Lots of Locks of Love

Yesterday I had an appointment to donate my hair to Locks of Love. This (on the left) is how I have worn my hair for the past year or so.

This (on the right) is what it looked like down (Mandy took a better picture before I got out of the car, but I stupidly erased it).

And this (below) is what it looks like now. Much shorter and Mandy says it makes me look younger. Heather (my stylist) was waiting for me to panic with every snip, but I kept telling her "it's only hair". She says most people start to "freak out" after the first cut. I will have to get used to it (it was weird washing it this morning with so much less hair) and styling will take a little longer. But that's ok, someone is going to have a nice wig and I hope they wear it well.

Knitting next time.
Added at 11:31pm: the scarf is done and is blocking. Hopefully it will be dry tomorrow so that I can gift it.

Sockret Pal Package

My Pal is international. My package has some cool Australian stamps on it (which I'm going to save). But the best is inside... a ball of Jigsaw sock yarn (I've already cast on) in wonderful, vibrant colors, a set of Quill DPN's ( made in New Zealand, they are plastic and very bendy and have the Jigsaw yarn on them), a onesie hank of an unknown yarn, an Australian magazine called Yarn (some great patterns in it too... baby sweater with 4 different fairisle band designs, a crocheted canteen purse..that has my daughter's and nieces' name all over it), 2 single teas (which will be nice with this cold and sore throat I've got), a cute note pad, and a little pack of vegemite (help, what is this? I don't know what to do with it). What a great Pal I have!! Thank you so much!! It totally made my day (better).


Blogger is being a pain. First I can't get on my blog at all and now it won't let me upload the picture. AHHHHHHH!!!! Finally after about 8 attempts it finally loaded.

I Love Contests

There is a contest going on over at javajem's and I do love to enter these contests, even if I don't win. So, here are my answers to her questions:

1. Since it is my 100th blog contest - If you have a blog - how many entries have you made? This will be my 88th.
2. What is the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them for the first time? hmmm, I think the person's eyes.
3. What are you currently reading? I just finished listening to the Phillip Pullman series of the Golden Compass, Subtle Knife and Amber Spy Glass. Does that count? What is your favorite book of all time? that's a hard one, I will have to say "To Kill A Mockingbird".
4. Where is the furthest you have ever traveled from home? Well, dad was in the army, so it would have to be Germany. I've lived in KY, PA, CO, IN, and OH. But as an adult - Wyoming or Florida (whichever is furthest from Ohio)
5. What is something you would like to knit "One day"? There are so many sock patterns I want to make and I will get to them all "one day", and my sister gave me a bag of yarn for a sweater, so I need to pick a pattern and knit that, it will be cabled.
6. Since it is October - what are you going to be for Halloween? Myself, that's scary enough.

So, there it is, my entry. That was fun, fast, and painless.

It's "My So Called Scarf"

There has been very little (no) sock knitting going on since Thursday night. That's when I started a scarf...a scarf I really thought I would have done by now. You see, the woman I work with had a birthday yesterday and I had intended to gift it to her today. But that didn't happen and probably won't happen for a couple more days. This thick yarn and size 10.5 needles are killing my hands, my fingers ache (wwaaaaaa). I'm knitting this pattern in Di.ve' Teseo in the black/grey/cream colorway. The yarn is fluffy and thick and is knitting up beautifully, but my fingers are hating it. I've got 30" so far and I will try to put a few more on before I go to bed. I really need it to grow faster, because I would much rather have some size 1's in my hands. Well, that's all the
(complaining) knitting I have for right now. Hopefully, I'll have socks next time.

Foot Cozy Socks...Check

I finished my Foot Cozy Socks (inspired by a glass cozy pattern in the July issue of Creative Knitting)!! It's a very simple cable pattern (the cables happened regularly enough to make the pattern not boring).








So, here is what I did: Lorna's Laces Sport in Pale Pink (there is nothing pale about this yarn). 60 stitches on size US2 dpn's. 3-1/2 repeats on the leg and foot. I may have to rename them though... they are so perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (the cables look like the ribbons).
I have started a pair of socks for my son (C.J.). He asked for some (the poor thing knows I'm more likely to finish socks for him than the sweater) so they are on the needles. I'm using the "Father and Son" pattern in the latest issue of Interweave Knits (the same pattern I'm using for my Sockret Pal). Both are coming along nicely. And I also continue to work on Monica's socks, the heel is in sight.
Well, I'm off to bed. More later!

It's Fixed!!!

The busted pipe in the front yard is fixed. YIPEE !!! And you'll be surprised to hear this, the yard and landscaping was not harmed in the process. They didn't even have to remove the slab of sidewalk that was almost against the meter. I'm so happy. Thank you, Lord. and Amen.
Tomorrow is hubby's birthday, I'll let you know how he likes his Bengals' socks. His parents are taking us and the kids out for dinner (YUM).
Have a great weekend!! Hopefully I will be finishing the "foot cozy" socks!

SOCKTOBERFEST

It's like killing 2 groups with 1 pair of socks. I have my October socks done for SAM2 and my kick off socks for Socktoberfest. I knit these plain in Opal Petticoat 1291, 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. They fit great and match perfectly(I was lucky, no knots). I Love Them. So cool. I'm still working the on the "foot cozy" socks and Monica's socks and my Pals socks (which are looking great, even if I do say so myself). Well, I'm off to work. Have a great day!!


Edited to include Socktoberfest questionnaire:
When did you start making socks? 2 years ago. My sister Monica taught me.
What was your first pair? Plain socks in Opal Lollipop 1015. How are they holding up? Great, I wear them often.
What would you have done differently? Cast on looser
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Lorna's Laces is my favorite. I also like Bearfoot and so many of the self-striping yarns.
Do you like to crochet your socks? I've never tried, but I don't think I would.
on DPN's, circulars or magic loop? DPN's are the only way for me (so far)
Which heel do you prefer? Heel flap. But I would like to try the short row sometime.
How many pairs have you made? Well all together I'm not sure, but this year (so far) I've knit 23 pair of adult socks and 39 pair of baby socks. I have 6 pair OTN's too.

Socks For My Pal

I have started the socks I will be sending to my Pal for Sockret Pal. I have decided not to post a picture of them (just in case I've dropped clues to my identity or she somehow figures out that I have her). I ended up having the perfect yarn in my stash, so the only problem was deciding on the pattern. What I settled on is the "Father and Son" socks (I never let the name of the pattern stand in the way if I like it; see below, the "glass cozy") in the current Interweave Knits magazine. I love the pattern (I think I will have to make some for myself) and even though I'm using a variegated sock wt. yarn the chevrons and cables are looking very nice. I have also been gathering some of her "favorite" things (and some others that I hope she will like) to send her for the Oct/Nov send. And I'm also thinking ahead (I have several things planned) for the Dec/Jan send. Well, that's it for now. Have a great day! And knit a stitch or two for me!!

From Glass Cozy To Foot Cozy

A couple, three months ago I purchased the July issue of Creative Knitting. While browsing through it I found this pattern for a cabled glass cozy. The first thing I thought was that it would make a great sock. The only sport weight yarn(what the pattern calls for) I had at the time was some Bearfoot (but I had already started a sock with it), so I went to my LYS and got some Lorna's. They had four colors in sport; yellow, 2 blues and pink. Monica is making me a pair already in yellow, so I passed that up. Mandy says I have enough blue socks, so I chose the pink. I'm to the heel flap and I think it is looking very nice. I cast on the same amount of stitches as the pattern calls for and I'm just adding a heel, foot and toe to it. I will continue the cables down the foot. I can't wait to finish these, they are so bright and soft and make me happy. Have a great weekend everyone. More later.

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

Let the games begin!!! Here are my answers to the questionnaire:

Basics:
How long have you been knitting? Most of my life, but I did take a 20 year hiatus in there. I was sewing and doing some crochet during that time. I have been knitting socks for 2 years.
Do you consider yourself a beginning, intermediate or expert sock knitter? I think I would register just a little past intermediate on the knit-o-meter.

Measurements:
I wear a size 8W (US) shoe. I knit socks for myself with a leg 6-6-1/2", a 2-1/2" heel flap and a 9" foot.

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? pretty much all. jewel tones, pastels, primary, neon. I'm pretty easy to please.
Do you prefer solids or variegated? I like both, but I lean toward variegated.
What fibers do you most love to kint with? Natural fibers... wool Lorna's Laces, Trekking, Meilenweit, Opal, Cherry Tree Hill, etc..
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? My LYS first Yarns & Fabrications. I have shopped at Knit Picks, theknitter.com and elann.com
What projects (other than socks) do you like to knit? I have a sweater started for my son. I've knitted numerous scarves, some hats, dishcloths and some felted bags.

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? I have become a yarn snob, so, I don't like yucky scratchy acrylics.
To wear? Yucky, scratchy acrylic (especially for socks)
What colors would you never wear? dirty mustard yellow and pukey green.

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Metal is my first choice (love my Addi's), but I do love my Denise needles too.
Bamboo or Wood? Bamboo (Crystal Palace is my favorite), my sister gave me a set of Colonial Rosewood DPN's and I like those too.
Circs or Straights? Circs all the way
DPN's or Magic Loop? DPN's definitely (I've never tried Magic Loop)
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? Chibi Jumbo Curved needles w/ case, more Crystal Palace size 1's (a girl can never have too many needles), a set of size 6's too, Magnetic Chart keeper.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list? Yes. Amazon.com
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? Most definitely sweet!! (confession: I am a Chocoholic)
Do you have any allergies? Yes, mostly food related(pecans, walnuts, brazil, hazelnuts). But I am allergic to tobacco smoke and cats.
Favorite scents? no favorite. Scents you can't stand? Musk
Do you collect anything? I used to collect bells, but they just collect dust so I don't anymore.
When is your birthday? November 16
Do you spin? No
Do you dye? just once with my sister Monica
Favorite author? no favorite I listen to a mix of books on cd's these days
Favorite band? I like Christian music
Favorite vacation spot? Mackinac Island. I've only been once but it was beautiful.
I hope I've covered everything, if not please ask me, I'll be happy to answer!!
This is going to be so much fun!!!

Knitting Has Resumed

After not being able to knit for a day or so, I've finally got back to the socks. I started a new pair for myself in Opal Petticoat 1291. I'm knitting a "plain jane" sock with this yarn, I just love the colors and don't want them distorted in any way by a design (and as always, I'm making them match). So they are 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's.






The second pair I've started for myself, (yes, it is all about me), I'm knitting in Knit Picks Sock Garden/Star Gazer Lily colorway. The pattern I'm using in called Karen's Red Socks (this Karen's aren't red, hehehe). But, I'm not following the pattern in any way really. I'm knitting mine cuff down and my stitch count is totally different. I'm basically just using the 4- row, 6-stitch pattern and knitting them my way.
Monica's second sock has grown some too, but I'll wait till they're done to post a picture. I'm going back to my knitting now. More later!

Drip, Drip, Drip

Here I sit waiting for a plumber to show up. Seems when they built this subdivision we live in they used (faulty) substandard pipes (those infamous "Blue" ones) running from the street to the meter and from the meter into the house. Just about every house on our street has had repairs and now it's our turn. The carpet in the basement is soaked (and of course it's on the side with my sewing room). The water works person has come out and turned off our water main. So, no shower, no toilet flushing, no teeth brushing, no dish washing or laundry. I hope they show up soon. So that's how my day is going, hope yours is better. I promise the next entry will include knitting.

Update: 9/21/06
We have a few estimates (all more than we can afford, but that's the price of being a homeowner). The last plumber (the one we're going with) did a bypass for us so we have water but it's not going through the leaking pipe. He's backed up a week with all the "Blue Max" repairs in this area, so we will wait and try to figure out how to pay for it. Needless to say, no knitting yesterday. But I did suck a lot of water out of the carpet in the basement (teach us to finish a basement), but it sure does smell. I think it will have to be replaced.

Eyelet Lace Socks

This is a very nice pair of socks!! I love knitting with Lorna's Laces! I used a pattern I found in Homespun Handknit that I checked out from the library. Here are the particulars:

Lorna's Laces Sock ... Bold Red

72 stitches for the leg, 68 stitches for the foot

US 1 dpn's

The sock exchange between Monica and myself has been postponed. She was going to come over here this past weekend and we were going to go to the Wool Gathering, but circumstances (on both our parts) didn't allow that to happen. We will have to look forward to going next year. So, I will work on her pair of socks for a little while longer and she will work on mine and we will have our exchange later on. Hopefully at her eldest daughter's birthday next month.

Mandy drove some more yesterday and she is slowly improving. She likes the white line (scary for this passenger sometimes, so no knitting going on just yet). She has already asked if she can drive to piano lessons tonight and allergy shots tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'm really ready for this.

I need to get ready for work. More later!

How I Spent My Saturday Morning

Mandy has been begging to get her temps for a very long time now. So this morning we spent 2 hours at the BMV. The machine that makes the licenses broke down for a while (and it was packed in that building). So she passed her test and now this is in my rear window. I let her drive home and she did pretty well (for being her first time behind the wheel), she only scared my a couple of times. I think I remained pretty calm through the whole ride. Now she keeps asking if I need to go anywhere.
I did manage to knit a little on the red socks, 4 more gusset decreases and then the foot. More later!!

SAM1 Brownie Prize

I can't remember if it was last week or the week before (jury duty has messed with the timeline in my brain) that I received my Brownie Point Prize for Sock A Month 1. It is some lovely MamaE yarn in the Augustus colorway. Isn't it pretty. I'm thinking it may become one of the new Knitty patterns. Well I'm off to work (yipee), More later.

My Socks Are "Civic Minded"

That's what Aija dubbed them in her comment earlier this week (and I think it fits them very well). I knit on the second sock during breaks and at lunch the 1st and 2nd days (of jury duty), the 3rd day they didn't see much action. Here are the particulars:
Gentleman's Fancy Socks - Knitting Vintage Socks (NB)
68 stitches
US 1 dpn's
Trekking XXL #109
And even though the name has "gentleman" in it, they are for me.
So, now I will work on the second red sock and Monica's sock to get those done.
More later.

Back To Normal...

...After today anyway. The judge has a funeral to attend this morning, so we (the jury) are to report at 12:30. We will hear closing arguements and then render our decision. The Trekking socks have been allowed in, so on breaks and lunch I've been knitting. I'm on the foot now. I don't think I will have much time to knit on it today, but I will take it with me anyway. I should be able to finish it this weekend.
Thanks for your support, I will post again when the socks are done.

Well, My Luck Ran Out

I have to report for jury duty at 8:30am tomorrow. Here's hoping the case settles before it starts. I'll be taking my Trekking sock to pass the time (who knows, maybe I'll be able to finish the pair while I wait).

Are You Ready For Some Football.....

Socks ... that is? My first pair of socks for September are some Bengal socks for my husband. I knit them in Cascade 220 Superwash - Orange and Black (of course).
I have them done just in time for the season opener, but I think I will wait to give them to him till his birthday next month. So, play ball!!! I'm going back to my knitting. More later.

This Is What Happens....

... to empty needles!! Since I finished two pair of socks lastweek and had empty needles (which is a sin) I filled them back up. The first pair is Gentlemen's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks. I changed the pattern somewhat because I don't need to shape for my calves ( I don't knit my legs that long). So I started with 68 stitches and stuck with that count. I'm knitting them in some lovely Trekking #109, blues/purples. The colors are beautiful but I can never seem to get a good picture of the design. I'm contiuing the pattern down the foot.





The second pair I've started is in a pretty eyelet lace design I found in a book I checked out from the library. I chose the book because it has mitten patterns in it but they are all color work and I'm not going to try that on my first pair of mittens. There are some nice glove (which I'm not ready for yet), sock, and hat patterns in here I want to try too (even though I don't spin my own yarn I will still be able to use the patterns). I'm knitting these in Lorna's Sock Red. I'm not taking the lace down the foot on these. 72 stitches on US 1's.

I'm still working on Monica's socks (the second one is growing). The Razor Shell sock had to be ripped (it was just too big), I will restart it with one maybe two less pattern repeats.
I hope everyone is having a good holiday weekend. More later!