Copyright © 2007-2015 Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Bring On The Wool

With the advent of cooler weather my thoughts go straight to wool. I've started a pair of boot socks using worsted weight yarn, size #4 needles and reviewing this two-at-a-time, toe-up tutorial for knitting them. It's been a couple of years since I knit socks using this method so the tutorial is a good reminder.

I use my clothesline as often as I can, but I've meant to make a set of felted wool dryer balls for awhile. Did you know they cut down on the time it takes clothes to dry in the dryer? They also eliminate static cling, and you can add a few drops of essential oil for scent if you like.

They can also double as scoops of ice cream. Mine are, obviously, having a difficult time making it to the dryer. Here'a a tutorial if you'd like to make some. Note: I made mine a bit larger than the ones in the tutorial with yarn I found at a flea market. Some of the older yarn isn't as skin-friendly as what we have today so I didn't mind using it for dryer balls. These cost me only $.22 ea. and freed up some space for my quilting stash. ;)

Shrub with berries along the pasture fence line. Note: These are not Autumn Olive berries. I got these and Autumn Olives mixed up when I first posted this entry, but thanks to Jacqueline's comment I realized my mistake. I wanted to mention that because I do not want anyone eating these thinking they are Autumn Olives. Sorry about that! Always be sure you are identifying wild foodstuffs correctly.

Close-up view.

 Goodman and I were out walking and noticed this nearly foot-high anthill... eek.

Eastern Red Cedar berries... love their frosted blue color.

See you soon, the Good Lord willin'.

23 comments:

  1. The yarn ball ice cream cones are adorable. I love to see the cedar berries, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. the ice cream cones are too cute. :) sweet berries of autumn.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like your ice cream!
    Greetings, RW & SK

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lots of bloggers grabbing their yarn and needles with the advent of colder weather. For me, it is embroidery. So cozy to sit on the warm couch and stitch.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Toni, What very very neat dryer balls. Never seen them made from yarn before...but roving. Like your walk in the woods. Lovely photos. Hugs Judy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your socks look great so far. I need to try knitting them toe up sometime. I had never heard that you could make wool dryer balls. They sure look cute in your ice cream cones.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds wonderful! I'm going to check out that tutorial.

    I'm sharing this one about making mittens at link ups today.

    http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2013/10/want-to-knit-some-mittens-for-your.html

    Blessings,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loving those yarn balls -- I don't use my dryer, but I'd love to display them.

    Thank you so much for your visit today~

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love to make a dryer ball! OK, I need to read that tutorial first! :) They are really adorable as ice cream scoops ;0
    Also, our autumn olive looks a bit different than these!?! I love the idea of finding this locally and making a fruit leather. you are such an interesting person :) Thank you for all the inspiration :)
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, I hope I didn't sound like a know-it-all, and I have so much to learn. Do you know the name of the bushes? I would like to find out of we have them here in zone 5b. This is why I love your blog so much! This is interesting!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not at all, Jacqueline, I'm really so glad you pointed it out. Actually, I'm not sure what these are. I took these pics on a walk looking for autumn olives and got them shuffled around in my head.

      Delete
  11. Love those socks! I've not knitted two at a time. I've a friend who asked me to knit her a pair of socks. I'll try that method when I get my 'round-tuit. :-)

    I've heard about the wool dryer balls but haven't tried those either. Gonna have to check in to your tutorials here. I think I like your display better than using them in the dryer. ha

    I've seen those berries before but can't recall the name. When it pops into my head ... I'll let you know if you don't remember it first.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love those dryer balls! Will definitely be looking for yarn at garage sales! Always look forward to your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I clicked on your blog from Deep Roots At Home. I see where you are from the Great Smoky Mtn. area. Also read you love Southern Gospel music.

    Have you ever heard of the Collingsworth Family? They will be in Sevierville,TN Nov. 6 at New Hope Church for the Great Smokies Praisefest. If you have not heard them I can tell you they are the most sincere, talented,inspirational group I have ever heard on my life. We have heard them many times and never been disappointed. I urge you to try to go to this.

    BLESSINGS!!!!

    Charlotte Moore

    ReplyDelete
  14. How nice knitting two socks at the same time! I'd love to try someday but I always knit socks with double pointed needles and I don't think it can be done that way. Those yarn balls look adorable -- be careful and don't eat them! ;-)
    Cooler weather came two days ago for us (meaning we went from 30C+ to 12C in less than 12 hours) but instead of knitting I picked up my bobbins again and I'm working on some lace to embellish my bath towels.
    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh how cute! The ice cream cones brought a smile to my face :) And I love the green colored yarn, so pretty.

    May you have a beautiful weekend. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi, Toni! Your socks are going to be so cozy! My mom used to always crochet us house slippers and they were so warm. She made a pair of camo slippers for my son when he was 3. He said, "Oh,mom. I can't wear those they look like ballet slippers!" And they do, lol! Love your dryer balls. They do look a lot like scoops of ice cream. :)

    Have a great weekend.

    :)Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's so nice to meet you and visit your blog, too. I love those felted wool balls. I did not know that about the dryer and the tips you shared. Now I'm off to check out so e of your crochet patterns.... xo

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the color of the yarn for the socks. What neat dryer balls. They sure look cute in your ice cream cones. I love your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello! Thank you for visiting and commenting at my blog.

    Pretty photos of the berries! That ant hill--yikes! I don't think I've ever seen one that big. Hope you have a nice day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have just learned how to knit and would love to give a try at knitting socks. Love the ball idea for the dryer and the cute ice cream cones. I always love berries out in the wild. They are so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have tried the wool dryer balls. Still have the socks on my future to do list. Working my way up!
    Love the green :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you so much for the tutorial . It's very well done and perfect for me in order to learn how to use circular needles!
    Hugs.
    mimma

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments!