Yes, I do like this color; why do you ask?

Two Finished Objects today, both in shades of plum. Well, technically, cherries and garnet. And both with cashmere content. I've always been a firm believer (or at least fervent hoper) that you can bring on winter weather by dressing for it. That hasn't worked yet, but maybe knitting for it will?

First up, Little Child's Socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.

The yarn is the Merino Cashmere 4-ply sock from The Knittery in Cherries. Whereas* their merino sock is a little thin for US1s, the merino cashmere is a little thick. It could stand to go up to a 1.5 (2.5 mm), but the firmer fabric should help with the wear of these soft fibers.

I wouldn't recommend fancy patterns for this yarn, as it's a little splitty. I started with the Traveler's Stockings from Knitting on the Road, but ripped in frustration and chose this simpler knit/purl pattern instead, and I'm quite pleased with it.

I really like the cast-on for these socks: long-tail with the yarn held doubled. It makes guesstimating the length of the tail a little difficult, and you have three ends to weave in at the top instead of two, but it is so stretchy. I never would have thought that doubling the yarn would make that much difference.

These socks are like chocolate for your feet. I'm so glad I finally finished them.

* I can't beleive I just used whereas in a sentence; what's next, hereinafter? Dropping this in a footnote doesn't really help me on the nerd factor, does it?

Second, Jared Flood's Koolhaas hat from Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts.

I used The Fibre Company's Road to China in Garnet, about one and a quarter skeins. This yarn is a cornucopia of fibers: 65% Baby Alpaca, 10% Cashmere, 10% Camel, 10% Soya Fiber, and 5% Yak. Each fiber takes the dye differently, creating a nice subtle play of color.

I twisted the ribbing on the brim for continuity, and my row gauge was off, so I just knit until it was long enough before starting the decreases instead of following the pattern exactly.

I really enjoy knitting hats. Especially when I realize that I don't have to keep track of exactly what I'm doing, becuase I only have to knit one.