Goodbye Old Friends

Well, the cats were delivered to their new home on Saturday night. I have been assured by TG that they have been delievered into a very nice home with very nice people. Still I am sad. I had a bit of a minor meltdown on Saturday night as TG was carting them away and have not been able to bring myself to phone the nice people who have taken them and see how they are all getting along. I really do miss them and it's so hard not to have them here with me, snuggling in bed and purring away.

Anyway, despite all the sad, I have managed to get my Monkey socks done. I love the way that they turned out.




Pattern: Monkey Socks by Cookie A.
Yarn: Socks That Rock - Walkin on the Wild Tide
Needle: 2.75mm (US 2)
Modifications: I made the leg a little shorter by doing one less repeat of the pattern and since the yarn has no nylon in it, I substituted a slipstich heel for the short row one which will hopefully make for longer wearing socks. Next on the sock needles - a plain cuff down sock knit in Cherry Tree Hill Merino in the Quarry Hill colorway. These will be my demo socks for the sock class I am teaching at Make 1 starting Sept 24.

Wild Monkeys (all worn out)

Well, we went to the wedding this weekend and while it was a wonderful affair, I am extremely tired and so is Husband. And the kids? Exhausted. Seriously. They actually slept all the way home which gave Husband and I an hour and a half of relative relaxation.

It was quite the weekend, between trying to pack for four people, making sure the formal clothes, gift and all baby/ child related accessories made it to the hotel for the Big Night. No small feat, let me tell you. And, forgetting anything was not an option as the hotel was an hour and a half away!

So, given the fact that I was responsible for packing everything, making sure that all four people were properly outfitted and on time for every part of the evening, this should explain why I didn't get a single picture taken of anything all night. Nope. Not a one. Jeez. Not a single picture of the happy couple, not a picture of the beautiful venue, and most upsetting, not a single picture of Hubby, myself, or the kids. Sigh. Fortunately, I am almost positive that the good friends that were there with us did take copious photos of the evening, so, hopefully one of them took a photo of the dress I made for Bunny. I will let you know soon.

Otherwise, I completely missed the deadline to get my SAM4 KAL socks in for August. I should have them done in a few days, which I guess will make them September's socks. Oh well. I really wanted a pair of Monkey's for myself since I sent my last pair to my Sockapalooza4 buddy. I did a search on Ravelry and stumbled across the most beautiful pair of Monkey socks, which were knit using April's Rockin' Sock Club yarn. Totally amazing.

I do have a photo of the first finished sock on my Ravelry site, but, I really wanted show the close up of the slip stitch heel, which I find to be the perfect heel for most cuff down socks. This type of heel is much stronger than the average stockinette or short row heel, and in my opinion, produces a very neat pattern because of the slipped stitches. Basically, when you work a heel like this, instead of knitting all the stitches on the knit rows, you slip every second stitch purl wise. And, you purl all stitches on the purl side.

I am calling these socks my Wild Monkey's as the colorway for April was "Walkin on the Wild Tide". Pictures of the finished socks as soon as they are done. Although, Bunny starts Kindergarten on Tuesday (gasp) so, hopefully I can see to knit through my tears... my little girl is soooooo big!

Baby Steps

It's finally been cool enough for Monkey to wear the baby sockettes that I knit for her out of left over sock yarn back in April. I absolutely love these and they kept her little feets super snuggly and warm while we were out at the lake this week. I am so glad that they still fit as she is growing like a little weed. As a matter of fact, at her last dr's appt this week, she was almost 10lbs!!



Pattern: Better than Booties: Baby Socks (Spring 2006 Interweave Knits)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock - Hawaii
Needles: US 00
Modifications: none - but I wish I would have made the cuffs an inch or so longer

As well, this week, two new and muchly anticipated packages arrived at our house. I was so excited to receive my Sockapalooza4 socks and thankfully they arrived this week so I didn't have to wait too long for them. Aren't they colorful? Thanks sockpal!! She also included a ton of amazing smelling hand cream and some handmade stitch markers. I can't believe how much work she put into my swap goodies!



Finally, this week I got my August shipment from the Rockin Sock Club. While I don't love the pattern, I really like the colors of the yarn this month and will be searching high and low for a pattern that will show off the variation of the yarn to it's fullest.



Otherwise, I have been chronically sleep deprived for the last two weeks as I am not quite used to getting up 2-3 times a night with a newborn and taking care of a five year old at the same time. As well, the housework and cooking won't take care of itself, so my computer time has been somewhat limited lately and I anticipate that it will continue to be this way for the next few months. That means that posts won't be as frequent in the meantime. Hopefully this won't last too long...

TGIF Baby

Just a few quick things to show today...

Since it's Friday, I figured I would show you something pretty. This is something that I am working on for someone else and it must remain a secret, hence the abstract picture. I really wanted to share the colors of this yarn though. Beautiful, no? I am totally into the jewel box tones mixing with the rustic browns and greens.



I also finally finished the Socks that Rock Inside Out socks that were February's kit from the rockin sock club. A big thanks to Dana for helping me figure out where I went wrong on the cables. A little time out, some quick frogging, and re-knitting, and they are finito. What do you think? In case you are wondering, I took the pictures with the socks on inside out...



That's really all I have on the needles right now that is blogworthy. I am still working on the Chevron scarf and have another scarf on the needles right now that I keep putting off (bad, bad, me), but otherwise, I have nothing. I am at an impasse. I really feel like starting a baby project, but am lacking the motivation to jump right in. You see, I am so tired these days that knitting is actually a chore of sorts and so I am trying to work on very small projects that require little thought. Maybe once I am off work life will be a little easier.

Actually, home is where the yarn is...

Let's talk about stash. I know that this has been discussed ad nauseum on other blogs, but let's face it; every knitter finds themselves looking at their stash once in a while and quietly contemplating whether or not it's over the top. I had that exact moment last night when I went to the post box, found the magic oversized parcel box key, opened the box and found... 2 bags waiting for me to take home and open. What was in the new bags? Well, in one I found my new STR rockin sock club shipment for April. I am totally in love with this pattern and the yarn is simply stunning. The pattern appears to be well written and thought out (there was a lot of criticism over the last pattern regarding gauge, instep issues, and pooling vs striping - some people are never satisfied) and the yarn - yum, yum, yummy. Silkie is my new favorite sock yarn I think!!! So soft and I love the stripe-y effect that it has. MMMMMMM.

Of course, if that were all, I wouldn't have had the moment of stash contemplation. Oh no, it didn't end there. Also in the mail box were the two skeins of STR that I had ordered previously. One is a colorway that was specially dyed for me by the nice ladies at STR (and so I can't mention the name of the colorway) and one is Lucy, which you may or may not know was aptly named by the oh so smart ladies at STR after Wendy's cat, Lucy. Gorgeous, no?

Now, I don't normally ask for custom dyes, but in this case, I was running out of options. See, I have been working on a secret project for a very special person in my life. Someone who has been my best friend and support system since, well, forever. This person, therefore, deserves a very special project. So, I choose the chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and picked up two skeins of STR in Chapman Springs and Garnet Dreams. Well, when I started to knit these two yarns together, I wasn't pleased with the results and went in search of something that would offer more contrast compared with the Chapman Springs. I didn't find anything on either the Bluemoon or the Fold Website, so I decided to see if I could get a custom dye and the ladies at STR came through for me. All that remains now is to frog the scarf and re-start it in the new colors.



See what I mean? Muddy on the one end. Don't worry, soon I will have photos to show you of something decidely un-muddy.

As well, the order of Duet sock yarn that I bought last week came in. Amazing, no? This yarn is so vibrant and soft. I can't wait to see how it knits up. I promise a full review as soon as I get some of the other things off my needles. Oh and how cute is the little sock blocker? This came as a gratis gift. Too cute!!

And, last, but not least, I was at SnB night the other night and happened to be persuaded to buy 2 skeins of Tofutsies. Now, I have heard such great things about this yarn and the fact that it contains chitin swayed me. Not to mention the colors... so cool. They seem variegated and yet not. Its also amazingly soft and plushy - almost like velvet. I can't wait to give a review of this yarn too.

Ok, now comes the embarrassing part. I still am waiting on at least 3 more shipments of yarn to come in. I know. I know. I am actually turning red thinking about it. But, honestly, in my defense, it was all bought so quickly and when you are shopping online, it doesn't really seem real because of the waiting time between purchase and package. Right? So, it really comes as a shock when all of the packages seem to arrive at the same time. That's when it becomes a problem.

Also, in my defense, most of the rest of the yarn coming in has been earmarked for baby clothes and other various baby items. We have 3 babies arriving soon in this family and they will all need some togs to wear once they are here. Anyway, that's my story and I am sticking to it. I have officially put myself on a sock yarn diet, because although as we all know, sock yarn doesn't officially count as stash, but I am starting to admit to myself that maybe if sock yarn is the only thing you stash, it really does count.

I am also pledging to get rid of some of my sock yarn. In fact, if you click on the "destash" button in my sidebar, it will take you to the place that I do most of my destashing. It's a great site and the ladies that run it are amazing.

Of course, it was all put into perspective for me last night when Terra from SnB mentioned that she was over at another knitter's house the other day - apparently this knitter (who shall remain nameless) has two rooms of her house that are dedicated solely to her yarn... who knew? Maybe my addiction isn't really that bad... right? right?

Sock-lobster

Seems as though I am sticking to my pledge to knit a pair of socks a month has been working. Since I made the new years resolution in January, I have knit 4 pairs of socks and 3 singles. Not too shabby. I also have some WIP's to show you. I started on the STR socks and got hopelessly stalled after the first sock. For some reason, my cables didn't turn out quite right and so these socks were sent to time out for a while. I figured since the new months yarn was shipped last week, I better get to it, so I cast on for the second sock and am as far as the cable section. I have smartened up somewhat and threaded myself a lifeline so that if I mess the cables up again, frogging will be easier. I can just zip down to the lifeline and start over again. At least, that's the theory. Hopefully this time the cables will miraculously work out and I can frog the other sock and re-work the cables in the same manner. Wish me luck. I would really like to have these socks done before the next kit arrives.






Then I got some sock yarn in the mail from HL Miller and started my first pair of Jaywalker's. I know I am late to jump on the Jay bus, but this is such an amazingly easy and quick knit pattern that I know I will use it over and over. It compliments the yarns that I like to buy - namely self striping or verigated- so well and the finished product is fantastic. I even started a pair of baby Jays in the left over "Malamute" Yarn Pirate yarn. I think it's so neat how the different patterns showcase this yarn. I have seen this color knit up in at least 3 different patterns (including the Embossed Leaves socks that I knit with it) and each pattern shows it so well.





I also got some more sock yarn in the mail yesterday that started out being a great deal when I first bought it (10.00 a skein for hand dyed 100% bamboo yarn) turned out to not be such a great deal. I payed about $6.00 shipping for the 3 skeins when I first bought it. Then it was shipped by accident to our old address, and sent back by the new owners (despite my going over there and explaining to them what had happened, leaving my number and asking them to call so I could come pick it up when it arrived - but that's another story, grrr.). So, when it arrived back at the original location, the seller re-sent, but I had to pay another $7.00 for it. And, of course, when it came in, customs wanted another $7.00 for it. So, the grand total for these 3 skeins of yarn came to a whopping total of $50.00 US, which I am aware is not a lot for hand dyed sock yarn, but still $14.00 more than it should have been. However, it is lovely and will be put to good use shortly.





I do have some more amazing sock yarn coming in soon. Husband seems to have relented on his yarn ban, plus, I made over a hundred dollars de-stashing some of the older yarn that I had which I knew would never be used for anything, so I was able to splurge a bit. I did get some of what I believe to be the very last shipment of Sweet Georgia yarn (I hope she enjoys her well earned hiatus), as well as some other yarn that I will be able to show you as soon as it arrives. Hopefully it won't be too long in coming.


Other than that, nothing much is happening here. Yesterday, we took Bunny to a birthday party at a friends house and she played herself out. In fact, she was so tired that she asked to go home at 8pm and went straight to bed. Not like her at all. Turns out, she was getting sick and now we all have sore throats. Everyone is staying home today under soft blankies and much cuddling is happening at this house. I guess the cleaning will have to wait another few days. Oh well. On the baby front, the littlest-little is expected in just over 12 weeks! Time has flown by this time around. Being pregnant the second time around sure is different. I remember with Bunny, I stressed out about everything! I was worried when the baby moved too much or not enough, I watched what I ate, and I made sure that I read as much as I could. This time around, the weeks are flying by, I am still eating many of the things that I shouldn't be (coffee, sushi, and lunch meats - although in moderate ammounts), but I still can't wait to meet this babe... Soon, soon.

Socks that Rock...

I have been dying to start the Chevron scarf that everyone seems to be doing right now using 2 skeins of Socks that Rock, and since we happened to be in Edmonton this weekend, and since River City Yarns happens to be the only store in Western Canada that stocks STR, I just had to get some. I wasn't sure what gauge people were knitting the scarf in, so I picked up two skeins of lightweight in Chapman Springs and Garnet Dreams.

When I got back home, I was able to do some searching on what people are using for color combos and realized that if there is not enough contrast between the yarns, they tend to pool funny and look muddy. I am hoping that there is enough difference between these two colorways so that this doesn't happen. What do you think? Feel free to let me know.




Of course, I also had to buy something for myself. So, I got myself a skein of Watermelon Tourmaline in the Medium Weight. I have no idea what pattern I will use this with, but I'm sure that if I stare at it long enough, inspiration will come to me.




I also started on the Jaywalkers using this yarn from HLMiller. They look great and I would like to show you a photo, but they are in my purse at the moment and I am too lazy to go and photograph them. I will take some pics this week and get them up for your viewing pleasure as soon as possible.

Otherwise, going back to work was as crappy as I thought it would be. I still really like my job, but the joy that I posted about a while ago has gone out of it. I am tired beyond belief. I think that this pregnancy is getting the best of me and I am worried that I won't be able to get back on my feet as quickly as I would like to once the baby arrives. I am thinking of suggesting to my boss that I maybe only work part time from May onwards. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Socks that Truly do ROCK!!

*Before I start, let me preface by saying that I didn't expect
to post so soon, so you all have until March 15/07 to keep entering
the contest that I started in my last post*

OK, so I will admit to being a little
sock crazy. Those of you who read this blog know that. So, what
better thing to get a gal for her birthday than a membership to the
Socks that Rock
Club! Unfortunately for us members, the gals
and guys at STR have hit some snags this year in
sending all the stuff out. First, STR members experienced a bank error
in their favor when a local bank decided that there couldn't
possibly be so many people signing up to a sock club
(turns out the final number of members is somewhere around 2000!)
so they refunded every one's money! You can read all the
details here.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, a blizzard hit STR headquarters
and the shipments were a smidge late as a result. However, despite
all this, I still got my first shipment, complete with yarn,
key
chain, bumper sticker, button, dyers notes and binder, and
of course a wonderful pattern called "Inside Out". I wanted to
share some pics and let those of you who are sitting on the fence
about STR know that this is a great club to
belong to. The support and excitement of everyone involved has
been amazing. Well worth the money! Ok, on with the
pictures:

Click me for STR SPOILER