Needle Gnome

You know sock gnomes? I think I’ve got a needle gnome. So, because my 40″ size 3 Addi Turbo disappeared between last week and this, we go from Saartje’s Bootees in the round to Saartje’s Bootees flat. (Needles have been ordered to prevent further problems.)

Pattern: Saartje’s Bootees (PDF)
Yarn: Hello Yarn Fat Sock in ancient unnamed colorway- 20 grams (less than one skein)
Needles: size 3 US
Gauge: 6.5 sts. per inch
Size: 4.25″ long, smushed flat
Buttons: dark shell

I’m afraid you are going to be seeing a parade of baby-type stuff on this blog for some time because PEOPLE KEEP GETTING PREGNANT! I’ve got another BSJ started in sock yarn that is half done because of all the knitting time I had yesterday during jury duty. I was not chosen, so normal life may continue. :)

Fantom Bohus:

Knitting has resumed. The body is almost done, but *someone* hasn’t decided how to finish the bottom of the sweater. Ribbing? I was going to rib to match the neck, but I think I might want the neck more open, and while I’m ripping, I can redo it in another stitch. Hemmed? Garter? I do plan on doing the body and sleeve edgings in the body yarn with the very last, cast-off row in the acidy green.

Knitting could resume because:


Handspun from Fantom Farm wool/alpaca mix roving.

approx. 180 yards/ just shy of 4 oz. each, worsted weight

Spun from one of these. This is the second 8 oz. I’ve spun. I really think this might do me for the sweater.

I got about 10 more yards out of this 8 oz. than the last. Not too shabby, and the yarn has the same wpi, so should knit up the same. There’s always that moment of fear when re-skeining handspun yarn for a large project when you were naughty and didn’t spin it all at once.

15 Responses to “Needle Gnome”

  1. Chelee

    Yeah, I have a needle gnome too. They must like the 40inch ones. My size 5 is totally gone. I mean really, how could I loose something that long and pointy?
    Must be gnomes.

  2. merete

    i think it is tomten that took the needle. in scandinavian tradition this is things they like to do and we have a certain expression for it. drillenisser or teasing tomtens. and no matter how far away you move the tomten will move along. they are definitely not only sweet elfish little creatures.
    oh baby clothes bliss. i love it although i am not sure that i think they are finished as fast as every one likes to believe.

  3. Katie

    Here’s something else happy. I received my yarn this week and everything is super lovely as always. Tundra is even more stunning in person. Thanks bunches!

  4. Peggy

    More very cute booties!
    My needle gnomes are 2 and 4 year old boys who like sharp pointy things for sword fights, but I don’t think that’s your problem.
    I have another happy thing for you- I have 3 WCTP projects going. Both my sons asked for sweaters and my mom is gatting socks!

  5. elizabeth

    Those booties are too cute. I might have to make a pair, and I don’t even know any babies!

  6. Peggy

    I love those little shoesies. Gonna have to make ’em for some future granddaughter. That alpaca is beautiful, the color is so rich.

  7. E to the M

    Wow I’ve never heard of anyone re-blogging. Sorry about that.

    I love the booties and have a pair on the needles myself.

  8. Vicki

    those booties are the most adorable things ever!!! I love those colors…

    I’ve started my first BSJ and you wouldn’t believe the problems I’m having…. mostly a number count on my part… I even have help from a tip sheet that tells the numbers for every row.. and I’m still messing it up…
    it’s going in the frog pond tonight. ;)

    can’t wait to see yours.

  9. xtina

    I’m with E to the M, I’ve never heard of re-blogging and find it mind boggling. I mean, what’s the point? Ugh.

  10. Terry

    Well that is just stinky, stinky, stinky. I don’t (yet) have a blog but it annoys me to no end I read of rip offs like this. Fight back! And a little chuckle had here re: back to a normal life – jury duty does put you on hold :(

  11. lynne

    What a beautiful blog. I am so glad i came across it. These booties are beautiful. We have two babies on the way in the family so i have a lot of knitting to do. I am a new knitter so hope you dont mind me asking what is probably a dumb question….are you using normal sock yarn for this pattern? If not, would it work if i did? I will try to look at the gauge but i havent really gotten my head around that yet. Thanks so much

  12. marycatharine

    If your nuts like me and knit in bed all the time you might want to check your pillow cases. How needles end up there is beyond me but at least once a month I find some. And murky or not you are right stealing is stealing. If someone really wants to show people great things on the internet all they have to do is make a link- a la your sock gnomes link.

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