Dublin Bay Socks
Pattern: Mossy Cottage Knits
Yarn: Tess Designer Yarns Superwash Merino Sock
Needles: Size 1 Aluminum DPNs
Started: October 17, 2005 / Finished: February 21, 2006
Alternate View
I got a very bad case of Second Sock Syndrome on these little buggers – I finished three sweaters, two other pairs of socks, and numerous accessories all while these socks were lingering on the needles. I loved the yarn, and I enjoyed the simple pattern, but I did find the size 1 needles to be a little uncomfortable on my wrists, so I blame that for taking so long…
The yarn was great – one of the best I have worked with so far. Heather picked it up for me at Stitches East 2005, and got a matching skein (or two) for herself. So, when that little festival in May comes around, you can bet I will be stopping by the Tess booth! (and Stitches East 2006 is just up the road in Baltimore this year, baby!)
Over the Presidents’ Day holiday, I went pattern and fabric shopping with my mom for my first Sew? I Knit! sew-along pattern. The first project is a skirt – and I had some simple specifications. I wanted:
- something easy to start with because my sewing skills are zilch
- something that could be easily altered as I lose weight
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I chose Simplicity 4481, a simple trumpet knee-length skirt with an elastic waist. I was tempted by about a million other patterns, but I do like this one, and it fits my specifications so well. Plus, the pattern has several variations in length, so I will be able to reuse it in the future. |
My favorite part was choosing the fabric. Since I wanted to combine the sewalong with Project Spectrum, I bought red and pink fabrics. I saw several floral and geometric prints that I liked at the shop, but chose solids in the end because I may try my hand at some embroidery on the fabric. I chose a pink linen with light flecks of blue and green, and a beautiful red linen. So, I have enough to make two skirts!
You can see that I also bought the thread, and 4 pieces of felt (also in pink and red) and a packet of cute red pearly buttons. I wanted to try some applique with the felt, and the buttons may play a part in my postcard for the Postcard Swap. As you can see, I am really gearing up for Project Spectrum – and over 360 of you are too!
The festivities begin a week from today: March 1st!
All of the names for the Postcard Swap were sent out yesterday (whew! 86 of you!) so, I am behind in regular emails. I actually have one participant in the Postcard Swap who does not have a partner – we had an odd number – so, if you have any interest in the March swap, please leave a comment. I only need one, so the first commenter gets it. If you did not receive an email with your pal’s name, please let me know as soon as possible. (Got one! We are even now!)
On Monday night, I had the chance to meet up with a great bunch of girls for a little knit night at the Panera Bread in Columbia. Although I had to leave early, I was able to meet everyone and have a great hour of knitting fun with Coleen, Eunny, Sarah, Laura, and Amie. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by!
Your socks look so good! Carole from my SnB started the same pattern…I may follow suit.
I’m using the Sew? I knit! project for my Project Spectrum, too! Your fabrics are great. I”ll post mine over the weekend.
And…I’ll be glad to make an extra postcard if some lonely swapper needs a pal!
LOVE your new socks! That pattern is still in my queue. It shows off the Tess yarn really well. And I think you chose a great skirt pattern, Lolly. I have a couple of trumpet skirts that I love; that line is flattering and you should be able to make alterations pretty easily. I can’t wait to see what kind of applique or embroidery to decide to add. That will really make a difference…. that custom vintage look. Fun!!
VERY cool socks – love the color. That sock counting button will be getting a workout – now that you got past the SSS it sounds like you’re on a roll!
You have been so busy and how fun to have so many participants in PS and the Postcard swap, too! Maybe you didn’t have SSS, just too many things to take your attention;-)
Socks look FAB! YAY!
Oh I like the socks!
And I love the colours of your fabrics – it will look beautiful with aplliques! I am trying a new craft as well for March’s Project Spectrum – knitting with beads!
Oh, your Dublin Bay socks are stunning! Have fun with that skirt, too.
I’m going to pass on the Postcard Swap. I’m trying to not overload myself right now.
Your socks are so cute! I really love the colour. Looking forward to watching your progress on the skirt. You picked a really great pattern.
Beauty socks Lolly!
great socks!! see I slowed down for you ; )
Im so glad you’re happy with the yarn and pattern, and my what a smashing color that is!
yay for red and pink fabric! cant wait to see your sewing progress
if you ever need postcard angels let me know!
Those socks turned out swell. And I will watch your skirt-making with interest!
What great socks! (And a great preview of all the color we’ll be seeing for March.)
The skirt “parts” looks great – can’t wait to see the finished results. I have my Mom’s first sewing machine – maybe this year I’ll get inspired to use it – the dress I made in 7th grade home ec was a disaster.
Beautiful! I love them!
And I love the red! Red everywhere!!
Great socks and the fabric is fabulous. Does painting furniture qualify for project spectrum? I have a chair I want to paint red.
Looking forward to seeing how your skirt turns out. I have a bunch of fabric that I bought about a year ago with the intent of mking skirts and stuff, but I still haven’t gotten around to it.
They look gorgeous, and even more so in person! In fact, you’ve inspired me to do a Dublin Bay pair myself. Thanks. I needed another project. Ha!
I love the red socks! They are great! Have fun with your sewing projects. A skirt is a great place to start! I love to sew, if you can knit like you do…you most certainly can sew up a storm!!
Wow, great socks! Love them. Am checking out the pattern now.
Hey how much yarn did you have left over? I’m using Tess for my sockapaloooza pal and I’m a little nervous about yardage (the pattern’s a bit intricate). I suppose this is the good thing about separate skeins for socks – you know when to end the sock when you run out of yarn.
Oh, and I meant to say this earlier but YOU GO with the fitness thang! I’m in your corner. Go fight win!
Your Dublin Bay socks are beautiful, Lolly!! The color is beautiful and really shows off the pattern well. Fantastic job! And I really like your new skirt pattern, too. It looks like it could be readily altered and I love the knee-length version in the picture. I’m so excited for Project Spectrum March with all the gorgeous reds and pinks! I especially love the fabric you chose for your skirt- you’ll definitely be pretty in pink.
I read about your knit night on Eunny’s blog, too- it sounded like such fun!! Sending you our love..take care! XOXO, c.
nice socks! the yarn sounds yummy. luckily i’ve never had a case of second sock syndrome, but never say never!
can’t wait to see the skirt for the sew along. olympic knitting has slowed my progress a little on this one. i also better get thinking about what i’m going to do for project spectrum for march.
The socks are lovely-very nice. I just love the fabric and pattern you went with for you skirts. Can’t wait to see how the applique and stitchery goes for you, it is something I would really like to try in the future!
Thanks again for all your hard work, with the postcard swap and Project Spectrum. I am really looking forward to all of it, and none of it would not be possible without you!! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
Take care!
love,
-T
luv
Lolly,
The socks are gorgeous – I printed the pattern not too long ago and I think I’m going to try it someday!
And I love the fabrics for the skirt(s)! The pattern is really cute!
It almost makes me want to try it – almost. I.cannot.sew.
Awesome socks! I picked up a skein of the Tess sock yarn this weekend and look forward to knitting with it. I’ve heard such wonderful things.
Great skirt pattern and what lovely fabrics! You’ll have fun sewing it up.
Love the socks, Lolly. Can’t wait to see the finished skirt. That’s a great color choice.
I am looking forward to seeing you progress with the skirt. Although I quilt I haven’t yet made any clothes and am a little nervous about taking the plunge!
Huzzah for finished socks! Especially beautiful pink ones! I can totally see you all decked out in them and your clogs, along with your first skirt, lookin’ totally cute. That linen should be pure luxury when the summer heat rolls around.
What lovely finished socks! They look like they fit perfectly. And the color… mmmmmm! Ditto that on the color of your new fabric. I can’t wait to watch with envy as you SEW. I am hopeless at sewing and really not motivated to change. Please blog copiously about your sewing, maybe I’ll inadvertently learn something.
Yay! Love those Dublin Bay socks! I’ve put that pattern on my to knit list. I can’t wait to knit with my Tess yarn. The stuff is so soft. I can’t believe it’s superwash and dry! Great fabric you picked out too =)
Wonderful socks!
You are a busy gal these days! Sewing now too! When do you sleep Lolly?
first…tess rocks…and I’m so happy happy happy you love it too! now there won’t be any complaining on my 7th visit to the booth at sheep and wool! hahah my pahtnah in crime!
love the skirts…make me a patchwork one!
twinsies. haha
the socks rawk! and I must see them in person
Finishing the socks is so much sweeter when the second one is such a motivational struggle. They came out so pretty. I can’t wait to see the skirt, it’s such a lovely pattern.
Rockin’ socks Lolly!
Good for you taking up needles other than knitting needles. Your embellishments for the skirt sound devine.
Amy
Great socks Lolly ! And I love the fabrics you have chosen for your socks. I see you are getting all prepared for the first project spectrum and I can’t wait to see your progress… I think a lot of us have started gathering things and thinking and dreaming COLORS and getting inspiration from everywhere. This will be fun, thanks again Lolly for this great idea of yours…
Those look fantastic!
Hi Lolly – the red socks are beautiful! Wish I could go to one of the fiber festival thingies!! How fun.
I would love to send another post card to someone if you have an odd number – just let me know!! Making two is just as easy as making one – and twice the fun!
(enough smiles yet? heh)
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy! Yours are fab! LOVE THEM! But I don’t want to marry them…. Hee hee….
Hooray for socks! They look great.
I have SSS for my Jaywalkers and my Geisha socks. Maybe one day I’ll get around to finishing them.
Your socks are so cool! Someday I hope to be good enough of a knitter to make socks. And the fabric for your skirt is beautiful. Can’t wait to see it all sewn up!
Lovely lovely socks!! The skirt pattern is adorable! When you want more of a challenge check out www dot hotpatterns dot com. I dont sew, but my mom does and all of the patterns there are really really cute.
Damn you are prolific!
I would love to join the knit night. Is having a knitting blog or blog a requirement to join?
Jolene
Oh, I love your socks. I have that pattern saved for later knitting. Oh yes, and I adore that skirt you will be making. I am a skirt/dress kinda gal. I have recently decided that I am going to buy a sewing machine to learn to sew. If I can teach myself to knit…I figured I can learn to sew. How hard can it be? LOL!
OOOH! Lookit the pretty socks! I like!
And I totally wish I could sew. I went through a brief phase where I had convinced myself that I could, and I did get through a pattern or two, but I did a fairly lousy job.
That’s one of those things that someday I’d like to take a class in, so I could learn properly.
I am unspeakably jealous that you are finished with your sock. They look great, and I already told you I love that yarn! Now that you are done, I think you need to come finish my goose sock for me!
I am looking forward to seeing your sewing project come together
love the skirt pattern! and the pinks and reds look lovely.
i really need to knit a pair of socks. have the yarn, just need a pattern and to get moving!
Love your socks. I must try that pattern.
i love the dublin bay socks! very cool…. good luck on your first sew knit project… that skirt is going to look awesome on you
i love the fact that laura and i were picked to be pals for the postcard swap this month… i have read her blog for months and we have been secret pals before!
So pretty!
The socks are so pretty. I grew up with home made clothes and sewed my own clothes for years. My sewing machine now gathers dust. I wish you fun & luck with your project.
Loving the Dublin Bay socks! Its actually a pattern I have on my list of socks to do. First I have to finish the 2 pairs of 2 socks on 2 circs (yes, that’s 4 socks) that I’m working on. It was great meeting you the other night, even though you had to leave before we really got a chance to talk. Maybe next time huh?