Gentleman's Socks for a Gentleman I & II (double post)

One of last year's good knitting resolutions was to knit my Christmas gifts earlier this year, to avoid unnecessary last-minute stress.... This year, I only knitted one single gift, and it was ready (blocked and dry) just a few hours before Christmas Eve....I have to rethink the Christmas knitted gift planning.....

Pattern: Gentleman's Fancy Socks by Nancy Bush ( from "Knitting Vintage Socks")

Yarn: Fleece Artist, Trail Socks (Grey)

Don't you think my ribbing looks much more better than before?

Size: European 44.5/Men US 10.5

Needles: Addi Turbo Circular, 80 cm, 2.5 mm.

Mods: As I hadn't my copy of "Knitting Vintage Socks" at the moment I began these, I simply casted-on 72 sts, worked 20 rows of ribbing, then alternated 10 rows of P2, K2, with 10 rows of K2, P2. No decreases for the leg, a longer heel flap and that's it!

About the Pattern: This pattern is wonderful to knit! Very easy, but not boring at all even if you knit very big socks. It's also very stretchy and is a perfect gift when you are not sure about the size of the recipient. It's also unisex (I'm planning to knit some for me). It's my new favorite go-to sock pattern! Actually, it's such a nice pattern that I immediately casted-on for another pair.

The followings are my January Socks:

Yarn: Regia Design Line by Erika Knight, (06453)

Size, Needles, Mods: Same as for the first time. Just added one more pattern repeat on the leg part.

About the Yarn: Well, I must admit I'm pretty impressed with Regia sock yarn. It knits up nicely and easily, softens a lot after the first wash (machine washed! yay!). It seems very durable too because Regia Sock Yarns are guaranteed 10 years!!! Now, I'm not a big fan of multi colorways, and this pattern wasn't probably the best choice for this yarn. Fortunately, my Dad doesn't seem to care about that, and is just happy that I knitted something for him. I already bought yarn for the next pairs of socks. It's Regia again, but in solid manly colors. I hope he'll like them!

PS: These socks were casted-on a few days before 2012, but as I finished them in January, I guess it counts as the first 2012 pair of socks.

Washing Machine

The other day, for the very first time of my knitter's life, I dared to wash my hand knits in the washing machine...
I was very nervous during the process, watching my machine menacingly, but at the end, surprisingly, my knits came out perfectly fine.

Honestly, it changes a life!

Note to self: From today, buy machine washable yarns exclusively if possible, but no superwash yarns (you can't trust them)
Fleece Artist, Lorna's Laces, Holst Garn, Regia..... I love you all!

Before, I used to handwash all my knits (even store bought sweaters) with Eucalan. Now that I know my washing machine is trustworthy, I'll hand wash only very very delicate fibers and/or lace, but let my new assistant do the main work!
And you dear Readers, how do you take care of your handknits? Do you prefer machine washable or superwash yarn and shop accordingly?

New Year Resolutions

I know it's late, but I needed time to think about it and look back at 2011.

2011, it was:

1. Personal Sock Club: One pair of adult socks each month. done!
2.  Give a try to steeks. Failed! I'm still not ready to cut into my knitting....
3. Don't buy black and/or mohair yarn. Failed! Black alpaca (special request I couldn't refuse) and black merino (for my love, so it doesn't count)
4. Knit my Christmas Gifts earlier. Failed! and I was almost late for the only gift I knitted this year...
5. Knit only patterns/yarns that makes me happy, because, frankly, life is too short to knit patterns/yarn you don't enjoy. I really enjoyed my knitting time in 2011 so... done!

2 out of 5.... Not very impressive isnt'it? :s
This year, as my knitting time is reduced, I need my good resolutions to be a little easier: ;)

2012:

1. Personal Sock Club II. Not necessarily adult socks. (Want to join? Fridrica? Anyone else?)
2. Knit more socks for my father. 
3. Buy more Holst Garn, because frankly, these yarns are amazing!
4. Knit more sweaters (that fit, if possible)
5. Begin my Christmas Gift earlier and try to knit more than only one. (ahem)

I'll do my best... Happy knitting year everyone! :)