Socks, Socks, Socks

Socktoberfest came in handy for me since I have so many socks to knit for Xmas gifts.

I finished the Embossed Leaves socks. They are really phenomenal. I am sure that I will knit them again. These were done in Lorna's Laces Black Purl on Addi Turbo's size 1. One sock is shown, but both are done.












The next socks that I am working on are Rib and Cable socks from IK Fall 2005. These are a Nancy Bush pattern. It is very clear and concise...extremely well written. This is my first short row heel and I have to say that I really like it. I am 5/6 of the way done with the second sock.

Yarn Aboard Arrival!

Yesterday, my son and I went to Disney World. We live in Orlando, FL...it is a given... but I have to say that many locals don't visit Mouseland as much as you would expect. For the past 8 years, we have gotten Season Passes. It is great to spend a day at Disney. We went to Magic Kingdom in the morning. We wanted to see the new and revamped Pirates of the Caribbean. It now has Jack Sparrow throughout the ride. We then went to Epcot in the afternoon. The Food and Wine Festival was kicking off this weekend. I go EVERY year! It is one of my favorite things to do at Disney. You must see it! Of course, when I went I had to have my favorite champagne (which I learned about during this event several years ago). Pommery from France. I met the national importer who was serving the champagne at Epcot. Delicious!

When I got home, what did I find? My Yarn Aboard! I was so excited! What a pleasant surprise!
This shows where the box has been. I received my wonderful package from Suzanne from Washington DC.








Contents of Lewis and Clark:
Susan Bates DPN's. Great choice since I don't have any. Postcards...the red tree was taken by Suzanne. The baby is funny.













Closeup of the yarn. Koigu...what more is there to say? I have knitted with several types of sock yarn, but this is by far the best out there. The yarn is soft, durable, and spun tightly...but what makes Koigu so great are the colorways and the variety of colorways. Great choice Suzanne! I absolutely love what you chose. Thanks again.

Matlesers from the UK. Delicious! Knitting Answer Book is really a great resource. I did not have the book but had heard about it.

Suzanne thank you very much for your gifts! I will enjoy them very much!

Catch up time...it is the weekend

I have been a very busy knitter the past few weeks, but I have been too lazy to post. Sorry about that.

First things first, Socktoberfest. I am definitely in the mood for this KAL. There are SO many participants (1,786 as of the date/time of this post). Crazy! I created a search on Bloglines for Socktoberfest enteries. It has been fun looking at all the posts.

My first task was to finish these Jaywalkers since I was so close to finishing. These will be given to Sandy (hair stylist) for Xmas. Everytime I go and get my hair done (which is too often thanks to the gray hair), she sees me knitting. So, I thought I would make her some socks since she makes me look younger.



I then have started my second pair of socks (for this Socktoberfest season). They are Embossed Leaves Socks from IK Winter 2005. I decided to use some of my stash sock yarn, Lorna's Laces in Black Purl. I love this colorway. I am making a few modifications to the pattern: (1) Went down a needle size to 1, (2) Cast on with the long tail method, (3) Cuff is Rib K1, P1, (4) Heel flap is done with the K, Slip stitch to make it studier, (5) Not cutting of the yarn before creating the gusset. I have just finished the heel flap.


One more sock related story. I got some new sock yarn from Sunshine Yarns. It is called "Waterfall". Very beautiful!


Finished Items:

I finished a couple of items this past month. Ella is now complete. I decided to give it to my beautiful, wonderful aunt who has been like a mother/friend/sister to me. She and my uncle were my saviors during my horrible divorce. I plan on giving it to her this week. I hope she likes it! In retrospect, this was a fun knit. I am glad that I used the Lorna's Laces. The yarn is very soft and I love the colors!


I also finished Lucy in the Sky cardigan by Cosmicpluto Knits. I love everything about this cardigan! It was great knit, yarn perfect and the instructions were very easy to follow.


In progress:

There are a couple of new sweaters that I plan on knitting for myself. The first one is from the Debbie Bliss book Cashmerino DK. It is the Ribbed Cardi. I am using the Cashmerino DK in Black. This is going to be the perfect cardigan to be used anywhere, work, play, etc.



The second sweater I have planned is the Everyday Tweed from the new designer on the Garter Belt team. I am using the designated yarn, which is Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Emporio. It is more beautiful in person.

Socktoberfest Questionnaire

Lolly has posted a Questionnaire for us to answer. Here's mine:


* When did you start making socks? Summer 2005
* Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I taught myself after having watched the "Sock-It-To-Me" show on Knitty Gritty.
* What was your first pair? My first pair was the "Knitting Pure and Simple - Beginner Women's" pattern. It was made with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. It was a great way to start with a thicker yarn so that I could see the stitches, plus it knitted up quickly.
* How have they "held up" over time? Yes, it is still my favorite pair to wear.
* What would you have done differently? Nothing.
* What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Koigu, Socks that Rock, Lorna's Laces Sock Yarn, and Cherry Hill. I have a stash of Sock Hop Yarn, Sunshine Yarn's and Sundara, but I haven't used them yet.
* Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I started with DPNs, but then learned on 2 circulars, which I like better. Addi Turbos...of course....
* Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I have never tried the short row. I usually do the slip stitch heel flap, which seems to be sturdier and fits my foot well.
* How many pairs have you made? 3 for me, 1 sister in law, 1 best friend, 1 son, 1 teacher. I am making lots as Xmas gifts this year, so Socktoberfest is perfect for me (2 office, 1 hair dresser, 1 friend, 1 boss). Yikes! That's 5 pairs I have to make. I need to get moving.

I have finished quite a few projects which I will post pictures to this weekend.