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?