Successful Socktoberfest!...

It has been a successful Socktoberfest for me this time around. I intended to get a pair of socks finished and I did - ahead of time even! So, hopefully, there will be photos in the next few days...the pictures are on the camera - just am in the middle of way too much today to get them off the camera and posted.

Have to finish a quilt block by tomorrow for my class on Friday!!! And, it doesn't seem like the easiest of blocks. So, I need to get with it...

Happy Hallowe'en!!!...

Happy Hallowe'en to all!

The pattern...

Knew I had a pattern that I liked and that the stitch gauge would work...5 stitches to the inch...so, this will be my lovely new red sweater...working on my swatch for gauge. I just fell in love with the pretty front to this sweater...and it beats just plain stockinette stitch...

Inspiration...New KAL

Sweaters have been on my mind lately - maybe because it is fast feeling like winter is approaching...but, I haven't been able to get myself to start a new sweater...that is until now when Ann posted the beginning of the Red Sweater KAL! This was just the kick in-the-you-know-where to get me going.

The Yarn: Cascade 220 by Cascade Yarns
100% Peruvian Highland Wool
The Color: CY8895 - Xmas Red
The Pattern: Haven't found it yet - still looking...

I'm still here...

Just my internet was down for two days...no idea why...and of course, they didn't know either...

So, I managed to stay busy with washing clothes and keeping up with the house...even though it has taken me a few days to get my New Hampshire clock back...

Finished my red scarf for the Red Scarf Project...and am almost finished with a pair of socks for Socktoberfest...it was the pair I was making for my daughter...who told me very nicely that she would rather have a quilt than socks. So the socks became mine...Photos next week...

But, I just really wanted you to know that I'm still here....

Home again...

We are home - safe and sound!!! Will catch everyone up on everything in the next few days!!

Up, Up, and Away...

We are off tomorrow early and will be in Denver until October 15th! I'm doing a little side trip to see my daughter in Phoenix for a couple of days...

Everyone stay healthy, safe, and happy! See you when I get home...

Sharing My Sock History...

These questions were posted by Lolly as we begin Socktoberfest...so as to inspire new sock knitters! Thought I'd try my hand at answering some of these questions...and try to figure out what the others mean...

When did you start making socks? Summer of 2005

Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I took a class at the local yarn shop. I had always wanted to to learn how to knit socks.

What was your first pair? Worsted weight - Plymouth Yarn Encore from the book "Classic Socks for the Family by Yankee Knitter Design

How have they "held up" over time? They have held up wonderfully...

What would you have done differently? Would have made sure I had gauge - but, the teacher said it was more important to learn how than to get gauge on these. They didn't fit me - but fit my partner perfectly!!!

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? I've only knit four pair and have one on needles now. Used Plymouth Yarn Encore and Encore DK for two pair...and two pair were with a lovely yarn that I can't remember the name of...

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I could not get the hang of DPNs - so the teacher taught me the Magic Loop method and that is what I still use. Am going to sit down with DPNs this winter and try my hand at them again when it isn't too hectic...now that I have the basics down it will be easier to work with DPNs - at least I hope so.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) Say what? I have no idea what that means...I will have to check that out...

How many pairs have you made? Five, counting the one on needles now.

I love making socks! Even though I am not really fast at it - you get to see some results quickly and I love that...Plus the yarns for socks that are out there are awesome and I want to make a pair out of everything I see. They are also warmer - and I like the way they feel on my feet - it's just this thing I can't really explain...

Leavin' On A Jet Plane...

But, I do know when I'll be home again!

We leave Friday morning...at the damn crack of dawn to go catch a flight for Denver! Scarlett has a conference there and I am going to play a little - see the museums, zoo, art galleries, the state capitol building, wander the streets...find some knitting and quilting shops -

Then on Tuesday, the 10th - I am flying to Phoenix for the day to see my daughter, Tara. I will be spending the day and returning to Denver on Wednesday morning.

Then we leave Denver on Sunday, the 15th as her conference ends on Saturday. It should be a fun time.

I have to admit I am a bit of a nervous flyer - so, I got some medication from my doctor - tried it out and I slept pretty well...so, I will use it if I feel that I need to. So, if I'm not around too much the next few days...just know that I am catching up laundry and getting stuff together to leave.

Hey, at least they let you knit on the plane now!!! YES!! The socks for Tara and a hat for Scarlett are going with me!

Hey, do you think Blogland will be the same with both Ann and I gone at the same time???

Winter...

Found this adorable quiz over at Deb's blog and thought I'd see what season I belonged in!!

You Belong in Winter

Quiet, calm, and totally at peace... You're happy to be at home, wrapped in a blanket, completely snowed in Whether you're lighting a fire or having a snowball fight, you always feel best in the winter.

What Season Are You?