Finished!

The socks of doom arrived. I am officially finished. But, what a nice way to go -- a pair of socks and some tasty treats. Good luck Kim and thanks for the goodies.

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

Hello Sock-ret Pal. I want to thank you in advance for knitting something wonderful for me. I know it will be wonderful. I have no doubts and whatever you choose to knit for me will be appreciated and worn and loved. I did my best to answer the questionnaire and hope you find it helpful. I can't wait to get to know you better.

The basics:
How long have you been knitting? So long I can’t begin to count the years.
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I like to think I’m an intermediate to advanced sock knitter. I don’t have to refer to the pattern to do heels and toes.

The measurements:

I wear a US8 shoe. My foot is approximately 8” in circumference and 9” long.


(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? I love rich colors, burgundy, green, blue, purple, red, brown.
Do you prefer solids or variegated? Hmmm, I like solids for lace and variegated for everything else.
What fibers do you most love to knit with? wool
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? Dani and Sunshine Yarns, Knitpicks, Socks That Rock
What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? I’ve recently discovered lace knitting. Love it!

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? I am an equal opportunity type. I love natural fibers but I will knit with whatever is available. If I had to choose between knitting with acrylic or not knitting at all, I’d knit with acrylic. I will admit to doing my best not too, though.
What colors would you never wear? Don’t like orange or puke green.

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? I use them all.
Circs or Straights? Circs
DPNs or Magic Loop? Magic Loop
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? Hmmm, I’ll have to get back to you.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list? Yes, but I’m not sure how to get you the link.
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) I like sweettarts. So, I guess, its sweet.
Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? Nope
Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? Nothing stands out either way.
Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? lighthouses
When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) 2/14, I’m a love child.
Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? I’m trying to spin and dye but I’m new to both.
Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... I’m a beach girl. I love the Scarpetta books by Patricia Cornwell.

Socks of Doom

Because I am quite possibly insane, I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning Sunday night knitting my Socks of Doom. It reminds me of when I first began knitting socks. I was so determined to "get it" that I lost untold hours of quality sleep. But, I knit beautiful socks – some of them two, three, four times until I got it just right. I still haven't received my dossier yet but I was armed with my target's email address and shoe size. The socks are finished and on their way to my target. Sadly, there is also a pair of socks on their way to me. So, my participation in this event was short lived. I will remain positive because my death ensures my other knitting projects will get the attention they deserve. At least I didn't go down without a fight. I must admit to feelings of guilt at taking out my target. I was genuinely sorry but I had to do it.

Other Knitting News

In a test of my patience and will, I am knitting the Central Park Hoodie (it has sleeves). I've completed the back and fronts. And, now I'm working on the sleeves. Yes, its the dreaded sleeves. Vest anyone? I am quite determined to make this hoodie long-sleeved. I will not waver. I can do this. I'm sure I can.

Knit Sock Kit Swap Package Arrived

I am the luckiest girl in the world for so many reasons. I can't believe my good fortune in receiving such a fabulous package of goodies. As you know, I received my KSKS package several days ago. It is fabulous -- so much deliciousness in one package.



Some Knit Picks Sock Memories in Pansy.



There was also a hank of Faerie Stripes 100% Merino Sock Yarn by Faerie Lady Fibers. My pal tells me this yarn was dyed especially for me.



Two skeins of Cervina Forever Jacquard. I've been meaning to try this yarn and now I can.



Courtney's Confetti, 100% Superwash merino
Can you have too much sock yarn? I say, "NO, it's not possible!"

She also included all these goodies. I love the book. It's Socks Two from Vogue Knitting. There's also a row counter and a Chibi. I will make an embarrassing confession here. Until I received this package, I didn't know what a Chibi was. I had no clue. Now, the mystery is solved. I feel smarter already.



My pal also included some goodies from her shop. There was a bar of Stress Free Green Tea soap and a small jar of Everything Balm. Aubrey you are the greatest pal!! Thank you so much for this amazing package. I don't deserve it but I'm thankful just the same.

In other news, I am a big winner in another area. You might remember that my car is in the intensive care unit getting a new heart (engine). This is quite costly as you might imagine. I have been wondering how I would pay for this expense. Today, I learned that I was the winner of the Dragon drawdown. You purchase a ticket for a chance to win $10,000. It was a fund raiser for my daughter's school. Well, I purchased a ticket and I hoped. But, don't get too excited, I didn't win $10,000. I selected to share the prize because I figured it was better to get something than nothing. And, I won exactly enough to pay for the new engine. Life is good!!!

Miscellaneous news

I've got lots of great photos to share but sadly no time. My luck in swaps/exchanges continues to be phenomenal. Knitters are such fabulous people! Don't you agree? Anyway, I received my kit from my KSKS pal. All I can say is WOW!!! I'll post photos later so you can see the WOW yourself.

I'm also almost done with my International Tote Exchange item. I hope she likes it. I love it!! I will definitely be knitting one of this for myself. Well, I guess my feelings could change if the felting process doesn't go well. You really shouldn't do the celebration dance too soon.

My luck in other areas is not so good. My car left me stranded on the side of the road on Monday. It needs a new motor. I love my car. It has provided over six years of dependable service. I hope, with the new engine, we will be together for many more years.

More later . . .

The Happy Couple

I'm pleased to report that Mr. Green has found his perfect mate. In Mrs. Green, he has found another sock, a sole mate, so perfect for him that they will never part. They have a lot in common and their attraction is a result of the "true compatibility" we've heard about on those tv commercials. Although, that's not how Mr. and Mrs. Green met. I see a long and happy future ahead for them. I appreciate Mr. Green's patience and am happy he has someone to keep him company during the day while I'm away.

Aloha

I got my most awesome Summer Sock Party package from my pal awhile back. Tonia, the party hostest was my pal. I had suspected it was her from the beginning based on her location. She sent me a thoughtful postcard midway through. It was such a nice surprise to find "real" mail in the mailbox. Anyway, my package included everything you need for a proper luau including some fancy tooth picks. Imagine yourself eating delicious pork straight from the firepit and you're surrounded by a backdrop of gentle waterfalls, hibiscus, fan palms, and plumerias. Ahhh . . . it takes me back to my most excellent Hawaiian vacation.

My sock was knit with some of Claudia's handpainted yarn in sea dreams. Perfect!!!

My foot is making the rounds . . .

Check out Sarah's website and the Hurricane Sock Party website for pictures of my nearly famous foot. Is there a new career in my future? Sock/foot model??? Sarah posted the pattern on her website for all to enjoy. Make sure you guys drop by Sarah's blog and grab the pattern.

Honey of a Hurricane Sock!!

I must be the luckiest girl in the world, possibly the universe. Check out this amazing package sent to me by Sarah. She is such an awesome pal and so generous. She sent me some chocolate. Chocolate is always appreciated and welcome. The package also contained some knitting girl mints, two wash clothes, some stitch markers, an adorable bag, a book, a tape measure . . . The list goes on and on. Of course, a sock and some yarn. The yarn is Koigu Kersti. She designed the sock pattern herself. It's a honeycomb pattern and it’s so beautiful and it looks great on. When I'm not wearing it, I'm a little startled by the size of my foot. Wow! I like to imagine my feet are petite. Nothing like living in denial, huh? Be sure and check out Sarah's blog for info on her handmade stitch markers. They are so beautiful. Everyone should have some.

And, the winner is . . .

TONNI!!!!!!!

I want to thank everyone who participated in the Let's Get to Know Each Other Contest. It was fun to find out how much we have in common and how different we all are.

I have never met Tonni and only know her through her blog and the few emails we've shared but I have found her to be a generous knitter who graciously answered the questions I sent her way.

Here's Tonni's answers:

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. typesetter
2. administrative assistant
3. document controls asst (glorified secretary)
4. executive assistant (extremely glorified secretary)

B) Four movies I would watch over and over: I could watch lots of them over and over, but I'll try to pick 4 favorites.

1. City of Angels
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. Out of Africa
4. You’ve got mail

C) Four places I have lived:

1. Heidelberg, Germany
2. Alexandria, LA
3. Clay, AL
4. Helena, AL

D) Four television shows I watch:

1. Gilmore Girls
2. House
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Little House on the Prarie (reruns) :)

E) Four places you have been on vacation:

1. Hawaii
2. Chattanooga, TN
3 Cape San Blas, FL
4. Disney World, Orlando, FL

F) Web sites you visit daily:

1. Knit Picks
2. Elann
3. Yahoo groups
4. Wendy Knits

G) Four of your favorite foods:

1. Crab cakes
2. Grilled steak
3. Pork roast cooked in sour kraut
4. Turnip greens & Cornbread

H) Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Cape San Blas, FL
2. Tahiti
3. St. Lucia
4. A castle in Ireland

My Pal is the Best!!

I believe my one skein pal is the most fabulous, absolute best pal ever. I enjoyed sending my pal packages each month and I was delighted that she was an excellent pen pal which meant we also got to know one another during this time. Last week, I received a "thank you" package from her. What a surprise! It was so sweet of her to send me something. My package was full of my favorite treats, some sweettarts (YUM, so delicious), a package of tea, a knitting book, some knitting notions, some willy wonka lip balm, and a couple of other treats. How cool is that? Don't you agree, she's the best!!



I've also mailed packages to my Summer Sock Party and Hurricane Sock Party Pals. I hope they like what I put together for them. I'll be announcing the winner of the Let's Get To Know Each Other contest tomorrow. So stay tuned.