I Had To...

do this to enter a contest. I love entering contests (esp. when sock yarn is involved). I was surfing the net this afternoon at work (business is very slow and Monica has a migraine so we couldn't IM) and came across a new blog (to me) where Carrie is having a contest. You have to start (she didn't say you had to finish it, but I probably will anyway) a springy looking dishcloth. After I fed my family, I pulled out my bin of cotton yarns and found the most springy looking ball I had. This is what I've done so far. I'm using a pattern that is in the 2006 Knitting Pattern A Day Calender. It's starting to pool now with the increase of stitches and I'm almost to the required 43 stitches you have to reach before starting the decreases. That's all I have for now...more later.

Added on at 10:05

No one is more surprised than me... but I finished something that wasn't a sock (see, I can knit other things). I wove in the ends as Grey's was ending. I wonder if I get extra credit for finishing it? Just kidding! I love when triangles become squares!

Back to the socks, I still need to finish one for Socktopia before Tuesday!

Sometimes Two Halves...

Edited on April 23 This just in: A few weeks ago I posted a comment over at Adrienne's blog to enter a contest she was having, and she picked my name out of a jar to win this prize that came today:

2 skeins of the new Panda Cotton. I chose the Seascape colorway over the Rosewater. Isn't it beautiful? I will be knitting the pattern she designed for this yarn, but I think with only 60 stitches (I've already tried it with 66 and it was too big. see how I am. it doesn't even get in the door right and I'm playing with it). It's very soft, but does split very easily. I won't let that deter me. Thank you Adrienne! I love the yarn and I'm going to love knitting your pattern too!

... don't make a whole. As with these two socks. I finished the first of the Trekking "Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana" Socktopia sock. Can I say, I love this sock? It fits great, I like the lace pattern (Crosshatch Lace MSKS), and the varying shades of orange are making me happy. Who knew I was wild about orange? Not me!


The second sock of this non-pair pair is also for Socktopia...it is for two themes: "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and "Bumble Bees and Butterflies" (more bumble bees than butterflies). I'm using one of the pennant designs from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" (MSKS from now on). I'm knitting this pair in Opal Prisma 1190. So, now I will knit another non-pair pair just like this one (both have been cast on).

I'm almost finished with Monica's first birthday sock (it will be finished today...sometime...later).

Have a great weekend! More later

Practically Perfect In Every Way...

...I should call these "Mary Poppins" socks. I can't believe how perfectly I got them to match. And yes I did try (as I always do with these self-striping yarns), but sometimes my gauge will change with the second sock, or something freaky (like a break in the yarn) will happen that they don't match exactly...but not this time. As evidence to the fact, I give you exhibit A: Opal Elements with 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. Ok, so I don't mess up my mojo I'm going to stop talking about them.

I also started this sock knit in Trekking XXL 145. I thought this yarn wanted to be the Monkey sock pattern, but when I finished the gusset decreases I discovered I couldn't get my foot in it, so I ripped it. Started it again using larger needles, but didn't like the fabric I was getting, so rip again. And then I found the Crosshatch Lace pattern in "More Sensational Knitted Socks", I think the yarn likes this pattern (we'll see how it goes). If it works out this will be my April Socktopia sock for the category "Aren't you glad I didn't say banana"(just ignore the yellow you see in the yarn, I'm trying to).

I have also started a new test knit for my sister, and if I do say so myself, it looks very nice (no peeking allowed). Monica saw it this past weekend and she likes it too. And her birthday socks are progressing nicely too, I'm past the gusset decreases on the first sock (no peeks on those either, well not till after May 13th anyway).

I think that is all to report right now. More later!

It's One Pair of Socks....

...but it fills so many KAL's/Groups. 1.) SAM3- April socks done. 2.) 52 Pair Plunge- 1st pair done. 3.) Green Sock KAL- 3rd pair of green socks done. 4.) Favorite Socks KAL- 1st pair done. 5.) Birthday socks for daughter- done.

This is the Retro Rib Sock from "Favorite Socks". I knit them in Cherry Tree Hill- Lime colorway (betcha couldn't guess that, huh?). Mandy likes her feet plain but she is starting to let me knit designs on the legs. These aren't a surprise for her, she picked out the yarn and has seen me knitting them for the past couple of weeks. But I will wrap them and give them to her for her birthday (#17, how did she get so old, didn't I just bring her home?). Oh, well...more later.

I'm Spoiled

I received my third and final package from my Sockret Pal today! My spoiler is none other than Kate (click on her name and give her a visit, she's a fabulous gal and wonderful knitter). She has been sending me great stuff the past 6 months and this last package was stuffed to the brim. Inside was all this: a beautiful shawl pattern, a ball of Temptations (hairy) yarn, a ball of Naturally Tibet yarn (this wants to be a hat, I think), a ball of some lovely (friend) hand-dyed yarn (it looks sport weight, don't know the fiber content or yardage but it might make some socks), a package of some mini dinosaurs gummie candies (they are in my tummy already and they were yummy), and a nice cosmetic pouch with this in it.... a bar of lavender soap, a tube of lotion and a scrubbie. And as if that wasn't enough she knit me a pair of socks too!

They fit!! She must know how anal I am about my socks matching, because she made them match! They have a pretty lace motif going down the center front of the socks and another pretty lace motif on each side of the leg. Thank you Kate! You have been a wonderful spoiler.

A Girl Should Know Her Limitations

I participated in a "knit-off" this weekend. Over at Socktopia (come on over and join in on the fun). This past weekend (crazy sock knitting) volunteers were divided into two teams and were given a pattern to see who could knit a pair of socks the fastest (it turned out it was Monica, my dear sister...not on my team) and which team could knit the most pairs. I started knitting around 1pm Saturday afternoon and pretty much knit for about 8 hours straight (ok, I did take potty breaks...and I did eat too). I really tried to finish the first sock in 12 hours and I got close too, but my eyes just wouldn't stay open. I kitchnered the toe at about 8am Sunday morning. The second sock I finished this morning at 11:38am. Less than 48 hours and I had a pair of socks. My hands were cramping up (esp the right one) and my left arm was killing me. Gigi (Momma Monkey) gave us a great pattern to knit (she calls it Eleanor), I chose to knit it in some Cherry Tree Hill Potluck that has been sitting in my stash for a year and a half (it finally decided what it wanted to be). I'm very pleased with my new pair of socks, hopefully we'll get some more cool days and I'll be able to wear them. Mandy's lime green sock is to the foot, as is my Opal Elements sock. I'm about to begin the 4th pattern repeat on the leg of Monica's birthday sock. So progress continues on my SIP's after a brief interuption. More later!

A Little Bit of This And A Little Bit of That

Woo Hoo!!! I finished my first Edelweiss Sock (Vogue Knitting fall 2006). And all the ends are woven in too (very tedious work that). I haven't cast on the second yet (but I will soon). I was afraid that it would be a tad tight but it fits very nicely. I'm quite pleased with the way this first one turned out.

And since I had empty needles, I started a pair of socks from a new book on my shelf, Favorite Socks (Interweave Knits new book). This is the Mock Wave Cable (the name is misleading, no cables on this sock at all). I'm using Knit Picks Essentials Tweed in the plum colorway. I got this yarn last summer when it first came out. I like it better than the original Essentials, but it's very slippery on the needles.

Another pattern in that book is the Retro Rib socks. I'm knitting these for Mandy. She requested lime green socks and our LYS happened to get in a shipment of Cherry Tree Hill that had a skein of lime green in it. She is so lucky. This is 9 repeats on the leg so far, I'll do a few more before starting the heel.

And to give myself a break from all those patterned socks, I started a plain sock in some Opal Elements for myself. These will look great with jeans.

The pair I started for Monica for her birthday is coming along nicely too, but you'll have to wait until after May 13th (her birthday) to see those.

That's all for now. More later!

Shades Of Grey...

...For Project Spectrum. These are the socks I knit for my son. The pattern is the Railway Stitch from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I knit them in Trekking XXL 102. 60 stitches on size US1, 4 repeats on the leg, 13-1/2 repeats on the foot. C.J. likes short socks and these are probably longer than he would like but I'm not ripping them out. He's tried them on and they fit (but he still wants to know when I'm going to finish his sweater, he's like a broken record about that sweater).

One more work day before the weekend (I can not wait!!!!), this has been longest, most boring week. And my SIP's are dwindling, I think I need to cast on a few more (get that feeling of normalcy again).

Have a great weekend! More later.

It's Been One Year

Today is my 1 year Blogiversary!! I can't believe it, time is flying by. No contest, no prizes. I just wanted to acknowledge it.
My Pal (SockretPal) has received her package so I have put a picture of the socks I knit her on my Flikr. She hasn't blogged about them yet, so I won't put one up on this post.
Have a great week. And I hope you've remembered (those that have to) to set your clocks ahead 1 hour.

I've Been Seduced

I finished my March Socktopia Socks!!! Here are my "It Isn't Easy Being Green" socks. I used the Seduction Sock pattern from IK. Because I had only one skein of the Louet Gems sport weight yarn (thank you Monica) I wanted to make sure I had enough to finish a pair of socks. Monica advised me to knit them on size 3 needles and with 48 stitches. It worked out perfectly (thanks again Monica)!! I had enough but there wasn't much left over. They fit great (although the legs are about an inch shorter than I normally knit them, but that's ok). So, that is one seduction.

The second is....

Everyone knows that sock yarn doesn't count in yarn stash or purchases. I mean it's one maybe two skeins for a pair of socks. So, since it doesn't count, I acquired some more this week. Enough to make 4 pair of socks (ok maybe more, if I knit some baby or child size socks from the leftovers). Would you like to see? It's very pretty and oh so tempting.

At the top is Fleece Artist in Seashore. And the three Lorna's are from left to right: Child's Play, Vera, and Sand Ridge. I think I'm balancing out the "Martha and Frank" in me.

I think I will work on C.J.'s socks now and finish those up. I don't have much more to knit on the first one. And I have started a pair for my favorite sister for her May birthday (I will not be showing those off until they are gifted). And I still need to finish my Edelweiss socks. And Mandy would like some lime green socks. So, I better get busy! Have a great weekend!! More later!

Double Duty

This pair of socks is pulling double duty. It covers UFO Resurrection and SAM3. I give you the completed Cable and Rib socks (Nancy Bush IK Fall 2005). The stats are as follows: Regia 4-ply 5033, Leg: 70 stitches, Foot: 68 stitches, Started: can't remember, Finished: 3/6/07.

I also finished the first of my Socktopia March socks..."It Isn't Easy Being Green" (Seduction) socks. And as you can see, I have cast on the second (no SSS for me, thank you very much). Hopefully I'll have this pair done by the end of the week.

So that's what I've been up to lately. Just my normal obsessive sock knitting. I'll be sending my SockretPal her last package tomorrow, so as soon as I know she's received it I will post a picture of the socks I knit her. I hope they fit her and she loves them. Please love them. Ok, I'll obsess about that privately. I am so my mother's daughter! More later, promise.

A Few Things I've Been Working On

Added note: The STR RPM's don't fit so they have gone to the frog pond. I'm undecided as to

whether I will attempt to knit this pattern with

this yarn with more stitches or bigger needles.

Call me disappointed :(

First for UFO Resurrection, I present the Cable and Rib (from IK Fall 2005 issue, I think that's the correct issue) socks I started sometime last year. I don't know if I can finish the second sock by the end of the month, but I'm giving it a good effort (5 of 8 repeats done on the leg). These are knit in Regia 5033 with 70 stitches for the leg and 68 stitches for the foot on size US1 dpn's.




Next up are the RPM socks I started in STR Watermelon Tourmaline. I'm knitting them on US1.5 dpn's and I probably should have used 2's. I'll have to wait to see if they fit (I think they will though, but I may be delusional about this because I really don't want to rip this sock). The pooling doesn't bother me (I know it does some knitters, but not me). And I love how the yarn looks so different on the foot without the pattern.



And the last new start... I know I'm starting early but here are my March socks for Socktopia... "It's Not Easy Being Green" (the theme I'm going with). This is the Louet Gems (Sage) Monica gave me for Christmas. I'm knitting the "Seduction Sock" pattern for these. It's a lovely lace pattern and very easy to memorize. I'm knitting the foot plain (don't want to risk running out of yarn). 48 stitches on US3 dpn's.

That's all the show and tell for now. More later. Have a good week!

There Is Nothing Like...

... a horrible bout of stomach flu to stop the knitting dead in it's tracks. I had every intention of finishing this pair of socks Wednesday night (Valentine's Day) but it just wasn't possible. Mandy must have brought it home from school because she started with the yuckiness on Tuesday night and I soon followed the next night. But I did get them done today and here they are: Box of Chocolate/Martha Socks

Opal Uni (brown, not the plum it looks like in the picture)

60 stitches

US1 dpn's

pattern is from Socken-Kreativ yahoo group

the design makes little boxes (blocks) on the leg.

They fit great.

And before the stomach problems, I cast on Aija's RPM sock from Knitty. I'm using the called for STR in medium weight in Watermelon Tourmaline. I will post a picture of those when I'm further along. So stay tuned. More later.

February Socks And Chocolate/Martha Socks Too

I finished my socks in the Jigsaw sock yarn my SockretPal sent me back in November. They turned out great (IMO). Here are the stats: 64 stitches on size 1US dpn's. They match perfectly too. Yes, I'm gloating (matching socks make me very happy). So these are my SAM3 socks for February.

I started a new pair over the weekend that I hope will apply to two kals/challenges. One of the February categories for Socktopia is "A Box of Chocolates", and I know this pair will fit the bill for that kal. But are they "Martha" socks too? Loopyewe is having quarterly challenges...this quarter you take a quiz to see if you're a flamboyant "Frank" or a mild "Martha" and it seems I'm a "Frank" (mostly). The challenge is to knit a pair of socks in what you are not. So is a rich chocolate brown "Marthay" enough? I hope so. I am really loving this pattern, it looks like tumbling blocks (I'm saying they are boxes of chocolates for purposes of the kal). I'm going to crawl under some warm blankets and try to sleep. More later.

It Came, It Came, It Came

I had to stop at the grocery on my way home from work tonight. When I got done bringing in the bags I looked into the family room and saw a package sitting on the floor in front of the couch where I knit. I have to admit (with only 2 days left in the month) I had given up hope of getting my 2nd package in the SockretPal swap (sorry pal). I was so delighted to see it, I really needed this pick-me-up. So this is what she sent me: 1 ball of Sari Silk (it is so beautiful), 2 skeins of Knit Picks Peruvian Wool in the Blue Bonnet colorway (for some reason my husband thinks this should be a hat for him?), 1 skein of Cleckheaton Studio 8-ply Mohair (simply gorgeous), a little tub of vitamin E creme (my hands are going to love this) and a bottle of Oceanus eau de toilette. Thank you so much Pal, you are the best. You've brightened up my day so much.

A few people have asked about the sock and hat pattern I used for the baby stuff so here is what I did. I used leftover sock yarn,for the hat I cast on 100 stitches on a size US1 16" circular needle, I knit for 4-1/2" beyond the roll (that naturally occurs with stockinette) and started my decreases (which Monica figured out for me). They are as follows: k18, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k17, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k16, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k15, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. continue in this manner until you get to the k9, k2tog around, do not knit 1 round even anymore and just do the decrease rounds till you end with k2tog around. then just thread the yarn end onto a tapestry needle and bind off the remaining stitches and weave in the ends. you will need to switch to dpns at some point in the decreases. For the socks I used this pattern for a reference (as you can see I didn't change yarn for the heels and toes). I hope the hat instructions make sense to everyone, if not I'll try to help in any way I can. If I can't, I'll ask Monica for clarification.

Some Gifts Done

I have finished 2 gifts from my list for this year. YIPEE!! First up are the socks for Lauren (her birthday is in August). I finished these last night. They are the Roman Rib Stitch socks knit in Regia Cotton Surf #5415. 56 stitches on size US1's.

And next, I finished the baby socks to complete the set (for Mandy's English teacher who is due in March). I ended up not having enough yarn to make a pair of mitts but that's ok. I'm also going to make some burp cloths for her.

So, that's it for now. More later!

I claim both for:

Presents From Monica...

...and a few other things. But first my Christmas presents Monica gave me Monday. She knit me a wonderful pair of socks out of 6 different leftover Koigu yarns. They are gorgeous and feel so wonderful on my feet (yes, of course I've worn them already), also a skein of Louet Gems Sport weight yarn in sage (we are too funny, I just gave her a pair of sage socks I knit for her), and the "Scarf Style" book. I have so many projects picked out that I want to knit (maybe even something for her). Thanks Monica! **Edited**

Monica also knit me some clog slippers. Aren't they

great!

This is the sock I've started for C.J. It's the Railway Stitch pattern from "Knitting Vintage Socks" by Nancy Bush. I'm knitting them in Trekking XXL 102 (shades of grey, so I'm getting a jump on Project Spectrum. hope that's ok?) The pattern is hard to see, but it has a nice texture to it.

Monica, don't let Lauren see this...

And this is my Celebrate sock for Socktopia. It's also going to be a pair of socks for my niece for her birthday (in August, see what a head start I'm getting on gifts already this year?). I'm knitting the Roman Rib Stitch pattern in Regia Cotton Surf (not sure of the number right now, but I will find it and post it later). Just another 1/2" or so and I will start the toe!

So that's it for now. More later!

Year of the Dragon?

When Ben (my nephew) saw the dragon t-shirt I had embroidered for Camden he said he would like to have one too. So, being a good auntie I went out and got some t-shirts for him. My sister and her kids are on their way over to spend the day with us (we haven't had our Christmas yet), it's the only day that her kids and Mandy have the same school day off. So here are the shirts I embroidered for Ben: I think he will like them.

And since there is no chance of her peeking I will post a picture of the socks I knit for Monica.

Here it is modeled on my foot to show the cables and then just a regular shot of the pair.

This is the "Foot Cozy"pattern in Lorna's Sport Sage. I also embroidered a sweatshirt

for her with "I heart Knitting" on it.

More show and tell later. Have a great week!

Edited: Carole tagged me with the 6 weird things meme. I will just direct you to this post
if you want to read about my weirdness again. Goodnight!

ABC Meme

I found this one at Rachel's blog and it looked like fun. Besides I'm just sitting here doing nothing between thread changes on my sewing/embroidery machine... so here it comes....

A- Available or single? no
B- Best Friend? Monica
C- Cake or Pie? Either it depends on the flavor... Chocolate for cake and either Pumpkin or Lemon Meringue for pie.
D- Drink of Choice? Water (I know boring)
E- Essential Item? My knitting. Computer.
F- Favorite Color? Yellow
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Bears (but only the clear and red please!)
H- Hometown? Fort Knox, Ky
I- Indulgence? Yarn and chocolate
J- January or February? What's the difference, except the number of days of cold and dreariness.
K- Kids and Names? 2 - Curtis and Amanda
L- Life is Incomplete Without? My kids
M- Marriage Date? 5/7/83
N- Number of Siblings? 6 (5 still living)
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P- Phobias/Fears? Heights/being poor.
Q- Favorite Quote? Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, which gives me strength"
R- Reason to Smile? My kids
S- Season? Spring
T- Tag 3 People! Monica, Shelley, and Rebecca
U- Unknown Fact about Me? I have revealed so much lately with all these meme's. I guess it would have to be that I've gotten very lazy about doing housework and cooking the last couple of years.
V- Vegetables you Hate? Brussel Sprouts, Okra
W- Worst Habit? Eating too much chocolate
X- X-Ray's I've had? Dental, Gallbladder, Mammo's every year, CAT scan of my left knee, my right foot when I had a broken little toe, head when I was having chronic migraines, ok, I can't think of anymore but that sure is enough. Well, unless sonograms count too. I should be glowing in the dark.
Y- Your favorite food? That's a tough one. I love steak and baked potato. But I like a good cheeseburger too. And lemon pepper chicken. And of course there is always CHOCOLATE!!
Z- Zodiac? Scorpion

So there you have it, more information about little ole me.
On the knitting, I've started another sock for my son. I'm knitting it in Trekking XXL 102 using the Railway Stitch Pattern from Knit Vintage Socks. I am about to turn the heel on the first sock of the pair. Pictures later.

Second FO of 2007

I finished the socks for my SockretPal!!! I'm sorry I can't show them just yet. I will mail them out sometime in February, so until I do that they will remain in hiding. They turned out so nice (IMHO), it will be hard to part with them. You see, my Pal and I wear the same size shoe. I think I will have to start a new pair from some of my birthday yarn (I have that itch that must be scratched). It's something I've wanted to do for some time now...but I had to finish Christmas items and my Pal's socks first.
More later and with pictures... I promise!!