Finished Monkeys and WIPs

The Monkeys, as I promised earlier, are finished! And thanks for the tips about photographing knitwear; I think this shot shows off the pattern a lot better. The photo was taken after they were worn a day, so they look a bit saggy. They are just a little loose. If I had them to do over again, I might needle down to a US 1.

Pattern: Monkey

Source: Cookie A, Knitty (Winter 2006)
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Hand Painted in Tea Party (colorway discontinued)
Needle: US 2

Now, in the wake of Sock Summit, it became clear to me that I needed to get some work done on existing sock-weight projects so I could play with all my new yarn. I don't believe I've ever posted about the project below, the Cannon Beach Sweater.

The pattern is actually the Mountain View Cardigan by Connie Chang Chinchio, but it has been called the Cannon Beach Sweater in my house because of the colors of the yarn - beachy, but with a lot of basalt.  I had quite a bit more finished than is shown in the picture above, but was miserable with the pooling (GIANT grey spot) of the colorway in the center of the back. So I ripped it all back to nothing and started fresh. I also re-drafted the pattern so I could work the body in the round instead of as 5 pieces.

So now I have a sleeve. Or part of one. The lace cuff is the first part, then it's bound off and the sleeve is picked up across the long edge and worked perpendicularly. This looks a little odd with the stripey yarn, but I think it's working so far.

Also in progress, the Top Gear socks (Rick by Cookie A). This picture is a little blurry, but it gives you an idea of the length I'm at.  I'm working these on my Blackthorn Needles, which I mostly love.  I wish they were just a bit pointier, but I suppose there are other needles I could use if that was my goal.  Their carbon fiber construction contributes to the overall Top Gear nature of the socks.

I must finish one of these projects before I can start another sock or sock-weight sweater.  That was the deal I struck with Patrick when I came home from Sock Summit laden with all that sock booty!  Hopefully the occasional progress post on the blog will help keep me accountable...