of socks for my Monkey Sock Swap partner. It is the first time I get to work with measurements only, and it is kind of challenging. Fortunately, my swapee's size foot is not too different than mine, and I hope I am doing fine... I also hope she will like the yarn. 
So far, I ripped off twice. In order to be more accurate on the size of the sock, I tried to get a smaller gauge than instructed in the pattern and to increased the number of cast-on stitches up to 80 stitches (one set of design), but it did not work well. Working the lacy pattern was increasing the top of the sock's number of stitches every other round (as shown on the B&W photo here below) and decreasing accordingly would have changed the design...
** NB: This would probably have worked if I had added two sets of design, and used something like size 0US needles. Maybe... I might try this later just to make sure.
[Click on photos to enlarge]
Anyway. I have decided to stop "monkeying" and to keep it simple - following the steps of those who know best (Cookie A. the Designer of the sock), because time is flying and I need to sent the socks in the mail soon; so I have just switched to one size up needles (as I usually do) and followed the instructions to the letter; and my sock knits up nicely now. 
I have been dealing with a self-spirited yarn lately; lovely but undisciplined and inconsistent when it comes to display its summery colors.
Maybe it just does not like the Jaywalker... 
The first time I cast on, I was thrilled by the swirling effect of the yarn. It was the prefect emphasize to that sock's Chevron pattern.
Unfortunately, I had to ripp off because the cuff was too tight, and I re-cast on a superior number of stitches -- one additional set of Chevrons. As a result, the sock now fits my ankle but the lovely swirling effect is gone, and I don't like that ecclectic display of colors so much...
I guess I am going to have to ripp off a second time, but I wonder if I am going to give a third try to that Jaywalker... The texture is too stiffy, and I like my socks to be ribby and stretchy.
I guess, we'll see...
That was my 26th pair of socks, and I made them for Mister Tricotine. I am pleased to say that the different dye lot I used to finish sock #2 does not show obviously. I can barely see it myself!
[Click on photos to enlarge]
Pattern: Gentleman Socks
Yarn: Treeking Pro Natura 1601
Needles: 2 circulars #2US
Autumn is my favorite season of the year in Maine, to enjoy the outdoors. The weather is cooler, trees turn orange, tourists are all gone and there are no more mosquitoes!
For my 2nd Weekend Snapshots, I chose a peaceful picture, a family walk in a quiet little town on a Sunday afternoon ; father and son, hand in hand.
HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!
