The language of knitting
Restoring the balance, My latest pattern, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.
I haven’t written to you my usual full-fledged newsletter with essay for the past week, and I’ve been missing it dearly.
My designing time is typically divided between actual knitting and working on my computer. I enjoy both in equal measure. But over the past few weeks, I’ve felt the balance shift. I’ve been spending a lot more time on the computer and really, really missing the knitting. And when I sit down to write my letter later in the week, the words don’t flow either.
The truth is, loads of time with devices leaves me wanting and depleted. Even though a significant part of designing gets done at the computer, it doesn’t fill me up the way knitting does. I used to work in tech and still thoroughly enjoy some aspects of it, but still..
Would opening a “New Document” ever bring the same excitement as opening and holding new yarn?
Sure, there is beauty in the math of knitting. But rows of an Excel sheet don’t display that beauty in the same way as rows of beautifully speckled yarn. Do they?
A simple “undo” is enough to correct a mistake on the screen. But my knitting makes me pause and think about a mistake. Even better, it teaches me to accept it graciously and live with it.
Knitting is the language of choice we speak here. Because knitting has the power to flow gently and give life to my ideas that otherwise remain abstract on the screen.
Things have been a bit busy on the personal front as well, leaving less time for long stretches of knitting. My first one graduated high school last week. I was watching the ceremony, wondering where all the years had gone. Didn’t we bring her home all swaddled up just a week ago?
I stood there clutching my bag, with my knitting safely tucked inside. Perhaps I will be able to comprehend it all someday, in the language of knitting. ♥️
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My Latest Pattern : Chalana Socks
I wanted to talk about my latest design release as well. This one started as an idea last year in December, took the backseat for a while and was finally released on Jun 5th, last Thursday.
“Chalana Socks pattern comes in 4 sizes instead of the usual 3 and have a non-open simple lace pattern with an extra long 2x2 rib 3” tall cuff.”
I borrowed this description from one of my testers Naimisha, (@naimiknits on Instagram) because I couldn’t have said it better myself. 😊 Thank you, Naimisha!
I love the look of a tall cuff and it also means quite a bit of mindless knitting which I love. Of course, you can knit it small if you like.
Not just the cuff, ideally all parts of the sock like the toe, heel, foot and leg should be adjustable because we have very different shapes and sizes of feet. I’ve provided notes throughout the pattern for all of them.
But the main feature of this sock is probably the shadow wrap short row heel with mini gusset. Short rows heels are symmetrical and give the sock a very polished look. It works better to avoid the holes that form at the joint of the heel and foot.
Can you spot the mini gusset in the picture above? It is that little piece of triangle above between the heel and foot. I’ve given options to knit the short row heel with or without the mini gusset.
But if you feel that short row heels might be shallow, try knitting it with a mini gusset. It is totally worth it. You can get some more details on the pattern page as well.
Of course, if you are convinced short row heels are not for you, you could simply swap it out with a traditional heel flap and gusset.
What adjustments do you usually make in a sock? Let me know in the comments below. ♥️
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
Chalana Socks is currently available on Ravelry and Payhip for download. You should have received your coupon code in your inbox.
Yarn used in my sample: I have used Anne Vally’s lovely Little Skein Targhee Sock for my sample. Anne had gifted this to me a few years ago. She still carries this base but in fresh color ways.
Shuffle Scarf and Brin Cowl are currently being tested, thanks to some very talented testers.
I’ve received some fingering weight yarn from 29 Bridges Studio for a new project that I cannot talk about yet, but isn’t this yarn so pretty?
I haven’t made much progress in the crochet top I was working for my daughter. But I’ve finished the yoke, checked fit and joined the round to continue working the body.
5. Some moments from last week, when we were working on Mika Vest at Fillory Yarn.
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
READING UPDATES
Finished Reading 📖
Nightshade - Michael Connelly
Currently Reading 📖
Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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Clever to add the mini gusset.
I prefer a heel flap and gusset...