Dad's Socks

Here it is, the first picture of Dad's sock #1! Try clicking for a better picture. This is the sock yarn that Dani sent me a while back! Thanks again: the sock is knitting up nicely! I am almost ready to start the toe decreases and yes, I'm using 2 circular needles! I'll use the 2 circs for the 2nd sock, but I am not quite sure whether I'll be using this method...I do kinda like it...very little laddering. I'm planning to knit the toes in white...I hope it looks ok! Dad is supposed to wear only white socks, but I think he can get by with these for "special occasions" and I will recommend that he not wear them two days in a row like someone I know...

In other news, dh has been burning the candle at both ends, actually more than both ends.

And, I have been very busy with a new business venture! A good friend from nursing school and I are developing a business together and gathering together a team to work with. We have had long hours working on plans and strategies...I'm pretty tired, but excited to make this move...To be continued...

And I have a secret project in the works...hee hee...need time to finish it, but time is at a premium these days.

Sock musings

Socks, another view
Heres a picture (with streaks of sunlight!) that better show the color of sock pal's socks...and please take note: this is day two. Janet's socks are being washed after a two day stint (and neither the socks nor I are any worse off for it, I might add.) So what could I do but put these back on today? My sock pal said that the color reminded her of what Alaska might be like, but the name of the colorway (Meadow) doesn't fit. Rather, the colors remind me of the Aurora Borealis: the Northern Lights...'tis the season!
Anne said the pattern is from Interweave Knits, one of the latest issues...I'm gonna go look for it...

Sock pal goodies
I was so anxious to see the socks, that I forgot to shoot a picture of the cool bag they were packaged in! And, just this morning as I was checking out the bag, I found this cool tape measure deep in the bottom of the bag! The pull on the tape measure is like one of those skoosh balls. (Is that right? My boys had them when they were kids!) Thank you Anne!

SOCKAPAL-2-ZA!

Sockapal-2-za! Here they are!
I got my socks!
Anne is my secret sock pal, and it's no longer a secret! She knit these from Mountain Colors Bearfoot (a yarn I love, but haven't used yet). Now I have some in the form of beautiful socks in "Meadow" colorway. Thank you Anne!
Please check out the link to Anne. Look under September 12 on her site for a lovely picture of my socks! Ya all need a better idea of how gorgeous is this yarn...
My photo is dark, I will try again under better lighting, but I wanted to get a "thank you" to Anne!

Close up

Click for Clearer: Close up of cable and ribs
The color is better viewed in this photo. I love them! I am going to try and track down this pattern from Interweave Knits.

Gotta love sheep if you love the wool!

Aww... the cutest sheep card that came with my socks from Anne. Thanks!

Secret Pal has been revealed!

Secret Pal 5 Finale!
Actually, my dear secret pal revealed herself at the proper time. It's just that I have been away from the blog for a while. Busy, and a little "under it"...too much going on, disorganization, etc. Whatever excuse I can manage will work. Her name is Yuvi. She is an Indonesian student, currently residing, studying, and blogging in Malaysia! I so thank her for her generous spoiling and the extreme extra effort it has taken to mail surprises via International Post. This package was held up in customs for some reason or another. It's hard to believe that yummy chocolate, yarn and little gifties are somhow threatening! So sorry, Yuvie, but it all arrived in good order, once I phoned Fed-Ex and supplied them with my SSN...
Look at this yarn! I love it! It is Katia, made in Spain. It is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. I think it will make really cute socks!
Visit Yuvi here !

I wore them for two days in a row...

Janet's Socks!
Here they are! The famous socks that my dear sister Janet has been knitting away on. They are a perfect color, very comfy, fitting very well. Obviously, since I wore them for two days in a row! Don't worry, I will wash them! Patons Kroy, 3x2 rib extended down the instep. Soft. Love them. A big thank you to my sister! (PS: I will get you back!)

and more goodies!

More goodies from Janet!
Check out the darling wooden box that contained the most exquisite beaded stitch markers! and yummy lavendar soap--one of my favorites!

"Gimme Some Needles!"

Warning: Only read this if you know what I am talking about!

1) What do you like to knit or crochet?
Socks, socks, and more socks!

2) What fibers do you like?
High quality sock yarns! What else? Wool, superwash merino and the like...

3) What type of needles do you use most often?
Small double points and recently small addi turbos for 2 circular socks. Other than addis, I prefer bamboo.

4) Do you like to knit in the round?
Absolutely!

5) Do you use a magic loop method or any other we should know about? Are you interested in learning a new method?
I am interested in learning magic loop...I just began using the 2 circular needle method, and have size 1's at 24 inches. I tried 16 inches, but did not like that length.

7) Do you have a favorite place that you shop on-line?
I have not yet tried Knit Picks but would love to. I have gotten wonderful sock yarn from Furry Yarns, and Little Knits...

8) Do you want to be surprised?
Surprises are great! But when I am looking at stuff for my secret pal, I really do like to make sure I am "on track"...

Um, so I hope that is good. I apologize for not posting this info sooner. Life has been way too full lately...
Sock pics soon!

Back in the Land of the Living

It's been a long time. I have been so busy, I can't even begin to speak of everything. You will notice that I will try, though.
Sockapal-2-za!
Visit my sock pal Andrea's blog and see the socks I sent her! She said she liked them, and there is a picture of them on her feet! Thank you Andrea for actually wearing those wild and crazy socks! I am anxiously awaiting socks from My secret sock pal. I have no idea who the person is!!
Work
It has been Ugly at times. Draining. Lack of professionalism. Stuff I have to deal with very soon. Ugh. Saps the strength...
Hubby's work has been non-stop the past few weeks. Day and night. It's getting old, and I am worried about him.
Health
After a HUGE (sorry for shouting) struggle with insurance company (evil) I finally was able to get my new insulin pump. Hurrah! It is very cool and is allowing me to get better control. It has features I have been needing for years. See my new Cozmo pump here. Of course I got the purple one!
I have had Type 1 diabetes for 42 years now (since age 8). I have had an insulin pump of various sorts for 23 years. Not that anyone really needs to know that, but out of the closet I come. It is a struggle, daily. It sucks. But I am managing it. I try not to complain!
The Dog
She's wonderful. Will need another haircut soon. The eye doc said she's doing great! Meds 2-3 times per day. Snores like a banshee...(hmm. I'm not really sure what a banshee is. should google it. hope it's not something dark that I shouldn't talk about.)
Knitting
Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. What knitting??? Where are the pictures???
Um, soon. Camera battery dead. No good place to pose. I started socks for dad on 2 circular needles and I am heading down the foot on sock #1. The jury is out. I am not entirely sure what I think about the method. It's ok. I think I like it, will definately do the second sock on circs...addi turbos are the bestest. Not much other knitting news...
Saturday I helped out at the guild Sock Seminar. That was fun and it was neat to see some ladies learn socks for the first time! Oh, yes, I did make a baby sock...and today I found it in the bottom of my bag, off the needles! Aargh. It's a funky cute yarn and impossible to pick up stitches....