I received the socks from my that I will be finishing and sending on to her victim.
One little problem, though. Guage. Amy (my victim) told me she was knitting these on size 5 dpn's. I'm the tightest knitter in the world apparently, so I figured size 6's would work. Ummm... I'm WAY off on my row gauge. By, like, a LOT. I decided to start the second sock rather than just finish the one Amy started. That way, I won't get Second Syndrome so bad. I've had to knit almost 36 rows (8 more than what is called for) to make the cuff the correct length. I think I'm simply going to live with it, rather than rip out that first sock and redo it. What do you think?
The basics:
How long have you been knitting? I've been knitting obsessively for a little over 2 years. I've known how to knit for about 6 years.
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I'd say that I'm an intermediate sock knitter, though I've only been knitting socks for a year.
The measurements: While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. I wear a size 7 1/2 shoe, though I like negative ease in my socks. I do not like my socks to be loose. I want them as close to store-bought looking as possible. I do not like thick socks, at all. I think any yarn weight that isn't sock weight should be banned from existence - at least my existence. If it is sport weight or larger, chances are, I won't like a sock knit from it, unless it is knit on a size 1 needles, but OUCH that hurts the hands (trust me, I know). I sound bratty here, but I really do not like thick or loosely knit socks. As a matter of fact, if I had the patience, all of my socks would be knit on size 0's. Tight socks = my happy feet
(fiber related) Favorites: What colors do you love? I love reds and pinks and purples. Blues and greens creep into the color pallette, too. I don't think that there is any one color that I don't like, though I wouldn't like solid yellow or orange yarn. Do you prefer solids or variegated? I prefer self-striping yarns. But variegated yarns are cool, too. I haven't knit any solid color socks, but I think that's going to change. A couple of people in my knitting group are going to be knitting a cabled sock, and I think it will look best in a solid color.
What fibers do you most love to knit with? Wool. Merino wool.
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? I like Socks that Rock (lightweight only), Regia yarns (Mini-Ringel, Ringel, Canadian Colors are my faves), Lorna's Laces, and Fleece Artist. I just recently bought some Vesper Self-Striping yarn. - I can't wait to try that because I love stripey socks. Favorite Yarn vendors include , , and for affordability. What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? I like to knit anything really. I like bags, though those take some finishing work. And I still like the occassional scarf. I'm still completing my first sweater (yes, it will get done). Socks are my favorite project though.
(fiber related) Dislikes: What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? I abhor cotton for socks. Even if there is just 1% cotton, I'm not a big fan.
What colors would you never wear? The color of baby poo does not appeal to me. The Tools: Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? I typically use metal circulars for my socks. And for anything else. Bamboo and Wood needles tend to bend in my death grip.
Circs or Straights? DPNs or Magic Loop? Ciruclar needles all the way! I'll knit with straights if its something easy. I do use DPN's occassionally, but since I've learned the two circular method, I don't want to go back.
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? Well, for starters, I *need* a bag. However, they are a small fortune (for me, for a knitting bag) and I can kind of make my own if I'd just sit down and do it. What I'd really like is a good circular needle organizer. But I have yet to see one that I like.
The Extras: Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link! There are several wish lists on my sidebar. I keep them updated pretty regularly.
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) Sweet. Definitely sweet. However, I'm on a diet. So no sugar for me
Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) I seem to be allergic to mohair yarns... well, specifically Lamb's Pride. It makes me sneeze. Other mohairs I do ok with.
Favorite scents? Scents you can't stand? I'm not a big fan of flowery scents, though I do like lavendar. I've gotten a little lavendar-ed out, though, as my last few swaps have given me lavendar (no need to worry, though, I still love it... just have a lot). I also like coffee-scented candles or cookie-scented candles. For body products, anything sweet smelling is good.
Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? I'm not really a collector, unless you count books. I do love me some books.
When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) June 4
Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? I do spin a little. You'll notice by lack of spinning content on the blog that there hasn't been much lately. I'm going to get back into it when the winter rolls around. I would LOVE dyeing my own yarn. As a matter of fact, that's something I really want to try, though I'm not sure where to begin.
Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... My favorite author is Gregory Maguire (who wrote Wicked). I've really grown to like Sue Monk Kidd, as well. I am definitely into chick lit, but I like other types of books as well. You can get the gist of books I like by checking out my . (I'm trying... I really am).
I do not really have a favorite band. I'm constantly looking for new music to try out, so I spend a good deal of time listening to All Songs Considered on (or at least I spend time on their web site). I'm into all kinds of music, though... not really into country or rap, but I love folk music, any kind of acoustic rock, 40's classics, punk rock, and even a little r&b. I love Iron and Wine, The Postal Service, The Shins, Snow Patrol, The Fray (I like them even before Grey's Anatomy fame),and Death Cab for Cutie.
If there is anything else you'd like to know, Sockret Pal, let me know! I'm really looking forward to this swap
I'm such a dork... I overnighted the package and really worked on these for most of the day on Sunday. I will say that I didn't kill myself to get them done, though. I took time on Saturday and did other things. By Sunday afternoon, I was halfway through the second sock, so I figured I'd just finish it up and get it all out of the way. I have zero hopes of being the final sock warrior standing. I just wanted to get through my first kill. Now, whoever my assassin is... you can kill me in peace.
By the way... I honestly think that this is the UGLIEST pair of socks. EVER. I have had so many people (including my target) tell me they like the socks. The colors are ok, but the fact that they are so bulky bothers me. I guess they kind of remind me of camoflauge, too. I don't know, but I would have cried if I had received these. Cried, and then ripped them out and made a scarf (which was the original plan for this yarn). Sock Wars was (is) supposed to be an exercise in stash busting, so I worked from stash. I'm pleased that I'm down 400 yards (which barely makes a dent in the stash, but still) so that's a bonus. And I'm thrilled that my target likes them. That's really, truly all that matters.
I received my package for the SSS Swap on Saturday.
I was so excited to receive the package that I opened it in my car and took a picture with my phone.
The sock:
I really like this pattern - - and I love, love, love, love the colorway. As a matter of fact, I put it on my just last week. It is Highway 30, and seriously, I'm in love with the color. Pinks andpurples and greens and oranges - who could ask for better colors?
I also received some canned peaches (which, I'm assuming, my pal canned herself) and some apple butter. Have I mentioned that I love apple butter? Cause I do. There was a bookmark and candles included in the package, as well.
Thank you so much, Tracey! I really appreciate the package.
I can finally share the SSS Swap socks that I gave to .
This sock(Pretty Petals from the ) was made from Trekking XXL (color 103? not sure, as I sent the ball band to Adelle along with the yarn to finish the sock). Here is a close up of the leg in all its lacey glory.
My swap pal says that she really likes the sock, and I think that the lace and everything looks really nice with Trekking. I actually wish that I'd have kept this sock for myself, but I'm glad it can make someone happy. And besides... I have more Trekking.
I'm just going to knit a plain ol' stockinette sock with this yarn. I tried to knit a from it before, and it just got all muddled around the ankle. Besides, after the baby cable rib socks, I honestly don't have a lot of energy for patterned (even ribbed) socks. And those baby cable ribs (cute as they are) hurt my hands. I'm still not sure if it was the yarn ( medium weight) or the needles ( classic circulars) or the pattern (from ) or the fact that maybe I'm getting arthritis (I certainly hope not) or the rain (Northeast Ohio is gloomy right now).
Plus, Sock Wars starts today. I have two possible yarns for that. The organizer completely threw me for a loop when she announced that the yarn would be a DK weight. The thought of DK weight socks makes me feel about as warm and fuzzy as a cactus. I do not like thick socks.
The concensus on the difference is the fact that are from different dye lots, but honestly, these are . No dye lot is really associated with Socks that Rock. The reason that they are different is because they are from two different skeins. Apparently, in the not-so-distant past, STR skeins came with enough yardage for just one sock. But that has changed, and now, for the most part, there is enough yarn on a skein to make a pair of socks. Well, the STR that I knit the baby cable ribs with was the old school STR - one sock to a skein. So yes, they were different dye lots. Also, the old school STR was apparently always medium weight STR (correct me if I'm wrong). This has made for some thick socks. So thick, in fact, that knitting these socks has completely hurt my hands. Yes, I'm taking a little break from the socks. Well, at least the socks knit on size 1's. This weekend begins , but those socks will be knit on size 5's (or 6's, depending on the yarn I use) so that shouldn't be too bad on the hands.
What else have I been doing? Well, I'm a little late in posting this, but I went to Stitch N' Pitch last week!
It was so much fun. Juniper, from my knitting group, and I drove up to Cleveland for the event. I got to meet a few fellow bloggers - , , and Jill (who is not blogless, however, its late and I don't know the address). It was fantastic to meet local knitty girls. I hope to knit with them again!
I've also been finishing up some projects. I've picked up stitches (or attempted to) for the button/zipper band on the ribby cardi. I'm trying, I really am. However, I just can't seem to get enough stitches on the needles. So I jumped over to Super Secret Christmas Project #1. I've almost finished that. Will probably have it all ready after knitting group on Wednesday. YAY! I love being done with holiday gifts early. Now, if only it remains a gift and doesn't jump into my daily use. Then, I'll know I've grown as a person.
I'm used to my friends commenting, and even getting used to random people I don't know (but am so glad that I'm getting to know) commenting on my blog. However, this morning, when I checked my e-mail, I had to approve a comment from the one, the only . Yup, that's right, Bonne Marie, maker of the herself, read my blog. I have no idea why I think this is the coolest thing EVER, or how I shall tell my muggle friends the fantastic news! They won't get it. But it's cool... trust me. Its cool.
So now, I have to get off my lazy bum and get the cardi blocked (well, the sleeves anyway), seamed, and zippered. Baby steps, folks, baby steps.
My Secret Pal package arrived today!!!! I've been waiting rather patiently for it to come, and its finally here!
(No, it isn't an XXX rated box, nor is Vin Diesel in there (damn!!!) I'm just blocking out any sensitive info)
And inside that (G rated) box - GOODIES!!!
Behind everything, Big Girl Knits (which I LOVE and will cherish always!). I also received - or rather, Tweed and Velvet received - some Pounce, a cool little twirly, wandy thing for them to play with, and some catnip toys, a fairy memo pad (how'd you know I liked angels and fairies?), some buttons, a measuring tape pen (how'd you know I lost my black sheep measuring tape the other day?), and my favorite thing - . It is all I can do to not cast on as I type this.
I have wanted this colorway for so very long. Thanks for all the goodies, !
Tonight, I decided to continue my blocking streak and block the . I have never blocked a thing in my life, so this is big news! I really was only able to block the back and the two fronts, as the sleeves still had ends to weave in, and really, there just isn't enough cat-free room to block the WHOLE thing, but still... its a start.
After blocking these pieces, I got a little inspired, and decided to block my pal's sock, too. What the heck, right?
I still can't share what this sock looks like, as my pal can't see it before she gets it in the mail, but let me say, it is done. I'm going to amass other things to share with her this weekend, and then mail the package off on Monday. After that, I can post a picture of the sock.
There was lots of work done on the baby cable rib sock, too!
The fact that my size 1 16" circular needle from is peeling really hasn't slowed me down. Though, I did set the knitting down long enough to call them (oh, I worked over the past few days, too) and they are sending me a new needle. They told me that they didn't need this one back, and to throw it away. Well, I doubt I'm going to do that, since all of the nickle plating has peeled already, and it doesn't seem to be hurting anything (so far. I'm probably getting cancer of the hand with every stitch I make. I'll keep you posted on that, too)
I realize that the amount of knitting I'm getting done is inversely proportional to the amount of social life I have, and directly proportional to the amount of time I'm parked on the sofa watching tv. I'm going dancing this weekend to change that.
