Identical or Fraternal Socks

Most of my socks are identical to each other rather than fraternal.  It's a matter of preference, I suppose.  I'm delighted when there are two and am not suffering from SSS (single sock syndrome)  What are your thoughts?


I completed these socks several weeks ago.  I used a standard "vanilla" sock pattern and I can't remember who the yarn manufacturer is....sorry!  Anyway, they will match a sweater that is about 90% completed with the goal of wearing it at the next Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival.


So, if you were straining to see what those knitting books are............well,....these are just a few of the many that I own.  I especially like "Sock Innovation" and the "Joy of Sox" speaking of which as I was thumbing through the book I food the pictures to be quite provocative and then remembered that it is a "spoof" on that other book.  You know the one I'm talking about....the one on your nightstand, perhaps!!!! 

I just completed a shawlette with pictures coming in a few days after I have blocked it.  I've also been knitting this baby sweater and am about 50% on the road to completion.  This is very cheap yarn that I fell in love with.  There is no mention as to the fiber content, how many grams/yards/weight, etc.  The colorways are gorgeous and at $1/skein, I just couldn't resist.  It feels very soft as I am knitting the sweater so I am delighted at this win/win project.  This colorway, not really pink but can't think of what it reminds me of except the first sweater I knitted my own baby many years ago. 


Now, to find a baby girl to gift this sweater to.

Happy Knitting!

Emergency Knitting Bag-What's In It?

Yarn:  Online - Emotion III
Pattern:  Yankee Sock Pattern (just your generic pattern)

This is what is in my "Emergency Knitting Bag". (<--click)   I love the colorway and the socks, when completed, will look great with jeans.  This bag is to remain in my car at all times so that I have something to knit when going to the doctor's or stuck in traffic.

My knitting classes will resume soon.  I do look forward to their commencement as I already know that some of my previous students have signed up for one or both classes.  One class will be the "Quincy Hat" and the other class will be "Delicato Mitts".  Both projects were in some of my previous posts.

It will be interesting to see what happens as I am being very definite about the purchase of the patterns before the start of the first class.  Some are hesitant to order through the web so we'll see what happens.  Usually I use free patterns and "moi" will not violate copyright laws. 

I am in the process of designing a cowl to submit to knitpicks.com for their "designer group".  Patterns can be purchased for $1.99 and they already have a nice selection.  I'll let you know when mine is accepted.  I still have to test knit the project.

Happy Knitting!

Ocean Wave Socks

Pattern:  Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn A.Clark

Yarn:  Angor purchased at Tess Designs in Portland, Maine

Needles:  Size 2 dps

I finally completed these socks after casting on almost two years ago.  I love the softness of the yarn and the colorway is amazing.  However, the yarn shop burns scented candles and the yarn absorbed up the smell.  I was storing the project in a plastic bag which probably contained the scent even more overpowering.  Thus, long spells of inactivity with this project.

I took a hiatus from my blog trying to decide how I wanted to proceed forward with it.  I miss many of my other hobbies and hope to incorporate some of those interests in my posts.

I travelled to Maine last weekend.  It was a truly magical time and I'll have pictures to share with you in my next post.  If I were an artist with canvas and paintbrush, I would not have been able to paint a more beautiful scene.

Happy Knitting!

Granddaughter Socks

Pattern: Granddaughter Socks (sorry, can't get link to work so just Google)

Yarn: Koigu and Baby Ull

Needles: Size 2 dps

If you are one of my longtime readers going back to the days of Yahoo 360, I started these socks and promptly lost them somewhere probably in the back of the closet. So this past June I started them again while on a flight to Denver.

The socks go quickly if you stick to this one project as I have difficulty doing, after all crochet does work up more quickly. I've not touched this project since the end of June. I modified the pattern to have only two granny squares instead of three. There are really four squares in the picture and they are smaller than they appear to be. With three squares you have this awkward seam in the front. This pattern was once offered for free but must have proven to be so popular that Interweave now charges $4 for the pattern.

I've been promising pictures of the shawl.....perhaps tomorrow I'll have more time. I miss working on socks and the portability of smaller projects.

I've been busy preparing for a major audit at work. It's been insanely busy and I'm exhausted when I return home thus not feeling like knitting very much.

I start my next round teaching knitting classes on the 24th. This class will be easier as it's a beginnner knitting class. I need to revisit my prices as the adjoining community is charging $200 for 15 hours of instructions with a minimum of twelve students in the class. We are both part of the community educational centers as opposed to a LYS.

Happy Knitting!

Smores Socks

The color of this fingering yarn is called smores. The earthy colors really do remind you of this treat. I will wear these socks when I catch up to my New England chat friends next summer at a campground, all the while roasting smores over an open flame while enjoying the smell of Maine’s pine trees.

If you’ve never had smores, it is a graham cracker topped with a marshmellow, chocolate and another graham cracker. The fun part is the “ooziness” of the marshmellow on your fingers as you quickly lick the perimeter of this great delicacy (dare I say!). I think I will revise this traditional recipe and add a dollop of strawberry jam.

Yes, there really is a candybar called “Smores”. I used this blog as an excuse to purchase the candy bar. I was feeling somewhat frustrated trying to take this picture in the correct indoor evening lighting. I was anxious to taste this candybar. It is delicious but I was surprised that it seems to have the taste of rum in it. Now, mind you, I am not a liquor conneisseur (I fall under the table after two drinks). So, perhaps you should taste it for yourself.

Well, I’ve been writing more about the candybar than the socks. The yarn is Merino wool and is extremely soft. I’ve yet to knit the 2nd sock as I suffer from the not so rare knitter’s malady of SSS (single sock syndrome). I actually belong to a knitting Yahoo group called SSS….sort of like a 12-step program. Ok…….I’m kidding about the 12-step program.

Entrelac Socks

Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog on February 9, 2008.

Sock Pattern: “Interweave Holiday Knits – 2007 Issue”
Yarn: Knitpicks Essentials /Cape Cod Needles: Size 2

When I started these socks I had the intent to gift them. As I progressed with the socks, I quickly realized this was not my best work so I will have to knit some other gift. These are some of the problems I encountered.

The pattern called for Size 1 needles (yikes!!). I decided to use Size 2 which later caused problems. There is a 24 stitch decrease after the cuff and a 24 stitch increase after the entrelac portion of the leg and that is where I encountered problems. There is a “hole” appearance everywhere I increased. I’m sure had I used size 1, the appearance would have been quite different. My tension was also off as I was trying to decide whether or not to use the short or the long dps. Using the shorter ones is easier.

A close-up of the pattern!
We’ve had over 17″ of snow this week and it is snowing now. I curtailed some of my activities today as a result. I did get together with a friend as planned last evening and again today.

As for the snow, I am quite winter weary. I was unable to drive my car into work one day this week and had to take a bus. After standing outside in the elements for 1 1/2 hours for a bus that never came because it was stranded in another town, and the whirling of sirens in the distance, I returned home. What a waste of time as I had to claim vacation time at work for my absence. We did have a little humor at the bus stop as we watched cars drive around the block several times as all road outlets were bogged down. There was a guy standing at the bus stop wearing only a “muscle shirt”. Wonder if he came down with pneumonia.

I am having a sleep apnea test tomorrow evening and wonder if I can knit for awhile though hooked up to wires. They claim there will be no movement restrictions. More doctor’s appointments early week as well. Wish me luck!

Happy Knitting!

Waving Lace Socks - Part #2

Happy Father's Day to any dads who may be reading this or to moms who have had to be both mom and dad to their child/children.

First sock waiting for Kitchener stitch.

I love the ocean. I have salt water in my veins. I have many touches in my living room to reflect what I enjoy. My apartment is not sterile and when you walk in you immediately know that I love knitting, the ocean, plants, books and music.

If you are trying to figure out what those slats are in the above picture, it is my lobster trap coffee table with a very thick glass on the top. A relative drove four hours (from Maine) to deliver it to me. She mentioned the person's first name that she got it from. "Chreatch" was the original owner. Unbeknownst to her, "Chreatch" and I graduated together and our pictures are side by side in the year book. Makes my table that more special!

Elsie was so kind to provide me with decorating links as a result of her post on her beautiful napkins.

Here's a couple of my favorite blogs. Be careful, they are addictive even if you are not much of an entertainer. The photography alone is gorgeous. Designs By Gollum and Between Naps On The Porch are must reads. I located the laser cut cupcake wrappers used in the "ocean theme", Cupcake Wrappers. Now really, how could I resist those. My blog name tells you as well as a few items around my apartment as seen in the first pic.

Debbie Bliss at Webs in Northampton, MA on Tuesday for only two hours for her book signing. I've registered to attend but I need to check the checkbook before making a firm commitment.

Clutch Bag - Check this little bag. This pattern has moved its way up the list on my knitting dream list. How about red with black beads to go with that "little black dress". I've never had a little black dress. When I was thin, I was too busy with babies to wear one.

I desperately want to learn how to tat and make this bracelet and this pendant (especially the pendant).

I often go to the lake to relax and knit. You can see the New York Adirondack Mountains in the distance. It's much more beautiful a scene than I could capture in this picture. You don't see the many pine trees in the foreground. The sun was playing "hide and seek" today.

The point of this picture is that I watched in anticipation to see if two people would try to get into this boat. The wife dutifully helped her husband shove off to fish by himself. Apparently, he needed the solitude on Father's Day. I was aghast that he did not put on his life jacket! Yikes!

Bone scan scheduled for tomorrow for a possible stress fracture to my toe/foot area. It's always something!

Gratitude for the day....not sure, but I think this is a lily as seen at the entrance of a local restaurant.

Happy Knitting!

Waving Lace Socks

Pattern: Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn A. Clark
Book: Interweave Favorite Socks
Yarn: Angora Wool Blend-Dyed by Maine Yarn Shop
Needles: Size 2 4" dp needles

This yarn is a dream to knit with. It glides through your fingers like being on a slippery slope. It is an angora blend. I purchased the one skein, enough for a pair of socks, while I was in Maine a couple of months ago. It was a little pricey, but hey...besides my being worth it, I was on a mini-vacation.

I was disappointed when I unskeined it to put it on my yarn swift. The yarn was faded in the areas exposed to the store's floodlights. It was a bear to wind as all the little angora hairs wanted to hug each other like a velcro strip.

The yarn also has a scent from candles burning in the store which allows me to knit for only short periods of time as the odor becomes overpowering. Be assured that I will wash these socks before gifting.

A closeup ....I really enjoy my "Shirley Temple" cup. I purchased this item back in the late '80's at an antique shop in Maine. It had a minor chip in it (sigh).

When life is difficult, as it was this past week, I usually return to my gratitude journal. Usually, the things I enter are usually things like a baby smiling at me at the supermarket, a cardinal chirping "good morning" to me as I leave for work, contact from my loved ones, etc.

This morning I was awakened by a well-known "swish" sound outside my open window. (It's safe to have it open....high off the ground.) I grabbed my bathrobe and my camera and ran out on the front lawn in my bare feet. I must have been a pretty site to passer-bys!!! Hopefully, they didn't have a camera. You never know when you might end up on Youtube.

This is what I saw......

Are we crashing? Are we taking off? A little scary as there is no open space in that immediate area to land safely.

Alison, this is for you........the name on the balloon is "The Inn at Essex", which has been mentioned in a previous post.

Up, up, up!!!!............

......and away!!!!

Happy Knitting!

Ilga's Socks - Part 2

I am feeling the love for this knitting project. It’s not really that difficult, but it is a little time-consuming. However, the fact that is is straight knitting for part of the leg and all of the foot speeds up the project. I like the way the pattern is centered on the front of the sock.

Unfortunately, I didn't remember to follow these knitting rules...... changing yarn colors or yarn dominance....but the philosophy of a very wise, older knitter (a/k/a Joansie) is:

"If you make the same mistake more than once, it is now considered a pattern."

The inside looks pretty good! You think? Rule of thumb is that floats should be no longer than five stitches. I may have stretched the rule in a couple of places.

I hope I don’t have that dreaded disease called SSS (single sock syndrome). I've yet to find a cure for that illness. I’ve started two other projects since completing this one. My excuse was that the pattern was too difficult to follow on my plane trip last week, so I forged ahead with other knitting.

Thank you all for your support regarding my last post regarding difficulties with my mother. I truly am happy to be home again from Colorado and regain some sense of saneness and normalcy.

I had no time at all to knit while I was with my mom. I should have clarified that mom's is actually two hours away from Denver. The Denver area has some beautiful places but the area my mother lives in is rather unscenic (i.e. ugly). I left just in time as the day after my departure, the area had more tornadoes and so much hail that the plow trucks had to be used to clear the roads.

Check out this site Resweater. It is one of my favorites. Two posts back has the neatest mittens.

Don't forget that tomorrow is "World Wide Knit In Public Day (WWKIPD)". Ravelry.com groups for your state will tell you where one is being held in your area. There are several locations in Vermont, one being in City Hall Park in Burlington starting at 9:00 a.m.

I think you will like the other two projects I am knitting. One may be a contest giveaway and I’ll decide on that as soon as I figure out if my alterations to the pattern are acceptable. I know, I’m teasing you but doesn’t everyone like a surprise. So, stay posted.

Happy Knitting!

Ilga's Socks - Nancy Bush

Pattern: Ilga's Socks by Nancy Bush from the book "Favorite Socks" (by Interweave)
Yarn: Knitpicks Palette Fingering Yarn
Needles: Size 2 dp's

This pattern fascinates me. The reason is the braided cord on the top edge. I couldn't understand how this could be knitted unless sideways. Uh, Uh, the look is achieved by purling on the right side and is accomplished by how you carry the yarn. I'm totally in awe as to how these patterns come to be. Obviously, someone with a very creative mind. I closer look at the braid which is "raised" from the rest of the pattern. I made an error in color selection for the graph. However, I always say, "If you make the mistake more than once, it is now a pattern."

A little blurry, but wanted to give you an even closer look.

I have quite a few more rows completed at the time of this writing. At first I felt that I was wasting my time with this pattern. I could use "self striping yarn" and get the same effect. However, further into the pattern is is more noticeable that this is indeed intarsia knitting.

Happy Knitting!

Magic Loop Lacy Socks!

Yarn: Sockotta Fingering
Needles: Size 2, 40" cable
Pattern: My own (modified) available later

The socks that are pictured are the socks created during the current sock knitting class that I finished teaching last night. I was so excited to have this class “sold out”. I’ll only accept a maximum of eight students.

I was “bumped out” of reserved space at the library for the first two sessions with no forewarning. There was a 30 piece tuba, trumpet band in there in my place. I definitely could not shout over that noise. So getting a room five minutes before the start of class was a little stressful as well as trying to gather everyone coming in from different directions.

So last week, I overheard one of the gals say to another, “This is so much fun!” I was delighted, absolutely delighted to be doing something I thoroughly enjoy, meeting new knitters, and getting paid good money for doing so.

I’m headed to Denver on June 3rd. I need to finish one neck warmer, start another and knit at least six dishcloths. Think I can do it?

The MRI for a possible acoustic neuroma was two days ago (no results yet) and I’ll post about that separately.

Now don't laugh too hard, but getting ready for an MRI is quite humbling. They have you peel most of your clothes and put on a "johnny". You are told you can keep your socks on. Way to go......I was wearing a pair of handknits and the technician noticed them. You just have to look at the little pleasures in life!!

Which reminds me, when I was about to have my first baby many years ago, my wonderful aunt presented me with a gift of three "johnnies"...all were pastel in color, frilly and feminine. It's one of my many precious memories of her.

Happy Knitting!

Spinning and Knitting!!!

I've been knitting on my mock cable, magic loop sock this week. You know...the one that I am preparing for my knitting class. It wasn't until I had knitted quite a few rows that I realized I had "screwed up". Ugh!!!
This is what happened. Notice the right side of the sock....looks nice, right!!! (no pun intended there).

Now, look at the left side of the sock. I should have had two purl stitches on the edge to make the mock cable pop out! Oh, well......live and learn. I knew better but I was probably busy watching "Dancing With the Stars" and Gilles, one of the competitors, definitely can distract me.

Now, all you ladies who watch "Dancing"...you have to admit that he is a terrific dancer and pleasing to the eyes!!!! Sad thing is, I couldn't get through to vote for him last week. But then, he really doesn't need my vote.

Perhaps I'll name these socks after Gilles. Much better than the last time I named socks after someone.

I attended my "Twist 'O Wool" spinning group last Thursday after being absent all winter. It's an hour's drive and winter conditions make it difficult to get there safely. The group is very large with a very healthy treasury. The group has been selling handspun with proceeds going to a member battling cancer. I wish I could remember the $$$ amount but it was very, very generous.

Brian helped me with my spinning when he visited last fall. I have not had much time to spin and have been feeling a little frustrated that I seem to always be looking up what I need to do next with my spinning. I've yet to knit anything with my handspun. Brian told me at the time I was doing well. One of the elderly men who belongs to my group and has been spinning for years, came over and told me I was doing very, very well. It made my day!!!!

The roving is really the most beautiful shade of lavendar and not blue as it appears in the picture.

LDS Venus sent me some yak to spin. Perhaps it's time for me to give it a try.

One of the ladies at the meeting was wearing a handknit sweater with these beautiful buttons.

They can be found on e-bay along with many other very nice pewter buttons.

Notice the new theme on my blog. If you click on the upper-left corner of my blog (cutest blog...) you will find many free themes for your blog.

Happy Knitting! Happy Spinning!

Lacy Mock Cable Anklet Socks

Free Pattern: Lacy Mock Cable Socks
Yarn: Sockotta
Needles: Size 2 circular (Magic Loop)

This is a fun and very easy pattern with a repeat of only five rows. I've knitted this pattern on two previous occasions.
A close-up of the stitch definition for you. I knit a variety of items but always really like returning to socks.

What a great day! I had way too much fun!!!! Amazing how "fun" can energize you. I had a vacation away from work today. The sun was shining and it was pay day. Quite the combination. Don't even remind me that it was also Friday the 13th. It didn't matter.

I was out the door by 8:00 a.m. and headed into Burlington. When I arrived I had the most beautiful view of the lake and wish I had had my camera with me. The sun was glistening over the mostly frozen lake with a small lighthouse by the breakwater standing guard. The majestic snow-capped Adirondack Mountains of New York was the backdrop.

The rest of the day was spent doing whatever my little heart desired. Shopped for yarn, looked at patterns, had a fantastic lunch.

Tomorrow I am meeting fellow Vermont blogger Norma of "Now Norma Knits" along with another Vermont blogger that I have yet to meet. After lunch at a great little restaurant in this area, we will then head to Kaleidescope Yarns. It should be another fun day!

Happy Knitting!

Free Pattern: Feather and Fan Socks (<--click)

Yarn: Classic Elite - I've lost the ball band but there is some angora.

Needle Size: 2 - Magic Loop MethodPicture is a little dark and fuzzy. I completed these socks at least a month ago and am just getting around to taking a picture. I'm trying to complete those single socks that are hanging around. I think I have four more to go. (sigh)

Impossible to make these identical so fraternal it is. Yarn is so very soft. This is the yarn my daughter also purchased without either one of us knowing the other had selected this yarn. You know the old saying "like mother, like daughter". I think I know where that came from.

I spent the last couple of evenings up quite late watching TV and knitting. Above and below is a preview. Again, the 2nd pic is a little fuzzy but I wanted you to see the colorway. It's the Mano merino/silk blend DK that I have absolutely fallen in love with.

This project is being gifted later this week or early next week. Final pics coming soon so stay tuned.

I got together with my girlfriend, Arnette, today. She is retiring and leaving for Florida the end of this week. She has had a long career as a legal analyst at IBM. We've been friends for about 15 years. When we parted I was able to keep a smile on my face but cried when I was alone. I will miss her.

Happy Knitting!

Instructional Socks

Pattern: Blueberry Waffle Socks (click for free pattern)
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease - Oatmeal
Needles: Size #5 dps

Pictured are my instructional socks. The pattern has been adjusted for larger needles. The first one was knitted some time ago while I was trying to teach my older daughter, Amy, how to knit. I was in no hurry to complete these socks as they are quite thick for my shoes or my boots. Besides I suffer from the dreaded “SSS”. You know, the one more commonly known as “Single Sock Syndrome”.
The pattern may look familiar to you. I think this is the 5th pair I have knitted in either worsted or fingering weight. It’s an easy pattern to remember and a free one at that.

My first formal sock knitting class ended a couple of weeks ago. To be paid money to do something I truly enjoy was “like having my cake and eating it too”. Oh, I’ve been rewarded with gift certificates, yarn , roving, etc. from friends that I have taught and I was delighted with those gifts. However, to actually see my class listed in the local town brochure was exciting.

I had only three absolutely delightful women as students. The three were at various skill levels. The goal was to complete one sock over four sessions while learning proper cast on, increases, decreases, picking up stitches, and the scary (not) Kitchener stitch.

I wish I had thought to bring my camera with me at the last class. One gal who had a slower start, frogged her sock, started again but did not knit in the round till two inches down the leg actually completed her sock five minutes before “quitting time”. The look on her face as she tried on her sock was priceless. She was absolutely beaming with pride.

And I got paid for all of this!!! (Handsomely, I might add.) It was definitely a win/win situation.

The women want me to teach another class which probably won’t start again till January. They offered to come to my home to give private lessons. Yikes, I would be stressed doing the house-cleaning bit before each class. You know the drill!!! Why fold laundry now and put it away when I can knit. It’s one of the hazards of living alone.

I am busy putting together information for another class. I can’t wait.

Happy Knitting!

Girly Socks

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Knitpicks Palette - Blush
Needles: Size 2
I added a little special touch to these little pink socks that I started one evening when my daughter called with difficulty with a pattern she was attempting. It turns out the pattern was really all screwed up and I ended improvising on my own. I thought the socks were a little "blah looking" so this past weekend I just added a little crochet trim and the rosette.
Now, I don't know what I am going to do with these socks because they are not machine washable and what new mother has time to hand wash.

My co-worker tried on the neck warmer I posted yesterday and it really does look very nice once worn. I had shown her a couple of other projects I knitted such as the wrist warmers, etc. and she'd say, "Oh, that's nice!" However, I didn't get a sense that she would really like it as a present. So, when she saw the neck warmer, she said, "Oh, that is absolutely gorgeous!" You have to see it in person to get the full colorway effect and the nice sheen the yarn has. I am knitting her one as a birthday present. However, I told her she had to select a different colorway as I would quickly get bored knitting the same pattern with the same yarn.

Happy Knitting!

Camouflage Socks

Pattern: Any child sock pattern will do
Yarn: Regia Galaxy Sock Yarn
Needle Size: 2 (Magic Loop)
I purchased this yarn on sale at my LYS when Brian and I were shopping last weekend. I really didn't feel there was anything special about these socks, the yarn, etc. However, I was knitting them for a very special person, my grandson Jakob, age 21 mos.
The blue is more pronounced in the pictures than in person. I usually don't like "fraternal" socks (mine, not other people's)but in this case, seeing they look like camouflage, I find it acceptable.
I knitted a plain K2, P2 ribbing as I wanted the socks to hug his little legs and not fall to his ankles as he is quite slender. By knitting this ribbing, the socks can also be folded and worn as crew socks.

For those of you who migrated from Yahoo 360, you probably remember Ewey. (<--click) She had a craft show last year when the NE Street Rodders (<--click) were in town and I worked with her. I'll be doing it again for a short while this Saturday. It's always so much fun. The people are so friendly and the cars so interesting and speaking of cars................

When I was 18 I wanted a blue Camaro so bad. That's all I talked about. Well it hasn't happened yet! (The operative word being "yet".) Today, there was a blue Camaro parked next to my car. Now, mind you that occasionally I will see a Camaro but never a blue one. The owner was sitting behind the wheel. He told me it was a '95 and get this.................he has owned 23 Camaros in his short lifetime (about 35 years). Somehow, there is an inequality there..........you think!!!

Happy Knitting/Spinning!

Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival & Diamondy Socks

I've been busy, really busy but I found time to complete several projects that were UFO's for some time. Above are my completed Diamondy Socks. See August 2nd post for free pattern and details.

Last weekend, Brian (<--click) came to visit. He and I and my co-worker, Rebecca, went to the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival. There were fewer vendors this year and fewer attendees but it was still a lot of fun.

Here is a pic of Brian knitting with these giant needles that were designed to knit up your leftover stash quickly (ie. six strands at a time). "Big Stitch Knitting" (<--click) Look at the price of these needles! Wow!

Brian arrived with a wonderful basket of hand-knitted items for me such as dishcloths, bath mitt, candles, hand creams, etc. Such a thoughtful guest! He also spent quite a bit of time teaching me different methods of spinning! I also had a crochet lesson. That finished project will be posted later this week.Now, here is a new way of dyeing your yarn. I felt bad for this poor animal. Tell me she doesn't know that she looks different! Worse yet, this sheep belonged to my daughter's friend from high school and who was her maid of honor at her wedding.

Check out this electric spinner! It was quite interesting!

I took very few pictures at the wool festival. It was horribly humid and I was carrying too many bags to keep digging for my camera. I was enjoying the moment(s)!!!

Happy Knitting/Spinning!!

Pink Rosebud Baby Socks

Pattern: Combination of a couple
Yarn: Knitpicks Palette-Blush
Needles: Size 3 dp's

I certainly didn't need to start knitting another pair of socks! I have several single socks already waiting for mates. Actually, so many that I have stopped posting these projects on Ravelry as I have to own up to the fact that the project is not yet completed.

However.....my daughter started a pair of baby socks for a co-worker who is currently in Russia to adopt a baby. She ran into difficulties with the pattern and called the "Mom Knitting Help Line" (that's me!!) So being a mother who wants to keep her daughter interested in knitting and not get discouraged, I started the sock myself so I could help her.

There is a serious error in the pattern that I was not able to figure out so I frogged back to just before the heel flap and used one of my standard baby sock patterns. I will incorporate some of the features from the other pattern into this one before I am finished. It will have a ruffled edge on the cuff.

I've started the second sock so that I don't have one more lonely sock to look at.

I've started a new scarf and shawl that has really been "growing" on me. I'll blog about it tomorrow or on the weekend once I've had the opportunity to take pictures.

Update: I just received an e-mail from my daughter. Boy, (or girl) did she ever get her wires crossed (or is that knitting needles)!!! The opening line to her e-mail said, "No need to hurry on the baby booties". The child that is being adopted is not a baby but a teenager. Quite the transition that will be but fortunate to be able to be adopted later in life.

Happy Knitting!

Feather and Fan Socks

Free Pattern: Feather and Fan Socks (<--click)

Yarn: Classic Elite - I've lost the ball band but there is some angora.

Needle Size: 2 - Magic Loop Method

I'm trying to destash. This Classic Elite yarn is wonderful to knit with. There is angora content which makes it very soft. I looked a long time for this pattern as I wanted one without the traditiona K1,P1 cuff.
A close up.............notice the twist in the yarn cake. It's not as tight as I would like it to be so I hope these socks will wear well.

I'm down to picking up the stitches on the second Diamondy Socks (see two posts back). They are probably my favorite socks thus far because of their simplicity and beautiful design. I'm trying to have several knitting projects at various stages as my eyes are too tired in the evening for "fine" work.

What do you think is a proper amount of time for someone to respond to a hand-knitted gift?

I'm off to click those knitting needles. It maintains my sanity during a very, very rainy summer. Guess I have to be grateful that it isn't snow.

Happy Knitting!