Gauge Happens

The latest round of books to arrive on my doorstep were each a real treat. Knit Kimonos is so good, I want to knit every single pattern in the book. Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters is a terrific workbook for sweater creation. And then there is Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters which I found at Knitter's Bookshelf (Nancy shipped it out in record time). This is really an exciting book. Cat takes sock construction and turns it inside out before turning it on it's ear. Lots of lovely and innovative patterns, but also lots to learn. I couldn't be more pleased with this little collection.

And since I mentioned knitting immediately from the Kimono book, here you can see I've been swatching. There are actually several swatches, each more confusing than the one before. I have a nice little stash of Celtic Memory Yarns cashmere/silk which Jo hand-dyed in the most luscious scarlet/coral colour. Wouldn't it be beautiful in this kimono jacket? The pattern shown was knitted in cotton (heavy?). So I set about trying to get gauge, 10s, 10.5s and 11's. 11 is too airy, although the closest to gauge. 10.5 actually gave me a tighter gauge than the 10s. Both were Denise needles and I've no possible way to explain that except...gauge happens. I even blocked the swatches. If I get stitch gauge, I am way short on row gauge, etc. etc. Just about decided to redesign the piece a bit to allow for these irregularities. Just itching to get started.But first I must absolutely finish my June STR Sock Club sock since the next one should be here in a couple of weeks, plus I need to get them posted to Summer of Socks, where I am a complete laggard, with no shame. I've been painting the house as much as knitting lately. Both socks are on the straightaway of the foot, and it is now clear, I am falling way short of enough yarn to finish. Way short. So if anyone has bits and leftovers of STR Firebird, please take pity on me. I will happily pay postage.
And just for fun, here are two versions of a Cat Bordhi knitting needle sheath from an April Fools Day Workshop in Newport, Oregon.It's lovely, practical and sentimental. The last night, Cat has you share bits and pieces of each others yarns with beads and bits and whatever you want. You knit up your shape, felt and twist, and they make these elegant little sheaths to protect your precious needles. And you can see Mary's red yarn and Celia's pink yarn and, well, you get the picture.