The Great Sock Tragedy 2007

When last you saw the Pine Tree Socks in Yarn Pirate's Shamrock colorway they were both together, just side by side, happy peaceful. A waiting patiently the time when they would come off the needles and be placed on the feet of the knitter who loving knit them.
. Tah Dah!!! The firs sock done! I'll be wearing these by New Years eve she thought. Quickly but carefully she proceeded on, then on that fateful day she took it to work to measure how long to knit the 2nd sock. Somewhere between 2:00 and 9:00 sock #1 disappeared. She's checked her knitting bag 3 times, first frantically, then slowly calmly. The cafeteria at work, checked, the car, checked, and double checked, under the bed around the bed in the bed, checked, around her desk, contacting Facilities to check lost and found and nothing. No sign of the sock.

So here sits sock #2 alone, without it's mate, so sad so lonely. Please come home sock 1.

Making signs up to put them up all over work, "Lost 1 green and brown hand knit sock, worn only 1 for one hour. Answers to the name Shamrock. If found please contact Knitstress. There is a reward of 1 skein of Yarn Pirate's Icicle.

Pine Tree toe up Socks

So here I was I was looking for the next sock pattern to knit for a man, but I was going to use Yarn Pirate's Killer Bees colorway, so it just couldn't be something too simple. When low and behold I stumbled across The Pine Tree Toe up Sock pattern . It's Christmas time how perfect these would be if I had some Evergreen... WAIT A MINUTE!!! I have some Yarn Pirate, in the Shamrock colorway.... How absolutely perfect Darling! Can I get them done before Christmas?

Anyone with any ideas about what sock patter would be perfect for the Killer Bees please leave me a suggestion.

My Ceilidh Socks

These lace socks feature two Celtic lace patterns, with the name coming from the Gaelic "ceilidh" (pronounced kay-leigh) meaning a social gathering, usually with entertaining and dancing. The large lace panel which extends down the front of the sock looks similar to the lace-up pattern of traditional Irish dancing shoes. When a friend saw these she said they looked like gillies. I changed the pattern a bit, I did these toe up on two size zero circulars. The yarn I used was from my friend, Jenny at Wooly Boully The colorway is Texas, Fields of Sunflowers,The skein is 400 yards50% Super wash Merino, 50% Tencel. This Woolly Boully colorway contains yellows, greens, browns, and was inspired by sunflowers fields in Texas. Each yellow section contains a spot of brown to mirror the sunflower's brown center. The Celidh sock pattern can be found at http://www.woolywonkafibers.com/

I love them and the way they fit!

And then there were four

This evening is the First annual Sisters of the Wool Christmas Party. We are going to have a Chinese Gift exchange of Sock yarn. I have been preparing for this for a few months. You see, I would find the perfect skein for the exchange I would get it and I fell in love with it and .. well and I had to have it myself so I had to start the process over again. So today I had four to choose from.

I have already made my choice, but if it were you which one would you want? 1,2, 3 or 4.

Yes I have removed the lables from the picture so that none of my sisters has an idea as to which brand.

I know that several sisters have had the same dilemma. There is talk of some of the sisters bringing two skeins and giving an alternate should someone not like what they end up with. What I see is a bunch of sisters stealing from each other, chaos, and much laughter. I will let you know which one I chose.

I have not posted in a long time there has been allot going on with me that I will catch all of you on the next time I post.

Ok Ready?

1. Dream in Color, Smooshy sock yarn, color way Gothic Rose
2. Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that rock, Korppi
3. Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that rock, Corvid
4. DK Knits, technicolor dream toes, Professor Plum meets Penelope Peacock

Now what?

I have finished the Basalt Tank Top, I need one big project to work on. The dilemma now is do I start the DH's fall sweater or do I pick up a UFO?

The DH's 2007 Fall/Winter sweater is The Unisex Seeded rib v neck sweater by Sue McCaina design from Vermont Fiber designs. I bought the yarn for it over a year ago but I could not bring myself to knit it over the summer, just to hot to knit a long sleeve merino sweater.


Or should I work on this UFO? This is the Cardi Wrap that I started last year and did not get too far on.

Let me hear your opinions on the subject.

knitting updates

Since finding The Sisters of the Wool, and that one night earlier this spring, when they showed me how to do a magic 8 cast on and knit socks Toe up I love knitting socks. Right now I have two pairs on needles. This is the latest one. It is the Ceilidh Sock Pattern from Wooly Wonka Fibers The yarn is from the wonderful Wooly Boully the color way is Texas Field of SunFlowers
This sock pattern was originally knitted cuff down and on three needles. I am knitting this toe up and on two cable needles. Yes on Knit picks needles. I have turned the heel and have done one pattern repeat of the lace pattern on the back of the leg.
My chevron scarf, maybe half way done? I am using a solid red and then alternating with left over sock yarn and some of the samples that I have gotten in the past. It was going to be for the Red Scarf project but, after reading that they wanted to make sure that it was gift quality,it sounded as if they had more scarves than they wanted, so I am going to find someone else that is going to need a red scarf .

And this, is the DH's second sock. Now just the leg I think I can do it.

Now tomorrow I will post a dilemma that I want your help with so stayed tuned.

BaSalt Tank Finished!!!!

The pattern can be found in the book Knitting Nature.
I started this in July 2007 I am using South West Trading company' bamboo. I changed the pattern some what, I added 1/2 hexagons to the bottom front and back. I just didn't want my 40 something year old belly button exposed. I did not add the half hexagon to the back. I added a few rows of garter stitch to the bottom to make it look finished. Though pretty it took too long to knit for my tastes. There are other tank tops that will be completed faster.

Toe up Question

Did you ever see a sock pattern and fall in love with it wanting to knit it only to your disappointment it is a Cuff down pattern? You have vowed an oath to knit only toe up because it's the only way you seam to get a great fit. Knowing others have converted a cuff down to a toe up pattern, you attempt it. Sure this week at work was not challenging enough, so why not find something challenging this weekend. Am I nuts or what??? The pattern is the Ceilidh Socks Pattern from Wooly Wonka Fibers .First the pattern is written not only cuff down but the stitches have been redistributed on three needles. I have graphed out the pattern for two. I have no clue what to do with the heel, but I will most likely do the same heels that have done on other patterns. The edging is what is vexing me I am nowhere near the cuff, but it starts out with a picot edging. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to do this or alternatives? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Normally I find the longest most difficult way to do things, why I don't know I guess I am wired that way. This is the only photo of it I have so far. The yarn I am using is one of Wooly Boully's its called Field of Texas Sunflowers. It's a 50/50 blend of tecel and merino wool. Any of you that have an idea please leave a me a message.

I Dyed twice on Saturday the 22nd

On Saturday, September 22ND, some of the Sisters of the Wool went to Heritage Arts on the beautiful Beaumont Ranch to learn how to dye yarn. It was a quaint shop,the tables were set up up, the yarn had been soaking overnight in water, we were told to take a piece of foil, to put our skein on top of it and pick out our colors. The colors we chose were all individual as all of us. I had a slight idea as to what I was going to do with one but the other would have to come to me.
The first color I chose was of course purple, my next color was going to be what I thought was a dark forest green, based on the name on the jar was Spruce. To my surprise and wee bit of annoyance turned out more blueish than greenish. So I punted when it came to a third color. I kept adding the second color thinking what would I use for the third.

I punted and added Silver Gray and was somewhat surprised. Someone had made a comment that my colors were not weak. it did not bother me one bit. I it thought looked fine to me.

We were told that when we finished, we were to fold it into a burrito then into a cinnamon roll. So off our aluminium silver foil cinnamon rolls went to bake in the oven for half an hour. We waited, patiently, we went inside the chapel to cool off. We chatted, ate, knitted while we waited. Then suddenly someone came into the chapel and told us the first of the yarns were coming out. We all went and saw many of our skeins hanging on the dowel to drip dry. I did not come up with a name for my skein until I saw it there the silver twinkling at me in the Texas sun. Arora Borealis. I had dyed and named my first skein.

Each skein was rinsed out in cold water and hung up. Some of the rinse water dripped down onto the boards below.

After another half hour had gone by, the rest of the yarns came out. The next skein started with Crimson, it looked like a deep dark raspberry, followed by Scarlet, and then last was Fire Red. So I toyed with naming it Friday the 13th. Can you spot the skein below?

Here it is all by itself.

And now Ladies and Gentlemen let me introduce from Mary's Little Lambs

Arora Borealis

Friday the 13th

I hope you have enjoyed my first attempt at dyeing. Now that I know how to do it. I may do it again for myself for special projects.

Still the same.

I am going to make a Red scarf this year for the red scarf program. I am using red as the main color and then adding odds and ends of leftover yarn and samples. I am going to use the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I made some more progress on my tank top, the very middle circle needs to be finished, then I can sew it up. Then the bottom half and 1/8 of it for the sleeve.

I am having issues with making a hat. I've tried two different hat patterns and they both were coming out wonkie. This is the third hat pattern that I am attempting. It is called Jewel Baby Hat pattern. I like the way it's starting out with the patterns in the yarn. Two of the girls at work saw it and hinted, I wear hats....

Progress on my sock, I've turned the heel. now only to knit it long enough to match the other and I am done. I have to finish it by 9/30/07 to be entered into the connect. I bought another skein of this yarn but in a nearly solid purple.

And now back to the boy friend sock for DH. Well, the last one took me six weeks of working on and off of it. I have found a little bit of a faster way to knit this one. I have put stitch markers every where I have to change stitches, that way all I have to keep track of is what row I am on. It seams to be going faster. I will see.

This weekend some of the Sisters of the Wool are driving out to a place called Heritage Arts and we will get to learn how to dye yarn. I am considering purchasing a student spindle. It might be time to learn how to spin. Maybe then I can have some more of the Sock Hop yarn for socks and not have to wait until the next update. Oh and don't get me started on shop updates. There is one that gives a select group of customers a heads up that new products or products in high demand are up for sale and leave the rest of us fending for ourselves. I will have some new yarn porn but I will post it in a day or two. Tomorrow is knit night.

It's Fall, well almost.

The weather in Texas has gotten more hospitable. It's been in the mid 80's during the day and 68 during the night. I had to get this kit from Natural Dye Studio, it came with a basic toe up sock pattern 5 double point Surina double points, and 2 skeins of luscious skeins of beautiful British Blue Faced Leicester wool the colorway is Orchid. The Natural Dye Studio is on Ebay Progress my sock well I almost ready to start the gussets I love, love love this yarn. The pattern is super easy and it's a quick knit, it s Lanas Puras Melosa-Fingering Weight and the pattern is The Lacy Mock Cable Socks pattern yes of course it is toe up, you can find it at One Yarn and Fiber.Com

Well sock two of the Boyfriend Sock pattern has been cast on. The first one took quite a while to work on only because I work on 3 or 4 different projects at the same time, I have to switch projects daily or I get bored. I have to start working on the red scarf for this years red scarf program .

I am working on the last full hexagon for this tank top, then all that is left is half of on at the bottom and on small section on the sleeve. I am going to add straps and a border around it to finish it. My next on is waiting in the wings I already have the yarn for it.

This baby hat is driving me batty. I tried one pattern and twice it came out wonkie, so I tried another pattern twice, it too is coming out wonkie. I am going to rip it out and find yet another hat pattern.

Mom's health is concerning me more and more, it is decorating more and more each day. The other day when I talked to her she was totally out of breath as if she had been running a marathon. It sounded like she was breathing through a harmonica. She said her legs are swollen from her crotch to her toes and that they were so swollen that she could not even put on her shoes. It's obvious the latest strongest diuretic they gave her is not working. Cousin D was going to go take her shopping for shoes today. I bet mom didn't take her diuretics today because she was going shopping. I can hear how tired she is on the phone. I can also hear her giving up. All I can do is to tell her I love her.

Secret Pal Strikes

Thursday I got home from work, it was another long day, I don't understand the logic of recruiters waiting to the last minute to get things done. I was sent 6 marriages with providers going to work in 24 hours and they all needed approval. They tried to make me stressed but I would not give into their hysteria. I didn't create the problem. I am going to do my best to get them all done but There will not be any wigging out over it.

When I got home, there was a pink envelope in the mail box, with a stamp, "Royal Mail" on it. I immediately scan over my package looking for any clue. Gingerly I squish the package.... it's yarn must be yarn. Then I see it the return address label, "Posh Yarns" Posh yarns?!? I believe we all as knitters have one yarn that we hold as if you will the "Holy Grail" of yarns. One more prized than all the rest. One that we try to obtain but it keeps eluding us time and time again. Posh was one of these for me. I could only imagine what color. Ripping open the tissue, there it was the glorious soft green yarn so soft so decant. Thank you so much to my secret pal!!! I love it.

One Sock Two Sock Red Sock Blue Sock

I finished 1 sock of the pair of socks for DH!!!! I've used one entire skein. Now all I have to do is start the second one. By the way if I haven't mentioned it before this is the Boyfriend Sock pattern.
I did see that the Knitting Zone had this yarn for sale so there is still some left for those that are looking for it. http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=fortissima-socka-stars-and-stripes-1776&cName=fingering-weight-super-fine-sockaAs if 1 sock wasn't enough I finished a second, not the pair to the BF socks but the 1st of my Lacy Mock Cable Socks made out of Lanas Puras Melosa, fingering weight, that I got from One Planet. I love the way this yarn feels. The pattern is easy peasy.

I also started on sock 2 for the pair. Gosh my foot looks soo little.

I've now made progress on this tank that it resembles a tank. All I have left is 1 whole hexagon, one half and one eight I didn't make enough for one of the sleeves so I am going to add it in. Then the arm straps and I think I am going to put a plain solid pink band around the bottom.

This is my first Baby Surprise jacket by Nancy Zimmerman. Made out of Cider Moon I believe in Glacier, and the colorway is Pandora Rose. I will be making a hat to go along with it, just have to find the right pattern.

Late but better than never

Ok here is the update from last week. I know I know but, it's better than never. This is my Lacy Mock Cable sock. I'm excited I've finished it and will be casting on the 2ND one. What I have to do is undo the bind off edge and go back and do a I believe it's called a sewn bind off. It will be allot looser. I wonder if I can add an edging to it at this point. This is the first sock of the DH's, I am finally on the RIBBING!!!!! Who knows I might finish the ribbing next week.

My BaSalt tank top is coming along so I am excited

But, all I have left to do on the Surprise jacket is to sew in the thread, and sew on the buttons and I'm done!!!!! Now I have almost a full skein of the beautiful Cider Moon yarn left I need to find a hat pattern and maybe booties for a boy.

I went shopping to Elann and got the yarn for my Surplice Lace Top by Gayle Bunn

Why do I knit with wool in 104 degree heat???

Why do I knit with wool in 104 degree heat??? Because I live in Texas and it's August. Summer finally made it to Texas with a vengeance. Last week went a little nuts,I didn't get as much knitting done as I wanted. The BaSalt tank is coming along. I am now on octagon 4. I am hoping to have it finished before September 1st. The DH's sock (The boyfriend sock pattern) keeps growing, but I am finally starting to decrease, soon now I will be working on the ribbing and binding off. He loves them. He's realized how much work goes into knitting a sock and how much more goes into knitting one.

The Baby Surprise Jacket. I'm so excited it's half done and I haven't even touched the second skein. Now I have started to look for the buttons. Anyone out there know of any good places for handmade buttons?

I had to start another pair of socks, I know it goes against what I said a few weeks ago about projects but I joined Sock Knitter's Anonymous and the Ravelry group is having a year long sock down challenge
Sockdown: Ravelry is a year-long personal knitting challenge that will begin on August 1, 2007 and end on September 30, 2008. Members of Sock Knitters Anonymous are NOT required to participate in the KAL. It is to help us challenge ourselves by knitting socks using different techniques. This first month we have a choice of either knitting a pattern by The Sock Bug or any lace pattern. Though I like the patterns by The Sock Bug, and will probably knit at least 1 or all of her sock patterns, I had to knit this one next. I bought the yarn and the pattern from One Planet Yarn and Fiber was made from the yarn. The yarn is from Lanas Puras Melosa Fingering and the pattern is Lacy Mock Cable Socks. The colorway is Golden Rose. My camera does not do it justice. But here it is, the pattern is so easy, I am already making the gussets. Yes, it's a toe up pattern. The yarn is so super soft.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Well for socks, I like using super wash 75/25 combo but I have used 100% merino for socks. I love Alpaca, merino, blue face Leicester, silk, I want to try sea silk, and camel. You know how some of us collect patterns also? Well... so do I but my favorite is fingerless gloves. I have only knit one pair but I love to knit them. Now as far as which yarn I use, in no particular order Yarn Pirate, Lorena's Laces, Woolly Boully (She's on Etsy ) Cider Moon , Lanas Puras and Koigu I am drooling over Briar Rose Fibers, Socks that rock, Alchemy Yarns, Hand Maiden, Fleece Artist, Beaded Rayon by Blue Heron yarns, Sock Hop yarn by Crown Mountain Farms.... I could go on but I will never respond to all the questions so I'll stop. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?I don't like mohair, no acrylic 2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?I use knit picks options mainly so I use their binder and their plastic sleeves, I could use some more of the 1 pocket page, I have enough of the 2 and 3 pocket page. 3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? It will be 2 yrs in December. Mom tried to teach me when I was 10 I hated it then, and I started again by what I remembered from what she taught me and Knitting for dummies. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I think this year it would be safe to say intermediate. 4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes but remember only the knitting things on the Amazon list are mine the rest are gifts the DH wants. 5. What's your favorite scent? Crisp clean air, lavender, vanilla, 6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes Favorite candy?Chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate covered nuts, graham crackers, M & Ms with nuts and without. 7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?Surfing Ravelry. Do you spin? Not yet but hopefully in two years. 8. What kind of music do you like?I'll get back to you on that. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s?No (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)9. What's your favorite color(s)?Vibrant Greens, purples, Reds Any colors you just can't stand?Orange 10. What is your family situation? Married Do you have any pets?1 very spoiled welsh corgi and 2 spoiled cats. 11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?yes to Scarves, no to hats, yes to mittens and yes yes yes to ponchos. 12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?Its a toss up between fingerless gloves and socks. 13. What are you knitting right now?BaSalt tank from Knitting Nature, Boy Friend sock pattern socks for DH, Sup rise baby jacket and Lanas Puras pattern Lacy mock cable socks. 14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes 15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?Circular Bamboo, aluminum, plastic Knit picks, ebony and rosewood. ?16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?Yes and Yes. 17. How old is your oldest UFO?1 year 18. What is your favorite holiday?Halloween 19. Is there anything that you collect?Yes, mice, dragons, faeries and pirate stuff. 20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Yes the new Cat Bordi sock book New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One,Knit Kimono: 18 Designs with Simple Shapes and Stitch 'N Bitch Page-A-Day Calendar 2008 What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?Interweave Knits 21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?I am still working on cables this year, next year it's lace and fair isle 22. Are you a sock knitter? Yes What are your foot measurements?It's 10 inches long, not sure of the rest of them but if it helps I have a wide foot and have thicker calves 23. When is your birthday? 05/06 24. Are you on Ravelry? yes I am. If so, what's your ID? Look for Knitstress.Mary

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?My gauge ruler, I don't know how I used to measure gauge without it before I found it. Since I found it, it's been so easy.
2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? Of course. If so, how much and what type of project?At least 2 projects, because what would I do if I finish what I bring? It's whatever I have on my needles. I take my knitting with me every day there are at least 4 projects in the bag. 3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?The Blue Ridge Parkway, The outter banks of the Carolina's, Rocky Mt National Park. 4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Knit Kimono: 18 Designs with Simple Shapes by Vicki Square and New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One by Cat Bordhi Do you own it?Sadly no not yet. 5. Do you listen to podcasts? I used to Which is your favorite(s)?I did not have any one that was a favorite.

Updated progress from last week.

I've been a little busy with .. ok I will admit, I got sucked into Ravelry. At least last week I stuck to the new plan. This is the new blanket square I have been working on. Only a little big more to go and then I can start on a new one. The DH's first sock. Still not done, he wants them to his knees so I have about 5 more inches to go. Now for cindybmw2004 who was kind enough to leave a comment. This yarn is
Fortissima Colori Socka:1776. I purchased it last year, at a yarn shop in Arlington Texas. It's a bit rougher than what I am used to but, I am told the roughness will go away with the first washing.

This is the progress on my BaSalt tank top. I have hexagons 1-3 finished, I have added half of a hexagon to the bottom of #1. I think that will give me the length I am looking for.

I started a baby surprise jacket! Surprise! I ripped it out after 30 rows.... There was one mistake in it that I could not live with so back to the drawing board. I hope baby Jaxon doesn't decide to surprise his parents and come before his ETA date of 10/26 . I have also found out I get to make 2 more of these. Surprise!!!

I have signed up for Secret Pal 11. With the pictures that I am going to post at the end of this week, there will be hard evidence I have faltered off the knitting plan of one new project, one sock project, one UFO. You will all soon see.