# Rachel Leggett, mayonnaise influencer
> Fiber artist, photographer, and hobby collector writing about all of the above.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### I'm Rachel!
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/about/
Last updated: 2026-01-14T00:35:45.000Z
Software engineering is my job. Photography (sports and wildlife), fiber and textile arts, pole dance, riding my bike, etc etc etc are my life. Writing about any and all of it here!

## What the heck is "mayonnaise influencer"?

So I once made this Duke's Mayo Bowl Tubby mascot costume for Halloween and got invited to attend the bowl game and perform during the third quarter. One of the weirder (but cooler) things that has happened in my life!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20250103_131915-6.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/54299335717_8e534daba4_k-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20250104_013124-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/20250104_013133--1--1.jpg)
## Posts
### Why I love sketching on-site
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/why-i-love-sketching-on-site/
Last updated: 2026-08-24T14:24:59.000Z
Sketching from reference photos is such a useful thing that has its place and I do it often (especially when drawing animals or people), but whenever I have the chance, I always prefer sketching on site.

![an ink and colored pencil sketch of trees and other vegetation in front of mountains in Grand Teton National Park. There is a little robin in the bottom right.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260517_161411257.jpg)

## It helps solidify memories

It helps solidify memories. Spending time in a place observing it to represent it in a sketch causes me to experience it differently than if I am only looking or taking a photo. And in the end, I remember being in that place better than, for example, the landscape photos I take while quickly passing through.

![a watercolor in a sketchbook of Mt Denali](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152921598--1-.jpg)

## I notice more

I observe more details than if I were just taking photos. The best example of this is when I sketch a plant or flower. I end up looking at it from more angles, really focusing on where the highlights and shadows are, where it curves, where the colors merge and transition, etc. It becomes a study of the flower instead of snapping a quick photo and moving on.

![watercolor in a sketchbook: a composition of various wildflowers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152813234.jpg)

## I can't be a perfectionist

As with the [gestural drawing](https://rachelleggett.com/why-i-love-drawing-warmups/) I talked about the other week, I can't (or don't want to) spend as much time trying to get every detail correct. When I'm sketching outside, the light is changing and subjects might move into or out of the scene so I want to work quickly to get it down on my page. It might even start to rain and force me to stop and accept imperfections, as was the case with the [sketch in Katmai](https://rachelleggett.com/when-nature-paints-with-you/) that I wrote about last week.

![a very loose and colorful sunset over houses](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152537346.jpg)

This watercolor sketch was so much fun. I did it while sitting on my back porch, watching a beautiful sunset. It was constantly changing and could disappear in an instant so I worked as quickly as I possibly could to try to get something resembling it into my sketchbook.

![a watercolor and ink sketch of bears fishing Brooks Falls. kind of cartoony.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152833121.jpg)

These bears were fishing and if they caught a fish, they would be out of there so I had to capture them quickly.

How about you? Have you ever tried sketching on-site? How do you feel about it?

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### When nature paints with you
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/when-nature-paints-with-you/
Last updated: 2026-08-17T12:00:28.000Z
This summer, on a trip to Alaska, I spent some time sketching on-site at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. (I highly recommend visiting Katmai if you like bears! It's an incredible experience!)

I made this loose sketch of a ridge along Brooks River as seen from the Falls viewing platform. I was just finishing up the watercolor when it started to rain.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260713_033427107-1.jpg)

I was really pretty happy with it! And then I realized the rain was... causing problems.

The paint that was still wet wouldn't dry. The paint that had dried was getting reactivated and moving around. The rain was creating white blotches where I didn't want white blotches. I couldn't close my sketchbook because the paint would lift off my piece and transfer to the facing page.

I really thought, "it's ruined." I hadn't even had a chance to get a photo of my sketch while it still looked as I had intended it.

But now, when I look back at it, I remember what it was like to be in that place and have that experience. The imperfections from the rain amplify that.

There's also something special about knowing that a little piece of Alaska is in my work. Not only did I put Alaska on the page, but Alaska put itself on my page and quite literally contributed to my painting.

I don't think I'd want it any other way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152842307.jpg)

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### Why I love drawing warmups
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/why-i-love-drawing-warmups/
Last updated: 2026-08-10T13:00:22.000Z
I loved drawing as a kid, but like a lot of people, I stopped drawing around third or fourth grade and then continued not drawing because I "wasn't good."

The thing that kept me from drawing as a preteen/teen/young adult (fear of not being good) is the same thing that sometimes still keeps me from picking up a pen(cil) these days, despite having finally realized [drawing is a skill you can learn](https://rachelleggett.com/drawing-really-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/).

Fear. I'm afraid to make a bad thing. Even though making a lot of bad things is how you learn to make good things.

## The fix: Warming up like it's a workout

I don't lift heavy in the gym without warming up. I don't get on the ice and throw a double salchow before warming up both off and then on the ice. Singers don't perform without doing vocal warmups (I think 😅).

It turns out warmup exercises are just as important for drawing! They wake up your mind/hand connection and for me, they force me to get over myself and make things that suck. They also help me loosen up for the "real" drawing I want to do that day.

### The exercises

I took a nature journalling workshop through the Denver Audubon Society earlier this year. The instructor taught us three different warmup exercises:

1. Blind sketching: look only at the reference and do not look at your page at all.
2. Continuous line drawing: you can look at your page, but you can't pick up your pencil.
3. Timed drawing, also known as gestural drawing: you can look at your page and you can lift your pencil, but you only have 30 seconds.

Blind sketching in particular produces some hilarious results:

![a pen sketch of a deer and two raptors where their faces are offset from their heads](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260808_165226141.jpg)

![a pen sketch of a swallow but everything is offset from itself](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260808_165244955.jpg)

### My favorite drawing warmup exercise

I love gestural drawing! It's so much fun! It makes me laugh to see some of the things I create in 30 seconds.

![30 second pen drawings of birds](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152304385.jpg)

It also helps a lot with loosening up.

My favorite art from others is art that feels like it has movement and freedom that comes from loose, expressive lines and strokes. But I tend to draw things that feel tight and controlled because I will often focus on getting every detail accurate. Even though my goal is not scientific illustration!

When I start with gestural drawing, it helps me loosen up because you absolutely cannot create anything in 30 seconds without committing to your lines, drawing them quickly and loosely.

I usually start with a few 30-second drawings, then I sometimes gradually increase the time up to about three minutes. This way, I can add more and more detail while still needing to stay loose because three minutes is still not long at all.

On this sketchbook page, I actually started with the 20-minute drawing and THEN did the three-minute drawings, but it is a good example of what I mean. I strongly prefer the roadrunner on the bottom right even though it has far less detail and was done in far less time.

![a fairly detailed but quite stiff pencil sketch of a greater roadrunner labeled "15-20 minutes," then a pencil sketch of a roadrunner's head labeled "3 min and a little more" and a very loose pencil sketch that feels like it has movement of a full roadrunner labeled "3 minutes no extra".](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152416843.jpg)

A few other gestural drawing example pages! Apologies if the pencil is difficult to see.

![very silly birds and foxes drawn in pencil in 30 seconds each](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152220883.jpg)

![30 second pencil sketches of a duck, a couple wolves or foxes that look cursed, a little bear, another bear, a mountain, and finally a more detailed portrait sketch of a fox labeled "unlimited time".](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152201836.jpg)

Finally, here are a couple pages of quick sketches I did to warm up while sketching on location at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. I didn't time these, but I tried to use the same principles and keep them fast and loose.

![fast and loose ink sketches of bears and a bird on a rock](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152901314.jpg)

![fast and loose pen sketches of bears fishing the falls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/08/PXL_20260725_152826477.jpg)

Do you like warming up before drawing? What are your favorite warm-up exercises? Let me know in the comments (subscribers only) or messaging me on socials ([Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/rleggos.bsky.social?ref=rachelleggett.com) | [Twitter](https://x.com/rleggos?ref=rachelleggett.com) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rachelmiraphoto/?ref=rachelleggett.com)). 😊 

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### The joy of using a digicam, but I'm a millennial
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/the-joy-of-using-a-digicam-but-im-a-millennial/
Last updated: 2026-08-08T18:15:59.000Z
I'm about to sound so old, but I had no idea how trendy digicams actually were until I was getting ready to write this post. I basically knew "kids these days call them digicams."

And I think by "kids" I mean 25-year-olds.

So anyway, I found my old digicam (point-and-shoot digital camera) a few years ago when I was packing for a move. I had even stored it with its battery, charger, and SD card. Thank you, past me.

It's a Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS. It shoots 12.1 megapixels (my pro-level mirrorless cameras shoot 45MP). I found my original Amazon order receipt and I bought it for $107 in 2010.

![a beat-up canon powershot sd1300 IS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260730_180438787.jpg)

This thing sells secondhand for $250-$400\. Even accounting for inflation, that's a big increase in value for a basic little point-and-shoot from my freshman year of college. (I can't remember if this purchase was meant to be an upgrade to my camera from high school, or if I had lost/damaged that one, but I don't have the high school one anymore.)

Some people want to replicate a film aesthetic with their vintage (yes, vintage 😭) digicams. I have an actual film camera from the 1970s for that.

Some people want to replicate what they think of as the early-2000s aesthetic with their digicams. That isn't my goal either, but sometimes it happens.

For my part, I've been having fun just using it like I did in 2010! That means using it on auto and not editing anything.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1757.JPG)

I love the motion blur on this so much

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1783.JPG)

## What I have been loving about it

### I can take quick snaps without getting my phone out

I actually did a bit of an experiment with this on an overnight backpacking trip in the mountains. I wanted to be able to take low-pressure photos without using my "real" camera, but my phone battery has been dying quickly lately and I knew I wouldn't be able to charge it so I didn't want to rely on my phone for photos.

I brought my digicam! I left my phone on battery saver and airplane mode and hardly touched it. I was perfectly happy taking those quick snap type of photos on my digicam and my phone battery lasted well into the next day.

This also means I don't have the potential to get distracted by notifications on my phone every time I want to take a photo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1787.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1788--1-.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1791--1-.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1794.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1795--1-.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1801--1-.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1802.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1806.JPG)

### It removes the pressure to create a perfect photo

When I use my mirrorless camera, I put pressure on myself to edit the photos really well to create something super nice. But when I use the digicam, it just looks how it looks! The most I might do in post is straighten or crop it slightly.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1812.JPG)

I took the same photo on my Canon R5 mirrorless camera a month ago and haven't even looked at the RAW file yet.

### It's convenient when I have my long lens out

I often hike with a long lens on my camera in case I see a cool bird or other wildlife I want to photograph. If I also want to be able to take wider-angle photos such as landscapes, I have to swap lenses, or carry a second camera body.

Or I can get out my phone... or my digicam!

Something like a Ricoh GRIII (modern, high quality, compact point-and-shoot) would also solve this and would take much higher-quality photos, but I'm really enjoying the excuse to use this tiny little nostalgia machine.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1809.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1821.JPG)

I haven't looked at the mirrorless camera version of either of these photos yet either.

### I can't share everything in real time and that's a good thing

I'm so used to taking a quick snap with my phone and popping it onto my Instagram story right away. Now that I've started taking some of those with the digicam, I kind of love that I literally cannot post them right away. It keeps me more focused on the moment.

### At the end of the day, it's just fun

And that's enough of a reason to do anything. 😊

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1816.JPG)

It exposed for the background and then used flash to light our faces! We look like tomatoes!

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### I just finished my first sketchbook: My favorite sketches
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/i-just-finished-my-first-sketchbook-my-favorite-sketches/
Last updated: 2026-07-25T18:39:14.000Z
For the first time since [picking up drawing in earnest in late 2025](https://rachelleggett.com/drawing-really-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/), I have filled a sketchbook! I brought it along on many adventures and used it from January through July. Here are my favorite pieces from the book.

## Spring cub at Brooks Falls

I sketched this while standing on the Riffles viewing platform at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. A little cub had climbed a dead tree to stay safe while its mother fished.

It was my second time attempting to paint the falls. The first attempt looked more like a bunch of eels sliding down a ledge. There was no WiFi or cell service in Katmai so I couldn't just google "how to paint a waterfall in watercolor." I made a guess to focus on negative space for this attempt and I'm proud of how it turned out!

![an ink and watercolor sketch in a loose style of a spring cub up a tree looking toward the viewer while bears fish the falls in the background.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152916101-2.jpg)

## Violet-green swallow

Definitely my most detailed sketch in this book and the one I'm proudest of as a *painting*. I will probably scan this one and hang a print on my wall. Based on a photo by [Patrick Barron](https://bluebarronphoto.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com).

![A detailed ink and watercolor painting of a violet-green swallow skimming the water](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152726470.jpg)

## Rocky Mountain wildflowers

I did this on a weekend backpacking trip in the mountains in late June. I wasn't expecting the flowers to be blooming as much as they were, but it must have been close to peak bloom. I assembled this composition from a few different locations. 

I'm proud of myself for creating a composition instead of painting exactly the scene in front of me.

![a watercolor sketch of seven different wildflower species, not labeled](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152813234.jpg)

## Grizzly 1199

I did this one on a plane from one of my photos of 1199 (aka Solo (aka Miracle)), a young grizzly in Grand Teton National Park. It's so much fun to sketch on a plane!

![an ink, water color, and colored pencil sketch of a small grizzly with yellow wildflowers in its mouth](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152739086.jpg)

## Sea lion

I just think it's cute. Done from a reference photo I took from the ferry to Santa Cruz Island.

![a sketch in black ink of a sea lion resting on a metal apparatus floating in the water](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152802091.jpg)

## A view from Santa Cruz Island

I like this one for the memories it holds. I sketched this on [my birthday trip to Santa Cruz Island](https://rachelleggett.com/sketchbook-tour-santa-cruz-island/). I kept seeing this other, smaller island and thought its shape was intriguing. I paused during a long hike to sketch it when I needed a break.

![an ink and watercolor sketch of islands and a boat. it's very rough](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152641282.jpg)

## Island fox

This collection of small sketches was the first time I tried drawing a moving subject from life. It's not easy!

![several ink and watercolor sketches of an island fox foraging in grass](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152647841.jpg)

## Allen's Hummingbird and Island Scrub-jay

I just like how these birds turned out. 😊 They are based on reference photos I took.

![ink and watercolor sketches of a female allen's hummingbird and an island scrub-jay](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260725_152655241.jpg)

## What's next?

I purchased a new travel sketchbook and I can't wait to add the first strokes to it. I also updated my travel watercolor palette to remove some colors I rarely used and replace some with others I like more. I purchased new water brushes from Pentel that I think will solve some of the frustrations I have with the Winsor & Newton water brush that came with my palette.

I can't wait to draw on more adventures!
### Finding Island Scrub-Jays in Channel Islands National Park
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/finding-island-scrub-jays-in-channel-islands-national-park/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T19:07:21.000Z
This post originally [appeared on my photography website](https://rachelmiraphoto.com/blog/finding-island-scrub-jays-in-channel-islands-national-park?ref=rachelleggett.com).

My first priority for my trip to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park was to [photograph island foxes](https://rachelleggett.com/photographing-island-foxes-in-channel-islands-national-park/), but my second priority was to find the island’s endemic species of scrub-jay. The Island Scrub-Jay only lives on Santa Cruz Island and nowhere else in the world! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A4809.jpg)

The American Ornithologists Union (AOU) officially listed it as its own species (split off from the general species Scrub-Jay) in 1995 and the entire adult population is estimated at [a few thousand](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Island%5FScrub-Jay/overview?ref=rachelleggett.com) adults. (This doesn’t mean that it only became its own species in 1995, but rather that enough research confirmed that it was its own species so we now officially recognize it as such.)

The National Park Service has published [fascinating reading on Island Scrub-Jays](https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/island-scrub-jay.htm?ref=rachelleggett.com) that I recommend!

## How to find Island Scrub-Jays

Although their extremely limited range and small population size makes Island Scrub-Jays one of the rarest songbirds, the fact that they are locally common in their limited range makes them easy to find.

I most commonly saw them around [Scorpion Canyon Campground](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232498?ref=rachelleggett.com), which is a short walk from the pier so it should be no problem to find this special bird even if you are day-tripping for only a few hours. Like other corvids, they are highly interested in trying to find snacks campers may have left behind. (Foxes aren’t the only reason to secure your food!)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A7878-DxO_DeepPRIME-3.jpg)

Their behavior is similar to the Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays I am used to at home in Colorado, which was helpful in finding them. They are loud with big personalities and are not afraid of people. They like shrubby areas and open woodlands.

My top tip is to go to the campground and listen for their harsh, angry-sounding calls!

## My favorite Island Scrub-Jay photos

These birds were a joy to photograph and their striking blue feathers made for some beautiful shots. Here are the rest of my favorites!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2697-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A0533-2.jpg)

Just look at this beautiful creature.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A1463.jpg)

Shaking out the feathers

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A1473.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2522.jpg)

This Island Scrub-Jay decided to forage on the ground right in front of me.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2752.jpg)

You dropped that!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2604.jpg)

Yum!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A1576.jpg)

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### Photographing island foxes in Channel Islands National Park
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/photographing-island-foxes-in-channel-islands-national-park/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:27:08.000Z
This post originally [appeared on my photography website](https://rachelmiraphoto.com/blog/photographing-island-foxes-in-channel-islands-national-park?ref=rachelleggett.com).

When [Patrick](https://bluebarronphoto.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com) asked if I wanted to go to the Channel Islands to photograph foxes the size of my smallest cat to celebrate our birthdays, I couldn’t possibly say no.

The Channel Islands are home to numerous endemic species of plant and animal life. The island fox is related to the mainland gray fox, but weighs only 4-5 pounds and is really, actually, unbelievably, the size of a house cat. They are really barely the size of my small girl cat who weighs 8-9 pounds depending on if she has pooped yet that day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2165.jpg)

Two island foxes in the campground; Patrick for scale.

## Logistics

Channel Islands National Park is made up of a few islands. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because it was the only one open for visitors at the time of year we wanted to go (January).

Getting there was easy! We booked a ferry with [Island Packers](https://www.islandpackers.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com), the official park transportation provider.

You can totally do a day trip to the island, but we wanted more time so we decided to camp. We reserved a site at the [Scorpion Canyon Campground](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232498?ref=rachelleggett.com). In January, they are really easy to book! Tons of availability. The campground is maybe a half mile walk from the dock; a ranger called it “backpacking lite”. We did use our backpacking gear, but some other campers brought roller bags, big plastic totes, etc, and managed okay. Personally, I think backpacking gear is the move.

(You do need to have a camping permit to book on a ferry if your return date is not the same as your departure date so you have to make sure there is room on the ferry you want, then book your campsite, then immediately go back and book your ferry.) 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A3084.jpg)

There are opportunities for wildlife viewing on the ferry, too! They will even try to find pods of dolphins to observe along the way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2991.jpg)

A flock of Brown Pelicans seen from the ferry.

## Finding island foxes

You could stay at the campground the entire time and see island foxes. Campers are required to store food in the provided fox-proof “fox boxes”; literally bear boxes, but the largest terrestrial mammal on the island is the island fox. Even so, foxes will come to the campground hoping to get lucky.

We did not stay at the campground the entire time. We saw a fox near the visitor’s center, as well as one at Smuggler’s Cove and several on the Scorpion Canyon Loop hike.

Basically, anywhere you go, you should see foxes. We saw them at all times of day, too. The ones on the Scorpion Canyon Loop came out at sunset, but all our other sightings were at random times throughout the day. This did mean we were dealing with harsh light conditions quite often, but I’d rather that than see less wildlife!

## Favorite encounter

There was a pair of foxes that would come to the campground together when there weren’t many people around. We were lucky to see them at least twice. Some of my absolute favorite photos from the trip are the ones of them grooming each other.

One of them had distinctive floppy ears, too. So cute!!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0518.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9483-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9806.jpg)

I also managed to get video footage of this island fox pair grooming each other, i.e. allogrooming!

## Other favorite island fox photos

I’ll save birds and landscapes for another post!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0521.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9674.jpg)

Telling secrets

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A0716.jpg)

Their faces look like they are smiling

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A8952.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9123.jpg)

The floppy-eared camp visitor

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0519.JPG)

Big yawn!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A0141.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A2864.jpg)

This little guy was enjoying an afternoon nap in the sun on a wood chip pile.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9768.jpg)

“Come along, dear.” - this fox, probably.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A9820.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/8Z1A0708-1.jpg)

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### No Thoughts, Just Socks: free cuff-down sock pattern with a heel flap and simple cable
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/no-thoughts-just-socks-cuff-down-pattern/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:27:21.000Z
[Click here to save this pattern on Ravelry](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/no-thoughts-just-socks?ref=rachelleggett.com).

Sometimes I want to knit socks that are mostly plain, but with the tiniest bit of interest. That was what I wanted to do when I decided to knit socks for my partner's birthday out of some lightly variegated yarn I had purchased with him in mind.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/4P5A6427-2.jpg)

I stuck a simple cable on my [free sock pattern](https://knittingrecipes.com/socks?ref=rachelleggett.com). I lined it up so the ribbing of the cuff flows smoothly into it. I mirrored it for the second sock.

I decided to publish these as a free pattern in case you, too, want a simple pair of socks with just a tiny bit of interest and absolutely no thinking required.

This pattern works great for speckled or variegated yarn because there is no complex design for the dye job to obscure.

It is worked from the cuff down, comes in two adult sizes, and features a traditional slipped-stitch heel flap and gusset.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/PXL_20260602_172011694.jpg)

## Yarn

400yd / 100g of fingering weight yarn.

## Gauge

8.5 stitches and 12 rows per inch in Stockinette stitch.

## Needles

US 1 / 2.25mm circular needles or set of DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge).

## Notions

Cable needle (optional), stitch markers, tape measure, tapestry needle.

## Finished Measurements

Medium (Large): 7.5 (8.5)” foot and leg circumference.

Length and height are adjustable.

Choose a size that will fit with about 1” of negative ease.

## Abbreviations

- **BOR** \= beginning of round
- **k** \= knit
- **p** \= purl
- **p2tog** \= p two together
- **Rep** \= repeat
- **Rnd(s)** \= round(s)
- **RS** \= right side
- **sl** \= slip (purlwise unless otherwise specified)
- **ssk** \= [slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)](https://www.lionbrand.com/faq/80.html?language=&ref=rachelleggett.com)
- **st(s)** \= stitch(es)
- **WS** \= wrong side
- **wyib** \= with yarn in back
- **wyif** \= with yarn in front
- **C6F (Cable 6 Front):** sl next 3 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work, k3 from left needle, then k3 from cable needle.
- **C6B (Cable 6 Back):** sl next 3 sts to cable needle and hold at back of work, k3 from left needle, then k3 from cable needle.

Numbers for sizes written as M (L).

### Cable Pattern

#### Right sock

Rnd 1: k4 (6), p2, C6F, p2, k to end of rnd.

Rnds 2-6: k4 (6), p2, k6, p2, k to end of rnd.

#### Left sock

Rnd 1: k18 (20), p2, C6B, p2, k to end of rnd.

Rnds 2-6: k18 (20), p2, k6, p2, k to end of rnd.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/06/4P5A6424.jpg)

## Instructions

### Cuff

Note that each size has separate instructions for the cuff ribbing for each leg. This helps the cable pattern on the leg line up attractively with the cuff ribbing for each size.

Cast on 64 (72) sts loosely or with a stretchy cast-on. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist.

#### Medium only:

##### Right sock:

Rnd 1: \*p2, k2; rep from \* to end  
Rep rnd 1 until ribbing measures one inch, or until desired length.

##### Left sock:

Rnd 1: \*k2, p2; rep from \* to end Rep rnd 1 until ribbing measures one inch, or until desired length.

#### Large only:

##### Right sock:

Rnd 1: \*k2, p2; rep from \* to end  
Rep rnd 1 until ribbing measures one inch, or until desired length.

##### Left sock:

Rnd 1: \*p2, k2; rep from \* to end Rep rnd 1 until ribbing measures one inch, or until desired length.

### Leg

Begin working Cable Pattern as described above (see Cable Pattern section directly following Abbreviations).

Rep rnds 1-6 of Cable Pattern until leg (including cuff) measures 6 inches, or desired length.

### Heel

#### Heel Flap

Work the Cable Pattern over the next 32 (36) sts (half a rnd), then stop and prepare to work the heel flap.

The heel flap is worked flat over the next 32 (36) sts.

Row 1 (RS): \*sl1 wyib, k1; rep from \* to end.  
Row 2 (WS): sl1 wyif, p to to end.

Rep rows 1 and 2 (15) 17 more times, or until flap is length desired, ending after a WS row.

#### Heel Turn

Row 1 (RS): sl1 wyib, k17 (19), ssk, k1, turn  
Row 2 (WS): sl1 wyif, p5, p2tog, p1, turn  
Row 3 (RS): sl1 wyib, k to one st before gap, ssk, k1, turn  
Row 4 (WS): sl1 wyif, p to one st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn

Rep rows 3 and 4 until 1 st remains unworked on each side of the heel, then complete the heel turn by working rows 5 and 6 one time each.

Row 5 (RS): sl1 wyib, k to one st before gap, ssk, turn  
Row 6 (WS): sl1 wyif, p to one st before gap, p2tog, turn

All gaps have been closed and all heel sts have been worked, ending with a RS row.

#### Return to working in the rnd

Your heel turn has just ended on a WS row. Turn to work a RS row and work as follows:

sl1 wyib, k to end of heel

Pick up and knit one st in each slipped edge st along first side of the heel flap

Place marker

Work across instep in pattern, resuming on the rnd you left off on in the Leg section.

Place marker

Pick up and knit one st in each slipped edge st along the second side of the heel flap

k all heel sts, placing a marker halfway through the heel to mark BOR, if desired

You have now returned all sts to your needles and are ready to continue working in the rnd.

#### Gusset

Rnd 1: k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, work across instep in Cable Pattern (to marker), k1, ssk, k to BOR  
Rnd 2: k to marker, work across instep in Cable Pattern (to marker), k to BOR.

Rep rnds 1 and 2 until the st count has returned to 64 (72).

Move the BOR to the start of the instep stitches.

Be sure to stay aware of which half of the sts is your instep and which half is your sole. You will need this information for the toe.

### Foot

Continue to work in Cable Pattern until foot measures 2 inches less than desired length from the back of the heel.

I recommend finishing on one of the middle rnds of the Cable Pattern (rnd 3, 4, or 5) for a nice transition to the toe.

### Toe

You should be at the beginning of the instep sts, which is the BOR. Begin the toe decreases as follows:

Rnd 1, instep: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts of instep, k2tog, k1  
Rnd 1, sole: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts of sole, k2tog, k1  
Rnd 2: k all sts

Rep rnds 1 and 2 until you have 32 (36) sts remaining. Then, rep rnd 1 twice more.

At the end of your decreases, you should have 24 (28) sts remaining, 12 (14) on the instep and 12 (14) on the sole.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to graft the toe. Use the [Kitchener stitch](http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer04/FEATtheresasum04.html?ref=rachelleggett.com) to graft the toe closed.

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### Global Big Day 2026
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/global-big-day-2026/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:27:38.000Z
Patrick and I woke up at 4:30am on May 9th, sleepy but eager to start our two-hour drive down to Aguilar, CO to check out a hotspot that had been productive for warblers earlier in the week.

I opened the [eBird](https://ebird.org/home?ref=rachelleggett.com) app on my phone and saw a popup that it was Global Big Day. Suddenly, I had aspirations of 75 species in the day, 100 as a stretch goal, and why not spend all day birding instead of just the morning?

As it turns out, if you want to really do a Big Day, you kind of need to go to hotspots you know well and optimize for the most possible species. I was pretty bummed out by the afternoon when we were at something like 35 species, despite having birded four or five different locations in Southern Colorado. None of which I had ever been to, of course.

Luckily, the final stop of the day was the best. 😊 We ended up with 57 total species (and four lifers for me!) after closing out the day at a park in Pueblo that ended up being incredibly productive. We had stopped by to look for a vagrant Common Black Hawk that had been seen there. We didn't find the hawk, but some exciting highlights there included a pair of Mississippi Kites, two Osprey nests (including my first-ever time seeing an Osprey nest on a natural structure), and one Osprey dive-bombing a Double-Crested Cormorant over and over for the crime of being in the same section of river as its nest. Also a raccoon (not a bird).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A9402--1-.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8973.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A9082.jpg)

There was a cormorant where that splash is to the right of the image.

Overall, the day taught me a lesson about optimizing for only one thing: new place OR most species, not both. It also taught me that I need to work on enjoying a day even if I'm not seeing everything I hope to see. I'm not sure how much progress I'm making on that second one.

## Other highlights

### Photo lifer: Greater Roadrunner

I had my first opportunity to photograph a Greater Roadrunner! The first time I saw a Greater Roadrunner was back in February. I looked up from pitching my tent at my campsite in Death Valley National Park and one of these goofy guys was just watching me from a few feet away. My camera was still in the car and it scampered off.

This time, we had two by the side of the road. There were very few other drivers around so we pulled over and I shot from the passenger seat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8095.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8136.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8171.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8318.jpg)

### Lifer Evening Grosbeak

There is a fairly reliable spot much closer to where I live for Evening Grosbeak, but I have only been there once and didn't hear or see them that day.

I heard some in Aguilar, though! And eventually, one came into view. What a cool bird! What a huge beak!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8377.jpg)

### Kingbird paradise at the rest stop

We stopped at the Cuerno Verde Rest Area for a bathroom break. I stayed in the car. Patrick texted me "kingbirds in the trees," but still I stayed in the car. Then he came back and told me Merlin had heard a Cassin's Kingbird, which would be a lifer for me.

So I got out of the car and we spent a bunch of time at this rest area. Seriously, there were SO MANY kingbirds, both Western and Cassin's. I logged 20 kingbirds as an estimate, most likely on the low end. I also saw my first-of-the-year (FOY) Bullock's Orioles and Brewer's Blackbirds while there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7648.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7615.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7672.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7739.jpg)

My other two lifers were Wilson's Phalarope and a vagrant Glossy Ibis, both at a spot in Trinidad, CO.

### Other favorite photos

Finally, some of my other favorite photos from the day!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7029-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7251-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7463-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A7585-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8727-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/05/8Z1A8829-1.jpg)

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### My bike brings me closer to my community, my car shuts me out
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/my-bike-brings-me-closer-to-community-my-car-shuts-me-out/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:27:47.000Z
I just got home from an absolutely lovely morning on my bike, which I rode to attend a meetup before work instead of driving there.

It would have taken half as long to drive: ten minutes in my car versus 20 minutes on my bike, one way.

But I got to ride my bike along the river. I saw my first tree swallows of the year and stopped just to watch them for a while. I had one of my best-ever looks at a Cooper's hawk when it landed on the fence just a few feet from me. 

I said good morning to several others out enjoying the trail. I stopped to tell an older lady I loved her dog, whom she had dressed in doggy ski goggles and rabbit ears for some reason.

I could have spent 20 fewer minutes round trip in my car. I also could have been annoyed at traffic, quite literally closed off from the others around me, frustrated trying to parallel-park in the downtown area that was my destination, and gone from inside (my car) to inside (the coffee shop) on an extremely beautiful sunny spring morning.

I got home feeling connected to my local community (the meetup helped, too) and feeling so happy I rode my bike.

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### All crafts converge: Making a coptic-bound watercolor sketchbook
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/all-crafts-converge-making-a-coptic-bound-watercolor-sketchbook/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:28:03.000Z
I'm taking an introductory watercolor class at a local art center and needed a sketchbook with 100% cotton watercolor paper. This sketchbook wasn't on our original supply list; the instructor told us during our first class that we needed to buy one to bring to our second class in one week.

My local art supply store didn't have any acceptable sketchbooks and there wasn't time to order online from a reputable art supply source.

Every time I googled watercolor sketchbooks, I came across recommendations to have an office supply store spiral-bind paper I cut up myself, or to shop from handmade sketchbook artists on Etsy.

And I did have a block of 12"x16" 100% cotton cold pressed watercolor paper from Arches, a high quality brand.

Since my toxic trait is thinking I can do anything, I read a few posts on coptic binding, a method of book binding that leaves the spine exposed, and decided I could do that.

I used [Books Bind Faye's](https://booksbindfaye.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com) "[How I Coptic Binding](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAx3eqHkoPI&ref=rachelleggett.com)" tutorial video on YouTube and I didn't need to buy a single supply.

## All crafts converge

I had cardboard from the box my newest camera lens shipped in, which I covered in pretty knit fabric I had bought for sewing a few years ago and for which I had no plan. I used my self-healing cutting mat that I use for sewing and an X-Acto knife tracing along an anti-slip straightedge I own for cutting leather to cut the paper and cardboard down to size.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260310_235908932.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_003533312.jpg)

I used a hot glue gun I had from a couple Halloween costumes I had made to attach card stock to cover the edges of the fabric.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_004310179.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260316_164819227.jpg)

I punched holes using my leather awl and I stitched the binding using waxed linen thread I already owned for stitching leather. My hand-sewing skills made this easy and the coptic stitch is actually almost identical to [duplicate stitch](https://www.purlsoho.com/create/duplicate-stitch?ref=rachelleggett.com), a way of stitching over knit stitches, following their lines.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_014018362.jpg)

Holes punched, ready to stitch

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_020936437.jpg)

Stitched a few signatures (bundles of paper)

In the end, I came away with a perfectly usable sketchbook using very nice watercolor paper without having to spend a single additional cent. The whole process took me about four hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_025351527.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_025357212.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_025338324.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260311_025332684.jpg)

I have a lot I can learn and improve, but I can see myself binding more sketchbooks and notebooks in the future! I'm even thinking about making a refillable leather notebook cover so I don't need to make a new cover for bound pages every time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260316_164843768--1--1.jpg)

Painting color cards in my new handmade sketchbook

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### Sketchbook tour: Santa Cruz Island
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/sketchbook-tour-santa-cruz-island/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:32:10.000Z
I went on a trip to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park in late January and experimented for the first time with bringing along a watercolor sketchbook to do a mix of nature journaling and general outdoor sketching.

It was really fun! I sketched with a pen so I wouldn't obsess over perfection and added color with a travel watercolor set and water brush that I got for my birthday.

Here is a quick tour of what I sketched on that trip.

![a loose ink and watercolor sketch of a ferry docked in a marina](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002213411.jpg)

I tried a loose sketching style inspired by [Toby "SketchLoose"](https://www.sketchloose.co.uk/?ref=rachelleggett.com) while standing in line waiting to board the ferry to the island.

![back, top, and side views of a mystery flower and a view of a curled leaf](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002220769.jpg)

This page was my first try at nature journaling! I was first captivated by a spider holding a fly it had caught on the back of this flower, then decided to sketch it from a few angles.

I learned that I notice a lot more about flowers when I sketch them than when I take a photo of them. With a photo, I shoot and move on. With a sketch, I look a lot more closely at all the details.

![a small island in the Channel Islands, shaped like a pyramid](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002224946-1.jpg)

On a long hike, I saw this island from different angles throughout the day. My eyes were continuously drawn to it. When we took a break, I decided to sketch it.

![various sketches of a fox foraging and two foxes facing me](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002230311.jpg)

We saw several [Santa Cruz island foxes](https://rachelleggett.com/photographing-island-foxes-in-channel-islands-national-park/) on that long hike. I sketched one foraging, then two later that we ran into on the trail.

I was pretty proud of the way I approached my foraging fox sketches. I kept waiting for the fox to pause and look up so I could try to draw its face, but it kept its head low because it was digging most of the time. Finally, I asked myself, "what is it doing? What behavior are you actually observing?" and drew that behavior.

![an ink and watercolor sketch of a pot on a camp stove, two bowls, and a thermal scope on a picnic table](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002234572.jpg)

Our hike ended up several miles longer than expected because we missed a turn. While my boyfriend cooked us dinner after such an exhausting day, I felt compelled to sketch the scene. I wanted to remember that dinner after the day we had!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002107734.jpg)

ink and watercolor sketches of an Allen's Hummingbird (female) and Island Scrub-Jay, medium detail

This one was a sketch I did once we returned home. I listed the birds we saw during breakfast that morning and then left a space to draw an Allen's Hummingbird and [Island Scrub-Jay](https://rachelleggett.com/finding-island-scrub-jays-in-channel-islands-national-park/) because they were the most common birds we saw around our campsite each day. I based these sketches off of photos I took during the trip.

![ink and watercolor sketch of channel islands but it's dark](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260202_002241829.jpg)

On the final morning of the trip, we hiked up to a high viewpoint for sunrise. When we arrived, it was still the blue hour and I felt inspired to sketch the dark shapes we could see below.

As it got lighter, I had to push myself not to add more and more detail. I wanted to represent the scene as I saw it in the pre-dawn light before we arrived.

![a line goes back and forth a few times at the bottom of the page, then arcs high up before shooting back down](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260301_042954890--1-.jpg)

My last sketch of the trip was a bit different! I was lucky enough to see a male Allen's Hummingbird do its courtship display and I attempted to draw and describe the motions it made.

I had so much fun and I definitely want to make nature journaling and outdoor sketching part of my regular practice when I am out in nature.

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### Drawing really is a skill you can learn
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/drawing-really-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:32:49.000Z
Being a beginner sucks! It's awful! And scary! I'm used to being good at things! I'm afraid to try new things in case I'm bad at them! But I'm obviously going to be bad at them at first!

I decided in late 2024 that I would finally test out that thing everyone who can draw says: that drawing is a skill you learn, not a talent you have. That anyone can learn.

During the last month of 2024 and the first months of 2025, I worked through a self-paced drawing class on Skillshare. It didn't really stick and I drew literally ONCE after finishing the class. I kind of liked it, but I wasn't proud of it and I didn't know where to go from there. So I went no where.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250625_161816408--3-.jpg)

My one drawing in my first year of trying to learn was this rock wren I drew on June 24, 2025\. I didn't know what I was doing!

Then, in November, something clicked. I took a live, online class called Drawing Corvids with Dr. Heather Hinam through [McNally Robinson](https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com). It was so far outside my comfort zone I almost cried a few times. But it also pushed me over that "I can't do this" beginner hump and I was so proud of what I created in that class and enjoyed it so much that I started drawing all the time!

(I highly recommend Heather's classes if you like drawing nature and are looking for an online class.)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251226_043843290.jpg)

I drew this graphite drawing of a raven with Heather Hinam's guidance in her Drawing Corvids class.

In the six weeks since that class ended and the four weeks since I actually finished the raven drawing, I've been having the time of my life experimenting with any technique I can possibly manage with the supplies I have.

(Anything that looks like watercolor here is pigment drawn out of water-soluble Crayola markers with an acrylic paintbrush. 😅)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260105_033550778--1-.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260106_001222564.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260107_045651226-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260108_025335843.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260109_211200111--1-.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260111_024856961.jpg)

Not everything is good! Some things are still really bad! The above is a selection of the ones I'm proudest of.

But I'm having a lot of fun and I'm not scared to try anymore. There is a huge amount still to learn *and I'm excited to learn it*. I'm no longer afraid to be bad at it.

Next up: experimenting with the watercolors I got for my birthday! Hopefully I'll have [something to share on that soon](https://rachelleggett.com/sketchbook-tour-santa-cruz-island/). 😊

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### Why I spin with a spindle instead of a spinning wheel
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/why-i-spin-with-a-spindle/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:33:10.000Z
Last year, I [spun at least 2500 yards of plied yarn](https://rachelleggett.com/everything-i-made-in-2025/#spinning) using only spindles. I love spinning yarn without a wheel, I don't own a wheel, and I don't want one.

(I do own an [Electric Eel Wheel e-spinner](https://www.dreamingrobots.com/eew-60?ref=rachelleggett.com) that I use exclusively for plying because I don't enjoy plying on spindles.)

In my experience, beginning spinners tend to see spindles as a necessary evil to learn the basics before buying a wheel. The typical path goes:

1. buy a drop spindle.
2. get really frustrated because it falls all the time.
3. spin just enough yarn to know you enjoy spinning.
4. buy a wheel.

More advanced spinners tend to say "that's so much spindle spinning!" when I share my work. But it's not "spindle spinning" to me, it's just spinning. I honestly think I get more spinning done on spindles than I would on a wheel.

I truly believe spindles can be the destination, not a pit stop along the way to a wheel, and they absolutely are the destination for me.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250718_173246778.jpg)

## What spindles do I use?

I have a modest collection of spindles, including some Turkish spindles, some top-whorl drop spindles, a couple mini dealgans, and a spindle stick with removable bottom whorls for suspended spinning. But my absolute favorite spindles are my support spindles.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250215_192459826.jpg)

My entire spindle collection

Honestly, I hardly ever use any of the spindles in the bottom row these days. It's all support spindles all the time.

## Why I love spindle spinning

Spindles make spinning an incredibly portable hobby. I've spun in the car on long road trips, on the plane, in countless hotel rooms, and most recently on a backpacking trip in the Colorado wilderness.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20250630_110137.jpg)

My boyfriend took this photo of me spinning while he made dinner during a backpacking trip.

I can spin with a cat on my lap and he isn't disturbed by my lap moving up and down as I treadle a wheel. (My cats do think drop spindles are toys, but they leave my support spindles alone.)

I can spin while reclining on the couch! No straight-backed spinning chairs for me!

Spindles are easy to pick up for a few minutes here and there. I don't need to sit down with a chunk of dedicated spinning time.

It takes very little set-up to get going, spindles take very little space, and they require next to no maintenance.

Each spindle on its own is also cheaper than a wheel, but let's not add up the cost of my entire collection.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/20210201134128_IMG_0577.JPG)

## Have I ever tried a spinning wheel?

Yes! When I first learned to spin, I borrowed a spinning wheel (the Ashford Kiwi 2) from my local library a couple times. I spun two full skeins of yarn on it, one two-ply lace weight and the other a three-ply fingering weight. I definitely prefer spindles for all of the reasons listed above!

## Aren't spindles slow?

People commonly assumespinning with a spindle is slow. And sure, I imagine you can create more yards per minute of actual spinning time on a wheel, especially since you don't need to pause to wind the spun length on.

However, because I can pick up my spinning on spindles here and there throughout the day, which I wouldn't do with a wheel, the time it takes me to finish spinning a skein of yarn does not feel slow at all.

## Okay, so what are the downsides?

Since I prefer support spindles, this does limit me to spinning only woolen or semi-woolen yarns. I have to use long draw to spin successfully on my support spindles. Because most of the fiber I want to spin is combed top, which is a prep for worsted spinning, I have to spin it from the fold to be able to spin comfortably and successfully.

Woolen spun yarns are not the best for all applications, which means it isn't practical to use my spindle-spun yarn for all things. But that's okay! I like to buy yarn, too!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20200520_101502.jpg)

A progress photo of a lace knitting project (my [Underbrush](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/underbrush?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern) I knit with a skein of my handspun.

## Project showcase

I hope this post has inspired you to think about spindles differently and maybe even to give them a try. If you've ever wondered why you might want to spin with a spindle, or looked for reasons to use a spindle beyond learning the basics, I hope this helped.

In case you still thought spindles didn't make sense for large quantities of yarn, here are some large shawl projects I knit or wove from yarn spun entirely on spindles. 😊

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20241211_021202760_medium2-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/4P5A5656.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7504_medium2-1.jpg)

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### Everything I made in 2025
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/everything-i-made-in-2025/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:33:45.000Z
Knitting, spinning, sewing, weaving... I never stop making things and I thought it would be fun to compile all the things I made last year!

I've only included things I both started and finished in 2025, so nothing that was a holdover from 2024 and nothing that went into 2026 unfinished.

## Socks!

So many socks! Definitely the largest category of thing I made. I participated in [Sock Madness](https://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-madness-forever?ref=rachelleggett.com) last year, which contributed to the number of socks.

Some of these photos have artifacts of Sock Madness requirements, such as counting threads or being upside-down. Ah well!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/conjoined-sock-twins.jpg)

[Conjoined Sock Twins](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/conjoined-sock-twins?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Katherine Richmond for Sock Madness

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/day-and-night-socks.jpg)

[Day & Night Socks](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/day--night-socks?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Alena Malevitch for Sock Madness

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/wild-angelica-socks.jpg)

[Wild Angelica Socks](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wild-angelica-socks?ref=rachelleggett.com) by Runningyarn (apparently I found time to knit a pair of socks between Sock Madness rounds)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/chatahoochee-1.jpg)

[Chattahoochee](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chattahoochee?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Shuyi Wu for Sock Madness

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/itamarity.jpg)

[Itamaraty Socks](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/itamaraty-socks?ref=rachelleggett.com) by Anna Zhuravleva for Sock Madness

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/chattahoochee-2.jpg)

[Chattahoochee](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chattahoochee?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Shuyi Wu (I loved this pattern so much I knit a second pair during downtime between Sock Madness rounds. And I'll probably knit another!)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/brintarsia.jpg)

[Brintarsia](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brintarsia?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Renee Strouts

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/evenstar.jpg)

[Evenstar Socks](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evenstar-socks?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by KnitJoyz. I got eliminated from Sock Madness on this one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/miter-joint.jpeg)

[Miter Joint](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miter-joint?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Shuyi Wu. These were a great travel project! Just a little bit to keep me interested while being mostly plain.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/skagway.jpeg)

A pair of plain socks I knit using my [sock pattern generator](https://knittingrecipes.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com) with yarn I bought on vacation in Skagway, Alaska.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251014_220310308.jpg)

Another pair of plain socks knit using my [sock pattern generator](https://knittingrecipes.com/?ref=rachelleggett.com), these as a gift for my boyfriend for Christmas.

I also knit one other pair of plain socks out of self-striping yarn that I apparently never took a picture of.

## Other knitting

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250216_212139605.jpg)

[Leimu Mittens](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leimu-mittens?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Ronja Hakalehto knit using beautiful yarn my boyfriend bought me in Ireland. I think this photo was pre-blocking; they are both the same size and fit well!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/vinterfjell.jpg)

[Vinterfjell](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vinterfjell?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Skeindeer Knits. I cast this on to be my travel project on a two-week trip to Alaska and Yukon. It was great to knit on all the ferry rides we took on the Alaska Marine Hightway!

## Crochet

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/granny-stripes.jpeg)

Just the one scrappy blanket! Every couple years, I crochet a lap blanket with scraps from my stash. I used the [Granny Stripes](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granny-stripes-2?ref=rachelleggett.com) pattern by Lucy of Attic24 for this one.

## Spinning

I spun a few skeins on my spindles in 2025.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251115_003003600.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250811_140328718.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251218_155104488.jpg)

## Weaving

I got my Ashford 24-inch rigid heddle loom out toward the end of the year after a long period of disuse and wove a couple scarves! I hope to weave much more in 2026.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251221_202517236-2-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/8Z1A7000.jpg)

The warp on the pink one was a skein I had made from handspun scraps.

### 1880s costume

I met up with a friend at [Leadville Boom Days](http://www.leadvilleboomdays.org/?ref=rachelleggett.com) and made an 1880s day dress to wear for the occasion. Pictured here are the corset I made from the [Redthreaded 1880s corset pattern](https://payhip.com/b/gIMHT?ref=rachelleggett.com), the petticoat I made displayed over the bustle pad I made, and the day dress.

I used the [1885 Cuirass Bodice](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1725967749/1885-cuirass-bodice-sewing-pattern-truly?ref=rachelleggett.com) and [1885 Four-Gore Underskirt](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1713921534/1885-four-gore-underskirt-sewing-pattern?ref=rachelleggett.com) patterns by Truly Victorian for the dress.

I have some updates I'd like to make to the dress before I wear it again, such as shortening the hem and adding trim.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250716_234121212.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250720_231241199.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20250802_210620.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/IMG_20250802_210617.jpg)

My friend Kayla took the photos of me in the day dress.

## Bras

I bought the book [Patternmaking for Underwear Design: 2nd Edition](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1515098419?ref=ppx%5Fyo2ov%5Fdt%5Fb%5Ffed%5Fasin%5Ftitle) by Dr. Kristina Shin and drafted a few bra patterns. I made three, but only have a photo of this one that is safe for the internet.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251112_005356787--1-.jpg)

## 1940s dress

I attended a holiday gala and wanted to wear something unique. I fell in love with the external bustle detail on this 1940s pattern. I purchased [a reproduction copy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/525380368/1940-vintage-sewing-pattern-1940s?ref=rachelleggett.com) from Lady Marlowe Patterns on Etsy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251213_055256115.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251213_055302769.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20251213_021937817--1-.jpg)

I'm not done with the 1940s yet! My boyfriend and I will be attending the [1940s Ball](https://1940sball.org/?ref=rachelleggett.com) later this year.

## Embroidery

Last, but not least! And actually one of the first things I made in 2025! My friend Bella gave me a kit for this piece and it was so much fun to stitch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250124_174915446-3.jpg)

## What's next?

In terms of fiber arts, I think 2026 will be the year of weaving and quilting (which I have never tried before). But so far, I have been knitting socks (no surprise) and a 1940s blouse.

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### Simple Flock Socks: Free toe-up sock knitting pattern with a short-row heel
URL: https://rachelleggett.com/simple-flock-toe-up-sock-pattern-short-row-heel/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:34:01.000Z
Simple Flock Socks is a free toe-up sock knitting pattern featuring a short-row heel and simple, beginner-friendly construction. Originally published on [my Ravelry account](https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-leggett?ref=rachelleggett.com) in July of 2017, it has had more than 900 unique downloads. I hope you enjoy knitting this pattern!

This stitch pattern, reminiscent of a flock of birds in flight on a summer day, adds just enough interest to an otherwise mindless, relaxing pattern, perfect for speckled, tonal, or lightly variegated yarns. These socks use toe-up construction with a star toe and a short-row heel. Patterning is only on the instep and the front of the leg, leaving plenty of Stockinette stitch to keep your needles flying.

![A simple flock sock in progress](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/simple-flock-socks-wip.jpeg)

## Yarn

400yd / 100g of fingering weight yarn.

## Gauge

8.5 stitches and 12 rows per inch in Stockinette stitch.

## Needles

US 1 / 2.25mm circular needles or set of DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge).

## Finished Measurements

S (M, L): 6.5 (7.5, 8.5)” foot and leg circumference.

Length and height are adjustable.

Choose a size that will fit with about 1” of negative ease.

## Notes

This sock has a short-row heel. You may want to add additional stitches in the form of a gusset to fit high insteps. This pattern does not explain how to do this, but there are many excellent free tutorials online, such as this [short-row heel tutorial by Knotions](http://knotions.com/issues/sock/article-sock/short-row-heel-gussets/?ref=rachelleggett.com).

## Abbreviations/Definitions

- **Rnd** \= round
- **RS** \= right side
- **WS** \= wrong side
- **LH** \= left-hand
- **RH** \= right-hand
- **k** \= knit
- **p** \= purl
- **sl** \= slip (purlwise unless otherwise specified)
- **wyib** \= with yarn in back
- **wyif** \= with yarn in front
- **w&t** \= wrap and turn
- **kfb** \= knit into front and back of same stitch
- **BOR** \= beginning of round
- **m** \= marker
- **pm** \= place marker
- **rm** \= remove marker
- **Dropped crosses (Dr cr)** \= sl 2 wyib, drop next slipped stitch to front of work, sl 2 back to LH needle, pick up dropped stitch and knit it, k2, drop next slipped stitch to front of work, k2, pick up stitch and knit it.

Numbers for sizes written as S (M, L).

![the star toe for simple flock socks](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4a/54/4a545658-3738-47fb-96c2-521d6d5be7ab/content/images/2026/01/simple-flock-socks-star-toe.jpg)

## Instructions

### Toe

Using [Judy's Magic Cast On](http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html?ref=rachelleggett.com), CO 8 sts. Knit 1 rnd to complete the cast on.

Set-up rnd: \*k1, kfb, pm; rep from \* to end—4 sts increased.

Next rnd: \*k to 1 st before m, kfb, sl m; rep from \* to end—4 sts increased.

Rep this rnd 5 (6, 7) more times—36 (40, 44) sts.

Rnd 1: k all sts.

Rnd 2: \*k to 1 st before m, kfb, sl m; rep from \* to end—4 sts increased.

Rep these 2 rnds 4 (5, 6) more times—56 (64, 72) sts.

#### Small and Medium only:

Next rnd: k14 (16), rm, k14 (16), rm, k3 (1), pm for end of instep, k22 (30), rm when you come to it. This is your new BOR. The next 3 (1) st(s) start the next round.

34 instep and 22 (30) sole sts.

#### Large only:

Next rnd: Sl 1 st wyib, k17, rm, k17, pm for end of instep, k1, rm, k38, rm when you come to it (the last st worked will be the one you slipped at the start of the rnd). This is your new BOR.

34 instep and 38 sole sts.

### Foot

Begin pattern:

Rnds 1-3: k all sts.

Rnd 4: k9, sl 2 wyib, k12, sl 2 wyib, k9, k22 (30, 38).

Rnd 5: k9, sl 2 wyib, k12, sl 2 wyib, k9, k22 (30, 38).

Rnd 6: k7, Dr cr, k8, Dr cr, k7, k22 (30, 38).

Rnds 7-9: k all sts.

Rnd 10: k2 \[sl 2 wyib, k12\] 2 times, sl 2 wyib, k2, k22 (30, 38).

Rnd 11: k2, \[sl 2 wyib, k12\] 2 times, sl 2 wyib, k2, k22 (30, 38).

Rnd 12: \[Dr cr, k8\] 2 times, Dr cr, k22 (30, 38).

Repeat Rnds 1-12 until foot reaches 2 inches less than desired length, ending on Rnd 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, or 12.

### Heel Set-up

The short row heel is worked flat over the back half of the stitches. To rearrange the stitches into equal halves for the heel, work a partial rnd as follows:

#### Small and Medium only:

Work the next 31 (33) sts in pattern as established. The remaining 3 (1) instep st(s), 22 (30) sole sts, and the first 3 (1) st(s) you worked will form the heel sts—28 (32) heel sts.

#### Large only:

Work the next 34 sts in pattern as established, k1\. The next 36 sts will form the heel sts.

*Note the rnd of the pattern you just worked so you can pick up in the right place after the heel.*

### Heel

#### First half of heel:

Row 1 (RS): k27 (31, 35), w&t.

Row 2 (WS): p26 (30, 34), w&t.

Row 3 (RS): k to 1 st before last wrapped st, w&t.

Row 4 (WS): p to 1 st before wrapped st, w&t.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until 8 (10, 12) center stitches are left unwrapped and 10 (11, 12) stitches are wrapped on each side, ending after a WS row.

#### Second half of heel:

Row 1 (RS): k to first wrapped st, k wrapped st together with its wrap, turn.

Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p to next wrapped st, p wrapped st together with its wrap, turn.

Row 3 (RS): Sl1 wyib, k to next wrapped st, k the wrapped stitch together its wrap, turn.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until all wraps have been picked up, ending with a WS row, i.e. row 2.

Next row: sl1 wyib, k24 (30, 36), pm for BOR.

### Leg

Resume working in the round where you left off in the foot pattern, working all front of leg sts in pattern as established and knitting all back of leg sts.

Continue working the leg until it measures at least one inch less than the desired height, ending after Rnd 12.

### Cuff

Rnd 1: k1, p1, k2, p1, \[k2, p2\] twice, \[k2, p1\] twice, \[k2, p2\] twice, \[k2, p1\] twice, \[k2, p2\] 2 (3, 4) times, \[k2, p1\] twice, \[k2, p2\] 2 (3, 4) times, k1.

Repeat Rnd 1 until cuff measures one inch, or until desired height.

### Finishing

BO using the suspended bind-off, or your favorite stretchy bind-off.

Knit a second sock, block if desired, weave in ends, and enjoy!

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