I've Come a Long Way, Baby

I just downloaded a pattern from Knitwhits that I am test knitting. Yes, you read that right--I'm test knitting a pattern for a designer! It's called Edie: A Simple Springtime Cardigan. The pattern is designed in Noro Kureyon Worsted and Kureyon Sock. It's beautiful, though I don't know if I'll use the same colors.

I've accomplished a lot knitwise this year, and it's not even half over. After heaven knows how many years with "Learn to knit socks" at the top of my New Year's Resolutions list, I finally did it. I've joined sock-related Ravelry forums, including Summer of Socks. I've knitted sweaters that are nice enough it be gifts. I've test knitting a pattern. And, of course, I launched Knitting Purls.

Speaking of Knitting Purls, I'll be reviewing Flat Feet and the new Knit Picks sock blanks in upcoming issues. Also to be reviewed are SWTC's Soy Silk and Craft.

My knitting life is good.

Ooooh, Malabrigo

I love Malabrigo yarn. Last winter I made a pair of mittens in it, and they are the softest mittens on the planet. I recently heard that Malabrigo is coming out with sockweight yarn. Since finally learning how to knit socks, I've become addicted to sock knitting. I even joined a Sock of the Month Club! Anyway, back to Malabrigo. I contacted them and told them I wanted to review the new yarn for Knitting Purls. So, they sent me 3 skeins, which are shown in the photo. Please keep in mind that the light sucks here, so the color in the photo isn't very good. I can assure you that the color in real life is wonderfully rich. I'm looking forward to reviewing this yarn.

OH, EXTRA GOOD NEWS. There's enough yarn in one skein for a pair of socks, more than 400 yards.

Definitely not too much

I love knitting socks. Once I found a way to do it without the dreaded DPNs or the seam necessitated by using two needles, I was hooked. And I look for every excuse I can find to knit a pair of socks. So, when I discovered Socks of Summer 2008, I quickly signed up. At 12:01 June 21, we can cast on and knit socks to our heart's content. In preparation, I went sock yarn shopping. Above is my sock yarn stash--well, at least the layer you can see. There's a lot from my LYS Spin a Yarn, as well as a healthy dose of Knit Picks yarns. You'll find Felici, Happy Feet, Smooshy Sock, Trekking, Maizy, and Essentials, as well as multitudes more. I'm also waiting on a skein of hand-dyed sock yarn in a gorgeous lime green and blue colorway. I think I'm in sock yarn heaven.

Thinking of you, dear Lily

Today is the yahrzeit of my knitting buddy McKittycreek Lily McMunster. It's been two years, sweet lady, and I miss and love you still.