Dog Days of Summer....

in March?? We are currently experiencing temps in the 80's - a good 30 degrees above norm! Sofee is loving it.... (yes - she has her own lawn chair)

On the knitting front, I frogged the "Insideout" socks again. I had only an inch or so to go before sock #1 was finished, but after browsing photos of other's socks - again.... I longed for stripes.

So - I went up to a 2.25mm for the foot. It looks better - but still not stripes. It is just not meant to be!!

Disappointed...

In myself - I fell off the wagon yesterday at the LYS. (Notice - I removed my "knit from your stash" button....I am no longer worthy!!) I ALMOST made it to my goal date of April 1st. Oh well....

But - on the bright side, I have some beautiful Opal yarns - and as an "earthy color" fan - well, I couldn't pass them up! My original quest was for one skein of brown to mix with a variegated to make these gloves. Hmmm--now that I think of it, I guess there was intent involved, wasn't there?

And, I am disappointed with my "InsideOut socks". Where are my stripes?? I have tried everything that I know of, as I really am not a pooling and flashing fan!! But, this is the best I can get!! Darn.... On the first attempt, the entire front of the sock was green/brown pools, and the entire sole was charcoal gray - just big blobs - no movement at all. (In real life, my yarn does not appear blue - but gray). This is what I got after re-winding the yarn and starting from the other end, and also changing needle types. I went from PonyPearl 2.00 mm to Susan Bates 2.00. I can't go any large needle, as my foot is fairly narrow - they would never fit. But - on the bright side..... (My way of coping...) Hmmm - this is hard! Well - I think they are going to fit nicely! And, they will be "unique". Kind word..... sigh....

Two more for the "kids - big kids this time!"

These Worsted Weight socks were so much fun to knit up. I made these in what I think may be typical "bigger boy's" colors. The brown pair is a simple 4k/2p rib pattern. The Olive is an adaptation of the Fluted Bannister pattern offered several months ago by the 6Sox yahoo group. They were both fun and quick to knit.

This brings my total to only 6 pair. That was my personal goal for CIC's current challenge (knits for the bigger kids) - but I am a little disappointed that I did not do more. I will be sending these off, in addition to 5 toddler-size sweaters.

Off to travel the world in search of cold children - warms my heart!!

It's me, Sofee....

I have to be quick! Mom's off knitting (yeah - like that's a suprise!) and I am supposed to be being "good", but just wanted to get back to you, Boy and Frisky....

The weather is back into the 50's and my yard is green, not white again. So - I guess I will stay here. The food is good, they have a fair amount of treats, and well - I have my people trained pretty well. But - I really want to thank you for the opportunities, and I've been thinking....

Frisky, I am looking into "Dog Friendly" crusise lines - perhaps to the Caribbean next year?? Wanna go... Ask your mom! Could be fun.... cha cha cha...

Boy, sounds like your home would be WONDERFUL!! Perhaps I could bring a couple of squirrels from my back yard - and lots of toys. I hear you like toys! Thanks for the invite, and I'll see what I can arrange for perhaps January '08. I have to stay for the loot at Christmas time, but after that I could come!! Will be in touch....

Oh - gotta go. Mom and dad are talking about going to the lake - walking around the lake is SO MUCH FUN!!! Lots of good smells...!! Later......

Jaywalkers - ready for walking!

All finished - and loved for sure! Very nice fit. I am sure these will be a pair I wear quite often.

Knit on 2.25 Pony Pearl DPNS, of Lisa Souza "Sock!" - colorway "Graphite". The famouse "Jaywalker" pattern by Grumperina. I am probably one of the last to make these.... better late than never they always say. Glad I finally got around to it!

And next? Hmm...still undecided. Absolutely nothing on the needles right now!!

I still have a personal goal of 6 pairs of "big kid" socks of the current CIC challenge - which ends at the end of the month. I have 4 waiting to be sent in - if I hurry I can get 2 more pair done in time.....

Color correction...

The color of my "Urban Boot Socks" in not Apricot, as I had thought. Astrid (from whom I purchased the yarn) has come to my rescue. She tells me it is "Regia Trend Collection 1229 Bisque Meliert". Regia does have a yarn called Apricot, so I don't want to mislead anyone. I know the "meliert" is supposed to indicate that there is a slight variation in the color depth. I actually can't see it, but perhaps that is why I do like this yarn/color very much. I am usually drawn to either heathered or nearly solid yarns.

And - if you are experiencing spring like weather in your region - please ENJOY!! We are back to a blanket of snow today, and it continues to fall. Sofee is very upset! In fact, she would like to know: Does anyone have room for a tiny little dog? (Just for a few weeks - spring is bound to come back). Only requirements: A warm climate, 1/4 cup food per day, and a nice lap on which to lay. She promises to NOT chew on anyone's DPNS - she's a big girl now!!

Sigh...What's a mom to do? They get so grown up and independent.....

Boot Socks finished!

I finished the Boot Socks from the new "Favorite Socks" book that I was working on for the Favorite Socks KAL. They were a somewhat slow knit, probably due to the cable twists. I did not use the "Cable without a Cable needle" technique, which I understand to be a faster technique. I am just slow but steady..... Yes - I also use DPNS, and am not a toe-up fan. Guess I am stuck in my personal "comfort zone" :)

These are made from Regia fingering weight. I believe the color was Apricot, although I have lost the ball band. I had forgotten how much I like Regia yarn - it was one of my first loves, many years ago! They were made on 2.75mm Pony Pearls DPNS. No changes from the written pattern at all. They are longer than most socks, but I believe I will really like them!

I was nearing completion on the Jaywalkers, when I discovered a huge problem. My stitch count was off significantly - from an early on error. So, sock #2 was completely frogged!! OUCH! I will return to them now, hopefully finishing them soon.

And, an update - In January, I made a commitment to fast from yarn purchases for 3 months. I am at the 2.5 month mark, and with the exception of some charity yarn (which was originally ok by my standards) I have kept my promise!! Doing well, and April 1st will soon be here. Then, I will re-evaluate.... We'll see.

And the postman brought

an entire new door to be opened....

From my Sockret Pal. How cool is that!! I have been toying with the idea of spinning for quite some time (not that I need a new obsession). Now I have no excuse but to get my toes wet. I will be doing some research before I give it a try -- wish me luck. Any tips, suggestions, or thoughts - all are welcome!

Many thanks go to my Sockret Pal. A terrific gift! I am anxious to discover your identity - and to pick your brain, as I understand you are an accomplished spinner. Please - identify yourself - soon!!

I made it!

Skein #2 actually had several yards more than skein #1 - so all is well!

I will soon be casting on "Uptown Boot Socks" from the new Interweave Press book "Favorite Socks". And, I continuing to work on the second "Jaywalker".

Also, I received a terrific package from my Sockret Pal yesterday. I will tell you all about that very soon. I am thrilled!! Thanks Sockret pal - whoever you may be!!

These Monkey socks knit of Silja on PonyPeals 2.25mm DPNS.

I must be living right!.....

My concern when I started my Monkey socks using off-white Silja, was the question of yardage. Would I have enough? Obviously, I had some back up plans, but - well, it must be clean living!! I have exactly 8 inches left from the 1st skein! Now - the real question - will the remaining skein have as yardage for sock #2??? I'll let you know....

And, progress continues on the Jaywalkers. I am working on both pair simultaneously. I have never done that before, but I somewhat like it!