Mike

I will be starting up school again in  a couple of weeks, and I wanted to make myself something special to bring with me to the classroom. This knitted pencil-case seemed perfect for me and I thought it was adorable. This was a bonus pattern included in the Simply Knitting July 2012 issue. I had to learn a few new techniques to complete this project. I used interfacing, sewed in a zipper and put in lining, all for the first time! This project turned out to be more time-consuming then I orginally thought, but in the end it turned out great!

Mike - The Doggy Pencil Case:
Yarn: Patons Canadiana in Brown
Needle Size: Size 7 (4.5mm)
Pattern Source: Simply Knitting July 2012

I've also started knitting my 12th pair of socks in my Sock Knitting Master Class Challenge. It is the Terpander pattern, and I am knitting it in Brown. So far they are turning out really nice. 

Happy Knitting

Mr Ziggy

After completing Jason's Ribbed Socks, I had some leftover yarn, and since I love the colors and the look of these socks, what would be better then knitting a sock monkey with it? So now the boyfriend has a monkey friend to match his socks. I decided to call him Mr Ziggy, and I find him absolutely adorable!

Mr Ziggy:

Yarn:  Patons Kroy Socks Ragg Shades in Grey Brown Marl

Needle Size: US Size 3 (3.25mm) DPNs

Pattern Source:  A New Sock Monkey from the book Itty-Bitty Toys

I did not follow the pattern for the hair, and instead made him a mohawk, which seemed more suitable for his personality. This was a great, quick knit, which yielded great results. You can really customize the monkey, and give it some personality.

Another pair of Socks

I found this great yarn at Micheals, and my boyfriend absolutely loved it, but it needed a simple pattern that would not be overwhelmed by the color-changes in the yarn. I found a pattern for a simple pair of Ribbed Socks. I increased the needle size to make them slightly larger so that they would fit a man's foot. It worked great, and the socks look amazing.

Jason's Ribbed Socks:

Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Ragg Shades in Grey Brown Marl

Needle Size: Size 3 (3.25mm) DPNs

Pattern Source: Knit Simple Magazine, Fall 2010

I think this project turned into a great harmony between pattern and yarn.

Sock 11

The next project from my Sock Knitting Master Class Challenge is the Mock Cables and Lace. These were a simple top-down design with lace. I enjoyed knitting them, and the pattern turned out beautifully. I made these large enough for my boyfriend to wear and they fit him perfectly. 

For the Boyfriend:

Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX in Copper Colors

Needle Size: Size 2 (2.75mm) DPNs

Pattern Source: Sock Knitting Master Class

 A close-up of the lace pattern

I really enjoyed knitting these socks, I would recommend this pattern to anyone who wants a simple pattern that creates beautiful results.