The Thing about Socks...

Or, at least, the Second Sock. It's just not as much fun as the first one. I've tried the 2 socks on 2 circulars thing before, and while I did manage to pull off a couple of pairs in a pretty decent amount of time, all the dangling needles and tangled strands of yarn drove me crazy. I think that if you could buy long circulars with different colored cables it would make a would of difference. (Knit Picks... you should really think about this.)

Now, since I've gotten in the habit of knitting socks via the magic loop, I've been very excited to try out my new 2-at-a-Time Socks book since the instructions are for knitting 2 socks at a time on one long needles.

I like the technique she uses and I caught on quite quickly, although I think it may be a bit more confusing if you weren't already familiar with the magic loop. I chose to start with some plain stockinette socks using the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn that I just received from Jimmy Beans Wool. It's their special color of the month, SWAK, but I'm calling it Chocolate Raspberry. Because I LOVE Raspberry Buttercreams from See's Candy and I love the rich, fun colors of this yarn.

The author assures us to be patient as we work through the first few rounds and she's right... a bit of patience and untangling is necessary. But once I got going, I got into a groove and could knit effortlessly for some time without needing to untangle. I'm not finding it the type of knitting I can just keep setting aside when I'm busy helping kids with math, and I don't think I would carry it around for those moments when I just have time for a round or two, but it may prove to be a nice change of pace for some at home knitting sock knitting. I'll need to give it some time... which I intend to do.

I really don't think knitting 2 at a time is any faster, but it sure seems to get the job done quicker. Personally, I really like the fun and portability of knitting one at a time... but that's just me. I would still recommend the book for anyone who wants to knit 2 at a time. (I like it much better than the 2 circular method.)

Oh, and I've also been giving a bit of time to this...

Fun stuff!

The Thing About Denial is...

when one is really good at it, one is able to internalize most of their feelings to the extent that while their brain may be free from any notion of worry, their body tends to be a bit out of sorts. One may feel tired, annoyed, fidgety, hungry (or not at all hungry), or just not quite sure what to do with one's self.


I am very good at denial.


So after a weekend of a lot of aimless wandering, yarn shopping (I found that I was still able to do this), and a bit of playing with needles, I'm hoping that some pep will return to my step now that my son has returned home. I did put the finishing touches on a couple of knits but aside from that was mainly useless. And fidgety.


First up...

Spiral Coriolis Socks
Pattern: Master Coriolis from Cat Bordhi's new book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern from it's little whirlpool toe to it's tippity top. As I mentioned before, all of the arch expansion is done around the climbing spiral. I used a sewn bind off for a stretchy leg.

Yarn: Chewy Spaghetti, Spaghettoni (sportweight) in "Boyish". I can not even begin to tell you how much I loooovvvee this yarn! The colors are amazing and the yarn itself has a nice tight twist. I see a lot more if this yarn in my future!

Forgive the awkward pictures, but I felt a 3D perspective was the best way to see these socks. I was afraid that my chances of finding a willing photographer and another clear day would be slim.

Next...

Cable Socks

Pattern from Home by Debbie Bliss

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby. I think that all socks should be knit with cashmerino. All of them. They knit up quickly on size 3's and were as comfy to knit as they are to wear. They would make a great gift!

And finally...

Cassidy's Cap - Part of my ongoing search for a hat that I can actually wear. I was feeling okay about this one, but I couldn't get any of my children to stop laughing long enough to take a picture so I had to do it myself. They said I look like a chef. I tried to explain how "in" slouchy berets were. But they didn't care. Is it true? Do I look like a chef? Too much slouch... or too little? Or is it just my head? Go ahead, you can be honest with me. (If you say it nicely.)

Pattern from Chicknits (fun to knit, even if I don't wear it)
Yarn: Malabrigo (ditto)

Needles: 16" Knitpicks circulars sizes 5 & 8

There. What more productive way can you think of than blogging? I'm clearly off to a good start. Now I'm off to drag hibernating children out of their nice warm beds. The fun never ends!

***A new House is on tonight! I believe it is the one that my son and I stalked. Woo-hoo!

Today

A couple of hours ago, I dropped my eldest off at church for his trip to the mountains. I kept calling it a ski trip but I have been repeatedly informed that he was, in fact, not going skiing. No, he was going snow-boarding. Duh... I am so 1980s!

I've had mixed feelings about this trip. There is, of course, the joy of having one less child (a teen none the less) to argue with encourage for a few days. But this is mixed with a just as expected sense of concern. I've never been big on buses to begin with (let alone long trips, driving in the rain, or - even more notably - driving in the snow), but worrying is just part of a mother's job when one of her children heads off on such an adventure. I'm sure he's going to be just fine. Even though he's only been snow boarding once before. Just fine.

I'm also confident that the pressure bearing down on my chest and the slight possibility of tears will pass soon too. And you know how there's usually that one friend you can call who always knows just what to say when you're feeling a bit off? Well that friend should really not leave her cell phone at home when you might need her. Just saying.

Anyway, the anxiety I felt as I drove away was not really about the trip or the bus or the skiing, oops, snow boarding. No, it's more about his person... his heart... his vulnerability in life... his, well, humanity. Do you know what I mean? Don't you just wish you could take their hearts and protect them.. to keep them innocent and safe, brave and secure? That's where I catch myself worrying... not so much about what could happen, but how it will affect their heart, their attitude, their character. And there's just nothing I can do to fix any of that. So I pray... because I know God can work where I can't.

Well, since I'm not an emotional person and, in fact, believe that emotions are best kept stuffed way down inside where they don't have to be dealt with (unless of course you are sharing them in the privacy of the www), I'll move on.


I came across this Pantone spring color forecast card this morning and am so excited that I will now be "in the know".


To tell the truth, with the exception of a few of the colors, this selection doesn't do much for me.


But it did remind me of something.



Check it out...


The somewhat hideous sweater I picked up at Target for $3.48 yesterday. (What? I'm just gonna wear it around the house anyway.)

What do you know... being in style doesn't have to be expensive! Look out spring, here I come!

Where Are You Going?

This is the question I was asked not once, not twice, not even three times... but four times this morning when I got up and got dressed. From 13 down to 5, each child wanted to know where I was going.

"Why?" was my response. Why are you asking me this? Well, my 13 yo is way too polite to say anything so he just gave his shoulders a shrug. No it was one of the younger ones who pointed out that I was "dressed up". This, of course, would've been no big deal if I had actually been dressed up... but this, dear friends, is what they saw...

Levi's, waterproof boots, and a sweater I picked up from Target for $14.

And I'm dressed up.

See... I'm not kidding when I say I'm a casual kinda gal. Since most of our days are spent around the house, I'm almost always in sweats. I'm way big on comfort. Hey, I'm squatting, sitting, standing, cleaning, and being a human climbing post most of the time. I would be a very sad woman without my sweats.

And the truth is, I did have a couple of places to go and knew I'd be taking my oldest son to do some shopping for his upcoming ski weekend. Someday I'll have to tell you about shopping with my eldest. I never did get a daughter, but I sure did get a shopper.

And an actor. "Hey Daniel... let me get a picture of you in the hail."

We've had a couple of days of rain now, and today even brought some thunder, lightening and hail. The storms are supposed to keep up through the weekend... which is actually a wonderful change of pace. However, my oldest will be getting on a bus tomorrow with our church youth group and travelling a few hundred miles to Mammoth. I would so much love your prayers on this one! Thanks.

Heads Up!

The Interweave Knits Spring preview is up! It's this type of thing that can make my whole week so I thought I'd pass it on.

In a glaring contrast to the last knitting magazine I picked up, it appears to be full of very lovely, feminine knits. The one that really calls out to me is the Cobweb Lace Stole. I've been wanting to try a larger lace project for some time, yet my sane practical side has kept me grounded with the reality that (1)I am extremely unlikely to actually wear lace, and (2)I am just as unlikely to actually finish a large repetitive lace project. But this has such a casual look to it that I think I could pull it off. Do you see? She's even wearing it with jeans!

In the meanwhile, I'm busy, busy, busy. After almost 2 years of stashing the yarn, I've finally cast on for Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style. I'm finding entrelac knitting to be very addictive... and I especially love the fact that when I first got the book a couple of years ago, I admired this wrap with hopes of someday being able to attempt something like it. It's nice to see some progress in some area of my life. To offset the slight coarseness of the Noro, I've also started a beret with some Malabrigo. I have no idea if I can pull off a beret or not... but I do feel that balance is very important in knitting.


These have both been interrupted, however, by a sudden need to finish a couple of pairs of socks so I can cast on for 2-at-a-time with this assortment of 40"-47" circulars that just arrived. (Limits are good too.)

In addition to all this knitting stuff, I only have 1 week to get through the last of season 2 and all of season 3 of Lost before the new season starts! Let me tell you, it is so much more interesting and cohesive watched straight through than broken up and mixed in with weeks of repeats over 3 years! (It also makes for some primo knitting/family time... unfortunately it also means some late nights since we can only watch it once JoJo has gone to bed. Speaking of which... I think it's about that time.)

But before you go... let me know what you think of the new Interweave. What's your favorite? Anyone else up for some Lace?

About the Spiral

I made mention of a sock I was working on a little while back and forgot to follow up. The sock is the Spiraling Coriolis from New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi.

First of all, let me tell you that Ms. Bordhi is a genius. The book is based on discovering new "architectural styles" for sock design by moving away from the traditional gusset arch expansion. While I'm not necessarily crazy about all the patterns in the book, the book is so full of useful information that I wouldn't want to be without it. It includes several different top, toe, and heel options for both top-down and toe-up socks as well as pages of clear, concise instructions on virtually everything sock related including short rows (the perfectly hidden wrap), swatching, increases and more.

The book can seem overwhelming at first and I had to browse through it several times before I could start processing it all and pulling it together in my mind. It is not the type of book that you pick up and just cast on for a cute pattern, but it definitely makes for some interesting knitting. I found myself flipping away from the pattern to different sections quite a bit as I referred to my measurements and her techniques but post-its make this job much easier.

In the sock pictured above, the arch expansion is created through a series of increases along the climbing spiral. Once I had my gauge and a few easy measurements, her formula produced a sock with a perfect fit that was fun and quick to knit. I've been majorly distracted so I've only completed the whirlpool toe of the second sock, but I'm sure it's not going anywhere.

Distracted by what, you ask? More on that later.

*********************

But before I go, I was tagged by Yarnhog with this book reading meme. The task is to open a book you are currently reading to page 161 and copy the fifth sentence on the page. So here goes...

"Instead she looked at the lavender bag on the coffee table, the shop's info printed right there."

Geesh! I had to look ahead and that practically ruins the whole book for me! The book? The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. Yes, my literary standards are almost as high as my movie watching standards. My goal with either is usually to simply be entertained. My life brings enough drama of it's own.

Now I'm supposed to tag a few people but instead, here's the deal... If you are reading this, you have been tagged. Yes, YOU!

In addition, please leave a comment telling me what book you are reading and if you like it or not. (I'm always looking for some good books.)

Make My Day

What better way to start my week than with a kind, encouraging gesture from a blogging friend! Yarnhog has awarded me with this "You Make My Day" Award!

There are so many blogs that I look forward to each day, and it's very heartwarming to think that somebody feels the same way about mine.

So here's the deal, "Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

Now there are most definitely more than 10 blogs on my bloglines list, so this is hard. I mean, if I didn't like you and your blog I wouldn't be visiting right? But it says choose 10, so I'm going to try to stick to the rules...

Auntie Pudentaine

Becca at Forward Motion

Julie at Good Yarns (my local pal)

Lynda at Knit Together

Wendy at Knit & Tonic

Angelika at Knit Wiz

Marie Grace Yarn Slayer

Michelle at Miknits

Maria at Passing Down Crazy

Donna at Quiet Life

and, of course, Suzanne at Yarnhog would be on any such list I had to make!

Thank you all for making me day!

TWIST

I am in LOVE! I am so pleased with the way this came out.

There's always a bit of concern when I'm knitting a garment that requires seaming. Not because I dislike seaming, but because the end result is a bit of a mystery. Will it fit? How will it hang... what if the sleeves are too long (because it always seems like they're going to be too long). I'm sure with more experience, I'll be able to evaluate such things with more accuracy. I hope.

Anyway, I'm thrilled with the end result. The weather even cooled off enough for me to wear it today. This never happens.

Twist by Chic Knits

Dream in Color Classy in Cloud Jungle: 5 hanks

Knit Picks Options: Sizes 7 & 6

Size: 38"

ETA: Since the yarn is hand dyed, I used 2 skeins of yarn at a time alternating them every two rows. I also found Marie Grace's set-in sleeves tutorial invaluable!

I'm crazy about this yarn. The colors are just amazing and it is so soft ans squishy to work with. The only problem I have is with the button band. It's kinda flimsy. I did some reinforcement around a few of the buttonholes which seemed to help, so I'll do the same with the rest... but I think I also need to do some sort of reinforcement around the buttons.

Finally, a note on gauge (and my inability to grasp the full potential of the swatch). I did a decent swatch for this... and even soaked and blocked it. The gauge was about the same and it appeared to be the same size overall, so I proceeded. The key words here would be "about" and "appeared". These words are really too vague when comparing a 5 inch square to an entire sweater.

Apparently, superwash merino stretches when soaked. A lot. Lucky for me, if there's one thing I know how to do well, it's shrink things! Yep, I tossed the wet pieces in the dryer on low heat for a quick tumble. Ta-da... perfect size, perfect gauge.

Next up... football and The Amazing Race. Oh, and more knitting of course. I'm thinking maybe a hat (because I just wear them soooo often), then maybe Lady Eleanor. But we'll see. There's no shortage of socks on the needles either.

Shopping with Tammy

I'm sitting here on the threshold of insanity (a very short walk from any point in this house actually) trying to communicate with y'all via my decrepit desktop that is creeping along at a spitefully slow pace. Even checking my e-mail these days, leaves me ready to shed big crocodile tears or bang my head against the wall... but I figure while Sponge Bob absorbs my children's minds for the next 1/2 hour 2 hours, I'll try to post. And since I like a good challenge, I am waiting for flickr to upload my photos while I have this page open! Actually, I'm still waiting for the upload photos page to come up... but you get the idea.

Anyway... Let's go shopping. Since a gal can only buy so much yarn (or so I hear), there are a couple of other things I like to shop for.

For example, I have a thing for stitch markers. These are my new favorites from Hide & Sheep.

While I do like the dangling markers, they can also get in the way on some projects. These purty ones come in many sizes and are nice and smooth. No snagging!

If you're going to try Cat Bordhi's new sock patterns, you need alphabet stitch markers like these that I got from J.L. Yarnworks. (Why yes that is a Spiral Corialis sock in the background... but more on that later.)

While you're at Etsy, you should check out the stitch markers at Dragonlady Designs and SeeJayneKnitYarns too. Cute stuff!

I also have a thing for project bags and I love these little cubes...

The small cube is from Schrodinger and the larger one is from ZigZag Stitches. (It was very nicely priced and came with a little notions pouch which is great for scissors, needles, hooks, etc.)

So there's my shout out to some of the Etsy artisans who make my knitting world a little more beautiful.

Finally, I have a major thing for books. Knitting books and, well, books in general. Having time to read them is really just a preferable but unnecessary prerequisite. Much like buying sock yarn. These three came recently.

I'm really excited about 2-at-a-Time Socks because it teaches you to knit 2 socks at a time using the Magic Loop method. I've done it with 2 circulars before but all those dangling ends just made me loopy.

I've only glanced at The Knitter's Book of Yarn (you know I've been so busy sitting here waiting for e-mails to download and stuff), but it looks great. It not only offers a wealth of info on fibers, plies, and other yarn stuff, but also has an interesting variety of patterns featuring each of the different yarn weights.

Then there's Sensual Knits. Now honestly, I don't remember why I ordered it in the first place because when I think of wool and knitting, the word "sensual" really doesn't have a place. Maybe I just don't have a good understanding of the word... but, well, I'm just not thinking wool sweater when I hear it.

However, if sensual means feminine and classy, then the title is a perfect fit. The book is full of lovely designs knit with a variety of, dare I say, sensual yarns. Could that be it?? Here are just a couple of examples...

Okay, I think my children are playing with fire so I need to run.

Happy shopping!

Christmas Spending

As I was turning on my computer yesterday morning, I noticed this little "door"...

Hmmm. I'd never paid attention to that before. What could be inside?

Whoa! Those look like USB ports... just like what I need to plug in my camera. It couldn't be this easy could it?

Yep. It could.

Duh.

Anyway, with the patience and resolve of a 2 year old, I quickly found ways to spend my Christmas money.

Way #1:

The bag is to die for! It's the Maya bag by Lantern Moon and it is soft and silky and luxurious and way too cute. It's also extra special because when I placed my order with Jimmy Beans Wool, it ended up being processed by my internet "Auntie" who picked out her favorite color for me! Didn't she do good? Also, it turns out that Lorna's Laces dyes a special, exclusive color for them each month so I ordered I couple hanks of January's color, Ice Storm. Yummm. It was my first time ordering from Jimmy Beans but I'm sure it won't be my last.

Way #2:
A beautiful variety of sock yarns found there way into my cart at The Loopy Ewe as well as this great medium size project bag. Uh, yes I do have a thing for project bags... why do you ask? From l. to r., Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Wilderness, Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK in Victorian Rose, Chewy Spaghetti in Simpatico, and Zen String Serendipity in Jay. I love them all, but I must say, the gals at Chewy Spaghetti really have a unique sense for color. I'm working with some of their sportweight right now and I just love the amazing variations of color.

As for knitting, I'm hoping to finish up the last sleeve on Twist today and be ready to block and seam soon. But, of course, I'm spending a fair amount of time trying to figure out what's next too. I'm thinking I might use my stash of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino to make Rogue.

What's next on your needles?

I Am Most Decidedly, Most Definitely...

Un-Vogue.

Now this isn't really news. I mean my love of Old Navy has been made well known along with my enthusiasm for their release of new t-shirt colors each season to add to my collection. I am passionate about sweats and Levi's and live in these as much as I can get away with.

To tell you the truth, I have always been clueless about fashion... my awareness of this reality has just varied over time. There were the earliest years (up until about 6th grade) when I was clueless and couldn't have cared less. I mean Levi's are Levi's right? Be they plaid or plain!

Then there were the years of my awakening which began somewhere around Jr. High. They were the years of trying desperately to fit in... and often even thinking I did... but, in fact, I don't think I ever really got around to wearing anything trendy until it was almost out of style. But, as I always say, ignorance is bliss so these years weren't too horrible fashionwise. Except for maybe the period of zippered ankle jeans with chunky Reeboks and big hair. (Unfortunately for me, size 0 jeans with size 7 1/2 Reeboks made me look like I was ready to hit the slopes but, well, I don't really like to think about those days all too much.)

Then, as I sobered up grew wiser, I became painfully aware of the fact that I just didn't get it and would never have that "IT" factor. I couldn't pull together an outfit to save my life and I was always wearing the wrong outfit for the occasion. Now it's true that I might have had a bit of a self-esteem issue, but I'm pretty confident that I'm not far off here.

There were a couple of good years when I was newly married and had my first credit cards and simply bought the outfits on the mannequins in the boutique shops... but then came pregnancy... and the mommy years... and re-entry into previous out-of-it phase.

Enter Old Navy and the acceptance that I really only feel comfortable in jeans and t-shirts (not to mention the confidence that comes from birthing more children than most of your friends) so who gives a hoot. Right?

Interestingly, I find that exposure to the many knitting magazines out there and the trends seen within has made me much more aware and at least one step above clueless when it comes to this stuff. (Not that it's making a huge impact on my wardrobe... I just see it more.)

For example, if the most recent Vogue is any indication, BIG and over-sized is coming back in a BIG way. Now don't get me wrong, I actually like over-sized sweaters and looser fitting clothes (especially since the same birthing of 5 children that has brought me a certain amount of respect has also left it's mark around my waist), but I'm not sure that any of these sweaters are really my style.

Actually, I rarely find anything I understand (let alone really want to knit) in Vogue Knitting. And it was pretty clear from the cover that this probably wasn't the issue for me (although I think I could make that face... the one on the left)...

But since it was new... and contained knitting patterns... and the new Interweave is still a few weeks away... I bought it.

Now, since I've been too lazy too busy to get my camera hooked up to my archaic desktop computer, I'm relying on what I could find at their website to share which is unfortunately a very mild presentation of what you will find within the actual magazine. Think BIGGER, bolder, and "Oh My!"

But of all the pictures, this one trouble me the most...

No, not the sweater. The sweater is really just fine. It's the poor model... and the fact that she has no shoulders.

Anyway, I want to thank all of you for your kind commiseration and well wishes for my headache. I finally found this...

It would be the only thing that has ever worked for a sinus headache for me. Ever. I highly recommend it. And "SEVERE" sounds so much better than "Extra Strength" or "New and Improved" don't you think?

Ugh!

I have a headache.

Not just an ordinary headache but an intensely piercing, unrelenting, wake me up too early in the morning type of headache. It is the worst headache ever... well, at least with the exception of the obnoxious chess-playing kid on House. (Remember the one? They were hoping that his rudeness was illness related and could be healed as well?)

Now, I am somewhat of an expert on headaches... getting them that is. I get sinus headaches, hormonal headaches, migraines, too-many-noisy-kids headaches, cluttered house headaches, etc. I get headaches that last for days and ones that keep me awake at night. But I'm telling you this one is bad... and I'm thinking sinus related... thus the Benedryl that I only take in the most severe of circumstances because it will probably have me back to sleep within the hour.

It is not the kind of headache that makes you cheerful to drive your son to school when it's freezing outside. 45 degrees to be exact. I know this makes many of you laugh. I've lived in New York and know that 45 degrees is not freezing but my thin So Cal skin has adapted (over the 30 years I've live here) to the 70 degree average we experience most of the year. And, not only is it freezing, but it's bright and sunny outside. A little too bright if you ask me.

To top it all off, I had to stop for Cascade and toilet paper... two of the only things that we absolutely can not live without. Sure, I could have the kids wash the dirty dishes by hand... but would you want to use a fork that's been washed by a boy child? No. I didn't think so.

On the upside, things are still quiet. The kids are all still asleep and there's no chance of me waking them up any time soon!

Anyway, I only share this with you because I have this narcissistic need to let others know when I am suffering. I find commiseration is a very important quality in a friend.

Well, I'm sensing an increasing likelihood that I'll be back to sleep before the headache departs, but I'll try to talk knitting later. Just as soon as I try to move this behemoth of a hard drive to find the usb port for my camera on the back. But I can till you that...

1. I've finished the back and fronts of Twist. (Check out Marie-Grace's post on blocking and set-in sleeves. Very, very helpful!)
2. I'm halfway through a Cat Bordhi Spiral Corialis Sock.
3. I've started IK's Gathered Pullover with some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (which may or may not work for this pattern... only time will tell).

And we are attempting to start back to school... all of us fighting it tooth and nail... but, alas, it must be done. More later on that as well.

Okay... now I hear them waking up. They have turned on the recording they made of American Gladiator because, above all things, quality TV is a huge priority in this house. See ya later.

Itty-Bitty Thread

For a change of pace, we are having weather here in Southern California. Yes, real weather! We are under a "Severe Storm Alert" which, in this part of the country basically means it might rain. A little or a lot... no matter... it's weather and worthy of news. But this appears to be a real storm with the implied wind and rain all day long. I love this weather. I live for grey stormy skies. The splashing of rain on the windows and roof warm my heart. I want to snuggle up with a good book and knit... which, actually, is exactly what I did today.

However, I didn't do it alone. It would be quiet if I were alone. My heart wouldn't be pounding if I were alone. I would feel... what's that word? Oh yeah, "peaceful"... even joyful if I were alone. But as I said, I am not alone. No, I am in a house with 5 boys who can't go outside and play. Five boys who pretty much didn't know what to do with themselves by 2:00. Five boys who I am ready to lock out of the house (with jackets of course). If I give them a tent too could I get in trouble for that?

On top of it all, the power cord for my lifeline to the outside world (ie. my husband's laptop) has suffered some sort of damage from being twisted through the workings of a recliner. I'm feeling fairly certain that the crackling and sizzling sounds coming from the exposed wiring is not a good thing and should probably be avoided. And while the image of little power cord fireworks going off in my lap does make me shudder, I'm honestly much more concerned about the possibility of it causing his computer to seize leaving me even more hopelessly bound to this dinosaur... my old desktop computer. The upstairs desktop computer that sits on what used to be my desk but now is just a place that is home to a bunch of paper and books that have yet to find a more permanent home. I'm pretty sure my desk is still underneath it all supporting the mess though.

Upstairs. All the way upstairs. This is really limiting my social life. And I'm struggling with the powerful cravings and subsequent feelings of loss that come over me whenever I think about a quick game of Minesweeper. sigh

Aside from the general inconvenience, do you have any idea what happens when I escape upstairs for a few quiet moments? The boys... whatever their doing, wherever they're at... immediately need me. They're suddenly hungry, crying, fighting, jumping, racing, yelling. All. Around. ME.

I'm hanging on by a thread here. Just an itty bitty thread. Did I mention that the space key and return key on this computer only work sometimes? A thread.

On the bright side, I did receive my order from Old Navy today and, after several attempts, almost everything fit! Of course, I eliminated most of the trial and error by choosing a couple of pant styles I already had and just ordering more in different colors... but I'm easy to please like that. Now picking out yarn... totally different story.

Whoops. Times up... boy creatures are a-coming.

It's Just a Sock Dang-It

Okay, I'm going to try for a real post here. First of all, I totally forgot to post my finished Chevron Scarf. Between you and me, I never thought I'd actually finish such a scarf but once I started I couldn't wait to finish so I could wear it. I absolutely love it... bright colors and all!

Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Socks that Rock Mediumweight: Watermelon Tourmaline & Farmhouse

Size 5 needles

Apx: 6" x 64"

I've also been (a wee bit neurotically) working on my Christmas Eve socks. While I've managed to complete 2 unmatching socks in spite of re-doing each heel at least 3 times as I tried to master new techniques, I have only negative progress to show on the Chewy Spaghetti sock.

After enduring the various heel options I felt compelled to try, it was completely frogged. Actually, it's been frogged more times than I can count. The yarn is incredible... too incredible in fact... too incredible to settle for anything other than the perfect sock. With the color changes, perfection seems to occur with a 60 stitch cast on knit in Crosshatch Lace from More Sensational Knitted Socks. However, since it is a sportweight (a wonderful squishy sportweight with a nice tight twist), 60 stitches was a bit too big. Not way too big mind you... just a bit... just enough to not be perfect.

Now 48 stitches fits great but instead of a pleasantly flowing stream of colors, I get clumps of color. I know it's called pooling, but pooling never bothers me. I have never changed a sock pattern because of the way the colors are aligning... and had I started out with 48 stitches, I most likely would've knit on in blissful ignorance that a better possibility existed. But it does... and I know. So the last week has been spent wasting many an hour in a fruitless attempt to find the perfect pattern. Last night I finally cast on 60 stitches once again choosing to accept the peaceful balance of color over the perfect fit. I can't even begin to express the torment I have endured.

I think I need to take a break for some Minesweeper. Busy days I tell you. Busy, busy, busy.

PS... Sorry but this computer is way too slow, and my patience is way too over-extended to provide links.

Yawn

Nothing. I have nothing to say. No exciting news. No spectacular New Year's festivities. Just sock yarn, season one of Lost, and occasional attempts at global communication on the world's slowest laptop. Mine is still in need of technical assistance but since making phone calls and stopping for gas are at the top of my list of trivial things I try to avoid, my laptop is waiting for my husband (the one of us who actually has a job) to have a few free hours to chat with Dell. I'm almost to the point of calling them myself... but, well, not really.