Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All

I just wanted to take a few moments (before the insanity arrives), to wish all my wonderful online, inperson, and around the corner friends the very happiest of Holiday Seasons.

I have been a bit behind this year, and though I did get my cards (complete with family update letter) out by the 22nd, I am right now taking a short sit down break before I try to finish the dinning room decorating.

I do hope everyone gets what they hope for and spends a few moments appreciating all that they have.... family, friends, health, wealth, and the ability to be a part of a really big community called Knitters!!

All my best wishes, and take some to sit back and knit something just for you.
Catch you all soon with updates and pics of gift knitting and such.

Not Much Knitting....

Hey Everyone,
Well, the last few days have not produced much knitting at all. Infact they haven't produced much of anything (period-dot). Unless you count the copious amounts of tissues in the trash can. YEP!! I got me an all out true and bonified HEAD COLD!!

It hit me Tues afternoon and today is the first that I have actually been able to do much of anything except sniff, sneeze, and blow my nose. My poor widdle nosey is sooooo red :(

Alas, though, today I fit in 2 batches of cookies (choc chip and oatmeal raisin), painted the bottom section of the little bathroom downstairs (of which I am bound and determined to have completed before the holiday), cleaned up the kitchen, and vacuumed the downstairs.

Tomorrow is Yarn for Breakfast - and there was no way I was going to miss that - uh uh - no way, no how!!! Maybe I will even get a little bit of knitting done this evening, as I am ready to sit my butt down and chill for a bit.

Hopefully soon I will be able to post a picture of the gifty I sent Rachael - but from what I can tell she has not recieved it yet. In my cleaning of piles of papers and such over the last day or so, I came across some knitting patterns my Mom passed to me that were my Grandmother's, they are from 1945, I am dying to CO at least 2 of them - but I will behave until I have all my other stuff done. Like Christmas Cards, a Christmas Tree, and Gifts Wrapped. Impressively enough, we actually have all of our shopping done at this point except for 3 items - and there are still 10 days to go.... maybe this means we will have snow :)

An Update and Some Pics

I must say this past weekend, was certainly not one of rest for me. I really was on the move, and did not leave the house too very much.

Saturday morning I got up, and proceeded to start baking cookies for the two college boys who are entering finals week this week. By 3pm I had baked, packed and shipped two boxes of sweeties to my boys. Rich gets Ginger Snaps, Heath Bark, and Oatmeal (no raisins) Cookies. Josh got Choc Chip, Heath Bark, and Oatmeal (no raisins) Cookies. I figure these ought to help them through the study hours.

What I was quite impressed with myself over, was that all of the above were made strictly from hand, down to the fact that I had NO MIXER!! Then I realized once Rick came home with a new hand mixer for me, I was so proud of myself for being able to cream the butter and sugars and mix the entire batch by hand - I did not want to use the mixer for the next batch of cookies.

Rachael, you will be so proud of me... I took a recipe for peanut butter blossoms (ie p-butter cookies with hershey's kisses on top), and by changing amounts and done strictly by weight, created a Nutella Cookie recipe. I tried this concept last year and it failed miserably. This time it worked. Anyway, yea for me for doing something other than the exact recipe.

Now, onto some pics: First we have Matt's German Flag Fingerless Gloves. He has been complaining that we keep the house too cold (but I am loving the heating bill), and so his hands are very cold when trying to play the piano. So voila - Christmas present in progress.

Then we have 2 pieces of Rick's Cardigan. As of right now, the word is it should fit following blocking. If not, well then he will just have to lose weight to get to the correct size. I am currently working on the Right Front, that picture is not too exciting.


I have 2 nights off from work this week, as we have Holiday events to attend, so maybe I will get some more of my holiday stuff done. It is kind of weird this year, I still don't have my tree up. This is very odd for me, but I am OK with it. Talk to me once the panic begins to set in.

Well it is off to bed with me - worked last night and need some sleep today so I can get some stuff done later.

Hope everyone is well, and enjoying the prepatory phase of the Holidays.

Here are the pics I can post

Since some of my manic Finishing episodes lately are also gifts, I have to make sure not to post pics since a bunch of those folks check on my blogs sometimes.

So, here are the Lacey Mock Cable Socks that I made of the just wonderful Blue Faced Leicester hand dyed by CJ (my spoiler in SP10). Oh and by the way you can go visit her blog and her store via the link on the sidebar for The Jolly Ewe. I just love this yarn. It was really nice to work with and then after I washed them and blocked them yesterday they are even softer and I am so hoping that the large cake of yarn I have left is enough to make me another pair.

Then there are the Gentleman's Socks for Rick. While the pattern is a very Gentlemanly pattern, it is fidgety (especially if you have to pick up and put down all the time). These were done with Meilenweit Mega Boots Stretch, which I must say also softened up quite a bit after washing. I was a bit afraid they were going to be to rough and scratchy, but alas they feel nice. I definitely need a better pattern for Rick if I am actually going to get socks to not only fit the way he wants them to, but also work fairly quickly for the EEE width feet of his. Which is why I might add that these socks make me think of a fork stuck in a potato.
...and for those of you who are ravelry-ers - I did update my projects with the completed pics. Although I still have one or two that I can't even update there due to gifting issues.

Still waiting on any suggestions about Ricks Cardigan... I guess that means I am free to work on the pair of socks that I cast on in lieu of do nothing. (drat the bad luck...:)

Thanks Viv, I just couldn't resist this one....

Lets101 Quizzes - Blog Quizzes

Pics to follow...

Hi all!! Hope you all had lovely holidays with family, or very quietly enjoying your time. I spent a good portion of mine on the road, and knitting. My parents - especially my Mom was quite tolerant of my desire to finish my socks while on vacation.

So, I am thrilled to say that I finished my BFL Lacey Mock Cable socks - that, obtw ar for ME - while in PA. I also finished Rick's socks on the way home from PA. I am feeling quite good about the whole finishing thing.

Now the only thing I have left to finish from 2007 that was started in 2007 is Rick's Cardi. I am very edgy about this whole thing... as it just keeps looking small, but I am knitting to gauge, and the yarn is the correct type of yarn, and the measurements are all correct, BUT... I just have this feeling that it is looking too small. I have completed the back, and just started the left side today, and I am still wondering if I should just frog it and make the next larger size.

I will give it a day or two and then the decision will have to be made. I already feel like I have gone too far, in the that the back is completed, but not blocked. I am so afraid of it being too big, but by the same token having it be too small would be very bad also.

I am knitting this in Lopi 100% icelandic wool on size 8mm and 10mm needles (so it is a fairly loose knit). Can anyone tell me how much give there might be with this yarn after blocking??

I will try to post pics as soon as I have a few free moments which should come Thursday afternooon-ish or Friday.

Any and all help will be considered.
Thanks

Yep there is another FO

I finally finished my 2nd sock in the Mini Monkey experiment. I love the way they came out, and they proved to me that I can make a pair of socks for me with just ONE skein of Lorna's Laces.

The only problem is, I made this pair about 6 rows too short for me. Granted if I had had my trusty little notebook with all my notes about making socks that fit ME, I would have made them the correct size for ME, but alas... someone is my circle of friends will have a lovely pair of mini monkey socks as a gift. So until I decide who, when, and once they have recieved them... there will be no picture.

Next I have Rachael's Wabenschal to complete and yes,,, Rick's sock #2. Although I am in quite the FO mode, so it should not be too difficult. After I wake up today I must go and get more reinforcing yarn for his socks. Then it will be on to his cardigan, and possibly fingerless gloves for him and for Matt.

There is a theme here... my Men seem to feel that I keep the house a titch to cold and so they need mitts to keep their fingers warm while computing or playing the piano. We shall see. I think the house is just fine, and if you are cold, put on a sweater and socks and life will be just fine.

It's really, REALLY DONE!!!

Here it is folks... The ever present Emerald Isle. One of my few FO's. I am rather impressed that I really finished it, and have it blocked and everything. I must take it to Yarn for Breakfast for the folks to see, and there are one or two others who need to see it before I send it off to it's intended new owner. It is only 4months late as a Birthday present.



Call me a proud Mama, but I wanted to give you all multiple views


I am so happy with this Finish, now I really wish I could work on Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend.... but I have other projects that really need to be completed. Maybe this will get me motivated to finish them a bit quicker.

More Soon

She's Going on the Wires

Emerald Isle is in the towel as I type this, and as soon as I am done here, She is going on the Blocking Wires.

This will be the first time for using my blocking wires, I really am quite excited. I must admit, now that she has gotten her bath, I wish she were already dry so I could see her final product..... I know, patience.....

Back soon with an update.

Squeeeeeeee!!!!! It is DONE!!!

I am so excited. Emerald Isle is completed and off the Needles!!!!

WHOOOOPEEEEEE!!!!!!


OK, I shall calm down just a bit now (but not too much). There is but one small glitch. I found 3 dangling loops .... I was afraid, very afraid.... so I instantly put them on an open end stitch marker. I fear I will have to cheat and take a piece of yarn and just tie them where they are meant to be. As I said to Jessica this evening - " Luckily the person to whom this is going, is of the opinion that no matter what little mistake there is, that just means it is all that more original" (boy am I lucky!)


So here she is pre-blocking. I am hoping for blocking to occur this weekend, and then there will be another pic before putting it off in the post. I had to include all these pics, just so you could get a good feel for her pre-blocked glory. OK - yes, I am showing off just a titch :)




Misty is glad I am done too, she thinks now I will spend more time with her... little does she know.... there is much more knitting to be done.



I tried the blue background in order to show the patterning better, but I guess that will have to wait until she is blocked.


Next up - finish all the 2nd socks in my meager stash (Mini Monkeys; BFL Neopolitan; and Rick's Gentleman's socks)

I am really getting close....

I am getting so close to being done with the Emerald Isle shawl. Truly!!!! only 10 more rows (5 of those being purled). I am so wanting to be done, and yet here I am on the computer... checking my friend's blogs, checking into Ravelry (like I need MORE ideas of stuff I want to do), and while doing this I am neither knitting nor doing any of the things around the house that are screaming to be done.

I am thinking that the computer is the very reason so many more people are getting back into the Gentle Arts. We have a collective desire to be more tactile and results focused. Think of all the people who, while they are willing to buy yarn off the internet, chances are they have already been somewhere that they were able to touch and feel and yes, in some cases 'smell' the yarn and decided that this is now their most favorite yarn. I love the fact that we want to be tactile. It is good for the soul and for our health. How many articles have you seen lateley about the health issues related to --- too much TV for kids and elders, not enough activity in our lives due to commuting and office jobs, and computers, - how dealing with living things helps us feel better?

I guess in a way, I think of the Gentle Arts (fiber work, cooking, baking, crafting) as dealing with living things. Most of these things either come from living things, or become living or life giving things.

Maybe going back to the "old" ways would not be so very bad. Our health would improve, our brains might not get mushy so early, and we would go back to being a production oriented people. Yes, our conviences are wonderful, but I often think that given the chance to take a vacation in one of those "Frontier House" experiments would not be ALL bad. Think of the activity, the need to be creative, and use you brain to make up for the things that you have to adjust to. No it would not be easy, and I am sure there would be days of sheer misery, but by the same token it might be life changing for the positive.

I shall get down quietly from my soap box, and go answer the incessant beeping of my washing machine that is done, and then empty the dishwasher, and then, just maybe sit my butt down and do some knitting today.

Color Me Embarassed...

OK, I admit it.... my bad. My really great SP sent me an absolutely fantastic box, which I sent her a personal thank you, opened with the greatest of care and slowness, to savor all that was enclosed, and then.....

Well, life stepped in, and away we went. Now as I was looking over my blog (which yes, I wrote several days ago) I realized I had not publicly thanked my Wonderful SP!


I am so very sorry SP. I truly did not mean to neglect that part of my blogging. But I have some time right now, as I just got my company on their way, and finished taking a wallpaper border off the downstairs bathroom, and am just waiting for my Beloved to finish his work in the bathroom (replacing water faucets - all the way back to the wall).


Soooooooo with out further ado, here is my most wonderful package in all it's glory, and might I say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to my SP.

I must say I LOVE her concept of packaging - simple but elegant...
...the box was quite large, but everything was scattered throughout the packing peanuts...
...and the goodies are given in the Spirit of Knitting. Things that make you feel good and happy.

Pomegranite Green Tea, and a georgeous mug to have it in; Candied Ginger (which DH already has some culinary plans for); Peach, Apricot preserves made with Sautern wine; Herbal bath soaks; Dark Chocolate (in the large size); and a lovely Green Fig Soy candle; and last but not least a lovely notebook/journal (which I can see becoming a record book of sorts for my projects).

Again... I thank you for all your thoughtfulness and creativity and time. I hope your upstream is taking as good of care of you :)

She Lives, She Lives.....

Yes, I really am still among the world of the living. As is often the case, there are many days that I wonder at this miraculous feat.

Yes, I went again to DC for several days to help out at the CWC store in Fair Oaks mall and when I left there were getting their stock room on track. This is a very good thing for them. As a result of my time there, and on the advice of some management type people I decided to retract my resignation at my current store, so that I might further my intentions of a broader job situation with the company. Apparently in big business you get heard a little bit more when you are still on the payroll, than if you come to them cold. So I will continue to persue my aspirations of being a district/regional 'go to' person for stockroom issues. We shall see.

Meanwhile, Rachael came to visit for a week. What a week it was. We knitted publicly ALOT, we ran about and did some shopping, and had Starbucks most days (eek my caffeine content is on overload), and generally kept quite busy. Busy enough that we were in bed by about 9-10pm every night. Except Saturday when we really did kick back and spent the day doing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon of season 6. If we didn't have to get up early Sunday to head up to DC, we might have finished out the season. Rachael has decided that Buffy is definitely better in English than in German dubbing.

Sunday we went to DC and picked up Josh and his new Girlfriend Becka and went tooling about DC, mainly The Holocost Museum (which is very intense, but very well done), and the WWII memeorial, and I think we did something else before heading off to a Lebanese Restaurant in Adam's Morgan area of DC. It was really good and I would definitely go for Lebanese food again. Then again, I am a garlic lover.

Monday we spent the day at Mount Vernon, and yes, I saw one of the sets of George Washington's teeth. Alas, though, they are not wood, they are ivory. Poor guy, started having dental issues in his early 20's, even with owning no less than 12 toothbrushes.

Then it was off to the airport to see Rachael off. Boo Hoo. Wish she could have stayed longer.

And now.......

Knitting pics. I have finally taken pics, and even have a finish (sock #1 - #2 is on the needles) and an almost finish, - this is the left half of Emeral Isle. The right half is all bunched up due to length of my needle cord.
This is just so you can see the detail better. Only 16 more rows to go (which = 16-18hrs)
and a sweater in progress, This is the Beloved's cardigan. I took it in the same place I took the others, but it bleached out on the photos. This is the back

and an alpaca shawl/scarf in progress. I really like this pattern and LOVE the yarn. It came from my SP11. Although Rachael fell in love with it, and hence I guess this will be hers. But thanks to some LYS trolling (I have 5 in the area in which I live), I came across this very yarn and will be able to make one for myself one of these days.
....and that my blogging friends is then end of this day's post. Hope you all enjoyed and come back and visit real soon. I hope to get back on track now with my blogging and my knitting.
Take Care

Yes, I have been very remiss...

...I have not been blogging as I would hope to be. Although I can say I have been knitting.

I have been making solid progress on my Emeral Isle Shawl, and hope (if the Knitting Goddess is in a good mood) to have it done within the next week or so.

That being said, I will again be on the road to Washington DC early tomorrow morning (o'dark hundred early :( -not my favorite) to work in the Coldwater Creek store in Fairfax. Truly there is a method to my madness. This too is part of the reason for my lack of blogging, as I have been in research mode. I am moving into an area that I have no experience in, and I want them to think I know what I am talking about. Job Descriptions and Proposals are a totally new venue for me, therefore it is taking significant amounts of brain space and energy to make it happen.

I will tell you all that I am totally looking forward to the visit of my Dear Friend Rachael next week. Since her boys are both on school trips for the week, and her husband continues to be deployed in the Congo.... she is coming here for a long awaited visit. I look forward to our time of just chilling out and doing whatever we darn well please for a week. Hence I am thinking I shall get a fair amount of knitting done, as well as some yarn shop crawling.

If I get the chance I will try to post some update pics as soon as possible. So sorry this is one of those boring non-pictorial blogs... but alas we all have to start reading "chapter books" sometime.

Take Care everyone :)

I will be gone for a couple days

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post to let you all know that while I will still be among the living, I may not be among the blogging, or emailing for a few days. I have been chosen to go to one of the other stores in my district to help them out a bit. So that means I may not have much opportunity to blog and email and such. Mainly because I just checked what the hotel I have been assigned to has to offer in that way, and well, they charge you, so not sure how much time I will be on line.

Hope everyone will be doing well, and I plan to get plenty of knitting done in my off time. If I am not totally exhaused at the end of some pretty hectic days.

Will catch you all up when I get back.

Tootles

While I was sitting Knitting....

The girls alerted me to the fact that George (otherwise known as the UPS man) had arrived. Although I must admit, since my SP told me I was due to recieve my box today, I have been patiently waiting, sitting knitting, no music, no tv, just keeping my ears out for the sound of any truck that might pull up in front of the house. Actually I really should be in bed, as I have to work tonight, but I just couldn't resist.

So here is the deal.... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH SP!!!!!! You are the bomb!!! I absolutely love my package. Infact I was totally taken with the wrapping, and was quite content for a few moments to just enjoy the sight of the wrappings and the smell that came from my box.

Can you all understand why??? Just look at this.

It is raw paper with the very delicate leaves intact. I am already trying to decide what I am going to do with it. :)

OK, so what is wrapped in said incredible paper you might ask???? Hmmmmm how about some exquisit Baby Alpaca Melange squishy, and some great looking Rio Del la Plata Kettle Dyed yarn from Uraguay (I can already see some awesome just plain knitted socks in that skein), then there is some Stash Peach Black Tea (mmmmmm yep tea season is just around the corner), and last but not least some lovely all natural Rose Petal Soap (I think I shall just keep it so I can inhale it all during the winter months) It smells soooooooooo good.

Since I couldn't decide which picture showed of the lovely colors of everything best, I am posting both. Although I must admit, I really wanted to show off the paper too.

Now I must run off and try to take a nap. I shall dream of what I might do with that Blue Sky Baby Alpaca....... oh if you could just feel it.

Again Thank You so very much to my very wonderful SP, who I might add is still in the process of trying to get settled having just finished moving into a new home. I kind of figured boxes might not be an issue for her. Thank You for taking the time to make up such a lovely box.

I Promised...

I did mention that I would try to publish a picture of Rick's Cardigan. Yes, he finally decided on one that would be acceptable and have all the details that he thinks he requires in a sweater. I tell you.... if I didn't absolutely LOVE the guy so much, I think I might have had to hurt him. After many patterns, and possibilities, and possible alterations, and so on and so on, we finally came to the said pattern.

What pattern you ask, well, leave it up to my Beloved to decide that a classic sweater from a Mary Maxim pattern book of mens sweaters from, get this, 1965 - is the one he wants. The crazy thing is, he looked at this pattern before and turned it down. Once things started getting ugly about making all the alterations he wanted on the other pattern - I re-introduced him to this pattern and 'lo and behold' he says "I think that one will do just fine - I like it".

So here is the picture of the current progress - this is the back of the sweater. I still have to figure out how to get a good pic of the finished project..... wait I have an idea.....

....Ha sometimes I actually scare myself.... I took a picture of the picture in the pattern book...DUH!
Just ignore how out of proportion the guy's head and hand are. I was trying not to get the flash reflection. - yes it took a couple trys. Oh and if I could figure out how to crop the pic I would so you would only be looking at the detail of the sweater.

So there it is kids, my Beloved's Cardigan. Now all I have to do is get it done in an extremely timely manner and all will be good. Of course I am still working on Emerald Isle for Annie, and then there are my socks, and Rick's socks, and any number of projects I want to start.

Well, that is all for now, since Rick just came home and we need to visit a bit.

Take Care

Wooooo Hoooooo!!!!!

First wooo hoooo is that I have a cell phone again - granted it is my very old little dinosaur - but that little phone has stood by me through thick and thin. Now she has the chance to come out of retirement and do it again. I know, I know, I was suppose to turn her in to be recycled months ago, but..... it is that procrastinating thing. Now see!!! Being a procrastinator is not all bad. So DH and I stopped at the Sprint store and I told my sad tale of woe (oh woe, oh woe, and oh woe again), and the politel young man just kept chuckling at me. He then did a bit a research and found that my account is not eligible for 'any' upgrades until next March, but he did offer to try to put my number back on my little old phone. It took awhile, and a couple phone calls but we had success!!! It is just that I need to put my Bluetooth in time out for awhile, and go back to using an ear piece. See this phone pre-dates that kind of technology. At least I have a phone again!! Yippeeeeeeee

Second woooo hooooo is that I was nominated as a Rocking Girl Blogger!!! My secret Pal, who doesn't even really know who I am yet (except that I am from the US) nominated me, because I made her day with some little notes and such right when it counted most. I really am enjoying SP, and have even managed to put my widgets here on my blog. I just needed a bit of a refresher from Queue this weekend at knitting.

Let's see, yesterday was our Yarn For Breakfast Meetup, and what fun we had. We pretty much had the coffee shop staked out (in fact we had the whole store front window). Lots of chatting and getting to know some new faces, and checking in with some of our group who had been off and about over the summer. I think they all got a lot more knitting done than I did, but that is just fine.

Last night I again casted on a wool sweater cardi for my DH. Although he has finally agreed to a pattern that has pretty much all that he wants (even if the shoulder is slightly dropped), he figured he better agree soon or there could be some serious trouble. So while he and my youngest step son Matt were watching the end of the Alton Brown 'Feasting on Asphalt' marathon, I was busily casting on, and frogging, and re-casting on the back of his sweater from a vintage pattern book I got this summer. As soon as there is anything worth showing (other than a K1, P1 band) I will put up some pics.
I think I may soon be done with my first mini - monkey sock. Now all I need is some time to knit. Although this week, I am only working at the store 3 days (+my one night shift), so I may really make some serious progress.

On that note, I am going to sit and knit for a bit (if my headache would just release a bit)

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Like Carly....I'm Procrastinating

So I decided to do this meme. . .

Green=where I live
Blue=where I've lived in the past
Red=states I've visited OR at least driven through in my current lifetime
Black=haven't been there....yet!

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii/ Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Guess I really should just bite the bullet and go ahead and visit those few that I have missed thus far.

Now that I am awake (worked last night), I am going to try to finish fixing my teeny tiny error on my Emerald Isle and get a row or two done. I have past the 'longest point' and am now heading int the territory of decreases... wooo hoooo

Oh btw.... I have this terrible sinking feeling (almost a vague memory) that I threw away my cell phone. You see I do remember having gathered the garbage bits from my car that evening and coming in and putting them in the bin. Alas Friday morning is garbage pick up morning and DH dutifully collected all the garbage and put it out to the curb and it was picked up just before I left for work (which is when I figured out that I was cell phone-less). I am going to give it a few more days of hard wishing and hoping to see it peek out from it's hiding spot before I give up and plunk down the $$ for another. (no.... I did not have the foo foo insurance for the phone, as in all the years I have had one (since 1994) - I have never lost nor broken one) Oh well....

Where Oh Where has it Gone...????

Where, Oh where, has my little phone gone??
Oh, where, oh where can it be???
With it's sleek black shell, and it wrist loop long,
Oh where, oh where can it beeeeee??


Yes, folks, I have managed to, for the very first time, LOSE MY CELL PHONE!

The painful, frustrating, irritating part is, I had it Thurs night (while talking to DH in the car) arrived home, came in the house, went to bed, got up Fri morn - went to work and LO and BEHOLD....poof!! no cell phone!!

I have found things in my house that I haven't seen in months, but no cell phone!!

Now, honestly, I am not what one would call a cell phone junkie, but I do like the security of having it there, and the free nights and weekend long distance calling that it provides. I like the fact that I can call DH and it doesn't count against my minutes, I can just call when I forget things, or when I am lost in the car.....

So if anyone has any patron saints of lost cell phones, return cell phones to their owner spells, any chants, dances, or gauranteed 'we find it' ways things that work for them.... I will be most thankful of any and all information or options.

Needless to say, this incesent "looking" for my phone the last few days has really cut into my knitting time. :(

First We Have Knitting Pics....

First we have my completed first sock done with the BFL hand dyed that my SP gave me from SP10. Really CJ, I promise there will be a 2nd sock! :) Next we have my oooohhh so diligent work on the Emeral Isle shawl. I am truly loving the way this is turning out, and am delighted that I am currently at row 167 of 213. In another 4 rows I will begin the decreasing process that will bring this lovely piece of lace to a point.
I really was going to thread a life line and take it off the needles so I could get a better pic, but alas I am too much of a chicken, and fear offending the knitting godess who might strike me down for my impatience. Hence I moved it to the very ends of my Addi Turbo Lace Needles and put it over a big throw pillow. Soon I hope, very soon, I will have the FO pic for every one to see.

Here we have my Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (DAAGBF) Lace Shawl, which was my first attempt at lace knitting, and has been in time-out for quite awhile now. Although, last night I got curious to see just how badly I had done with it, and found, that now that I am more adept at reading the pattern of this particular designer, and know how to fix my errors, and read the knitting itself. It really is not in that bad of shape. So I guess as soon as I finish EI, I will bring DAAGBF back into the fold and she will again get worked on.
Last but by no means least, my Mini Monkey's. the socks I am bound and determined to make out of 1 skein of Lorna's Laces. If it works and I really like them, I may then be able to justify the cost of said yarn for socks. Otherwise, I will just drool over it and pass it by. This was an orphan skein at my LYS when she was re-opening the shop and so it was my opportunity to try it.
So there you have it kids, my current knitting status. Complete in pics. I must say though that there is also the Gentleman's Sock for DH in the process but I have not worked on that for quite a bit, and then there is the concept of the sweater that said DH wants. Boy that one might just do me in.

Hope everyone is well and Keep on Knitting.

....and then Vacation Pics

This would be Sedona, land of the Red Rocks, and Blue Skies, and just so incredibly beautiful!!!
That would also explain why it is the place where Rick and I had our
formal wedding. The informal (1st wedding) was in my parents back yard at a Clam Bake, and was a total surprise to everyone.

This would be the exact place that we exchanged our vows (for the 2nd time) 6yrs ago on the 1st of September. We were blessed to have had the same weather for our trip this time, that we had for our wedding then. One of these days, I need to scan it some of our wedding photos so your can see the beauty of it all. It was so wonderful to go back there. Rick had not been back since our wedding in 01'

Click on any of the pics and you will get a better view of the scenery.

Can't wait to go back again soon.

I need a vacation.......

Yes, Yes, I know, I just got back from vacation. Somehow or another I seem to forget that after being gone for 2wks - the amount of work, mess, and catch-up required is exponential.

I don't have any pics yet, as I don't know where my Beloved put the camera. When I find it I will post them. We have some of Sedona, and me with my friends, and then there will also be some knitting pics.

Sedona was absolutely beautiful. Much like the year we got married there, it has been a relatively wet summer (as wet as it gets in the high desert), but the greens were wonderfully green, and the red rocks had been washed clean and were incredibly brilliant the day we were there. It is just so peaceful. It was nice for us to just get away and be with friends and tool around on our own to some of our old haunts from when we lived in Phoenix.

On the knitting front, I did make quite a bit of progress on the shawl for my friend Annie, but not enough to finish it. So I will keep plugging away at it. Although there are two new knitters in the world. My friend Jan had already started teaching herself to knit and was open to trying continental knitting on for size. Not sure if she will stick with it or not, but at least she is knitting. She really liked the dishcloths I took to her. Annie on the other hand was a brand newbie to knitting, so I started her out with continental. She really started to pick it up fairly quickly. Plus we found a yarn shop in Mesa that really impressed me with all that they have available. They teach and sell spinning (beautiful wheels), and they also do loom weaving. It looks as though they have 6 small floor looms and have classes going on them. Plus quite a selection of yarn. Interestingly enough the yarn was mostly "clothing" yarn as opposed to sock yarn. This surprised me, as wearing knitted clothing in the Phoenix area has a fairly short wearing season. Even for those who are acclimated.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well and by the way a big HELLO to my SP. I got a note from here and am looking forward to catching up more with her. My Spoilee is very close to my same situation and age, but she lives across the pond. That should be fun for spoiling.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and hopefully there will pics soon.

On Vacation

Hey All, sorry I have been so remiss, but life before and now during vacation has kept me hopping. The week before leaving was quite busy, and then on teh 9th we were off to PA. Mom & Dad's 50th Anniversary Gathering went wonderfully. They were so very happy to see their friends and family. A very good time was had by all.

We returned late Monday afternoon and in less than 24hrs were back out the door and in the air to Phoenix, AZ (which is where we are now). Loving the sunshine and big blue skies. Yep, it is definitely hot, but the humidity is very bearable for Rick and I. We have been tooling about in some of our old neighborhoods and visiting with friends. We will be heading out to Sedona shortly to revisit the incredible setting of our formal wedding 6yrs ago. DH has not been back since the wedding (I have when out visiting friends before).

Will try to have pics to post after vacation. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!

Yep!! I got my invite to Ravelry and I am very excited, a bit over-whelmed, and definitely almost bummed.
The first two comments I am sure any of you who have made your way on to the site can identify with... the third comment is related to the fact that I have worked all weekend, will work Mon, Tues, Wed, and then my Private Duty Job Wed Night (10p-7a) and then we leave for vaction to PA as soon as I get home Thurs morning until Monday evening. Then upon returning to VA Beach with the boys and dogs in tow, we do a quick turn around and Rick and I will be leaving for Phoenix on Tues. It was originally suppose to be related to a court date but that has now been settled out of court and so it will now be a vacation for us to visit friends and places we have not been to in a while.

So, needless to say, I won't have much time to really play at Ravelry until after vacation... :( but alas, all things for a reason.

I am making good progress on my Lace Shawl and will try to post one more set of pics before I go. I finished one BFL sock, and am just about to start the heel flap on my Mini Monkey's.

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward posting after vacation.
Tootles

SP 11 Questionaire

Although it has not yet been called for I figured I would get a jump on things -

1.What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
-So far I cannot say I have a 'favorite' yarn so I guess any and all are good for me. I have found that I am not really into the ribbon yarn type fibers and the foo foo yarns. I love hand dyed sock yarns.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
-A Burt's Bees Demo Bag (sock needles), and original packaging, tucked in a zippable plastic bag, for all others
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
-I learned to knit Christmas of 05' and was taught by my dear friend in Germany (so yes I am a picker or continental style knitter) and I would consider myself intermediate. I have taught myself lace knitting, and enjoy doing all kinds of socks. Have not yet tackled cables.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
-I think I have an Amazon wish list and you can find it under my name.
5. What's your favorite scent?
-Fresh Lavender and Vanilla, I also like very earthy scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
-OH BOY do I!!! My favorite candy is European Dark Chocolate especially Ritter Sport Halb-bitter and Dunkel Voll-Nuss. In a pinch Dove Dark Chocolate is a good stand in.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
-I do counted cross stitch but not cutesy things usually more involved projects.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
-I like New Age type music, Classical, Country, and Celtic. My computer can play CD's but not sure about MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
-I like blues, purples, colors of Sedona Red Rocks, and mauves - the can't stands would have to be neons, primarys, and especially orange and green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
-I am married to my Beloved and we have 3 sons that live with their mom (actually 2 are now in college). We have two 4-legged daughters Misty and Naya.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
-I do like scarves, but more accessory type than warmth type (due to where I live) not so much mitten, and no hats. Ponchos if they are light in weight might be nice. 12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
-Socks and Shawls (right now), but am finding I like the challenge of sweaters and tops as well.
13. What are you knitting right now?
-I have 2 pairs of socks on needles and a lace shawl, and am planning a cardigan for my DH.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
-Oh yes, as I know the love and care that goes into them.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
-I like both straight and circular needles and both bamboo and aluminum but not plastic.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
-Yes to both and am very willing to share its use with anyone.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
-I would say the one shawl that I started last year and is currently in time out on the needles.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
-Christmas as I am a Santa collector - anything neat or unusual
19. Is there anything that you collect?
-Santa's and unique ornaments, and of course sock yarn
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
-No subscriptions, (trying to keep the clutter at bay), books - any of the Yarn Harlot's would be lovely (except her most recent as I have that one), and Alton Brown's I am just here for more food.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
-I would like to be able to get better at what I am doing and learn cabling.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
-Yes to being a sock knitter and my measurements Leg Length 3.5-5inches; Heel to toe 7inches; Toe length 2.25inches; Heel flap length 2.25inches; Foot circumference 9inches. I wear a size 8-8.5 shoe (US) or a 39 (European)
23. When is your birthday?
-May 20th - by the way Emerald Green is the only color green I like, but only in small quantitites.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
-Yes, I just recently made it onto Ravelry my ID is knitstx

I believe that should cover it all.

Progress Pics....Finally

Yes, it took me forever to finally do these, but here they are.

First we have the completed, yes I said completed baby sweater for my great nephew Nicholas. My dear friend Romelda helped me figure out what to do for the fastenings, and I love the way it turned out.

Next in line we have the aformentioned Lace project. No, it really is not a circular shawl, but it is currently at a spot where both needles are involved, and since it takes approx 20min to knit a row I decided to just go ahead and take the pic. I must admit I am happy with the way it is turning out and am looking forward to finishing it. Good thing I have some travel time coming up in the near future.
Here we have the previously pictured BFL (in colorway Neopolitan) socks. I have not made much progress, since I have been spending lots of time on the above project. I think these are going to be some pretty neat socks and am looking forward to keeping them for myself.
....and finally - last but certainly not least The Monkey KAL socks. This the pair I decided to try to knit from one skein of Lorna's Laces. The plan is they will be, as Hope called them, Mini Monkey's done my way.
I do hope all is well with everyone, and that the summer knitting is going great. Life has been quite busy and will continue as such until we get the older 2 off to college, and settle in to our Fall routine. At that point the next Big Project will get under-way...Rick's Cardigan. Oh Boy!

Catch you all soon

I've Made Nice w/ My Lace Knitting

So after one last attempt (and no further Nutella bread, I might add), I did get that one row to work, and was able to do 2 more rows, before I needed to stop and do laundry, get on the treadmill, and make luch.

Here is EI, (plus Misty's head) thus far:
Here is the pic of the sock I am knitting from the Blue Face Leicester yarn my Wonderful SP - CJ hand dyed and sent me during SP 10.

She has her own Etsy shop as well. Which can be found by checking out her blog in my side bar called "The Jolly Ewe".

Silly me, I was trying to save paper and only copied what I needed of the free pattern that I decided to use, EXCEPT - I forgot to get the NAME of the pattern. Will work on that soon, but not today. Hope you like how the pattern looks, it took a bit of fussing to find just the right pattern for this yarn, but I think I nailed it on the head.

So I am off to go continue to make nice with my Lace Shawl, the laundry, and what ever other little bits still need to be done on this lovely Sunday afternoon.

P.S. CJ, you made SP10 so nice for me, I have decided to try it again with SP11. I hope all is well with you guys out there, sorry we couldn't put it together to meet during my short stay in CA. Maybe next time.

oooooooooo Lace Knitting

OK I really love how my lace knitting looks when it works. But at this particular moment in time I am ready to tink it all and start over. Problem is, I am hoping to have this piece done by the time I go to AZ on the 14th of Aug.
I have just spent the last hour knitting and tinking, and knitting and tinking the SAME FLIPPING ROW. Arrrrrrrggggghhhhh
Breathe once
Breath twice

Now, maybe I can go back and out of sheer tenacity redo it ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING, and have it come out correct.

Commen sense says pick up a pair of socks and work on them for a while, but I am Taurus through and through, so therefore stubborn as the day is long. But my Gemini side must be showing through else I would not have put it down and moved to the computer (after said hour plus of frustration).

I think too, I shall go have another slice of Nutella bread.

See you all soon and hope u are having a great weekend.

No Pics, but at least some updates -

Sorry Everyone, no pics, as my DH has not cleared the camera of his research photos, and therefore I cannot take pics of my WIPs, but I can update you on what all has been happening.

My trip to CA was lovely, and relaxing, and I got a fair about of knitting done, lots of laughing with my girl-friend, and some enlightening time with my DH. Rick took us through the neighborhoods of his childhood (up through age 9), he showed us the houses he lived in and the areas he rode his bike in, and even where he went to school. It was really neat. Leave it to a Historian to have an exact memory of all of these details even after having not been there for 40yrs.

If ever you want a real get-a-way, go to Jackson, CA. It is in the middle of NOWHERE, but there is this Awesome B&B run by a Massage Therapist who cooks all organic breakfast and finds the most wonderful fruits and will go to most any length to accomodate you and your needs to the best of her ability.

By the way ther is a Rockin' Yarn/Bead/Notions store in Jackson. This woman stocks Louette Gems yarn by the shelf full. BUT I will warn you most everything is only open Thurs thru Sun for eating and Wed thru Sun for everything else. Except of course the Indian Tribe Casino, which thank goodness is open all the time and has their own back up generator - as the power went out all over town, and they were the only place to get dinner.

I got lots of work done on my shawl, in fact finished chart 3 and moved onto chart 4. I will take a pic as soon as Rick clears the camera, and I also cast on the socks that I am making with my SP10's hand dyed Blue Faced Leicester yarn. I know she will want to see these, but again, must wait for DH to do his thing. I really think he is contemplating getting me my own little camera just for taking pics of my knitting and such. (not such a bad idea methinks) :)

I have just joined in with my Meetup Groups KAL. We are doing Monkey Socks. I am sure it will be quite fun. I also realized that I must finish making I-cord for my little sweater as that needs to be given to it's recipient in a few weeks when I go to PA to visit family. Maybe it is a good thing that I have not yet gotten my invite to Ravelry. I have too much that needs to be completed. Guess I best get to it.

Anyway, I do hope you are all well, and knitting like crazy.

Just a couple of things before I go....

So here's the deal - I get to go visit my dear friend from Germany..... in California. Are you confused yet? Rachael is visiting her family for the summer in CA - I am "accompanying my DH on a business trip" (it is just that I won't see him very much). We are flying on different flights, staying in different places, but will have dinner together on Sunday and then spend the night together on Thurs in preparation for our separate flights back to VA Beach on Friday. The really good part is I get to visit with Rachael and have some girl time, as well as down time (I am sure that will translate into lots of Knitting Time).

BUT... before I go here are the long ago promised pics of the finished Monkey socks. I love them, and am looking forward to making a pair for myself. The reason for the close up of the toe is to show how I decreased the pattern to the middle top of the foot before starting the toe decrease. Plus I changed the heel to an Eye of Partridge heel (I just like them best). I do have a bit a creativity running around, just not a whole lot. I really hope my SP likes her new personalized Monkey Socks.



Well, I am off to CA until next weekend, but will return in time for my monthly Saturday Knitting Meetup. I should have some great pics when I return, I hope.
Take Care All

While the camera is recharging....

....Let me share with you a couple pics I was able to get off the camera before it said "no more"

First there is graduation (yes finally here are the promised pics from a few weeks ago).

First we have Josh and his brothers Rich (right) and Matt (left). Rich is currently on an archeological dig near Jerusalem - at last email he had been swimming in the Dead Sea, and still thoroughly enjoying digging every day. Matt is currently enrolled in the summer intensive arts program through Woodside HS (where they have all gone to hs).

Next we have Josh and Rick and I

Finally we have Josh and my parents - who came down from PA to see him graduate just 2 days after their other grandson graduated. They now officially have 5 grandchildren in college (with only 3 more to go)

It has been a tough year for Josh, but now he is finally on his way. The next step is off to George Mason University in the fall to major in International Government / Global Affairs.

I promise as soon as the camera recharges its battery I will post pics of the Monkey socks I sent to my SP, and even a pic of the newly started Lace Shawl.

I know, I am a bad blogger -

I am not sure where this week has gone to, but I cannot believe it is already Friday. I know I promised pic, and they will make it here. I am hoping over this weekend. Although with the boys here, and supposedly my laundry room floor being redone by my DH (and possibly one son), it could be a bit hectic.

Anyway, at this point I have finished the Monkey socks (my modified version there of), and am making fairly good progress on my Emeral Isle shawl (which is for a very dear friend who may see this blog, so unfortunately there will be no pics at this time), and Rick's 2nd sock is actually starting to take shape.

I have readied and will drop off my final SP package at the post office today (yeah, I am a bit behind but life happens). I have very much enjoyed both being and having an SP. Heck, I may even get to meet my Spoiler in person since next weekend I leave to go to her neck of the woods in CA. We shall see. Schedules may not allow, but it is a nice thought.

I am off to hit the treadmill and do some treadmill knitting (or should I say fitness knitting) and then it is off to a whirlwind day of errands, work, more errands and then home to the DH and it is a boys weekend as well.

Take Care All

What a weekend!!

So let's see, that is now 2 graduated and 1 to go. We have a few years yet though on #3. It really was a great weekend. Mom & Dad arrived on Thurs, the boys arrived on Friday and we went out for the traditional 'graduation dinner'. Saturday was then graduation and celebration here at the house. It was a small family affair, but that is what Josh wanted, and that is just fine with us.
Then came Sunday... Mom & Dad left around 0800, and we were all out the door by 1100 on our way to Washington DC area. 1st we stopped and dropped Josh off at his mom's house so they could drive to George Mason Univ together (family orientation). Then we took Rich to Dulles International to catch his flight to Tel Aviv. Yep, he is currently on location near Jerusalem and (eek) Gaza. What an experience that was... we arrived more than 2hrs before his flight, and the airport was an absolute zoo - a thriving mass of humanity. After the better part of an hour at the Air France ticketing line, he cruised right on through security - which when we arrive there the line was easily 1 - 1 1/2hr long.
Then we found our hotel near GMU and kicked back for the rest of the evening and then Monday morning it was off to family orientation. I think Josh is going to do just fine. I was amazed at how wiggy a good number of the parents were at the thought of their 'little one' going off to college. Obviously I was raised differently in that I am thrilled that he has gotten this far and now feels that he has the wings to start flying on his own. It is what we as parents work toward.

Anyway, as for my KNITTING....let's see -
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend has been put in 'time out' until I decide if I can find either the error in the pattern or the error in the knitted piece. I am still thinking I may unravel her, and put the pattern aside for another time. After all she is my first real lace project and she is rated for intermediat to experienced knitters.
There fore I have started a new lace project that seems to be flowing along quite nicely from the same designer (Goddess Knits) called Emerald Isle. The yarn is Jager spun Zephyr - I think.
My 2nd Monkey sock is finishe just past the gussett, and I have yet to cast on Rick's sock #2, but I do have some travel time coming my way, and socks are really quite good for airport and airplane knitting.

I am really enjoying my Lantern Moon blondewood needles from my SP, I may have to save my pennies and get another set. I am trying to be quite good since really blowing the budget while my LYS was doing her 'going out of business' sale. The bad part is, I really feel that I want to support the new owner who is doing her Grand Re-Opening this Saturday.... what is a girl to do???
As soon as I get the chance to load some pics I will show what all has been going on. Until then I hope everyone is well and happy

Still Here and Still Knitting

Well, the good news is, we have finally acheived some satisfactory closure in our dealings with DH's ex. Things have gone our way (finally), and the healing can begin. It will still be a long road for the next 12 - 18months financially, but we are on our way to being back in control of our finances. This is a huge weight from my soul. It was really getting to the breaking point, but now we are only focusing on the positive.

I have been working on my 2nd Monkey sock, and am almost down to the heel at this point. I must say by the look of the yarn cake I am working from, someone else will probably also benefit from this wonderful yarn in the way of socks. Not sure who yet...maybe my wonderful SP, but will have to wait for the reveal and then check about foot size.

I have also been finally making some serious FORWARD progress on my lace shawl. I am really getting into it. I have figured out that this pattern can truly only be done with silence or classical music, and I cannot be tired. I came this ______ close to taking the whole thing apart and putting it to the side until I have a bit more experience, but alas... things started coming together. The tough part is, every line of the pattern is different, but with repeats within the line. I think it will be quite lovely once it is finished. I am hoping my upcoming travel plans will allow for some lace knitting time. Plus I am going to enlarge the pattern to make it easier to follow.

Anyway, this coming weekend is graduation weekend for Josh, and my parents arrive tomorrow to celebrate and attend graduation. Then Sunday we all leave in different directions - Mom & Dad to home in PA, DH-Josh-Matt & I to George Mason Univ for family orientation - and Rich (the oldest) to Israel on an archeological dig near Jerusalem for 5 weeks. When we scatter we really scatter.

Hope all is well with everyone, and I will try to post graduation pics next week.

Has it really been this long???

Wow, I am amazed how long it has been since I have posted. I guess things have just gotten away from me.



As usual life has been busy, and I have simply been trying to keep up. Must admit I do a have a few pics to post.



This past weekend was prom weekend for my middle son- I am just in awe of how much he has grown in the time I have know him. I have known him for 11yrs and Rick & I have been married for almost 7 - Wow!!! The little boy, who was quite the rough and tumble, always getting into trouble and eating everything in sight has become quite the young man. Why in less than 3 months he will be heading off to college....anyway here he is in all his glory.

Let's see now, onto knitty things....

I have CO Monkey Sock #2 for me, and have been making some good headway with my Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Shawl (except that it does not seem to be getting bigger - could it be because I have to keep ripping back to reknit the YOs that I forget) Hopefully will work to fix my latest error after I get off the puter.

I still need to CO Rick's #2 sock. I think I will have some knitting while in the air and airport time coming up, so socks are great for that kind of thing.

I am hoping to cast on a sweater or a shrug or a shawl of sorts soon as well. I just have to prioritize (what's that you ask...) and decide what can be finished reasonably quickly, and something that I want to be working on. Choices Choices Choices - so many patterns so littl time.

More posts to follow - sooner than this one

Oh, BTW

I meant to note this on my previous post in the sections about my Monkey socks;

My most wonderful SP sent my a set of 5" Lantern Moon DPNs of Blondewood with my first package. I was quite new to the concept of 5" needles and have always been quite fond of 6" needles. Also the first time I used Bamboo needles to do socks I was not so very impressed and have stayed with my INOX needles since then.

With that said, I decided I should broaden my horizons and try the lovely needls my SP sent me. I must say that for 64 stich socks that are mostly Knit/Purl with a few YO and K2tog these needles were quite the dream to work with. I will most definitely be using them in the future. It has helped me to learn that there are definitely reasons for using certain tools for certain jobs.

Thank You so much for introducing me to something so wonderful and different CJ!! :)

So Here is the Knitting Part

First we have Nicholas' Cardi - Yes, it is for my great-Nephew (I think). You see I have been getting differing opinions on whether or not these are appropriate "boy" colors. He would be wearing it this fall as a less than one year old. Any further opinions are greatly appreciated.

Next we have my Monkey Sock from Knitty (free pattern) that I absolutely loved knitting. It is one of the fastest patterns I have ever knit up. The yarn is from e-bay and I think it is a Merino type yarn. It definitely has a bit of 'sproing' to it, and so, while the sock looks kind of small and stubby:
... it fits like a dream(US size 8/8.5 EU size39). I prefer my socks a bit snuggy and this is great. I did change the heel to an Eye of Partridge and the toe decrease I extended a bit. Now all I have to do is finish Rick's first sock so I can knit MY second sock. I am an equal opportunity knitter (giggle)

Speaking of Rick's sock, here it is thus far. It is the Gentleman's Sock, by Designedly Kristi. It has a twisted rib leg pattern and an Eye of Partridge heel (reinforced I might add). It is just that an 80stitch sock takes alot longer to go around than a 64stitch sock (my sock above). So far he is liking his sock.

Hope you have enjoyed your little stroll down knitting lane. See You All again soon.