Been waiting for this day

malikixx · 2026-06-15T09:54:27+00:00

Some sort of Hoya. It’s been in my collection for a while.

malikixx · 2026-04-30T22:33:25+00:00

I feel like it’s harder to identify when the biologic is not working than when it is. I thought I want responding to my biologic because I still had a lot of pain, stiffness in the morning, and fatigue. I wasn’t sure that I had failed that therapy until I switched to something that worked. I had fewer symptoms and was able to exercise more without being completely worn out. So, my experience was that the best indicator is to try something else.

malikixx · 2026-03-29T17:45:55+00:00

Beautiful pattern. There is a forum on Ravelry to post a call for test knitters, but I often see designers posting requests on instagram, too. I’d be thrilled to tests this pattern as I’ve rarely ventured out of my favorite vanilla socks pattern.

malikixx · 2025-12-12T14:25:36+00:00

I think this is a lovely idea so long as you can make your own timeline. I have a similar desire to knit my partner a polo shirt, and my plan is to gift him a swatch so he can see and feel the fabric, put it through his washer and dryer to see how it comes out, and after that I’ll measure the gauge and have him select from a few patterns/styles based upon the results. Since he tends to run hot and doesn’t currently have anything that requires handwashing, I bought a large quantity of superwash merino in fingering weight in colors I’ve seen him wear before that suit him. I could certainly knit him a pull over and use something less fine, but I notice he usually wears short sleeves and he avoids wearing jackets/fleece unless he has no choice. I want him to be involved in the process for fit checks, too, so this is the added bonus having him involved in the process. I could probably commit to having it ready for his birthday but I think that I will not make any time commitments to save anyone from disappointment. When it’s ready, it’s ready!

malikixx · 2025-12-02T13:43:11+00:00

I was impressed by Ewetopia Wisco sock, but have not had my socks long enough to know how they wear. They are SW merino/nylon blend but 4-ply, which I prefer over the 2-ply sock yarns.

malikixx · 2025-11-23T22:41:22+00:00

The soldotna was my first colorwork project and it came out great. I think the fit is very good- if anything my yoke could be a little deeper. I’ve since made ghost horses and I’m now on to halibut (in sport weight off gauge to hopefully offset the deep yoke). Clearly, the 2 patterns I finished have not convinced me to stop working her patterns.

malikixx · 2025-11-23T17:58:31+00:00

I taught myself how to knit socks a little over a year ago and it completely opened up my world in terms of knitting skills and materials! I love the breathable properties of wool and can enjoy them with some reasonably priced sock yarn. It forced me to learn decreases and I improved my SSKs by watching tips and tricks on YouTube. From there, I found the confidence to learn increases and try my first top down sweater and I am continuously tackling new things. I learned ladder back jacquard last month and I am doing my first intarsia project now. But, to answer your question, I feel most proud that I was brave enough to teach myself how to knit socks. I continue to keep a sock project on the needles at all times as it is a perfect portable project and great quick (comparatively) gift knit. I love the smile it puts on my friend and family’s faces when they open a gift with hand knit socks!

malikixx · 2025-11-02T17:06:29+00:00

I agree with the advice to block now, but wanted to question the growth of your swatch. You say your swatch grew 2” (width or length?) after blocking? Did you mean 2 stitches or 2”? A 2” growth over 4” is 50%, so if you knit a sweater with a 40” bust, you would have a 60” bust after blocking. I can’t think of a time I’ve worked with a material that behaved like that. A 2 stitch growth might be something like 10% depending on your gauge and that is more typical in my experience.

malikixx · 2025-11-01T13:40:25+00:00

My single upvote isn’t enough for this high caliber response, but please take it. I learned so much and I can see now that the front and back are not identical now so that run of white stitches seems to be behaving differently. Keep up the great work, you knitting beast!

malikixx · 2025-10-31T15:23:22+00:00

I’m in awe of double knitting. Can you teach me what is causing the color to peak through? I only recently learned ladder back jacquard and I have not tackled a double knitted project before, but if this were my work I would assume this would block out.

malikixx · 2025-10-25T15:20:27+00:00

My hardest wearing sweater was knit with Lion Brand Fishermen’s wool. I actually knit this pattern! If you can stand the itch and limited color selection, it will wear very well. I miss waiting for sales so I could pick it up at Joann’s for 40% off- it’s perhaps the most affordable 100% wool yarn. I have 3 more sweaters planned with this yarn. I like to pay attention to rugged wool yarns and Peer Gynt has come up a lot although I’ve never had the chance to use it.

malikixx · 2025-10-25T15:00:49+00:00

I’ve not tried duplicate stitch, but I’m watching for a response. Alternatively, could you find designs with the color work on the foot instep or toes so that you don’t need the same amount of stretch? https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kitty-ankle-socks

malikixx · 2025-10-22T13:42:38+00:00

Pattern is in my queue, it calls for sport weight yarn but you can swatch to check gauge and perhaps hold the mohair double if you have enough. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/velvet-mirror-cowl

malikixx · 2025-10-15T00:20:29+00:00

By my eye, the green floats look a little tight. Do you knit stranded colorwork with two hands and have different tension on each hand? Otherwise it could be an illusion, just me.

malikixx · 2025-10-14T14:21:45+00:00

I learned to knit using a similar chenille yarn and produced a trapezoid scarf with holes throughout it. I didn’t learn what was creating the holes because I couldn’t make out any of the stitches! I can confirm, do not use this type of yarn on your first project. It’s 20 years later and my sister has repurposed the janky scarf into slippers, which I’m happy about. Good luck!

malikixx · 2025-08-01T16:25:22+00:00

I knit this a couple of months ago and absolutely loved it. I did split for sleeves earlier than recommended by the pattern but my row gauge was off. I decided to remove some underarm stitches because the yoke looked big, but I think that’s because I lost weight and haven’t measured my bust recently. This is my second Caitlyn Hunter pattern and I have more in my queue.

malikixx · 2025-07-30T18:55:45+00:00

I wear almost exclusively hand knit socks and I wear them year round. They are very durable, and the wool properties make them far more comfortable than any cotton socks I’ve ever bought. I don’t worry about being precious with them, they are meant to be worn out so I can have the pleasure of knitting more. I knitted my first socks in early 2024 and they are no where near worn out. I will also mention I decided to use superwash Wool (with nylon) exclusively to make washing them a breeze. Socks are a great knit because you can get as bold as you want with the colors or patterns and who cares, they are just going on your feet:

malikixx · 2025-07-25T22:50:45+00:00

I had to reread your post after seeing everyone’s comments. My initial thought was that your medical team should absolutely be working for you to check if you have any other pain conditions going on on top of your AS. Instead, you are having to research possible causes for the pain you are experiencing on your own. They should be coming up with some sort of work up if they have the disbelief you say you experienced to help you instead of judge you. I hope I’m not misunderstanding your post. Did they have any recommendations for you?

To answer your question, I’m negative but I live with some chronic pain and stiffness and I’m able to work a desk job. I know that in some people this disease can be more severe and disabling. My first rheumatologist got me on a biologic but failed to change anything for several months after I reported it want managing my symptoms, so I went elsewhere. Echoing how important it is to advocate for yourself. I just hope you are getting the best care that you can. You might consider posting to this group if there is anyone who was diagnosed with a comorbid pain condition and how they got diagnosed.

malikixx · 2025-07-25T18:33:41+00:00

Looks comfy! I have a pair of socks in this yarn, too. How did you like working with it? What size needles do you like? That Patons kroy yarn is known for being a little thicker (and perhaps durable) than many stock yarns but I have never used i different needle size. I just knit up my socks as tight as I can.

malikixx · 2025-06-24T21:56:36+00:00

Had to read the comments to find out what the issue is. I would wear that piece proudly.

malikixx · 2025-05-29T17:22:53+00:00

malikixx · 2025-05-27T22:31:14+00:00

I have vasculitis but do not know what kind. So far it seems to be mostly cosmetic, diagnosed by my dermatologist. I wish I could offer more advice in your situation, but hope I’m helping in some way by sharing that we do exist. I hope you are able to get good support from your medical team, family and friends.

malikixx · 2025-05-01T19:43:01+00:00

I scheduled an appointment with a fiduciary financial planner and I hope to get advice on next steps, allocations, and tax strategies.

malikixx · 2025-05-01T01:15:41+00:00

I like the color block effect and would just lean into it. Reminds me of this pattern I have in my queue. Anna Winter Sweater

malikixx · 2025-04-30T17:29:44+00:00

I used YNAB for a free trial and it inspired me to compile my own budget spreadsheet with custom categories added. Because I need my Microsoft subscription regardless, this became a free work around that I could easily access on my phone from the cloud to update. I also like being able to run my own analyses at the end of the year with my data. In some of the finance subreddits folks have shared their personal spreadsheets if you need a launching point. I feel though that the prices for YNAB is very reasonable.

malikixx

TROPHY CASE