The April challenge was War and Peace. I was going to just skip it since I ways traveling for most of the month but I really wanted to do each challenge, even if I was late. The very first thing that came to mind was socks. How often in novels have I read of women knitting socks for 'the men'. Specifically, I was thinking about the Civil Way, WW1 and WW2. And, of course, I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything big or complicated because of travel and other costuming commitments. I'd never knit toe-up socks so I chose that. This would give me a chance to make the leg part as tall as my yarn allowed. Of course I screwed them up. Sort of. I didn't watch the video tutorial about casting on that came with the pattern. So I didn't do the proper closed toe cast on. I ended up just sewing them closed. I knit them in a week, though I wasn't actually knitting every waking moment. Partly because of....
The May challenge was practicality. I didn't think I'd get it done. I figured the socks were practical and would have to make do. But I also really wanted to try a drawn thread hem (is that the right description?) for a handkerchief. I love the look of drawn and pulled thread embroidery and want to use it in an early 20th century summer dress someday. But I clearly didn't have time for a project that complex with a week left in May. Plus, I figured I should start on something small. A simple 14 inch square handkerchief seemed perfect. I pulled out 4 threads on each side. Each about 1/2 inch from the edge. Then I folded the hem twice and pressed it a LOT. Then it's simple but time consuming. Pull the thread thru the hem edge, wrap it thru around 4 threads at least twice. Put the thread thru about 4 threads of the hem edge and repeat. I was a little sloppy. Even though it isn't complicated it is incredibly fussy. Next month is 'Outside your comfort zone'. So looks like it's time to get back to my 18th century masquerade court gown. Long overdue.
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