The Petals Collection Knitalong

Dahlia Yarn

2008-03-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone still comes to this site but if you do, I wanted to post my socks knit from the Dahlia shipment:

I love this colorway! The pattern is the toe-up Double Eyelet Rib Socks. If you'd like to see more pics or get more info, you can find it here. Thanks! Tiennie

finally a pair

2008-01-30T05:22:00.001-08:00

Activity here seems to have dropped off a lot. I'm still working on knitting up the Petals colors and patterns and finally finished the Dahlias this past week. Having such a backlog of sock yarns and patterns, I decided not to participate in Sundara's newest sock club. I miss getting those beautiful packages in the mail, but I can console myself knowing that I still have a *lot* of knitting ahead of me to finish the Petals Collection. :)

This is a very pretty pattern and I think it *does* show up to better advantage in the semi-solid colors as Peaknits showed when she knitted it in the Grape Hyacinth color.

If you'd like a preview . . .

2007-11-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

. . . I've posted a photo of the new Petals yarn on my blog. I'm very happy with it--now if I could just finish up the Poppies, I'd be all set!

Last Petals Collection installment arrived today...

2007-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

The color is gorgeous even if it's not one I would ever choose for myself. I love the pattern—I'll have to exercise some restraint so I don't start this pair of socks. (Chant to self: must finish Christmas presents first!) I'll try and post pictures on my own blog later today.

Thank you, Sundara, for all the wonderful colors and great patterns. I'm very sad to see this club end!

Finished - dahlia in grape hyacinth

2007-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

I decided to mix things up a bit and used a different pattern than the yarn inspired - I really like the end product. The pattern, with all of it's twisted stitches really shows definition in a semi-solid colorway - love it!

I wrote more about my socks over at my blog! Is anyone else crying in their beer that the last installment is on the way? This was the best sock club ever.

Poppy Socks

2007-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I finished these Poppy Socks a couple of weeks ago but didn't want to post them here for fear of spoiling the surprise for any of you. I think it's safe to post now:

I love this color! If you'd like more info or see more pictures, you can find it here. Thanks! Tiennie

Just received the new kit. . . .

2007-09-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

. . . and I love both the yarn and the pattern. I've posted a photo (behind a spoiler screen) of the yarn on my blog, check it out if you can't wait for yours to arrive.

well-intentioned

2007-07-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

I began the summer with the best intentions to get caught up on my kits, especially when the latest one arrived on my first morning of summer break. Once I had corrected the mistake made earlier in the knitting, I put the Dahlia down in order to work on some other projects. By last night, I'd only gotten to five repeats of the rounds 3-8 pattern. :/ I know exactly where to lay the blame and it's squarely on myself. I can't seem to stop myself from starting yet another project, so the starting and the finishing of things seem never to balance.

My favorite sockss

2007-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody,

This is Rhonda the Stitchingnut joining you.

I finished my Bird of Paradise socks back in March but have now just got put on the KAL so I can post.

This yarn not only looks great, but feels great. I love, love, love it! I'm convinced I need to knit more but first, I think I'll wear this pair often.

Stop by and visit any time ... now I need to finish my next pair, but first I've got to get them started, LOL.

So much knitting to do ...

several inches forward, most of those inches back...

2007-07-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was knitting along on Dahlia last night when it occurred to me that my sock wasn't looking much like Kristy's or the sock in the photo on the pattern. I had made my working photocopy right when the kit arrived and clipped the pages together. I forgot to review the pattern before I began knitting the sock recently, a mistake that caused me to keep repeating rounds 1-7 when page 3 of the pattern clearly states "Rounds 3-8 form the pattern". I plead temporary insanity and overly zealous clipping together of patterns and have ripped back to my first round7. And now, to knit that elusive round 8. :)

Shamed into action ;o)

2007-06-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

I received the latest installment of the Petal's collection -- yum! The arrival of this new yarn gave me the kick I needed to finish up the Lenten Rose socks (I know 6 months to finish a pair of socks has to be some kind of record!) So here they are... better late than never...

the postman rang twice

2007-06-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I work in a public school and classes ended yesterday. Let the knitting games begin! I had begun the Dahlia socks, but with end-of-year work piling up, I've barely made a dent in the knitting. Then, this morning, the new package arrived with another gorgeous yarn and pattern. I won't spoil the surprise for anyone, but, Sundara, I love the semi-solid! With a couple of months of summer vacation, I hope to get caught up on my kits. :)

"Lenten Rose" - Lilacs pattern

2007-05-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

I finally finished a pair of socks in the "Lilacs" pattern by Jeanie Townsend, using Sundara's beautiful Lenten Rose color. The yarn was such a delight to work with, soft yet substantial, and it made this pretty pattern look even nicer than I expected.

I used size 0 needles for the body of the sock, and used size 000 (!) for the sole, for a firmer fabric. I'm a loose knitter, and using size 000 needles does get a bit tedious... But I use the two circular needles method, and I haven't found anyone who makes size 00 in a 24-inch circular yet.

a Lenten Rose in May

2007-05-22T11:38:00.002-07:00

At long last, I have a picture to post. It's taken me a long time to get underway, but I've truly enjoyed knitting this sock. Its mate is currently on needles, and I'm sailing along with it. The pattern is a pleasure to knit and the yarn is absolutely gorgeous-feeling in my hands.

One Dahlia Sock

2007-05-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

I completed my first Dahlia Sock!

It was a fun knit, and I love the color!

You can see another picture and notes on this post.

Happy Knitting!
Kristy

omg - wait til you see this swag!

2007-05-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

I got my April sock kit today - Sundara has totally outdone herself in my opinion. I do not want to be a spoiler so I won't show a thing here and I will wait to put it on my blog til at least tomorrow:) Lovely, I am telling you!

Here are my Bird of Paradise socks - I enjoyed the yarn so much and the pattern was a nice relaxing one. Seems I finished them just in the nick of time. I cast on some Pomatomus on Monday in another yarn and I could kick myself. I may need to get myself some extra #2 dpns to get started on what Sundara has in store!

simply lovely lace socks

2007-04-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Petals participants! I've finished a couple pairs of socks from the 2nd installment - Bird of Paradise.
These are the Simply Lovely Lace Socks by Karen Baumer from Interweave Knits Spring 2006. My daughters really loved this colorway and I was happy to be able to knit 2 pairs of socks from one skein and even have around 13 grams leftover. If you'd like more info or see more pictures, you can follow me here. Thanks! Tiennie

My Lenten Rose Retro Rib Socks

2007-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I've been so enjoying all your fabulous socks and am excited to finally post my first pair here:
These are the Retro Rib Socks that I knitted for my hubby using the Lenten Rose yarn. Love this yarn and can't wait for tomorrow to cast on with the BoP yarn. More info and pics can be found here. Thanks for stopping by! Tiennie

A Completed Pair

2007-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

My first installment of the Petals Collection, Lenten Rose, is ready to wear. I followed the pattern as written using size 1 DPN's. I like the neutrality of the grays so I will be wearing these a lot come fall.

Did I think that I missed the cut off for the next go of the Petals Collection? If so, what folly! I belong to another sock club but this yarn has become a favorite already. The Bird of Paradise will be wound into a tight ball this week and get tucked into carry on luggage to wing its way to Maui late May.

Patti

www.pischilein.typepad.com

Bird of Paradise Completed!!

2007-03-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

I finished my Bird Of Paradise Socks! Yippee!!
These were knit on size 2 dpns using Craftoholic's Orchid Pattern
Thanks for everyone's lovely comments about them as I progressed! Now I am on to my Socks That Rock Club Socks.....(I have since also joined 2 other sock clubs.......all of which deliver at the same time.....so my mailbox will be full at the end of April!) Happy Knitting everyone!
:) Diana http://photodee.com/blog

Calling all Birds of Paradise!

2007-03-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Where is everyone? I'll show my Bird of Paradise socks here, since I can't believe no one else has, yet. I loved the pattern, and more close-up photos are on my blog.

Love,
Amy (Eyeknit)

My Lenten Rose interpretation

2007-03-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

I chose the Pembrokeshire Pathways pattern as I see another club member did...great minds think alike! I loved this pattern, the darling little cable-ettes were super simple when using the cabling without a cable needle method demonstrated nicely by Grumperina. I think I would make a second pair - and usually when I am finished with a pair of socks that's it. The bleachy streak is actually the sun shining accross my socks - the sun, in Wisconsin!

I have started the slipped stitch ribbed pattern with the Bird of Paradise, I love the yarn and the pattern is keeping me interested as well so far. I was so happy to see Sundara is going on for another round - whew, she is a magician!

My Bird Of Paradise So Far

2007-03-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that Sundara has decided to continue The Petals Collection!! I am definitely still in...are you?
I just wanted to share a pic of my latest sock so far. I decided to go with Craftoholic's Orchid Sock Pattern I am very pleased so far. I am up to my heel and trying to decide what type to do. I have never been able to figure out the wrapping involved in a short row heel....even after studying lots of tutorials...and I never have the nerve to try it on a sock that I have worked hard on. Any tips or suggestions? Here's a pic of my sock:

Paradise Found!

2007-03-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

After several horrid starts I have found the perfect pattern for the Bird of Paradise Yarn.

The color repeats are working absolutely perfectly. If you look closely you can see that the crossed over slipped stitches maintain the same color across the row. These rows are also repeating in the same order. I think it is perfect. Details here.

Two pairs from Jane

2007-03-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

I finally finished up some of my Petals Collection socks, just in time for the arrival of the new package. I really love how both pairs turned out! On the right is Fall Foliage, knitted up in "Embossed Leaves" from Interweave's Favorite Socks.

On the left are my Lenten Rose socks, using the Yarn Over Cable stitch in Sensational Knitted Socks. Details for both pairs are on my blog.

I just might start my Bird of Paradise socks today. They'll cheer me up no matter what the weather brings (March is a long month here, more winter than January). Thank you for this beautiful yarn, Sundara!

Finished just in time!

2007-02-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Fawn and I'm new to the Petals Collection Sock Club. I knit my Lenten Rose yarn in the popular Monkey pattern from knitty that I have seen others in this knitalong use.

I am happy that I finished my socks because I received my Bird of Paradise sock shipment today. :) The colourway is very refreshing and makes me think of Piña Coladas.

Under the wire...

2007-02-28T12:56:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to toss in my socks, in the nick of time. Sundara Yarn's Lenten Rose colorway, Pembrokshire Pathways pattern by Brenda Dayne.

Love 'em!

Received my February package!

2007-02-28T07:37:00.001-08:00

The February Petals collection package arrived yesterday and it's beautiful! No spoiler picture (I keep forgetting to charge the camera batteries!) but trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Japanese Feather Socks

2007-02-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hello, I'm a newcomer to this blog and to the Petals Collection! I'm happy to show you my first pair of socks.

More information can be found on my blog. Happy knitting to all!

Playing Catch-Up; Ready for Next Shipment

2007-02-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hello, All!

I haven't posted here for a while, but thought I'd show you my latest two pairs from Sundara's sock club. I'm loving the semi-solids, and they show off lace beautifully.

More details on my blog.

Amy (Eyeknit)

Another Note from Laura

2007-02-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I think I am now caught up on sending out blog invitations. I am happy to announce that Stariel has volunteered to help out with administrative things! Thanks, Stariel! For the next month, if you have Blogger issues, need a new invite, are missing on the sidebar, etc., you will get a quicker response from her than from me.

Thanks again for your patience with me and for your good wishes about my exam. Come March 2, I look forward to having lots more time for knitting and blogging!

Laura

Recent knitting

2007-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

I finished the first of my lenten rose colorway socks the other night. It's Brenda Dayne's Pembrokeshire Pathways sock pattern. I am very impressed with the quality of the yarn. I don't normally go for semi-solids, but man! The texture while knitting up was divine, and the subtle coloring is lovely in this intricate lace-and-cable pattern. More recent socks on my blog.

A Note from the Hostess

2007-02-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I know that some of you have emailed me asking for new blog invitations, etc. I apologize for the delay ... the studying for the Bar Exam is getting to me. I am going to try to get caught up on emails in the next day or two.

A few administrative matters...

I have switched the blog to the New Blogger. If you have been unable to post and you are on the new Blogger, let me know if this fixes your problem.

Is there anyone who would be willing to help me over the next four weeks or so with the administration of the blog? I am only going to get busier and I don't want people to suffer along with me. Email me if you are interested.

There are many outstanding blog invitations on the members page. Remember, to post you have to respond to the invitation. If you need another invitation sent to you, let me know.

Thanks for your patience and Happy Knitting!

Laura

First sock started...

2007-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

I've started the first Lenten Rose sock.

I'm a newbee to Sundara's yarn and the petals collection, but I think I'm hooked already! I love how this yarn feels and I'm really pleased with the pattern - easy enough to remember while keeping the knitting interesting.

How is everyone else getting on?

Completed!!

2007-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hi All! I am happy to report that I have finished my Lenten Rose Socks!! (yes I know I was fast....I probably will not be as quick the next few times because I will have more projects in the hopper! Plus I knit a LOT during football games!) LOVED the yarn! LOVED the pattern (I used Monkey from Knitty.) Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do with leftover yarn?

Am I In?

2007-01-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Forgive me fellow knitter's for asking - but am I in? Have I actually figured out how to join in a blog or am I out there somewhere in cyberspace spinning my keyboard? I have begun my beauty sock - you know the one with the purpley, mauvy, new yarn that Sundara sent out. (Can you tell I have forgotten the name of it)? I had a rough start cause it would appear I don't read instructions as well as I thought and I kept motoring on and then ripping out every time I encountered the same problem. I figured it out after only about hmmm 8 tear backs. I wasn't paying attention to the knit two together and knit back into the first stitch - duh, so I kept coming up 2 stitches short. Anyway I am now 3" along on the cuff and am a happy girl.

Started my First Sock

2007-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have one repeat done on my Lenten Rose sock, in Jeanie Townsend's Pretty Petals pattern. Here is a nice example of what it looks like.

Finished My First Sock!!

2007-01-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all! My name is Diana and I am new to this KAL! (Thank you Laura for your perseverence, as I am finally able to post!) I just wanted to introduce myself and say I am so looking forward to being a part of this and making some online knitting friends! I recently started a blog after spending a long time reading other people's blogs....so feel free to check mine out and leave comments!! http://photodee.com/blog
I completed my first sock with Sundara's awesome Lenten Rose yarn! I decided to use the Monkey Pattern from Winter 06 Knitty. It was a lot of fun to knit!

Does anyone want to give Lenten Rose a new home?

2007-01-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hey folks...Sundara suggested I ask here...I don't tend to use solids in my sock knitting and this pattern really can't be modified to fit a large foot, so if anyone missed out on Lenten Rose who'd like to buy mine, please let me know. You can email me at operakatz at yahoo dot com...

Toe-up query

2007-01-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm working on my beautiful Falling Leaves socks (which happen to be my first "toe-up" socks) and I have a question. I could look this up, but...when the pattern indicates to work until 2" shy of end of foot, does that mean my foot to the very back of my heel? Just a bit fuzzy on that. Aside from that I'm enjoying the Petals Collection--well, except that I don't have the Dec. yarn yet :-(

December Drop Finally Arrived

2007-01-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

And how beautiful it is. Thanks again Sundara!

Fall Foliage Finished

2007-01-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to finish these for the holidays since the reds seemed 'Christmasy' to me. I didn't get them done in time to wear them but I did finish them the evening of December 25.
The pattern is Traveler's Stockings from Nancy Bush's book Knitting on the Road. I used size US 0 ( 2 mm) circular needles. This pattern had been calling my name for awhile so when I saw the 'almost solid' Fall Foliage shipment I thought it would work for this pattern. I will use Sundara's lovely Fall Foliage pattern with another yarn in the future.

Still Waiting for my December Drop

2007-01-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the problem is with the mail around here but it seems that the last 2 drops take about 2 weeks to get to me. It's not like I live in the middle of nowhere. I live in Greensboro, NC and we are a major bulk mail center for this region. Oh well, I guess it will show up soon. At least I hope so. I can't wait to see the color in person. Happy knitting everyone!

Intro and pattern choice

2007-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I was delighted to open up my first Petals Collection package the other day... I took the obligatory blog step-by-step pictures opening, but I haven't blogged it yet. I just decided on the Pembrokshire Pathways pattern for this beautiful beautiful yarn this time 'round. I'm a new sock knitter and I don't feel up to all the openwork in the accompanying pattern for this round. Right now I just have my skein decoratively hanging on my swift in my studio...

Christmas morning surprise

2006-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

At around 9:30 Christmas morning, the buzzer rang from the front door of my apartment building. Not expecting any company, I couldn't imagine who it could be. Turns out it was the post office with a special delivery! I was so surprised and amazed that Sundara had gone to the expense and trouble to send the sock kit by special delivery, but it really did make me happy since the sock club membership was a Christmas present for me from my family. :) Very, very happy to be here!

Old Socks, New Yarn!

2006-12-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

I just finished the red "Autumn Foliage" socks in what was my favorite colorway yet, but then Sundara just surprised me with this latest "Lenten Rose" color and my fickle knitting heart has a new favorite.

The red socks (pictured) were made with a lacy rib of my own design, and I may do the same with the Lenten Rose, but Sundara's designs are still very nice and have gone into my collection folder. Thank you, Sundara, for never failing to give us the benefit of your artistic creativity, in spite of the wild weather!

--Karen K.

Glad to be here!

2006-12-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hi! Wow, I've been viewing this blog since the very beginning and was so glad to get involved this time! I love this color and everything that is included in the kit is just so awesome!

Nice job Sundara!

Zonda

Another Newbie!

2006-12-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

I, too, am a new member of the Petals Collection Sock Club and am very excited to be here. I adore the Lenten Rose Colorway, although I also think I will opt for a different pattern. I'm looking forward to hearing about what others will be doing with this luscious skein.

Deb
My Blog:
http://www.rather-be.blogspot.com/

So excited!

2006-12-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hi-
I'm new to the KAL and to the sock club. And I'm super excited to be here! YAY!

The first package was so pretty. Hopefully, I'll finish the socks I'm working on this weekend so I can cast on soon.

Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

Nell

Welcome, New Knitters!

2006-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Holidays to everyone! As you know, the second half of the Petals Collection sock club began with this month's shipment. We have quite a few new members in the knitalong: Alyssa, Annmarie, Carrie, Diana, Elise, Jennifer W., Naomi, Operakatz, Susan, Tiennie, Valerie, and Vanessa. Many of these new members have blogs, which are linked in the sidebar. Drop by and say hi!

Since finishing my Calla Lily socks, my other Sundara sock yarns have remained untouched. I am hoping to remedy that in the New Year! I too love the Lenten Rose yarn that came in the December package, though I am thinking of using another pattern for it. Just a reminder: if you use your yarn to complete a different project than the pattern Sundara sent, you are strongly encouraged to post about it! Sundara specifically mentioned to me that she would like to see all the ways that knitters use her yarn.

Happy New Year, and Happy Knitting!
Laura

So gorgeous!

2006-12-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

Sundara: I received my beautiful yarn and package on Saturday and was overwhelmed. Every detail of the package and yarn was so meticulously thought out. I almost hated to open everything but desire for beautiful yarn spurred me on! I cannot wait to try my hand at this new sock pattern. Thank you again!!

Thank you Sundara!

2006-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

I just joined the second half of the Petals Collection and received my first installment today. All I can say is that it's one of my most favorite flowers too! A huge thank you to Sundara who has overcome all those horrendous weather problems to get this mailing out. We appreciate it!!!!!

Just off now to put the yarn on the swift!

Fall Foliage finished!

2006-11-29T22:24:00.000-08:00

(Apologies for the flash glare.) These socks knit up fast for me, 2 together on one circular. I did everything according to the directions and I was surprised they turned out on the small size since usually for me it's quite the opposite! But only the instep is tight, they fit fine after squiggling into them and I love them!
How has everyone else been doing? I also finished the Hydrangea socks and they are great too but I used a K2P2 edge at the top instead of the directions. Love those too, especially the colors since purples are one of my favorite color groups.

And I'm looking forward to the holiday shipment, what will it be like?!!!

Ruth

How embarrassing

2006-11-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I just posted a post to this KAL that was meant for another Blogger KAL. Sorry about that. Just ignore my previous post. Unless you also are a member of the Artic Knitting KAL - in that case feel free to comment. My apologies.

So What do You Think?

2006-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

I completed my swatch as Donna suggested. What do you think? The photo was taken post-wet blocking. The yarn is from the kit that I ordered from Joanne. The bottom third of the swatch was knit with size US 1 needles, the middle third with size US 2 needles and the top third with US 3 needles. The size 2 and size 3 look very similar to me and the size 1 is denser. Right now I'm considering the Skeleton scarf pattern. The size 1 needles are yielding about 24 stitches/4 inches of gauge (post-blocking). Since I like warm scarves I'm tempted to use the size 1 needles to get a denser stockingette. I think the scarf still with have plenty of drape with the size 1 needles. If anyone has a reason I shouldn't knit my scarf with the size 1 please speak up. I've never knit with qiviut before.

ADD Knitting Style

2006-11-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I'm just now starting my second sock from the Callie Lily kit. However, the last two packages have made me want to cast on for them too. However, I can't until I first the first pair.

Just curious, I know that the most recent pattern is done toe up, but did anyone change the Hydrandea pattern to be done from the toe up.

Hydrangea Socks done

2006-10-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

I finished my hydrangea socks. There's nothing like a new shipment of Sundara sock yarn to motivate me to finish socks from the previous shipment.
For the most part I followed the Purly's hydrangea sock pattern except I used the German Twisted CO and only knit 5 inches of leg before starting the heel flap (I like my socks short).

(Wowie Wow Wow) multiplied by a Googol

2006-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

I'm still not breathing from opening this month's offering (beautifully packaged as always!)!! All I can say is "perfection"! Simply perfect! I heart it!!! Gotta go cast on now.... no time for pics...so no spoiler from me!!!

And Rachel, no, it's not wrong to want to lick it :)

Looking for a Spoiler?

2006-10-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

My package arrived from Sundara today, and it does not disappoint. In fact, this is my favorite so far.

If you want to see the contents, I blogged about it here.

Wowie Wow Wow

2006-10-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

I just got the October petals - stunning! Is it wrong to want to lick it?

Scram, Spam Bots!

2006-10-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been a little scarce around here, but I am stashing my Hydrangea sock kit for now. I'm looking forward to seeing the October shipment. I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous.

As many of you have undoubtedly noticed, the spam bots have found us. I added word verification for the commenting and that should take care of it. I apologize for the inconvenience, but it beats comment spam.

Keep those Hydrangea posts coming!

Hydrangea goodness

2006-10-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

I finished my Hydrangea socks today, and I just love them! I decided to knit them plain and simple, which is all my brain is capable of these days. Even on this dark and rainy day, the colors are lovely. I posted details on my blog.

Now I can't wait to get the next package. I have lots of knitting to do, including more than a few pairs of socks on the needles, but I know I'll drop everything when I have more of Sundara's yarn in my hands!

Missing Deadlines

2006-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am going to miss the deadline I self imposed for my hydrangia socks, but that's ok because I am knitting things for other people.
I did cast on and will continue to work on these babies.
Pictures of progress to come!

Doing the Heel Flap and Beyond

2006-09-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I'm working through the heel flap of my hydrangea socks and my Knitpicks order just arrived. As soon as I finish with the heel flap I will take out the size 1 Addi Turbos and replace with my new size 1 Knitpicks circs. I'm looking forward to trying these new circs on this pattern.

Hydrangea Socks - Ready to Rip

2006-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your helpful comments! I think I'm ready to rip and reknit now. I'll go up to size 1 (or maybe even 2) needles for the leg, and back down to 0s for the foot.

Someone mentioned she's knitting with KnitPicks circulars - so am I. I really love these needles! The join is as smooth as the Addi Turbo join, but the cable is better (it has NO memory whatsoever) and the tips are pointier (very helpful for the PSSOs in this pattern). And at $5 each, what do you have to lose?

I think I'll begin knitting from the other skein before ripping this sock back:

You can see I decided to add some 2x2 ribbing at the top.

It may take me a while to get back to these. I cast on for another pair of very autumnal socks, and since the leaves are starting to turn where I live, I want to finish them and wear them.

Happy knitting, everyone!

Are your hydrangea socks really small?

2006-09-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm confused and hoping someone out there can help. The Calla Lily socks started wtih 63 cast on stitches, and they fit me perfectly. The Hydrangea pattern calls for 72 cast on stitches. If the yarn is the same (it appears to be), shouldn't the sock be bigger?

The pattern says that the finished leg circumference is 6", unstretched. When I first read this, I assumed it was a typo. Why? 2 reasons:

The gauge says the knitter should get 18 st/2" in pattern, and 72 st at 18 st/2" works out to 8" circumference, not 6".
A 6" leg circumference is tiny. My very average size female ankle is 8 1/4" at its smallest point. My 4-year-old son's ankle is 5 3/4" at its smallest point.

I decided to knit the pattern as written, thinking that the specified 6" leg circumference should have read 8", and that it would easily stretch to my 8 1/4" ankle (and hopefully a little more since my ankle is 8 1/4" at its smallest point).

I'm 4-5" into my sock now, and the finished size is definitely 6" in circumference (3" flat). I can barely get it over my heel, and it doesn't stretch much at all. If I knit the cuff any longer, I won't be able to get the sock up any further.

Clearly, I must rip and reknit. I don't really mind doing this. I'm just confused, and that bugs me! Everything is exactly as Sundara's pattern says it will be, but I don't understand why. How can I be getting 18 st/2" in pattern but still only have a 6" leg circumference with 72 CO st? The only thing I can figure is that it has something to do with the twirly diagonal nature of this stitch pattern. I'm still not exactly sure how it spirals as it does - it's magic to me. Pretty, magical... but won't fit my foot. And my son will not want to wear these particular socks. :)

Is anyone else encountering this issue?

I could post a photo, but I daren't be the first - at least not until I get the okay to post hydrangea photos.

Thanks in advance for whatever help you can offer!

Just joined.

2006-09-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just joined for the second half of the year. I can't wait to get my first kit in december....

I was wondering, the patterns for the first two installments of the sock club look really great, and I would love to knit them. Is anyone finished that would consider a loan, or a trade or something?

Not finished

2006-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok I am a proud member of the petals club....but I must admit...I am a lame memeber!
I have not even cast on my calla lily sock yet or never posted on this wonderful blog.
So I thought, I had better come on here and put in writing a promise that I am going to caston...post and finish my hydrangea socks within one month of this post...
Ok today is...Sept 13th right?
I won't be casting on today...I have a birthday present to finish, but I will complete these socks by October 13th... 2006 (yes I would have tried to sneak out of that one)
Thank you all for listening and please feel free to kick my butt if you do not have a finished post from me by the 13th of october!

You may hunt me here

Finally finished my Calla Lily Socks..

2006-09-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

..Here they are in all their glory:

I love the yarn, the lacy backs, and the toe and heel stripes. This was the first time I knit two socks on two circulars and I really liked having both socks done at the same time.

Thanks for beautiful yarn, Sundara!

Finished Callas and August Parcel Is Here

2006-09-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

My August package arrived today, it's beautiful and now I can read here again :). I will be starting in a day or two and really looking forward to more tips, they were very helpful when I did the Calla's. Here is my finished pair - the lace detail doesn't show so well but most of us know how it looks. I made a few minor modifications: a double start cast on, a French heel instead of Welsh (don't tell my Gran, she's from Wales), and adding a couple purl stitches on either side of the heel flap - I thought it continued the reverse stocking stitch of the cuff nicely.

August Shipment

2006-09-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Are there still people out there who haven't gotten their August shipment? For those of you who have received it have you started your August socks yet? I have started but I had to go down a needle size to get closer to gauge. I've knit about 3 rounds of the pattern but the sock looks really big to me. Anyone else experience this too? I think after a few more rounds I will thread a waste yarn through the live stitches, remove the needles and try it on to make sure it's the right size for me. I really don't want to start over on a size US zero needle. The pattern looks intriguing to me so I want to give it a try. Hopefully I haven't given anything away to people who are still waiting for a shipment.

Calla Lily Socks, Start to Finish

2006-08-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see this beautiful package arrive in June. Sundara pays attention to every detail. The yarn wound up enticingly, and pretty soon, I had a finished pair of socks! I can't wait to get started on the next pair....

I decided to knit the pattern exactly as presented in order to try some new techniques. I really like this heel - it seems to cup my heel better than a standard heel flap. I love the way the purl seam stitch continues down the heel flap. And I think I like the star toe (am reserving final decision until I wear these).

I don't love the reverse stockinette cuff-ette, though - it is tight and tends to roll. I think I will add some ribbing to my next Petals socks even though the pattern does not call for it. Does anyone else have ideas about the cuff?

Another Note from the Host

2006-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know that many of us have received our Hydrangea packages and, not surprisingly, there's lots of enthusiasm about it. Sundara really outdid herself!

Just a reminder -- if you're still receiving packages, it's not too late to join the knitalong. Just drop me an email at affiknitty at gmail dot com and ask to be added to the group.

If you have received a blog invitation and have not responded to it, please do! This will allow you to post to the blog. If the links in the blog invitation are not working, email me and I will resend it.

I recently got a question about whether and when members could post pictures of the packages to the blog. For the blogless among us, this may be the only place to post them. On the other hand, I know the delivery times varied pretty widely for the last package, especially for the international members. I think, though I may be wrong, that most people would prefer not to see a spoiler. Of course, I do think that people should post pictures of FOs and WIPs whenever they like.

Should we have some sort of general guideline about posting pictures of the packages? Limit it to links to blogs or Flickr pages? Have a time period after which it's fair game? What do you think? Leave a comment!

Laura from affiknitty

2006-08-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

I posted this yesterday but I think Blogger lost it. I'll try again;
Hello, just posting that my August petals collections yarn came today(Monday 8/28) in the mail. So people are still just getting their shipments, apparantly. My 14-year old followed my package and I around the house until I opened it up - she seemed as curious as I to see what the new yarn would look like. It is really pretty. My 14-year- old got the Calla Lilly socks but the socks from this yarn will be for me!

Yarn Alert!!

2006-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

I just received the August installment from Sundara. (I love getting packages at work!!) I won't spoil it for you, but it is GORGEOUS!!

I'll post some pictures on my blog when I get a chance for those who do want to be "spoiled."

Just in Time!

2006-08-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to finish these before I received the August shipment and I think I made it in just under the wire! All the particulars:

Yarn and Pattern: You know!
Needles: 1 32 inch Knit Picks Classic Circular, size 0 (2 mm)
Modifications: As you can see, I went down a needle size. But even still, I had to cast on fewer stitches to get gauge. I cast on 28 sts for the top of the sock and 31 for the back, then increased to 32 sts on needle 2 for the foot. When I had gauge, I got stripes. When I didn't, it was more mottled. Both were pretty. I did not alternate skeins. Because I had fewer stitches, I did a different toe -- I used the pointed toe from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. It looks very nice, though I prefer a squarer toe in general.
What I Loved: The gorgeous colors. The "just right" amount of lace. Surprisingly, working a heel flap and gusset. I almost always substitute a short-row heel and this time decided against it. I have to say I like the way the gusset looks, and it seemed to make knitting the foot go more quickly. That could sound crazy, I know.
How Much Yarn I Had Left: Quite a bit, actually. If you're wondering what you will do with your leftover yarn, may I make a suggestion? The redoubtable Mintyfresh offers a sweet little pattern for a lace headband, designed for leftover sock yarn. Check it out! If you do, leave a comment and tell her Laura sent you.

New Yarn?

2006-08-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone know when the next shipment is due? Or anybody gotten theirs yet? Getting anxious@

Just In Time

2006-08-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

I finished my second sock this weekend --- just in time for Sundara's new shipment!

I really enjoyed making these socks. I just loved this yarn. I originally made these socks for myself, but when I was finished, my 17-year-old daughter wanted them. So I gave them to her. (When a 17-year-old covets a handknit, by all means, encourage it!!!)

I knit the socks by alternating the two skeins every other row. While I don't mind fraternal socks, my skeins were different enough that I wanted to blend the effects in both socks.

Can't wait to see what's next from Sundara.

Finished socks

2006-08-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

I finished my socks in July, took a photo, then had trouble with my camera. Anyway, it works fine again after a trip to Sony, and here is the photo in question. I love these socks -- the yarn, the colours, the pattern. I love the surprise you get with each package, the choice of colours which you would not necessarity choose on your own, and the originality and entertainment value of the pattern. The package was so thoughtfully put together, such an attention to detail. I look forward to the next shipment!

Found It!

2006-08-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Now, come on! How cute is that? Rachel reports that the jacket is size 3-6 months, she used a size 2 needle, and it required about half a skein of the yarn to make both sleeves. It sounds as though the hardest part is taking apart the jacket. Here's another shot...

Hello from Your Host

2006-08-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's been fun seeing all the great socks ... mine are almost done. I'm on the foot of the second sock. I'd really like to get them done before I get the next shipment, which I know we are all anxious to see. I really can't wait to see what Sundara has come up with. The Calla Lily socks are a hard act to follow, but I am certain that the August kit will be equally enchanting!

I have been very busy and distracted lately, not in a good way, so I apologize for being such an absentee hostess. Also, someone emailed me pictures of her project (not socks, but I don't want to spoil the surprise -- it's cool!) and I think my muddled brain may have deleted them. If you see this, will you please send it again? Thank you for your patience with me!

Blooming Flowers

2006-08-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

I finished my socks on saturday afernoon and I love how they came out. One sock the green winds down my leg like a vine and the other is in full bloom on the foot and leg. There's a folded picture of the patterned back on my blog too!

These were great fun to knit and I can't wait for the next sock pattern and yarn to arrive. Thanks Sundara!

Finished

2006-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Calla Lily socks are finished. I am very happy with the way the yarn “happened” in my pair. Less structured than the way it appeared in many pairs at the KAL, and in Sundara’s picture. I followed the pattern as written, except to shorten the toe a bit. As Sundara said, its a simple sock with a little detail to make it fun. I was going to give this pair as a gift, but while I was testing them on my foot, I decided to keep them. I did not tell the intended recipient yet that she is about to receive socks from me, so no harm done… she’ll get the next one. See more photos on my blog.

A Pair of Calla Lilies

2006-07-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

I've finished... beautiful yarn makes beautiful socks.

Thank you Sundara!

Socks are growing

2006-07-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

I've finally caught up on enough of my other projects to be able to work on the Calla Lilly Socks! I've got 4 repeats left to go of the pattern before turning the heel on the first one. I changed the cast on slightly, I did it on size 2's which gave it a bit more spring for getting around my leg and then to get gauge I'm on 1-1/2's. This skein isn't pooling but it gently traversing down the leg in a spiral and I really like it!

Moving right along

2006-07-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying the yarn, it has a nice sheen to it and feels good on the hands. I just did the heel (after photo was taken). it was a new one for me, and interesting to see how it will fit when blocked. I find my colors do not stripe like the rest of the ones I see here at the KAL. wonder why.

Am I wrong??

2006-07-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

I just finishing the turning the heels, and I pick up the stitches. However, I think that I'm misreading the pattern. It says to repeat rounds 3 and 4, but there isn't instructions for round 4 under the 2 Circulars Knitters.

HELP???

Almost Finished!

2006-07-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

On the last stretch of the second sock. You would think I'd be finish by now considering I only have size 4.5 feet.... I hope to post a socks in action photo by the weekend. I can't wait to wear them! Happy knitting everyone!

Another pair done.

2006-07-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Finished up just now. Knitted top down, Addi 1's circulars, two socks at one time, size 9 feet.Need to wash and block. Liked the pattern and the yarn. Had to adjust so I didn't get holes at the heels, but not a problem. My skeins were dyed slightly differently, one with a little more white , so I ended up with fraternal twin socks. I added one pattern repeat and had enough yarn left I could have done probably 2 more . Wish they were longer but not ripping now. Thanks and awaiting next package.
Peggy

Done!

2006-07-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, hot off the needles, my Calla Lily socks.

Ta da!

It's not like I need to tell any of you about the pattern, or where I got the yarn, or any of that, right?

Although, I DID modify it to do a short-row heel rather than the heel-flap in the pattern. Heel flaps and I just don't get along . . . I can and have made them, but they never seem to fit as well as short-rows.

Anyway, they're done, and they're lovely! I haven't even blogged about them on my regular blog yet, I was so eager to tell all of you!

--Deb
www.chappysmom.typepad.com

Turning a heel

2006-07-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm turning the heel on the first sock.

I love the look of them so far. I hope to finish prior to receiving next months offering. Usually my second sock goes much faster than the first.

Calla Lily Ankle Socks

2006-07-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

I'm finished: ankle socks as requested from my 14-year old daughter. I used Wendy's generic toe-up pattern from wendyknits.net. I used size US 1 needles and a CO of 60 sts. I'm am becoming more and more of a fan of short-row toes and short-row heels . After turning the heel I used a 6-sts lace rib repeat but then I worried the ankle wouldn't be snug enough to keep the socks up so I switched to a 1x1 rib. In the past I've used Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind-off as a stretchy cast-off for toe-up socks but on this pair I used a different strechy bind off: K2, *(move both stitches back to left needle, K2tog thru back loop, K1) repeat from *.
I wanted to try this bind off since one can rip it out easier than the sewn bind-off.... and these socks were knit to please a teen-ager so I wanted to be able to rip easier. I would rather knit socks that please her and will be worn than socks that just sit in her drawer - even if that means ripping out and doing part of it over. This yarn is to pretty to sit in a drawer.
After the forced photo shoot DD is still wearing them so I guess they are a hit ! Normally she thinks wearing handknit socks knit by her mother are pretty dorky but Purly's colors proved too irrisistible - even for a 'cool' teenager. Purly should consider this a high compliment.

Put a foot in 'em, they're done!

2006-07-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

there was a bit of tonal difference in the two sock skeins, so to try and make as much of the socks match, I used up whatever yarn I had from the first skein to knit the leg.

Calla Lillies, imperfect but lovely

2006-07-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I won't regale you with all the small errors this knitter made while making these socks, since they were an absolute pleasure to knit. The yarn, the pattern, the experience of knitting these socks while being incredibly busy, having a house full of guests, and being in a bit of a knitting malaise, was just the thing I needed. Thank you so much, Sundara!

I have a bunch of yarn left over too! Perhaps some baby socks...

For a full accounting, check out the blog.

Now what will I knit? :(

2006-07-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

I love my Calla Lily socks! There's a photo on my blog. I have enough yarn left over to do a little something, perhaps mixed with a solid color. I'm adding it to my little stash of extra-special leftovers, though, so it may end up being admired instead.

I'm really pleased with the way they turned out - they striped differently, but I love 'em anyway. I cast on 68 stitches and used size 1.5 dpn's, but otherwise I followed the pattern as written.

Thank you, Sundara!

Help out a fairly new knitter

2006-07-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

These socks will only be my second pair ever made. I was wondering if someone could offer some tips because I have only made socks from the toe-up. Is there an easy way to change the pattern to knit them that way?

I'm dying to get start...

Pooling and Flashing

2006-07-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here are my finished Calla Lily socks. I love this yarn's stitch definition, the colors, and the soft finished fabric. I was sorely disappointed, however, with the pooling and flashing. I knit the legs on 64 stitches, as written, and used 68 sts for the feet. I needed to do SSK with the first st slipped knitwise and the second slipped purlwise, to get the left-and right-slanting decreases to match exactly. Does anyone have any advice for how to minimize the pooling? Are the skeins that different? My gauge was exactly on: 8.5 sts per inch. I'm looking forward to the next installment! These were completed in exactly 2 weeks--my fastest pair of socks to date!

Cala Lily Sock 1 in progress

2006-07-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I so love Sundara's yarn and her Cala Lily pattern. Here is my progress so far. It is moving at a really nice pace now that I am dedicating the time. I can't wait to finish the first one so that I can move on to the second:)

One down...

2006-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

One to go. And I cast on right away so I wouldn't ignore it. But then I did just that because I got involved in reading "Bee Season." Finished that, so back to the sock. Couldn't get a seat this morning on the subway, so no progress this morning, but the first went so beautifully I'll have this sucker done soon. The first sock fits perfectly! (almost as if it were made for me--imagine that. ;-)

Calla Lilies off needle - on feet

2006-07-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

I finished the second sock this morning while reading blogs. One enormous benefit of living on a hilltop in Oregon and having only dial-up internet access: in the time it takes to load a picture-heavy post, I can knit a whole round (sometimes two)! It's a great boon to productivity.

Wish I could show you how lovely these are (remember me? Luddite with no camera?), but you all know since you've got your own... Now I can't wait for the next Petals box to arrive.

Carol in Oregon