My Super-Sophisticated Charting Software
Liz in IN asked in the comments:
That’s some nice knitting chart software, with cute little S1K2TPSSO symbols, and everything! I looked on the “help” page and didn’t find anything. Would you share the name of the s’ware?
Certainly! It is Microsoft Word. 
No, really.
I’ve been using tables in Microsoft Word and the free Aire River Knitting Symbols font for my charts for sock patterns. If I’ve got super-large charts (like for a lace shawl) I use Microsoft Excel.
Summer 2008 Socks
I completed the Summer 2008 Socks. As a rare treat, the KOARC modeled the second sock for the blog.
Ain’t he a prince?
I then went through the process to select a yarn for my next sock.
I started another sock, but will save it for tomorrow’s blog fodder. Can you stand the suspense? Here’s a sneak preview:
Lucy is an integral part of the process.
The yarn is Dream in Color Smooshy Sock and the colorway is “Lunar Zazzle.” Say it with me:
Lunar Zazzle!
Now I’ve got to get going — I’m meeting a
long-time blog buddy for lunch. 
__DIRECTORY__ Listen to this post 
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Wendy - I use the font with Open Office (Writer and Spreadsheet). Works, slick, don’t know what I would so without it. I especially like to create in the spreadsheet. I created a template for charting with just the right sized boxes and by keeping all the sheets as you create, you can keep referring to all the previous incarnations of the pattern and just cut and paste the one that is right. Always good when it is free!
Jeri Bissells last blog post..Eyes Too Big
I hadn’t thought to use word for this kind of thing, but it certainly would work. I use Excel for charting, because it works and it’s easy to design and play around with different ideas. And because I hate to open word, but it’s all gravy in the end…
tycho garens last blog post..remembrance of lost weeks
Hi Wendy, Yes he is a prince. How good natured. I know it is a tough decision when you have to choose a yarn for a project. Love that picture, in fact I think all of the pictures are great today. Give Lucy a hug for me. Have a great day.
Wow–and I thought my sock yarn stash was big! I’m getting ready to wind all the skeins into balls in preparation for Summer of Socks. Yeah, I know, it’s a month away, but considering the way my life goes…
Lucy must be related to my Emmy-cat. She sprawls the same way and crabs if you try to move.
Lisas last blog post..Bored, bored, bored
Hmmm…when you tire of socks you could design eye masks!
But KOARC will get royalties for the concept!
I like the purply-blue skein above your right forearm!
He’s a prince for sure and I love that Lucy sits with you while you knit - it’s the only time I get to cuddle with my cat because the rest of the time she finds me far too boring !
farm-witchs last blog post..Just a boring, uneventful day…..
Choices, choices, choices… After the hug, which one will it be?????
Yep, KOARC is a real prince of a guy to pose for you.
Knitting with warm purring kitty is the best.
Dorothys last blog post..I’m a Soccer Mom?!
Oh, you tease! I thought we’d actually get a peek @ his legs ::gg::
I’ll bet the new sock is blue
Hope you have a great lunch, and hurry back, your baby missed you!
SockKnitters last blog post..Another FANTABULOUS Indie Dyer! Dyeabolical Yarns
Thanks for the link to the knitting font. I could really use it.
Beadknitters last blog post..The Hummers Have Returned
the KOARC never looked better! (bwahahahahaha). lucky for him it was not a stinky sock…
that bright green yarn in your arms looks interesting…
and lucy is beautiful as always…
is that a stuffed snoopy dog on the bookcase shelf?
Thanks for the heads up on your friend’s blog, My Favorite Things. I went to her blog and after reading a couple of entries, decided to bookmark it. I look forward to her future entries. Hope you two had a good lunch.
Wow, great font! Thanks so much for the link!
Kaths last blog post..Summer of Socks
Always love your website and am about to finish a pair of socks with Dreams in Color which I first learned about from you.
My son graduated from VA Tech last weekend and is now officially an engineer. He is about to start his first job in Peoria, IL and I would like to knit him some warm socks in a fiber he couldn’t destroy. I was hoping you or your readers would have a good suggestion.
Thanks,
Elaine in Waynesboro
Wow - that’s a great link. Thanks so much for sharing it. I figured I’d have to purchase some expensive computer software - so I really appreciate this tip. The sock looks great!
Jennifers last blog post..Can’t Get Enough Socks
Wow. I would never ever have occurred to me that you could do knitting charts in Microsoft Word. (Said the person who can barely remember how to make an envelope print …)
Nice shot of the KOARC with the sock - he doesn’t really need a pair, does he??
Bridgets last blog post..Sunny Saturday
Ok, allow me to ask the stupid question of the day…where do you get the grid from to put the knitting font in?
I so wish Pumpkin would sit on me like Lucy does, he’s so not a lap cat….maybe the fact that his Mom doesn’t have much of a lap is the problem
It’s made him a “sit next to” cat instead of a lap cat.
Debis last blog post..Video killed the radio star….
I don’t know where my first comment went
Allow me to ask the stupid question of the day…where do you get the grid to plug the knitting symbols into?
I so wish Pumpkin was a lap cat like Lucy but then again, I so wish I had a lap
Debis last blog post..Video killed the radio star….
Can’t wait to see what you knit with it…I bought the same yarn from the LoopyEwe!! It is such a yummy color!!
Thanks for the great link to the knitting symbols! Mwah!
lv2knits last blog post..From Susan — Mystic-fied
Mmmm…Dream in Color Smooshy!! You’ve made me an addict (although my heart lies with Numma Numma Toasty) after only one skein! P.S.-I love those colorful socks!! My goal this summer is to learn to knit socks.
Ah, now I understand why I knit socks so slowly. No Lucy!
And the KOARC is indeed a prince. You’re lucky to have such willing helpers!
Thanks for the link! I’ve been working up a lace pattern and wanted to use appropriate knitting symbols when working up a digital version of the chart. Now I can!
Janiss last blog post..wrapped in slithering coils
Isn’t that just the best font? I used it with Word to chart the lace pattern I just finished and loved how professional and clean it looked. Looks way better than Free - I oughta send the creator an appreciation gift, huh?
Lauras last blog post..A Spinner Is Born
Thank you for the link. The knitting symbols will be put to good use.
As always, I am looking forward to what is on (and comes off) your needles.
Carins last blog post..Plying For Colour, Part 3
With a little ingenuity and skill the Microsoft Office suite is pretty handy for things like knitting (and cross-stitch) charts. Of course, I just have piles of graph paper everywhere (mostly for doing beading).
Seanna Leas last blog post..Whoopsie
My cat ivyrose likes to sit in my lap when I knit, too. I really like the sock and KOARC is a prince.
Loved seeing your face behind the yarn.
Adding my name to the list of grateful future pattern charters!
(I’ll get right on it after I learn to paint, keep house, do more than the lying down pose in Yoga and SO much more!)
The thanks, however, IS sincere!!
PainterWomans last blog post..
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