Under the Wire

The BBS I've been working on won't be done, neither will my socks or the socks for Christmas. So I made a rash decision. I made some toddler socks! I knew I could get them done in time. With only a few hours to spare here are my Socktober socks.
Yarn: Baby Softee (from the old crochet stash), Bamboo dpns size 3.
Pattern: Terry Royea's Socks 101 adjusted for size. I used her pattern and instructions for the first pair of socks I did. She has a very helpful tutorial.

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Projects and fun

I've been working long hours lately which has not been conducive to blogging. I am on vacation this week (good thing, I was close to losing it)! Where have I gone? Not to Rhinebeck...I do hope to go next year. But I have gone somewhere very special. Kalamazoo! I am visiting two of my favorite nieces. We spent some time yesterday looking for the important places for an Aunt to take two poor college students, Sam's Club and Meijer's. Along the way, we found this:
Their father (my brother) is a Farmall fan. Had to get a pic for him. We had a very enjoyable dinner at Pasta Pasta last night. Wonderful Italian food with great service. Each of us ordered something different, along with appetizers, and shared. Everything was delicious and we had plenty for boxes to take home.
The nieces and I will wander over to the Chocolate Garden for some taste testing one afternoon. Perfect way to spend a fall day. If I can't be knitting.
So what have I been knitting? I have been having my butt kicked by some Big Black Socks. I have had to frog this one sock 3 times. I've dropped stitches I couldn't recover, I've messed up the ribbing and not discovered it until I was an inch further away. I have added another 1.5 inches since this picture. And what did I do to the sock today? I pulled one of the needles out. Confused it with my working needle. Thankfully, I was able to put it back with every stitch intact! I'm very frustrated, but determined to knit these. I didn't make the October deadline for the Socks for Soldiers. Plan to have these done for the January shipment. (Dare I hope also a second pair?) The group is still collecting funds, toiletry items, and socks, so please consider helping them.

Pattern: BBS on Socks for Soldiers website
Yarn: KnitPick's Essential
Needles: KnitPick's Options dpn size 1

Here are a few of the items I have knit for the Dutchican Triplets. Something different for each of the boys.

Here is something on the Christmas list. (Shhhh.) I have placed a feather and fan pattern with some ribbing on the instep. It is my first sock(s) done without a formal pattern. I've graphed out how I will handle the cuff, just have to work out the heel transition. Since these are intended to be 'bed/house socks', I am considering a short row heel because they won't have the wear and tear of a shoe. I am very pleased with how they are going.
Soon as I charge my camera batteries I will have some more 'in progress' and hopefully some more vacation photos.

Stay warm and dry everyone.

The Yarn Harlot Does

Those of you who know me, know that the Yarn Harlot has had more than a little influence in my knitting life. Who else would introduce me to White Buffalo yarn, enticing me to add all that I could find to my stash? Who would make me laugh during some of my dark days? I could go on and on, about so many things, such as all of the blogging knitters that she has introduced me to, that have each been so kind to me. Well, go on over and visit Stephanie, she has finished her book.