Weaving with Noro

I've written in the past about how I am a little leery of Noro yarn.  When I first saw it, I didn't really understand the fascination.  I decided I should knit with it before drawing any conclusions and started these socks:

I began to understand the wonder of Noro yarn, but still wasn't ready to fill my stash wall with it.

When looking for ideas for weaving projects online, many of my favorites happened to be made with Noro yarn.  With as quick as weaving projects go, I figured I could try it out in a woven garment.  Despite being advised against it, I decided to warp my loom with Noro Sekku, a lace weight yarn.

Warping the loom was amazing.  Colors started unfolding before my eyes, I never knew what to expect next. 

I started weaving- it clicked.  I finally understood the beauty of Noro yarn.

Warp and Weft: Noro Sekku in Red, Green, Purple

Done on my Schacht Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom

Socktober is Over...

But before it ended, I did get a chance to cast a pair of socks on to the needles.

 I'm not exactly sure what Socktober is- I think it is some sort of knitting event (because I have seen reference to it pop up in my Google Reader quite a bit in the past few weeks), but I just like the name.  That's right- I liked hearing 'Socktober' so much that it compelled me to start a pair of socks.  Furthermore, these socks will be for the purpose of keeping my toes toasty once they are finished.  This will be my first pair of handknit socks- time to see what all of the fuss is about.

The pattern is Spring Socks by Eveli Kaur (find her blog here).  The yarn- that's right, Noro Kureyon.   Being my first experience working with Noro, I have mixed feelings.  Despite the fact that I  am knitting with it, I still feel a little hesitant about using it.  I'm not ready for a sweater or shawl, but for this pair of socks- I find it perfect.  I do finally understand the Noro color fuss. It's kind of like reading a good book, there have been a few nights I've had a hard time going to bed because I wanted to see how the color would change.  Really.  Ok, I just realized I have a problem.

Unfortunately, it may be a while until we see these again. While I was working the yarn for my Sheep Yoke cardigan (for Baby FPK to come home in) finally arrived.  Here's a picture of the ever-so-gender-neutral colors in case you have forgotten:

** For those of you wondering about the large circular needle, I started using magic loop in the past couple months and am actually thoroughly enjoying the technique.  Just goes to show everything is worth a try.