Yummy - Socks that Rock!

Is this yummy or what?!?! No, not my skinny and excessivley long foot, LOL! This is Socks that Rock in colorway Fire on the Mountain that I have had in my stash since October ... fondling it, but never wanting to use it because I couldn't find the right or perfect pattern. Well I saw several other people make Monkeys out of Socks that Rock and they looked awesome, so I decided to do the same.

This pattern is addictive, another reason why its named after the monkey on your back! I haven't been able to put it down. It could also be the luscious yarn, that if it was edible I would gorge myself on.

At first I was a little worried about the gauge since I was coming out with something more like 7-7.5 sts per inch as opposed to the required 8 sts per inch, but seeing this picture and having tried the sock on, I think it'll work out just fine.

I did 5 repeats of the leg instead of 6 and I had to do less rows for the heel flap so that it would come out the right length. I really do hope I don't run out of yarn. This is not a whole skein because I split it with a woman at the yarn store who only needed it for one more sock - she was getting three socks out of a skein - so she weighed out 1/3 for herself. But I think it'll work out OK, doesn't seem like I used too much so far ... and I always am amazed at how much I am left over with when making socks anyway!

Cleaning up the WIPs!

Starting is good, starting is fun ... but if you keep starting, things never get DONE!!

I am determined to clean up all my WIPs fairly early this year so that later on I can work on gifts and such. I took photos of most of my WIPs ... some don't even have needles because I needed them for something else and had to put the project on stitch holders or waste yarn ... how sad is that?!?!

These are listed in no particular order, but I would like to finish them up before starting anything else! I also have a sweater I am working on for a friend's child, he will turn one mid-February. Another one not pictured here is an afghan that was the first project I started in Sept. 2006 that is also a UFO.

Project: Ted's Scarf
Recipient: For boyfriend
Yarn: Encore DK, Ultra Alpaca Light & Jo Sharp DK
Pattern: Odd Ball Knitting (book)
Notes: My boyfriend wanted a Dr. Who type scarf and I found this pattern, which uses several different colors and length stripes, but also has a stitch pattern on it, which I wanted to break up any monotony. Finishing this up would also help clean up some stash since this uses 12 kinds of yarn, LOL!




Project: Reversible Cable Scarf
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Ultra Alpaca (3 skeins)
Pattern: Cables Untangled (book)
Notes: This was originally for my boyfriend, but he preferred the one above, so I will keep this one myself (I love alpaca anyway).




Project: Peppermint Twist Socks
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Tofutsies
Pattern: Knit 'N Style Magazine
Notes: I started this sock to try socks on two circular needles. Its a fine pattern and I like the yarn, but it was put aside while I started other projects.




Project: Menehune Socks
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Crystal Palace Panda Cotton
Pattern: Crystal Palace (website)
Notes: I got this yarn in a recent swap and wanted to start using it right away, so I went on to the Crystal Palace website and found a pattern.




Project: Monkey Socks
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Socks that Rock
Pattern: Cookie A.
Notes: I have had this yarn in my stash since Oct. 2007 and was looking for the perfect pattern for it - I really need to stop that otherwise I never use my sock yarn - I did see many people have used STR for Monkey socks and so that's what I am doing now!




Project: Jaywalker Socks
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Opal
Pattern: Grumperina
Notes: I jumped on the Jaywalker bandwagon once I saw someone else used this Opal stripe yarn for that pattern. I love the pattern and the yarn is nice, not sure why these went into the UFO box.




Project: Hoodie Scarf
Recipient: Mom
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky
Pattern: Knit Simple Magazine
Notes: This is a Christmas gift for my mom. I bought the yarn in December and told her it wouldn't be done by Christmas. I want to finish it up my March.




Project: Drawstring Bag
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Skacel Meditation
Pattern: Creative Knitting Magazine
Notes: This was one of the first knitting in the round projects that I started. The yarn is Meditaiton which is infused with lavendar, so its really cool to knit with.




Project: Art Yarns Socks
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Art Yarns Handpaint
Pattern: Art Yarns (comes with yarn purchase)
Notes: This yarn is just delicious. It is so soft and squishy. These are toe up socks and the pattern is provided with the yarn.




Project: Alpaca Matrix Scarf
Recipient: Self
Yarn: Frog Tree Alpaca & Bernat Matrix
Pattern: Seen at LYS
Notes: I saw this scarf at my LYS and wanted to make one myself. I haven't worked on it in a while ...




I also wanted to update my Sock Yarn Stash List since I added to it recently.

1. Knit Picks Essentials - Dusk
2. Knit Picks Essentials - Pine
3. Knit Picks Essentials - Meadow Multi
4. Knit Picks Essentials - Peacock Multi
5. Knit Picks Essentials - Carbon Twist
6. Knit Picks Essentials - Volcano Twist, Black and KP Palette White (for Bucanneer Booty)
7. TV Yarn - Medium
8. TV Yarn - Bride of Frankenstein (Bellatrix)
9. Cherry Tree Hill - Maple Sugar (Fawkes)
10. Knit Picks Palette - Sky
11. Knit Picks Memories - Rocky Mountain Dusk
12. Trekking XXL
13. Berroco Sox #1476 (Marion Socks)
14. Berroco Sox #1474
15. J. Knits - Kansas (Firestarter)
16. On Your Toes
17. Wisdom Yarns - New York
18. Alpaca Socks - Fruit Salad (Purls and Lace Socks)
19. Tofutsies - #801
20. Sockotta #505
21. Regia Jacquard
22. Regia Spirit Socks that Rock - Fire on the Mountain
23. Crystal Palace Maizy - Iguana
24. Pattons Classic Wool - Harvest (Winter Socks)
25. Sunshine Yarns - Wildflower
26. Ranco Multy
27. Wildfoote - Sonatina
28. Clown - Pastel Blue/Pink/Green
29. Koigu

On the needles:

1. Socks that Rock - Monkey Socks
2. Panda Cotton - Menehune Socks
4. Jaywalkers - Opal
5. Artyarns Toe Up - Art Yarns Hand Paint
6. Peppermint Twist - Tofutsies

Finished Object: Men's Winter Socks

This is my first finished object for 2008! I don't remember exactly when I cast these on (one of the things I plan to do is track that for each project in 2008) but it was in December sometime. I really started working on them the first weekend in January and finished them today 1/28/08.

Pattern: Winter Socks found in the Magic Loop Booklet from Fiber Trends
Size: Men's
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool (2 skeins Forest)
Needles: Addi Turbo Size 5 (40")

Dishcloth Swap Topic #2

There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

I am actually surprised that the person who seems to appreciate hand knit items the most and is amazed that I "make" these things is my friend Dave ... yes a man - even better yet, a man who is a mechanic ... though maybe that fosters his appreciation that I can "build" something out of yarn and needles, LOL!! Dave has a son who is turning one next month. Because he's got a wee one, its quite easy for me to find excuses to make tiny little items and since I don't have kiddos, they go to him!

On the other end of the spectrum, I recently made socks for a co-worker ... granted it took me about 6 months to finish them ... only because I was so NOT motivated to do it. When I took a sock knitting class last July I was chit chatting with her and she mentioned that she loved when her mom made knit socks for them ... her mother passed away long ago ... so before thinking I said, "Oh I'll knit you a pair" duh! Not even thinking I had several other projects, deadlines and had signed up for other classes that would take up my knitting time. I finally finished them the end of December - I was determined not to bring them into 2008! I gave them to her and it took a week or two before she even tried them on ... she did wear them to work that day though ... but if I got socks I would try them on immediately!!

Falling Snowflakes

Its snowing out today ... I wasn't even sware we were supposed to get snow today! I don't bother watching the weather .. because last I heard it was supposed to snow Thursday ... um no snow Thursday and today is Sunday ...

Yesterday I went to the yarn store in the morning for the informal knitting group. I saw some of the regular ladies there and chatted about what we are currently working on, new yarn in the store, etc. I made a deal with myself that I could buy some Koigu for the Monet Twist Sock Pattern that I have and also some size 2 needles to match the set I already have. I don't really care for two socks on one needle, so I wanted another size 2 so that I can do two socks at the same time, but on different needles. They didn't have 40" in stock, but did have 32" so I just got that ... my other needle will be a little longer that's all, LOL!!

The deal is that I have to seriously go on a yarn diet. I haven't yet worked out the details of this diet! I have at least 30 skeins of sock yarn in my stash and am running out of room for it. Not to mention I could knit 2 pairs of socks each month this year and still have some left over. We are trying to save up money and pay off bills so that we can move ... hopefully this year. I cannot stand my neighbor and if I didn't hear her hacking up a lung at 3AM outside smoking or yelling at her dog all hours of the day or night for the rest of my life it would be TOO soon!! This is her being "quiet" too!

We met with a friend that we weren't able to see over the holidays for a belated celebration. We are all big Johnny Depp fans too so we usually get together to see his latest movie at the theater. Last night we saw Sweeney Todd. It was excellent as expected. I must also mention that I am a huge Tum Burton fan as well ... and he works with Johnny a lot ... if I had coffee and chocolate in the theater it would be a wet dream come true, LOL! The signing seemed weird at first (this was a play originally) but once the story started rolling along it soon became unnoticable and meshed well with the scenery and story.

Now that I am a knitter, I cannot help but notice any knitted costume accessories in any movie I watch. Johnny wore fingerless gloves (pictured above) as well as the young man, who also had a nice scarf on as well in one of the scenes. I would love to figure out the stitch patterns and make my own.

I found out a wonderfully mind easing piece of information yesterday when my friend called me to chat. He invited me to his son's first birthday party on 2/16 ... I thought his birthday was THIS coming weekened ... his sweater is not done yet. So I just found out I have 2 additional weeks to finish it up, whoo hoo! I am working on a color block sweater I found in Knit Simple magazine. I finished the back piece and started the front. Once that's complete I'll have the sleeves and then all the seaming, but it shouldn't be a problem for me to finish by the new deadline!

I found the most hilarious weekly blog post recently. Each Thursday Jessica enlightens us by finding a most ridiclulous knitting pattern and giving a most unique caption for it. Check out her blog on Thursdays for the Thursdays are for What the Hell is This? - or now for past entries - for a good laugh!!

Monday Meanderings

I took a vacation day today so that I could attend a workshop at my LYS on Continental knitting. It went very well. It was a two hour workshop and I am comfortable with knitting, purling and casting off. Well comfortable in the fact that I understand it, actually being able to do it efficiently and comfortably will take some practice :o)

My boyfriend asked me if that meant that when my right arm fell off from too much knitting if then I would switch to the other way, hahahaha!!

The shop is carrying a new sock yarn, so I could not resist purchasing a skein. I always feel like I accomplished self restraint when I only buy ONE skein, LOL! It was $16 for this skein and only one is needed for a pair of socks. It is called Ranco from Araucania Yarns.



The colorways were so cool! Most of them very dark, rich colors, but those are the ones that speak to me. An instructor had knit up a sample sock in this yarn, so after seeing that then I really couldn't pass it up!

I also picked up two skeins of Lamb's Pride to make myself a scarf trying out Continental knitting. I don't want to do Continental on any projects that I already have going in case my tension is different since its a different method.


Based on the colors in my new sock yarn, I picked out these two skeins. I am going to do a simple rib scarf with different size stripes.

Here's my two recent cats are weird photos.

Why he thought he would fit in this basket I'll never know. Don't quite know what he's thinking in this one!! Did he really thing this would be a comfortable place for a nap?!?!

Here's another, what are you doing?!?! She's got her basket or a pile of freshly laundered clothing (which they love) to sit on and instead she's teetering on the space between the washer and dryer!

Toasty Fingers ...

Are what I hope to have soon. Like I need another WIP at the moment, but I couldn't help myself. I found this technique to make personalized fit mittens in the December 2007 Issue of Knit 'N Style magazine. I am now working on Part 1 (of 2) "Make Your Own Mittens" and Part 2 is found in the next issue.

Here's my first mitten. I am using Pattons Classic Wool (not my first color choice, but I didn't have much of a choice at the store I went to). I am using my Knit Picks Harmony DPNs and I LOVE them. They are a little longer (8") than I am used to, but they work great and the colors are lovely.

I cast on 6 stitches and have been increasing from there, I am using size 5 needles (the yarn ball band suggests 7, but for mittens and socks where you want a tight knit fabric you go down a few sizes, I am a tight knitter anyway and have done worsted weight socks on size 5 so this should work well for me).

Since there is no pattern to follow I am not sure yet what I am going to do for the cuff or if I am going to try a pattern stitch on the hand. At this point all I have to work on is increasing until the size is right and then continuing down to the thumb.

I am working on a pretty big WIP list at the moment:

1. Winter Blah Buster Buddy - for the Hot Cocoa Swap. I started something and have 3 more pieces to complete before I can put it together.
2. Derek's Socks - I want to complete these by the end of the month (for Jan. Gift List - Year Long Gift-A-Long and December Cuff Down Sock for Sock Knitters Anonymous Group). These will also work for my January Sock a Month 5 and Socks from Stash groups too!
3. Hoodie Scarf for Mom - I purchased the yarn for her Christmas gift and knew that the actual knitting would not be done in time, but told her I would make it for her after.
4. Panda Cotton Socks - for myself.
5. Dishcloth - not picked out yet but I will need one for the Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth swap.
6. Color Block Sweater - Size 1 year for Anthony. I want to complete this by February - he's turning 1 year and also will be able to get some use out of it for the rest of Winter and Spring.

There are of course many, many other things started or that I have yarn for, but these are the things I am focusing on at the moment :o)

We went to see "I Am Legend" today - it was EXCELLENT! I think Will Smith is such a fantastic actor, he really makes me feel whatever his character is feeling at the time. The special effects were fantastic as well. It was a bit depressing at the end, but that's just how this particular movie ended. Otherwise I LOVED it.

I took Monday off from work and signed up for a Continental Knitting Class at my LYS. Also, it worked out well because I have applied for a part time job and they called me this week to come in for an interview, so I am doing that in the afternoon Monday, so I already am free from my full time job to get there! I love when things work out like that.

Dishcloth Swap Topic #1

Weekly Topic: Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?

Well I must say I would be a little put off by the name "rag" on something I hand knit, LOL!! I usually call them dishcloths. Personally if it were a facecloth I would prefer something softer than the usual 100% cotton used for dishcloths. Something like Cotton Ease would be good for the face. Technically I would say that dishcloths and facecloths are the same thing knit wise, however I would never use one on a dish and then on my face (whether it had gone through the washer already or not), LOL!

Productive Knitting

Here is an update on the Color Block Sweater I am making. I have been working on it a few times this week and am happy to see so much progress. I want to finish this by February and I think it'll actually be possible! The yarn is Cotton Ease by Lion Brand and it is so soft, perfect for a child's sweater.

This is the back of the sweater, which is now complete. There were a few techniques that I conquered well on this project. The first was the color changes in each row, I was worried about keeping the tension uniform and making sure that there were no gaps between the colors. The second thing was binding off. I usually use a needle size larger to bind off to ensure that I don't do it too tight. Since this yarn is so stretchy and soft I didn't want to do that and have it too loose. So I just made sure to pay attention and go slowly and the bind off came out well.

This will be my first seaming project as well. I have made a child's sweater before, but all in one piece were only the side seams are sewn together and it was in a yarn that didn't make it very noticable. This one will have to be seamed with mattress stitch including the sleeves. I am glad I recently took a class on seaming!

Hot Cocoa Swap Topic #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

My knitting doesn't change too much, I knit a lot of socks and small items, however, I get ideas for cold weather items - like I could have really used a pair of mittens while I was shoveling off the shed the other day, however, by the time I get to knit myself a pair it'll probably be the middle of summer! At the moment I am knitting a cotton/acrylic blend for a sweater that I hope to finish by February, this way it can also be worn in Spring and get some use out of it (1 year old size).

January is for Knitting!

It is again unseasonably warm here in New England. I took the opportunity to wash my truck today and get all of that nasty sand and salt off ... even though it is forecast for snow again tomorrow. I wasn't the only one with this idea, but luckily when I pulled up to the car wash it appeared extremely busy, but most people where using the vacuums and not the wash bays.

I really enjoy when I run errands or get things done and don't have to wait, it makes me happy :o) I'm sure the fact that it was 45 degrees out helped a lot too! Though I later noticed when I got home that I then ran other errands after the car wash with dirt on my face from the spray gun, LOL!!!

Here is more progress on the color block sweater. I am really pleased with how this is coming out. I was a little worried about keeping the color changes uniform and consistent with my knitting tension. So far so good. This is the back and once the top sections are the same length as the bottom it'll be time to bind off. This is my first experience with Cotton Ease and I can see how it would make wonderful washcloths, it is so soft and comfy to touch.

I finished a sock yesterday while watching our beloved Patriots win the game for a 17-0 season so far! This sock is from the Magic Loop Booklet "Winter Socks" and I am making them with Pattons Classic Wool, which I really like, its nicely priced and the color is great for this project. Oliver decided that he wanted to join the shot, so I let him model the sock.

I am excited for a new show to start up on Fox - Terminator the Sarah Connor Chronicles airs tonight and tomorrow night. Also Prison Break starts back up tomorrow. Friday night I watched Monk and taped Psych for later viewing.

I found that putting the cable of inexpensive Susan Bates circular needles over the steam from my teapot does in fact make them more manageable! Definitely not as nice as Addi Turbo or Knit Picks, but much easier to work with.

Weekend Update

Here is a quick update on my current WIPs. I want to take time at some point in the near future to photo all of my current UFOs or WIPs, not quite sure what they are at this point, LOL! I want to update my blog for the new year and hopefully set time to finish some of the things I started in 2007.

Here are the Winter Socks from the Magic Loop book from Fibre Trends. I am making these for my boyfriend to wear around the house. I really like the pattern stitch with this yarn. I cast these on in December.

I recently got this yarn in the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap, the pattern is Menehune from the Crystal Palace website. I have never used this yarn before or any cotton blend, I love it. It feels like they will be really warm too. I cast these on 1/2/08.

This is a color block sweater for my friends boy who will turn 1 year old this February. I wanted to make this sweater to try color changes and so far so good. I am wrapping the working yarns in the back and it seems to be coming out fine. The pattern is from Knit Simple Magazine. This was cast on 1/7/08.

Here's an update on the November Mystery Sock from the group on Ravelry. I love this pattern and want to finish these up soon, I had put them on hold to finish up some holiday knitting.

And here are some new additions to my sock yarn stash ... yeah I know, why do I need more sock yarn?!?! I am on a mission to try them ALL! I have not yet tried Wildfoote or Clown. These are some of the less expensive yarns, but still good quality. I wanted to try Clown moreso after the experience I had with the Panda Cotton, and this is another cotton blend.

I was curious where other people keep their WIPs (because mine are all over the house), if you're reading this, please post a comment with where or in what you keep your WIPs (Works In Progress).

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?

Both.

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?

Bamboo.

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?

I usually use Sugar 'N Cream or Peaches 'N Cream because they are readily available and inexpensive. I have really wanted to try Stripes colors, but can't find any in my local stores. I also like Cotton Ease by Lion. I would love to try Rowan Handknit Cotton, none of my local stores carry it.

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?

My kitchen is country blue, navy blue and yellow. My bathroom is yucky brown panelling and robin's egg blue for the fixtures ... yeah who thought that looked good back in the 70s?? So I spice it up with a tropical sea theme.

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?

I really like anything for dishcloths.

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?

I count the days until it ends. I don't mind temperatures in the 40s and 50s but freezing cold and snow I could do without. And the darkness really bums me out.

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?

Knit! I also like to read books and magazines, rubber stamp and watch movies. I also

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?

Ice cream ... yeah I know it doesn't go so well with winter! Chocolate is my other favorite.

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?

All of the above.

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?

Ireland, I have ancestors that came from there and I would love to see the countryside and some old castles.

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?

Nope.

My Sock Yarn Stash

I've been wanting to do this for a while and figured the New Year was a good time to get motivated. I went through my yarn stash and pulled out all of the sock yarn (at least I hope there are not any skeins hiding anywhere around the house!). Here's a photo of the stash laid out. I got a new camera too, so had to try it out anyway! There are also some socks on the needles at the moment, so there's more to this. I have some patterns picked out for specific yarns, but sometimes I find later that something else will work better, so this isn't set in stone.

Here's my updated list:

1. Knit Picks Essentials - Dusk
2. Knit Picks Essentials - Pine
3. Knit Picks Essentials - Meadow Multi
4. Knit Picks Essentials - Peacock Multi
5. Knit Picks Essentials - Carbon Twist
6. Knit Picks Essentials - Volcano Twist, Black and KP Palette White (for Bucanneer Booty)
7. TV Yarn - Medium
8. TV Yarn - Bride of Frankenstein (Bellatrix)
9. Cherry Tree Hill - Maple Sugar (Fawkes)
10. Knit Picks Palette - Sky
11. Knit Picks Memories - Rocky Mountain Dusk
12. Trekking XXL
13. Berroco Sox #1476 (Marion Socks)
14. Berroco Sox #1474
15. J. Knits - Kansas (Firestarter)
16. On Your Toes
17. Wisdom Yarns - New York
18. Alpaca Socks - Fruit Salad (Purls and Lace Socks)
19. Tofutsies - #801
20. Sockotta #505
21. Regia Jacquard
22. Regia Spirit
23. Socks that Rock - Fire on the Mountain
24. Crystal Palace Maizy - Iguana
25. Pattons Classic Wool - Harvest (Winter Socks)

I have decided to hopefully motivate me to use up this stash to place it in a place where I can see it instead of in storage in a plastic container! So I found this nice basket in my storage (stuck a towel inside to keep any yarn from snagging on the wood) and placed it in my bedroom on the bureau.

Some on the needles:

1. Crystal Palace Panda Cotton - Roses
2. Opal - Jaywalkers
3. Tofutsies - Peppermint Twist
4. Pattons Classic Wool - Winter Socks

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

Check out the next edition of the Dishcloth Swap, this one takes place during the bleakest part of winter to defeat those winter doldrums!

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?

I prefer creamy cocoa made with milk. Dunkin' Donuts has a great hot chocolate, but its high octane so I don't get it too often.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

Whipped Cream.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?

Oh decisions, decisions, there are just so many to choose from! Let's start with colors, I prefer deep, rich colors. Pretty much anything goes. I like wool, alpaca, cotton and blends of any of those. I have not tried Noro or Lamb's Pride yarns, so those would be something new for me.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?

I can do both, but prefer knitting.

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?

It depends on the project and the yarn whether I prefer bamboo or metal. I have not tried Brittany or Lantern Moon.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?

I could use an open end cable stitch holder, I have many other types of cable needles, but for certain patterns this would be easier. Or bent tip yarn needles, I only have one of the bent tip and I'm not even sure I know where it is, LOL!

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?

A WPI Tool and Knit-Kard or The Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)

I don't really have a quick one. I like hats and socks, they are smaller so feel like I am getting more accomplished in less time. Socks I can break into pieces, cuff, leg, heel, etc. so I feel gratification when I finish a part.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?

Knit and watch movies (I don't like the cold outside or snow).

2. What is your favorite animal?

Hummingbirds and butterflies.

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?

Oh yes. Especially when we don't see the sun for a few weeks at a time. Luckily at this point there have only been a few days like that before the sun breaks though the clouds so far this season.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?

I put on lots of lights in the house to brighten things up and sometimes work on a project related to spring or summer - knitting or rubber stamping.

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?

Seeing flowers popping up, I love pansies and those are a spring flower.

6. What are your favorite treat?

Chocolate.

7. What is your favorite board game?

I haven't played one in so long! I would have to pick Sorry or Monopoly. I remember playing those when I was a kid. As an adult I love UNO, but that's more of a card game.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?

Furry - a dog and cats.

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?

Nope.

Its almost Friday!!

I finished these socks Dec. 31st as planned! These are for a co-worker. She paid for the yarn that I picked out after I took a sock knitting class last July and while talking about it told her I would knit a pair for her ... I will never do that again! These are actually my first finished ADULT pair of socks. I haven't even yet knit a pair for myself! I do not like the pressure or guilt I feel when someone knows I am knitting something for them. I will not tell people in the future I will just let it be a surprise.

My camera is definitely not working right and I took this photo on a web cam. I will have to go out and get a camera soon so I can photo my FOs and whatnot for swaps and Knit A Longs.

I contacted a local high school about their adult evening education courses and suggested that I am interested in teaching a knitting class. The director got right back to me and said she would be interested in offering that this Fall! I am so excited! Plus that will give me plenty of time to prepare materials and instructions and knit up some samples too.

I started socks 1/2/08 with the Panda Cotton that I got recently in a swap and I love it! I am doing a pattern I found on the Crystal Palace website. They are coming out awesome. I think I'll finish this pair really quickly.