Winter on the farm is a quiet kind of busy cold mornings, warm wool, and time to sit down with yarn in hand. July has been filled with comforting makes, from baby socks to cosy cowls, and a few projects that might (or might not!) make it into the farm shop.
DK Vanilla Socks Soft, Speckled, and Almost Finished
This month I’ve been working on two pairs of DK weight socks using yarn hand-dyed in Tasmania by Sally Ridgway. The yarn is 85% Merino and 15% Nylon beautifully soft and perfect for chilly mornings out feeding.
I’ve also discovered that DK weight socks are a dream for slow knitters with big feet (like me!). They knit up fast, which is a relief because I need them this winter, not next. Plus, the quicker I finish them, the less chance a Staffy named Harry runs off with one before I get the pair blocked.
I used 3.25mm Knit Pro Zings and the DK Weight Vanilla Socks pattern by Kay Litton from Crazy Sock Lady on YouTube.
Show Entry: The Grape Accordion Cowl
This year for the AAA National Alpaca Show Craft Competition, I decided (after a lot of back-and-forth) to knit the Accordion Cowl by Vera Marcu. True to form, I kept changing my mind right up until the last minute and with just two weeks to go, I finally cast this on. Nothing like a bit of deadline knitting to get the needles moving!
The pattern itself is lovely relaxing and rhythmic, but still interesting enough to keep me from dozing off mid-row (we’ve all been there, right?).
I used yarn from Adagio Mills in the most gorgeous deep Grape colourway a blend of 70% Australian Alpaca and 30% Merino. Honestly, it was a joy to knit with. Soft, bouncy, beautifully spun, the kind of yarn that makes you stop mid-row just to squish it a little.
One of the best parts of this competition is that every entry receives feedback from the judge. It’s such a great way to keep learning and improving your skills and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little encouragement from someone who gets the craft?
A Sock for the Smallest Feet
One of my most special projects this month is a tiny pair of newborn alpaca socks a little pattern I’ve been writing myself to welcome a new grandbaby into the family!
We know it’s a baby boy, due in January right in the middle of summer here in Australia. But still, everyone needs a pair of alpaca socks, don’t they? Even if it’s just for those cooler early mornings (or to make Nana feel useful!).
I’ve finished one sock so far it’s a test knit, so I wasn’t too worried about the colour. I just used leftover alpaca blend yarn I had on hand, and I know his mum won’t mind one bit. It’s soft and snuggly, and that’s what matters most.
This is actually the first time I’ve attempted to write a pattern, so I’m keeping it simple and learning as I go. The first sock has now been blocked, and now I just need to double check the sizing before knitting the second one. Honestly, I’m not even sure how long baby feet are supposed to be!
If you’re a new mum or know one could you leave me a comment and tell me how long your baby’s feet were at birth? I’d love to know, just to get a feel for what’s average and make sure these socks fit more than just my imagination.
Another Cowl for the Farm Shop (Maybe)
Also on my needles at the moment is another Accordion Cowl this time in a rich Chocolate Mocha alpaca blend that looks (and feels) just delicious. It’s supposed to be for the farm shop but I have to admit, I’m already getting a bit attached to it!
You know how it goes you start something with the best intentions to sell it, and then partway through you’re thinking, Hmm maybe I’ll just try it on when it’s finished just once.
We’ll see if it ever makes it to the shelf!
The Finished Pair: Chocolate DK Socks
I did manage to finish one full pair of DK socks! This rich Chocolate Mocha pair is ready to wear and already making cold mornings more bearable.
Stitching Together at the Farm
Every third Friday of the month, we host a little craft gathering here at the farm. It’s usually just 3–5 of us sharing a cuppa, showing off our WIPs, and swapping ideas.
Living rurally, these moments of connection are something I treasure. They remind me how much fibre brings us together whether it’s over a fence line or a steaming mug.
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From yarn to mini donkeys and baby goats, there’s always something happening here at Rosehaven Farms.
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Until Next Time
That’s the craft update from my side of the needles this month. I hope your own projects are keeping your hands busy and your heart warm.
If you’re working on something cosy or have a favourite yarn or pattern you’re loving I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Until next time,
Pam
Rosehaven Farms