St. George Island

I enjoyed the most relaxing holiday this past weekend. One of my friends had rented a house on St. George Island, FL and invited me to come visit for the weekend. Naturally, I went -- you never turn down a trip to the beach. I had the most amazing time. I am forever spoiled. St. George Island is beautiful and the nearby "fishing village" is complete with oyster boats and charming places to dine. Ahhh . . .

Socktoberfest and More

From this . . .


to this.

I love these socks. They're perfect for Socktoberfest. I'm not a big fan of orange but these socks are fabulous. Did you notice the short-row heel? I think I've finally got it but I still don't really like it. I'm just not feeling the love for the short-row heel. I plan to start knitting sock #2 of my Summer Sock Party socks next. It will have a short-row heel which means I'll get to practice some more.


I got another package from my One Skein Angel. Isn't it fabulous?


This yarn, also from my One Skein Angel, just screams Socktoberfest. This picture doesn't do the yarn justice. The colors are beautiful -- burgundy, green, rich browns. But, I don't think I'll get another pair finished before the end of October but ya never know.



The scarf for the International Scarf Exchange is complete and will be going in the mail today. It's actually been complete for some time now but I've been a lazy blogger, mailer, etc. The pattern is Fickle Fingers from the Winter '05 issue of Interweave Knits. I used the yarn suggested but in a different colorway (Zitron Ethno #5 multicolored). Clever name, huh? I love this colorway and I love this scarf. I'll definitely be making another.

And, if I haven't mentioned it before, I've selected the yarn and the pattern for my Harvest Sock Swap socks.

Grey Basic Cable Socks

I finished these socks last week. I enjoyed this pattern and think it turned out pretty good. It's an easy pattern and a good beginning cable project. These socks were also my project for the Grey's Anatomy KAL. They are appropriately grey. Now I can focus on the Socktoberfest socks and my Central Park Hoodie. Although these socks qualify for Socktoberfest and Sock-A-Month 2, they aren't the ones I was specifically knitting for Socktoberfest. The Socktoberfest socks remind me of candy corn and candy apples. I could imagine myself as the Wicked Witch of the West while wearing these socks. Glenda the good witch would never wear them. They don't match her dress.

I'm almost finished with the second sleeve of the Central Park Hoodie. This is a real moment for me--the knitting of two whole sleeves. I hope to have it finished up by the end of next week. I've already cast on for my second hoodie. Have I lost my mind?


Here's a close up of the cable. I really loved knitting these.


Do you hate my kitchen floor as much as I do? No amount of scrubbing, makes it look beautiful. Oh well . . .

Hot Sock Swap Package Arrived!!

I received a package from my Hot Sock Swap Pal. She really out did herself with this amazing package. Check out her blog. I am continually amazed by the generosity of my swap partners.



There were two skeins of Artyarns Supermerino in the most delightful shades of blue and teal. She also included a 47", size 1, Addie Turbo circular needle, some sock shaped point protectors, and a Holey Sock Pattern. I can't wait to make some socks. There was also a skein of Knitpicks color your own yarn. I'm going to have plenty to keep me busy.



There was a collection of teas and coffees, some cute note cards, and homemade orange/cranberry/almond biscotti. I can't wait to try the biscotti and the tea. She sent me a keychain sock blocker. How did she know I had been coveting one of those for months? It is so unbelievably cute!!

Thank you Paula!! I love everything!! And, no, I am not an Alabama fan -- not really a fan of football. I think they should do away with time-out and just let the clock run. Don't you think it would make the game more challenging?


MYSTERY SOLVED



This beautiful yarn from yarn pirate is from my One Skein Angel. I've already sent her my thanks but I wanted to thank her here as well. I will be busy knitting socks for quite some time.

One too many swaps

I've recently received word from my Hot Sock Swap Partner that it was not she/he that sent the beautiful yarn from yarn pirate. So, it must have been my Sock-ret Pal. So, I apologize and thank you Sock-ret Pal. I love the yarn. It is most beautiful. It looks like I've signed up for too many swaps AGAIN and have lost control. Sock-ret Pal, please forgive me. I'm so sorry and I really feel bad that I messed up. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.

Socktoberfest Questionnaire

I have been distracted by Socktoberfest to such a degree that I've abandoned my grey cable socks. Unfortunate, because all that's left to complete the pair are the decreases on the toe of sock #2. But, the yarn for the Socktoberfest socks was so delicious -- irresistible really. The yarn cried out, more like demanded, to be knitted into the perfect pair of socks. Following the suggestions of my fellow knit bloggers, I'm using the Faerie Stripes yarn for my Socktoberfest socks. It is so much more beautiful in sock form. It reminds me of candy corn and candy apples. I'm past the heel on the first sock. It's just a basic pattern with a short-row heel. I think I've finally got this short-row heel thing mastered. But, I'm still not sure if I like it better than the heel flap.

On to the questionnaire . . .

1. When did you start making socks? Last December.

2. Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I taught myself -- many late nights of determined knitting. I refused to give up.

3. What was your first pair? Teen Socks from my faithful 66 cent how-to pamphlet. I used a self-stripping yarn and size three needles, because you can't find anything smaller in anywhere close to where I live. I now knit most of my socks with a size 1 circular needle but I wanted the first pair to be knit the old fashioned way.

4. What would you have done differently? I wish I had smaller needles but it was a real learning experience in gauge.

5. What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Gosh, what a hard question. I love the expensive stuff especially Sunshine Yarns.

6. Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? Magic Loop

7. Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) The jury is still out on this one.

8. How many pairs have you made? 18 or more


I AM SPOILED ROTTEN

My Hot Socks Swap Pal is spoiling me absolutely rotten. I received the most beautful sock yarn today. Anytime there's yarn in the mailbox, you know you've had a great day. The yarn is from Yarn Pirate. It's so yummy. I can't wait to show you guys a picture. I also recieved a gift certificate for Adagio Teas. I love tea. I'm trying the Christmas tea blend. So, thank you Hot Socks Swap Pal, you really made my day.

I'll try to post pictures tomorrow.