Santa came... but no help from the elves!

Santa came and left me some great knitting gifts. However the elves were short handed and didnt make it to help with last minute knitting. Gifts of socks on sticks were given... and pondered over "How are we supposed to wear these? and Are we supposed to finish them?" My dad asked if he was going to have to knit the toe himself? (He who doesn't knit) I said "Sure if you like.. I'll teach ya !". He opted not to learn.. so socks on sticks were returned to the knitter for finishing process. Oh well.

Well Santa left me some 100% Merino fingering weight.. so I can dye it with my nephew using the Kool-aid process. I also got some solids to work in on toes and heels... a cool new book and #2 circ's to try the socks on circs method.. after of course sock gifts are completed. I'm tired of knitting for others.. I want to knit for ME! I'm a bit selfish with my knitting.... I can't help it.

Santa needs more elves...

Well the Christmas knitting has fallen behind. I don't see 100% completed socks for Monday. There may be gifts of socks on sticks made. But hey they put meat on a stick so why not socks?
I'm holding off on the toes of my dads socks... so I can have him at least try them on and check the length. He's got those ugly step sister feet ( I call them anyways) so I'd prefer him to try them before I start the toe decrease. I figure I can finish the toes Christmas afternoon. My brother on the other hand is further behind. He has one sock with no heel and no foot. I figure tomarrow I'm off and nothing else to do so I'll dedicate my time to getting his second sock up to speed. My mom has one scarf completed that just needs a little blocking.
I'll be so happy when all this holiday gift knitting is OVER. Then I'm gonna knit socks for ME, in some of the cool yarn I've been receiving from all these cool swaps! I'm totally itchin' to knit with it! Plus I think Santa is bringing my circ's in size 2... so I can try socks that way. !!

Package Number Deuce

Today in the mail I got my winnings from the drawing for the State Fairalong from Larissa. She sent me some really yummy candies, a skein of Lumpy Bumpy Yarn in the Black Cherry colorway... so pretty, 2 skeins of Katia Buffalo in a cool greyish brown color, very cool and a sample of Stash tea in Chocolate Hazelnut. Its cool that she sent me this flavor because in the grocery store I would definately be skeptical about trying/buying chocolate tea. But this sample I will try. I'm curious to find out how strong the chocolate flavor is. The bulkly yarn will go perfect with my down winter coat.. though I'm thinking of maybe a muffler rather than a scarf. The coat is fitted around the shoulder and neck area and doesn't leave much room for a bulky scarf underneath. But a muffler might be just enough. I love the browns and pinks together!
Thanks Larissa, it was definately worth waiting for!

Why hello there Sir? Come here often?

Sir Francis Drake came callin' . All tuckered out from haulin' his booty across the United States.

He showed me his...

I showed him mine ; ).....and we traded our wares....(his Thanks to the wonderful Jennifer at craftylilly.typepad.com)

I got lovely Merino sock yarn from Spunky Eclectic and lovely cotton Sockotta yarn....
then Chai Tea and Green Tea scented soap from places far far away....
and last but not least there was handy purple measuring tape, knitting needles, Hello Kitty ribbon and markers........


alas he had no postcard to share but I sent him packing with one.

We laughed, we shared, we told jokes... we drank...got drunk... He passed out on my couch
as any weary land bound sea traveler would...


I woke him up and got one final picture of him with my crew before he left........

He is now refreshed and new booty aboard for travels far far away! A good time was had by all. (Especially Sir Drake.. man can he drink!) He gave me his digits.. said he might by stop my way again. I said "My couch is always free for weary silver tongued devils such as yourself good Sir".

Thanks Jenn!

new links

whats been going on?

I finally finished the Larissas' Meathead along hat. Here it is. I just embroidered a flower on a piece of felt. I was going for a postage stamp look. Its hard to tell that in the picture. I think it would look equally cool with a vintage brooch pinned to it as well. My mom thought a wool/plaid skirt pin would look nice attaching the felt square to the hat. I meant to search around for one for this shot but it never happened. Anyway its a completed item. Yeah!

I was looking through some past posts and I mentioned the Gnome I painted mom for Mothers's Day.. here he is. Along with him is a flea market of this Summer. I mint shape sugar bowl that matches my new teapot perfectly. This Gnome is much smaller than the larger one that I've shown in the past. This guy stands maybe 12" or so high. A far cry from the nearly 2ft giant on my back deck. I gave this one green eyes (eyes of the forest) and a green shirt, just to mix it up a bit. He almost looks Christmasy. Speaking of the Giant Gnome, he's currently in the shed hybernating. When the cold and snow is gone he'll be back. Until then he's watching over the rest of my ceramic/garden/clutter/people/animal menagerie in my shed.

Coffee yarn swap questionaire

I meant to post this a few days back.. in case my swap mate wanders over here.

Knitters Coffee Swap


QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Whole bean.

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? doesnt matter

3. Regular or flavored? I like both (anything except choc. rasberry )

4. How do you drink your coffee? Hot with half and half

5. Favorite coffee ever? green moutain coffee lake and lodge

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? not fussy, but fresh is nice

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Chocolate, cookies, pretty much anything.

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? Don't think so...

9. What treats do you enjoy with your coffee? Umm... Repeat question?

10. Yarn/fiber you love? Natural animal fibers of any sort.. something soft

11. Yarn/fiber you hate? I try not to work with acrylics, but will do so if they are mixed with natural fibers.

12. What's on your needles? check out the side bar

13. Favorite colors? I like most colors, but I tend to buy a lot of blues and greens, purples and browns lately

14. Allergies? none

15. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? not really

catching up

It's been a crazy week and I just haven't had a chance to post. I've got plenty to blog about but no pictures. Mostly I've been plugging away on Christmas gifts. I finished a scarf last night. I'm about halfway on a pair of socks for my dad.. and one sock for my brother is half done. Still a mate to go for my nephew. Doesnt seem like I accomplished much this week on that. I participated in the second Meatheadalong so that took up some time. I'm about done my Christmas shopping, minus a couple of gift cards.

I'll get some shots of my WIPS and post later on.

Secret Pal 9 Strikes!!!!!

I was soo excited to get a package tonight from my Secret Pal!!! I was a little concerned at first cause the package was soaked on one corner... but thanks to the bubble wrap lining nothing got damaged. Luckily the Siamese Security Agent was on the job to inspect. Thank goodness cause check out the loot!!!

My pal got my the new edition of the book of Gnomes!! I've wanted this book since I was a kid.. and just never got around to getting it. Everytime I would see a Gnome I would remember this book that I only signed out of the library a trillion times! So the point where the librarian would say "Michelle, just brought this book back last week. Let someone else have a turn." : )
I love the pictures and Gnome information. If I see one in the woods I need to know these things. For years I looked for them... still looking. This book makes them seem soo real and possible.I almost ordered this book from my book club this weekend but I forgot all about it! Everytime my ceramics teacher gets a new Gnome to paint.. I snatch it up first! I painted one this Summer for my mom, I'll have to look for the picture. I can't wait to show the book to my 5 year old nephew! Well not to overshadow the rest of my goods. I got some gorgeous yarn from Cherry Tree Hill. It's perfect cause I have a sweater in my WIP pile that is nearly the exact colorway and I get off my butt and finish it I could have matching socks too! Also in the loot pile was a a Black (my favorite color of sheep ) Sheep measuring tape from Lantern Moon! Soo cool. A really pretty bookmark, that I almost didn't see in the book and awesome Gnome stationary and a notecard. The stationary is such a coincidence because I was just taking some pictures of my too large, lifetime love, obsession collection of stationary. Its true I love stationary... and I have some very old pieces of stationary from when I was in grade school. Leftover envelopes and sheets of paper... and I know where each came from and theres a story to be told behind all. More on that later...
But Secret Pal you rock! Thanks Secret Pal!! I hope you get spoiled too!!

ps. Did you notice the tissue paper matches Berkley's new collar?? How cute. >^- - ^<
Meow Meow

Stash Enhancements

Today I thought I'd post about my new stash enhancements in the last couple of weeks or so. I got the latest copy of Interweave Knits of course. Some neat patterns but nothing I absolutely must knit right now. What I have really enjoyed is the new book Modern Classics by Louisa Harding. There is definately some things in there are now at the top part of the "to-do" list. Especially the sweater on the front. I was searching through my stash to see what I had for possibilities for this pattern. I found that the gauge requirements of the pattern and my Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool is the same! I think I have enough too for the my size. Of course I havent swatched yet but hopefully I can find something in the stash that will work! Of course none of this is happening until AFTER Christmas. Or at least when my presents are finished.
Also I signed up to knit a Meathead for Larissa which I will be starting this weekend and probably finishing. More on that as it happens.

Also new to the stash are 10 skeins of Himilayan Sari Silk yarn. I got it from ebay. Turns out the seller was right here in my area. I able to drive over and pick it up and save on the shipping costs! Then theres 18 skeins of Elanns Sierra Aran in Blackberry Wine, 1 skein in Garnet and 13 skeins in Walnut. I plan to use the Blackberry Wine in a cabled pullover or cardigan... so I had to make sure there would be enough. I'm glad I got it when I did, that color is soldout. The Walnut is gone too, thats for a cabled V neck vest. It will go so nice with some blouses I have. I thought I'd use the Garnet (which looked darker on line) with any leftovers and make a scarf or mittens to match. The three colors looked good together online.. but now the Garnet seems kinda bright next to the others. I guess I thought it would be more of a Raspberry color. Oh yeah and cause I had finally spent enough at Elann I qualified for the $50.00 credit, 17 skeins of the Blackberry was FREE !!! How awesome is that! Oh and I used some bonus points from my book club and got the book for $12.00. Christmas is around the corner.. I have to economize ( and I dont feel guilty this way ) .

Knit Mitt Kit Swap Questionaire

The Questionnaire:What are your favorite colors?
Blues, Greens, Purples, Deep Burghandy/Wine shades. I also like warm browns too.

Are you a new mitt knitter?
I've knit a couple pairs of mittens.

How long have you been knitting mittens?
a year..maybe longer

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
I like both.

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?
I like wool /wool blends or at least a soft wool. It drives me nuts if they are too itchy. Superwash is always good.

Where do you usually knit mittens?
anywhere/everywhere

How do you usually carry/store small projects?
I had differant sorts of things from bags to baskets. Whatever is handy.

What are your favorite mitten patterns?
I've only used one so far.

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?
I have none so far

What new techniques would you like to try?
Fair Isle or any multi color pattern

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?
I've been using wood dbl points.

What are some of your favorite yarns?
wool, merino, wool/alpaca

What yarn do you totally covet?
no preferance.. I want it all!

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
none that I know of/found yet

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
I'm partial to wood, bamboos are ok. I use mostly circulars and dblpt. so straights kill my wrists.
If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
something practical and soft. Like maybe merino, wool/alpaca blend.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
anything in chocolate and Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Whats your favorite animal?
cats

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?
I like both.

If you were a color what color would you be?
deep blue

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
a blue/green mountain lake with Pine trees and wildflowers all around at the base of a snow capped Mountain

Do you have a wishlist?
Yes, Amazon. Its not much


Anything else you like to share with the group today?
This will be fun.

Still making Socks

I'm still plugging away on the socks for Christmas. I'm slow when it comes to socks.. or they seem slow anyway. My dad, brother and nephew are getting some simple basic designs for socks. I find that any pattern takes me forever to do with socks. Mostly cause I never get the chart/pattern memorized. I have to keep checking every row or few stitches to see what I'm supposed to be doing. Slowly they take form.
I started a worsted weight wool boot sock for my brother on Friday. I got past the cuff today.
I started the second sock for my dad. The other one at the heel waiting for me to pick up stitches. I thought that by working on them both I could keep the second sock syndrome at bay. Today is all about the cuff on that sock too. I cast on and did the cuff in the size 1 needles for those. When that is done I can maybe at least cast on for a mate for my nephews.

Christmas Socks and Stocking Along Update

Well Happy Halloween to everyone. I made some serious progress on my stocking for Lauras' stocking along. I finished the toe and seamed up the back leg! I added a braided loop to hang with but that was after I took this picture. I'm think I'm just going to wet block it a bit. I'm happy with the way it came out. Its huge, but perfect for filling with stuff.

I also made some progress on dads Christmas socks in the Knit Picks New England Foliage. I've gotten to the heel. I'm much happier with the ribbing on this sock. It's more snug and stretchy. I used size 1 needle and a K2P2 rib. As opposed to the usual k1p1 rib that always seems to stretch out. Right now I'm carrying along some wool/nylon to reinforce the toe and heels. The yarn is 100% merino wool. Hopefully they will hold up to my dad.
I also finished short sock that I experimented with knitting entirely on size 1's. They were meant to be for me but they are a little tight and I should've added more length to the top. I think instead of ripping it out I will just give these to my nephew instead. His foot is smaller and a bit shorter. But the gauge is more snug and it won't be long before he grows into them. I was going to make him socks for Christmas anway so now I'm just ahead of the game. I dont think he'll care that they are shorter. They are more like a slipper sock now.

New Craft Ideas?? You tell me

I'm a pretty crafty person. I'm not quite Martha Stuart, but I have a ton of her books and back issues of Living magazine that I just can't seem to part with. I've been known to hunt flea markets and lawn sales looking for a unique treasure. Something that I could incorporate into my home somewhere and give new life.
I stumbled onto this link this morning and I just had to share.

TAMPON CRAFTS get them while they're hot! I kid you not. Who knew? I didn't. I'm not sure if they are funny or distrubing. However I just cant see myself sitting down with my 5 yr old nephew making Christmas Crafts out of Tampons. I just know that would follow a slew of questions...

"Aunt Michelle what are these?" "Tampons, Nephew Tyler." "What are tampons? What are your making with them?"

It just goes down hill from here I know it! Can you imagine opening the latest issue of Martha Stuart Living and seeing holiday crafts with Tampons.. I dont think so. Or how about going to a Christmas Bazarr where there is plastic canvas and little old ladies everywhere and seeing holiday ornaments on display made from OB or Kotex.. (the thought of that cracks me up) I wonder if people really have made these things. These almost seem like something you'd see on late night tv.

I also have to admit to some cheapness here as well. There's no way that I'm going to waste a perfectly good tampon on the making of blow gun! See for yourself, make your own decisions... and answer this question " Will you be making any Tampon Crafts this holiday season?"

This is one of my favorites. He is cute in a weird funny way.




My brother used to make homemade potato and blow guns when we were kids. He never raided my moms Tampon stash to do it though..never thought of it... I can almost imagine him doing it then (due to the mean boy humor) but now I'm sure I won't be seeing my brother sporting this look at Halloween.



These lights are pretty funny. However I'm not planning on stringing them at my house. I can hear my dad now
" Hey Sis, what did ya make those lights out of?"
"Dad, you dont want to know."

*ps. This post definately goes towards WTF Wednesday!

Aching Back and Finished Socks

How was your weekend? Mine was interesting enough. It snowed Friday night. It started out with rain. I went to pick up Chinese takout, got back at 5pm and it had just started to turn to snow. By the time I left mom and dads at 7pm there was nearly 6" on my car and the road. Of course there are no plows on the State/Local trucks yet. So it was a slow and slippery ride home. Unfortunately I didnt get a picture as it was gone by the time I got up the next day.

Saturday was spent re-laying my laminate flooring and undercutting door jams. Something the ex-contractor never got around to doing. Still on going reoccuring nightmares of contractor from hell. Due to most of the day spent on my hands and knees my body was in rough shape on Sunday and today. I thought coming back to work and sitting here would be restful. But I cant seem to get comfortable in this chair. Guess I was better off at home moving around.

Sunday some knitting got done. I finished the toe on my Stocking Along Stocking. Now it needs a seam and blocking. I also stitched the toe closed on a sock that was intended for me but looks like a candidate for Christmas gift list. No pictures today.

Socktoberfest

Knitters Tea Swap arrived!

On Monday my box was waiting in the mail for me from Lisa ! I got some cool Big Tex Jelly Beans ( tis' true what they say about everythings bigger in Texas). If I'd known my swapper was in Texas I would've asked for "1 live Cowboy to be shipped overnight". Oh well. Guess I'll have to live with only the yummiest Belgian Milk Chocolate with Lavender and pretty Sock yarn from Hill Country Yarns. : )
Of course all incoming mail, bags, boxes and packages must be "A-ok'd" by the Siamese Security System Technician. I think he works secretly for Homeland Security or something. Be nice if they would send a paycheck too once in a while.



Must have checked out ok because I was allowed to continue on . Check out the size of them Beans!

Here's a shot of Monday's Sky, and it's not even the best yet so far.

the Gnome says....

Is it time to get the pumpkins out yet?

No pictures

Today I no pictures of anything. But I will update. I've made it to the toe on my Manos Stocking. Then I started decreasing it and realized I messed it up.. so now I'm gonna rip back and redo the toe. I hope to finish this weekend. Also I made it to the toe on my Socklet too. I plan to start another couple of projects to leave at work for breaktime in my desk. Just a small one or two.
Yesterday in the mail I got "Modern Classics" by Louisa Harding. This book is soo nice. I cant wait to cast on for something. I'd post a picture but Blogger wont let me!

SP9

I joined SP9.

Secret Pal 9 Questionaire

Secret Pal 9 Questionaire.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Mostly I knit with wool or any blend of wool and a natural fiber. I've knit a little with cotton. I'm not a fan of novelty yarns or 100% acrylics.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I use tall narrow basket for the straights. My circulars store in the Denise Case they came in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting since 1997. I learned in a 3 session course at the Local Joann's Fabrics Store. I haven't learned yet how to do Fair Isle or Intarsia. I only stripe if I do multiple colors. I've done lots of differant stitch work. I have done any lace work but I do have yarn and patterns for it and look forward to starting something for Christmas this year. I would say maybe Advanced Beginner or borderline Intermediate because I havent done multi-color work.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I like woodsy, floral, food scents. Really most anything.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I like chocolate with or without nuts. Milk and Dark Chocolate. My favorite is chocolate and peanut together! I also love Jelly Belly Jellybeans.. any flavor and anything peppermint or spearmint flavored.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Other crafts I enjoy are cross stitch, embroidery of most kinds, sewing. I haven't learned to spin. I have thought about getting a drop spindle and try to learn. I've become a Do-it-yourselfer around the house. Woodworking and building and remodeling have taken up a lot of my spare time lately. I like to garden and cook as well.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
My computer plays MP3's. I like country and classic rock mostly. But I will listen to others as well.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
My favorite color is Blue (any shade). I like darker or rainbow shades including woodsy tones too, greens and browns. Not a fan of neons.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am single, one cat and no kids.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
yes, I would wear a poncho, just havent knit one yet. I knit hats then never wear them. I love mittens and scarves.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
things i can get a lot of wear out of, sweaters, vests. I seem to be knitting a lot of socks and mittens too. I also knit scarves because they are quick and easy.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Now I have two sweaters going, 1 sock, 1 stocking and I started about 3 rows of a sweater vest.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes. Michelle's Wishlist at Amazon

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have the Denise circ. set and since I cant use my aluminum straights without my wrists getting sore. Guess I prefer circs. now. Except for my wood size 9 straights. They dont bother me. Bamboo are ok, but I think wood are better. I knit my socks on wood dbl. only cause i havent learned to do socks on circs. But i want to.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
2 years at most, but its near done.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
The question should read "Is there anything you DON'T collect?"... I collect stamps, postcards, tart burners, dishes of all kinds, baskets, antiques... all kinds of stuff.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits. I'd like to check out "Socks soar in Circular Needles".. maybe they wont take sooo long on circs. to knit. I've never knit with Koigu, Lornas Laces or Wildfoote
sock yarn.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to learn Intarsia and Fair Isle.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. I wear a size 8 womens med. width shoe and sock.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
February 19th.

Updates

Well this weekend I got a lot further along on my stocking the Mistletoes Knitalong. I got past the heel and its smooth sailing to the toe! I think my stocking has a definate country cabin feel to it. I call it my Scrap Stocking.

Also I worked some on my Socklette... past the heel and onto that toe as well.
I packed the box for my Knitters Tea Swap. That box is full! I will ship that this week and get it off to her. I hope she likes it. Its my first swap so it's possible I went a tad overboard... maybe not. Either way it was a blast shopping and I couldn't stop putting goodies in the box!

Mr. Berkley

I just realized that I have't posted any pictures of my master yet...

FYI, no kitties or mardi gras beads were harmed for the taking of this picture.

Aint' he Purrty!

The Big E! Warning! Lots of Pictures.

Last Saturday I went to the Big E. What is the Big E you ask.. only the largest fair in New England. It's located in West Springfield Mass. I went on a bus trip with family for the day. I've always wanted to attend the Big E and couldn't pass up the opportunity to go.
We left early and didn't get into the grounds until about noon. The fair was huge and packed is truly an understatement. I can't remember seeing so many people at one time.
I think the best way to describe the Big E is its a combination of fair, craft show and Early American History (complete with original buildings and people in costumes). How cool is that?


After seeing this sign we were in a crawl of traffic for another hour! This was several miles awayw from the fair. Just an idea of the masses en route to The Big E! (to enlarge any pictures just click on them, for those unfamilier)



Inside the "Vermont Building" were banners and lots crafts/Artisans I recognized. The building was packed, you couldn't move!



Just one of the beautiful stained glass windows in the Vermont building that depicted life in the Green Mountain State.



Here is the outside of the Vermont Building. Each New England state had its own building and I they appear to be replicas of that states capital. Very cool!



Here is one of the Historic Buildings with peroid garbed tour guides outside.



This was in the "Blacksmith Building". This is the only indoor picture I got inside a historic building. This is before I saw the sign that said "Don't take pictures inside".



These are from a mid 1800's Chuck Wagon. Only needs team and driver!



I can't remember the name of this but it's an automated orchastras. It was neat to watch. I saw at least a couple of them on the grounds.



Here is Big E official building. Even though it was overcast it didn't rain.



This race game for kids was the coolest. I wish this was at the fair in my area. I know it would be soo popular with all the NASCAR fans!



At 5pm promptly there was a Mardi Gras parade. Complete with an eight Mule Team!



and Clydesdales......



and Floats....
and thats it!

Old WIPS

It's that time of the year again. The time when air gets cooler, the grass grows slower and the leaves start to fall. You know that soon it will be time to reunite with your heavier sweaters and flannel sheets. For me it becomes a time to reunite with my WIP. Time to dig to the bottom of the pile in the knitting basket. Get the pattern and notes out and try to figure where I was and wonder why I didnt jot down what I was doing the last time I worked on it. It would be so helpful if I could get myself into that habit. Someday.
During the Summer months my knitting tends to languish in the baskets scattered around the house. A partially finished sweater here, three or fours rows of something started there, perhaps half a sock somewhere, pattern MIA. They are scattered and oh so neglected. They sit for weeks and months alone. All the I still shop for yarn and new patterns. But dont put the new yarn in the same basket as an old wip... there could be some jealousy because of all the new guys in town.
Well come Fall I start to dig out the old guys and wonder "how come I havent finished this one? I could wear it now." Interest is renewed... romance rekindled.. the love affair starts again. Currently there two such loves right now. Lopi Pullover and Mohair Boucle Raglan.

Still Life and Sock Gnome

I'm so happy, I feel like I finally got out of my knitting slump! I have a sock and a Christmas Stocking that are just flowing happily along! FINALLY! I was thinking I might have to see some sort of "Knitting Therapist" or something. First up is my Mistletoe along stocking. I'm using a pattern from Holiday Handknits that I have modified so far. It is knit back and fourth then seamed down the back. So far its motoring right along.

Next is my other sock that I started last night. Its knit with some Fortissima Colori that I got from Elann.com. I only bought single skeins of a bunch of differant colors. I know I can make a pair of kids socks with just one ball. I'm thinking just some short socks for from just one ball. I dont know what color this is called but it reminds me of Autumn so I grabbed it first. I thought I would let the Gnome model it. I made him a few Summers ago in my Ceramics class. This year he has spent the Summer guarding the back door.