Alynxia’s Musings on a Crafty Life

Okay, here we go. To be perfectly honest with you, I’ve been hemming and hawing about doing a blog for a while (about 3 years now) but have been a bit nervous about the prospect. Now that I’m here, it seems to be coming a bit easier than I thought it would.

I guess some introductions are in order, so with no further ado – the main cast of characters in this folly:

• Alynxia – Craftswoman, Designer, Aquarian, Witch, Hermit, Wife, Well-Meaning Oddball
• BadgerDan – Craftsman, Engineer, Sci-Fi Technogeek, Absent-Minded Professor, Husband
• Tomi – Half-Siamese, Half-Marmalade Tabby, 9 years old, Velvet Gentleman, Monkey
• Maverick – Black, White & All Barncat, 2 years old, Holy Terror, Goof, Momma’s Boy

You’ll get to know a bit more about us and our surreal life as time goes on.

Mostly I’ll be talking about my daily creative endeavours with a bit off headspace and family life stuff thrown in for good measure.

For all my fibreholic brethren, my Ravelry username is Alynxia. I finally got my invite a couple of weeks ago and am still feeling my way around the site. Whoo boy, documenting my stash is going to be quite the job! My digital camera (it’s mine now- DH will have to get his own!) will be getting a thorough workout in the weeks to come.

As I knit about 8 hours practically everyday (I work part-time and am a nightowl), I figure a “Project du Jour” section is in order, so here’s what I’ve been working on today:

Twisted Toucan Socks

I’m working on the 2nd sock of the pair right now. They are out of Opal Rainforest “Toucan” Sock yarn held double throughout on 3mm 32″ Addi Turbos (Magic Loop). I normally match my self-patterning socks to each other (I’m big on balance), but decided to live dangerously this time as the yarn is a bit nutty anyway. The pattern I’m using is the Master Simple Coriolis pattern from Cat Bordhi’s new book “New Pathways for Sock Knitters” with a simple rolled cuff ending with EZ’s sewn bind off.

Book Review Time:

This is the first book I’ve read by Cat and frankly she has blown the top of my head off. Now, I design socks (some of the patterns to which I’ll make available here in the future – they’re mostly still on paper right now) but I’m in complete awe of Cat’s genius with her new sock construction techniques. Her instructions are so clear and approachable that even “I” could understand the figure 8 cast on (I couldn’t wrap my noggin around it before). Super book – Cat, I humbly bow in your direction and can’t wait for the rest of the series.

In other news – look what showed up this morning in my mailbox!

Lisa Souza Sock! – Newtown Colourway

Yeeeee!!! My first blog post and I have Yarn Pr0n!

I loved this yarn the second I saw it on Lisa’s Website (it got here fast too!) It’s hand-dyed Superwash Wool/Nylon (75%/25%) 4 oz/450yds in shades of brown, green and blue.

Once I stop drooling, I’ll figure out a pattern to use it with.

Well, back to the sock – I hope to finish it tonight (this pair simply flew off the needles). I’ll leave you with some pictures of my boys.

TTFN