Category: Uncategorized

Sock experiment #2

On By CarynIn Uncategorized

Previously I tried making a pair of spiral socks, where the spiral rib fits the heel without having to make a gusset or turn a heel when knitting. This kind of sock also is independent of foot length, making it a great choice when shoe size is unknown, or you are dealing with growing feet. It worked, so I started a second pair. About half way through the second pair, we discovered that the first pair didn’t stay up very well. The spiral fit the heel, no matter how the socks were put on, but tended to slide down the foot. I have to admit that I lost interest in the project for a while. Eventually I came back to it and decided to just finish off the sock in stockinette stitch and do an even decrease to make a round toe.

Photo description: blue and yellow socks with a spiral rib ankle and heel and stockinette ball of foot to the toe, ends not woven in

I wove in the ends and had my youngest try them on.

Photo description: socks on feet with a good fit, ends woven in

The socks look strange, but fit well. I feel they will have the same issue sliding down the foot without some modification. For the next pair, I plan to make the ankle a standard rib, use the spiral rib for the heel, a rib across the arch, and a stockinette toe with round finish. The goal is to have a sock that can be put on easily without having to align a heel, but still stays in place.

Throwback Thursday: rocks

On By CarynIn art, Craft, Uncategorized

In April 2017 our rock painting hobby started. I read about “Kindness Rocks” a national movement to leave messages of hope and art for people to find and keep, if they wanted, or hide for someone else to find. The movement has since gone global, and although our painting isn’t as frequent now, we still do paint and hide and I still find other’s painted rocks around town.

Photo description: nine painted rocks with art or inspirational sayings painted in acrylics

Since the start I have learned that sealing the rocks with a clear coat of UV protectant helps them last a little longer outside. The thicker the coat of paint, the more likely it is to crack and peel with the freeze thaw cycles. The rocks that keep their messages the longest have only the message or drawing, not an undercoat.

Photo description: rocks in my garden that have weathered several winters, many have lost their message because the undercoat flaked away

Pitch pipe magnet find

On By CarynIn Life Hack, music, Uncategorized

In Barbershop singing, the initial pitch (note) is played on a small instrument called a pitch pipe. When performing, if the pitch piper doesn’t have pockets in their costume, the quandary of where to put the pipe after playing the pitch is a problem. Some pitch pipes are made of metal, so a concealed magnet under the clothing can hold onto the instrument, usually placed near the small of the back. Other pitch pipes have a plastic case, which, of course, is not magnetic. I discovered that a magnetic phone ring made for magsafe phones, is the perfect size for the Tombo pitch pipe as well.

Photo description: magnetic ring holder intended for a magsafe phones, but with the included metal sticker placed on the face of a Tombo pitch pipe
Photo description: two Tombo E pitch pipes, the one on the left is original, the one on the right has a magnetic adhesive ring attached

The adhesive ring included in the package fits the face of the pipe perfectly. It still allows the label to be seen and doesn’t interfere with the blow holes.

To use, I am going to try attaching the main magnet to a belt that I will wear under my costume.

Photo description: magnetic ring holder clipped onto an elastic no-show belt

I thought I counted

On By CarynIn Craft, Uncategorized

I finished nålbinding handles onto my loop-and-twist linen string bag.

Photo description: loop-and-twist bag made from twined flax and finished with nålbound handles

I thought I followed the pull strings that I installed originally, which split the top loops evenly. Hm. No. Not sure what happened, but the second handle had many more loops than the first.

Photo description: side view of the same bag showing the uneven split

The handles didn’t really work out like what was in my head either. The two handles work better as one handle, with access to contents from the sides. I actually think this would be lovely to hold my onions and garlic in the pantry. So while it didn’t fit my original vision, it still will have a use.

Note to my future self: a loose row of nålbinding as a top band, then two arced handles on the sides might work, like a tote bag.

Dorie the sheep

On By CarynIn Craft, Uncategorized

When I forgot to bring my spindle on my trip, I also left behind my fiber, which gave me an excuse to visit a local weaving shop and get more fiber. I was pleasantly surprised that the Woven Art Yarn Shop in East Lansing had some natural colored roving options, and picked a bag of Romney combed top from Dorie the sheep, who is apparently “an independent soul”, according to the label.

Photo description: Bag of Romney combed top fiber from Cross Wind Farms with a single spun on a stick with the bark still on and a cup hook screwed to the top

I love Romney wool, it spins up easily and is soft. Since I spun with a finger twirled stick, I made a thicker single because it needs less twist to hold together.