Please go read this

Stephanie's sock.

:-)

I am spoiled.

My Secret Pal is spoiling me and my dog. I came home to a very heavy box the other day. A big box. A box big enough to hold all of this:

(How can you not smile at that happy frog?)

So this is all that is in the box:

Wait… there is a card. An adorable card. I saw it and said ‘Awwww.’ Bet you will too.

Unwrapping all of these goodies has been great fun for me. Christmas in May.

So besides the excellent magazines (English Garden- I love English gardens! And the latest Knit ‘n Style!) Alyssum seeds (such a sweet smell from a garden bed) and dark chocolate with peppermint. And my Frog drink cooler. :-) What is in those packages?

Much wonderfulness…..

There are two adorable planters, lavender and tomatoes. Beautiful floral gardening gloves, copper plant markers, passion fruit soap with a natural sea sponge (luscious scent), Pepperoni Popcorn for Mona! Yummy chocolate truffles for me! And Animal Crackers! (We just had a discussion at work this week about animal and graham crackers and how none of us have them anymore, and how we wanted some with some cold milk for dunking. We were on the verge of making a grocery list! Wait until I bring these in with my lunch on Monday!) My own Green! Frog drink cooler. :-) And some gorgeous Trekking sock yarn. The color isn’t true on my monitor. It is really a deep forest greens. Luxurious. This skein will be for me. Thank you Secret Pal. (Mona says Thank you, too!)

And a special Thank You for the special sweetie who picked the Green Frog!

I can't find the words to say this with eloquence:

For the people effected by yesterday's tragedy in Virginia, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Knitters Treat Exchange Questionnaire

I heard about the Knitters Treat Exchange while reading Loribird's blog From the Wool Room. You should go see her Millicent knee socks.

It sounds like fun and I am so enjoying Secret Pal 10, that I have joined up.

Here are my answers to the questionnaire.

1. What's your favourite type of yarn? I really don’t have one favorite type of yarn, anything soft with some spring.

2. What's your least favourite type of yarn? Scratchy.

3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop? Take a deep breath, enjoy the aromas, colors, and touch the skeins.

4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do? I crochet, embroider, and sew. I would like to quilt.

5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to? Interweave Knits, Real Simple, Cooks Illustrated, and Country Cooks.

6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference:
Knitting / Crochet / Food / Garden/Home / Other Craft / Fashion / Celebrity Gossip (those two hold no interest for me.)

7. What items do you like to knit / crochet? Socks, mittens, scarves, shawls and hats. I would like to try a sweater soon.

8. Are you allergic to anything? Cats, shrimp, and latex.

9. What do you like to* smell of? Clean, fresh, green and citrus scents, until Autumn, then I like the heavier woodsy scents.

10. What's your favourite way to relax? Visiting with family & friends, sitting out under the trees knitting or reading.

11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first? The Italian Café.

12. What do you come out with? Espresso, biscotti, and with luck a fresh cannoli.

13. Where do you go next? The bakery for some whole grain bread.

14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal? Nothing I can think of at the moment, but you can always ask.

Spoiled!

I came home tonight (after a very long day at work) to find a mailbox bulging with bills, catalogs, sales fliers and a rather large package. It is from my Secret Pal! I love the card! Isn't that expression great? I had a hard time waiting to open each of the packages. This was like Christmas!


These items are so right on. You will note that the Dark Chocolate didn't stay intact for the photo shoot. Couldn't wait. Did I mention I had a long day at work? My Secret Pal also has some psychic abilities. Not only did she pick my favorite Dark Chocolate with Espresso, but somehow she knows that I have managed to lose my tape measure! This one is perfect because I can attach it to my knitting bag. There is also an adorable set of note cards with a journal and notebook and pen. Now I will be able to keep my knitting notes in something prettier than my wide-ruled notebook paper!
Additionally, she included treats for my dog, Mona. That is so sweet.
Thank you, Secret Pal. My work day may have been long and it might be after midnight here, but everything just seems so much nicer and brighter. (Better living thru Pals!)

FOs (part three?) and the unfinished madness

I knit an additional wee sock for a dear friend of mine. The yarn is Gypsyknits Superwash Fingering Yarn , colorway is Winter Mountain Flowers. I love Gypsyknit's yarns. Her colors are breathtaking. Check out her Etsy store.









My tenure at Sock Madness was short lived. My work schedule did not assist in this matter, nor did my inability to do a decent short row heel with wraps! until the third try. I did have a great start. I was working both socks at once on two circulars, but once I was into the stripes, keeping four skeins of yarn from tangling up was taking too much effort. After placing one of the socks on the dpns, I was able to progress in a more efficient manner.
But how fast can a turtle slog through mud? I like the pattern, but am not happy with my yarn choices for it. These socks have been sent to the frog pond. And I am out of contention in the race. I will however remain a loyal cheerleader for all of my 'Wendy' compatriots. Knit! Knit! Purl! rah, rah, rah! (Okay, we need to work on the cheer part.)

Intermission (from FOs)

This came in the mail today. I can not get the colors correct on this pic to the left. The card is a gorgeous lacquer red. Inside was this beautiful wee sock!
Sean knit this using KnitPicks Dancing. It is so sweet and handsome. It looks like he knit it on 000s and toe is perfect. (I couldn't keep mine from puckering.) I think it may be kitchnered! (Forgive me, if that is not a word.)

I have taken some pics of the sock from each side and then also on my wee sock blocker.



So first a left view.















Now one from the right side:


I love how the stripes continue across and yet how different the color segments are in such a tiny piece of needlework.









And then an attempt to show the wee stitches on the toe with the sock blocker in place. Can't help but admire the workmanship and artistry.

Thank you, Sean. I treasure this sock.













ETA.: Forgive my poor housekeeping which allows the inclusion of dog hair on my bed linens, particularly my comforter that is my current backdrop for my photos.

FOs and one not (part II) (not yet)

Blogger still isn't letting me post any more photos! Very frustrating. I'll try again tomorrow.

FOs and one not (part I)

1. These are my first pair of Fetching. It was also my first experience with cables. My DSIL has always told me how she loves cables and I didn't get it, until I tried. They really are fun. I added length to them with an extra round of cables at the top. This pair is modeled by their recipient, my darling niece S. She is living in an old Victorian house at college and to save money, the housemates are keeping the place cold (high temp is 60 F). I finished these in time for her return to school after the Christmas break. The details: Fetching from Knitty Summer 2006. Lion Brand Cashmere Blend in light pink. Clover Bamboo dpns US 6.

2. I made another pair of Fetching for my niece P. Wristers and fingerless mitts are all the rage in her school. In the Lion Cashmere blend, light blue. I kept the additional length and cable row as with the first pair, but did a traditional bind off instead of the picot edge. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture. Hopefully, she will let me get one soon.

3. I joined the Wee Sock exchange. This was a sock I knew I could finish! I modified Emily's pattern by adding a cable down the leg on one side. I tried to photograph it to show the cable, it appears more with the wee sock blocker in, but I couldn't get it to 'pop' any better for the camera. The yarn is Black Bunny Fiber's Angelique. It is a wool/nylon blend. I've mailed this sock off to its new home. Enjoy!






Blogger isn't letting me place more than these two photos right now. So I am going to finish the discussion of the FOs in another post.

Sock Madness

I have been admitted to the Sock Madness competition. I am a member of the "Wendy's Toe-Up Sock" Division. We are the novice sock knitters. I feel as though I am a member of the 1980 USA hockey team. Or the small town basketball team in the movie "Hoosiers". We have desire, potential, and a love of the craft.

Tomorrow morning, 128 knitters will anxiously await the chiming bell of 'you've got mail!' There will be a clamoring of knitting needles as we all furiously peer over the pattern for the first pair of socks. Sixty-four of us will be defeated in the next two weeks. My mantra tonight as I wound my yarn was "better to play and lose, than not play at all."

For my first pair of socks I have selected a very warm taupe of the Lang Jawoll yarn and a Claudia Hand Painted Merino in the John B colorway. We were told to choose two fingering weight yarns, one variegated, one solid. I can't get my picture to show the colors exactly right, but these do work well together.

So please wish us all well and for me, please, who knits with the speed of a turtle crossing mud, Godspeed.

Secret Pal 10

I am excited because I have been admitted to Secret Pal 10. Here are my responses to the questionnaire for SP10.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Truthfully, I like anything that is soft and springy: alpaca, casmere, merino, even (dare I say it?) some of the 'man-made' fibers.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a mix of holders, some are kept in their original packaging in a bin, others are in roll-up holders and/or vinyl envelopes.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I did learn how to knit when I was a child, but only garter stitch and never made anything. I was an avid crocheter for many years. When I was 28 (which was many many years ago), with a good friend's encouragement I attempted a sweater. I never finished it... :-P
December 2005, I picked up the needles again to make some Christmas gifts, couldn't remember squat, so went online and learned. I feel that I am still a beginner with mostly scarves and some socks and hats completed. I learned how to cable last month!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No.

5. What's your favorite scent? They change with the seasons. In the winter it is cinnamon and nutmeg. Spring and summer the lighter floral and greener scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Dark chocolate with espresso.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I cross-stitch, embroider, needlepoint, sew and garden.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My musical tastes are eclectic but lean toward 'country'. I do have an iPod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Dark forest green. Any colors you just can't stand? Puce, chartreuse, etc.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm single, living with a wonderful dog - Mona.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, to all but the ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Don't have one yet.

13. What are you knitting right now? Socks, fingerless mittens, scarf and shawl.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes. They are my favorite gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? My preference in needles depends on what I am knitting (object and yarn).

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Refer to question 3.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Lately, yarn.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? The Latvian Mittens.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I knit socks, slowly, but I do knit them. I wear a size 11 wide shoe. I will have to measure my foot.

23. When is your birthday? February 22.

I'm still here

I haven't gone anywhere, except for that place of a sometimes (for me) overwhelming life. I am still knitting. Didn't finish much of my Christmas knits, but I did complete two pair of Fetching, a scarf for the Red Scarf project, and some socks. My camera died, but I have now replaced it and hope to post pictures soon. Had a nasty knee injury and a bad infection that have kept me somewhat confined. Those things are better, and I feel like I am emerging from a funky fog. Why now during a wretched winter blast? Don't know, though I like it! (The feeling better part, the weather....)
Well, I am off to play with the camera and finish the laundry.

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you all have a blessed day of thanks.

(I'll post pics of the knitting I have done the past few weeks this weekend.)

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.

Triplet Knitting

No, this is not a variation on the double knitting that Kory Stamper describes in her article for Knitty. Ms. Stamper details how to knit two socks at once, on one set of doublepoints! I'd read articles about sock knitters doing this during WWI. She does a wonderful job of explaining the technique. (But I digress.....)
This is an opportunity for anyone that wants to help with their needles. A virtual baby shower is being held for the Dutchican triplets (not their real name, although a very clever one), who are expected to arrive this winter. Yes, three babies to keep warm! If you would like to help their family keep these darling boys in handknits, go on over to Red Dog Triplets aka the Dutchicans. Like any baby shower there will be prizes. Some gorgeous skeins of yarn, including from one of my favorites: Gypsyknits! Come join the party, we will have lots of fun.

I don't have any photos of finished objects to post today, but I have it on good authority (myself!) that I will soon. Just one more lecture tomorrow morning...then freedom to knit freely.

The weather here has been up and down, lots of rain, temps ranging anywhere from the low 40's to the upper 70's.....can't figure out what to put on in the morning and I always feel so silly dragging my winter coat home in the late afternoon. However, my birkenstock sandals will remain in use until the snow gets deep enough to chill my toes. Then the birkenstock clogs are put into use.

I hope everyone is enjoying this autumn. It is my favorite season.

more unfinished projects and the handcrafters who supply me

I want to get all of my partially completed items out in the open. I keep thinking it will force me to finish them. I have to stop starting new things. I am getting more and more convinced I have a form of Knitter's ADD.

These socks are very special. They have had their picture taken with The Yarn Harlot. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee looks lovely in the photo as does her sock. I am not so pleasing. I will save you the horror. (If you are very curious as to what I look like, you can see me on the Yarn Harlot's blog, her visit to Ann Arbor, I am the whole person on the very left of her picture of the audience.) My neice, S, and I went to see her in August. (S's thigh is all that made it in the photo.) I will tell you more about that day another time. Except to say that we thoroughly enjoyed her and all the other knitters. Don't you think Stephanie is the Erma Bombeck of knitters?
Back to the socks, the yarn is lucious and comforting. It is some of GypsyKnit's hand-dyed cotton/lycra blend in the River Rock colors. I am just doing a simple stocking stitch cuff down pattern with round heel and flap. The yarn is very easy to work with (no splitting) and the colors gently flow from one into the other.


This is the Forest Canopy Shawl by Susan Lawrence. Her instructions are very clear and I seem to be moving along. The yarn is from Fearless Fibers, Superwash Merino Wool, colorway is Shades of Teal. Another joy to work with yarn, soft and scrumptious. I've not had any splitting. I am using my Addi Natura needles. The lifeline was placed after 3 repeats of the body pattern. I am enjoying this pattern and the yarn.


These socks are a gift for a friend, there is already one done. Those are Comfort Zone Needles. They are very flexible. The colors will prevent me from losing them and make it easier to keep track of my stitches. The SockBag is from a swap with trek. It is just the sweetest thing. Helps put a feminine touch when I am knitting the masculine socks. The bag is very well made. I have another item from the swap, but it is a gift, so I'm keeping it hidden. I am very happy with the swap. trek and I both have a thing for the BYM needles. I will show you my Bloodwood dpns when I cast on another pair of socks.



This is the project I have been keeping by my desk at work. This is a faroese shawl "Stora Dimun Shawl" from Folk Shawls. I am using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. It is soft and rustic all at once. Perfect for the pattern. Using Inox gray circulars. I will have to bring this home soon, as the bottom edge is almost done and I will need to be able to focus closely on the pattern for the lace border.



I'm looking for a project meter that I can use. I hope it will help encourage me to keep on with the items that are currently on needles. I have to get some done, so I can complete additional projects I am committed to do.
One more week of lectures, an exam to write and I'll only have one full time job, so there will be more time to knit.

Call me, Iron Anne Kidd

That's my pirate name. I be likin it.

Of course, I don't have arrghyle to show for it. I be working on that for the future.

I've been busy working on my lectures, so the knitting has had to take a bit of a background. I'm still collecting all of the unfinished objects for photos. I should be able to post more on Thursday. Until then, I have a few new buttons on my page. (I can't figure out how to link them to their respective sites, Please, can anyone help me?) So I have put the links for the Charity buttons here:

Socks for Soldiers: knit a pair of socks for those in the military that need them.

The Red Scarf Project: Knit a red scarf for those that have outgrown the foster care system, cause everyone needs to know that someone cares. Theresa has written a great message regarding this project. Check out her Septmeber 14th post on her blog here.

Ryan has announced The Dulaan Project 2007. Her descriptions of the need, make it difficult to not participate.


In the non-charity category:
Socktoberfest 2006 is a personal need for me. I'm planning on using its enthusiastic sommunity to help me get some of the socks here off the needles.
Julie is willing to spin some yarn for you. She just needs to get a wheel first. I think she is offering a bargain for 50 gms. of handspun. Check it out here.

I've got to get back to PowerPoint.......arrrrgh.

Some things in progress

I have too many things on needles and swirling around in my mind. Perhaps if I begin to actually show you all of it, I will be shamed into completing things before I start anymore. (True panic started to set in when I saw a sign today stating only 108 days until Christmas! Can that be right?)

So in no particular order:

The Adamas shawl. I have begun it, again. Lorette has given me some very good suggestions, including using a light colored towel on my lap while I work. I have also added some more lighting to my favorite knitting spot. She has really encouraged me to keep with the Redwood Forest. Thank you, I do so want to succeed with this. Here it is, in it's infancy:


Socks. This is the first in a pair. It is my first successful toe up. (I did one several months ago that required complete frogging.) I used a turkish cast on for the toe, starting on two circulars. I switched to dpns after I was beyond the toe, because I needed the circs for another pair of socks. I also find the dpns a bit faster and easier to transport in my purse. I haven't a knitting bag for my projects other than Ziploc freezer bags or the gift bags that Sephora sends. The Sephora bags are good for the projects because the needles don't go through the reinforced fabric, though the black makes it difficult to find things within. The sock pattern is Denise Powell's using the reverse Dutch heel. Yarn is Regia cotton, very easy to work with. These socks will be for me, I have a huge wide foot (10 1/2 EEE), so it is taking awhile to finish. I think these colors will look good with my clogs at work. Very cheerful in the winter.



Another pair of socks: These are for a good friend who admired this yarn while we were shopping. It has more purple than is showing in the photograph. They are being done two at a time on circs. (The article in Knitty about two at a time on dpns has me very intriqued.) I keep this pair by the computer, so when I have to wait for downloads and/or printing I have something to do. I'm almost ready to turn the heels.



Those are some of the UFOs I have in my baskets. I will post more later. Now, I have to show a finished object (or my morale will sink to the floor). I found Criminy Jicket's Garterlac dishcloth pattern last week and went to town. His pattern and pictures made this very easy to do. I find the geometry of this knitting soothing. Here is my first of this pattern. Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, color is grape. Needles used were size 7. I finished this in a single evening. Nothing like a little instant gratification to boost my mood.



I'm sending this to my neice, M., for purple is her favorite color.

For those that may not have read Vonnie's blog the last few days, there is a request for yarn to be used in a local middle school's knitting class. Sounds like a wonderful use for those yarns we won't use, that are just cluttering up the stash. All the necessary information can be found here.