When I Rule the World . . .

the first thing I'm going to do (well, one of the first anyway) is to standardize colors. I love color. Though my wardrobe is rather color limited, my socks stand out. One of the reasons I wanted to learn to knit socks was so I could you the colorful sock yarn that is available.

But, as much as I love color, that's how frustrating it can be. Case in point. I'm designing a very special sock. I need to use teal, so I went to the LYS to buy yarn. The teal is nice, but as I looked at it once I got home, I wasn't sure it was what I really wanted. So, off to the Internet I go, stopping at Knit Picks. I was using Palette for a sock in progress, so I looked there. One of the offerings was called Teal. How appropriate. It looked a bit greeny, but then I know that colors can be off on computer monitors. Heaven knows I've ordered tons of yarn from them, and not once was I disappointed.

Until now.

When I opened the box, there it was: forest green Palette. No, wait. The label says it's teal. Well, it's not like any teal I have ever seen. I'm back where I started--no teal. Someone suggested a Knit Picks yarn that is more teal (though it's not called teal), but I'm hesitant to order. I may end up dyeing my own. Worse things have happened.

That brings me back to my first edict as Ruler of the World. Each color would have a basic formula. For example, green would contain a specified amount of blue and a specified amount of yellow. Anything combination that deviated from that could not be called "green." If Knitting Purls came up with the color, it could be called Knitting Purls Green, but it could not be called just green. That way, there would be no question what you would get when you ordered something in a specific color. Of course one must allow for the differences in color depending on the surface to which it is applied, but we would live with that. I just want teal to be teal.

Who would make up the specific recipes for the colors? Frankly, I don't care. Pantone seems a logical choice, but then, I don't care. I just want what I want. And remember, it's all about me.

The Mother of Invention

I hate being cold. I love being able to wear beautiful handknit sweaters, socks, hats, scarves, and mittens, but I hate that I have to wear them or be cold. I guess I'd like to wear them purely for fashion, though heaven knows I'm certainly not a fashionplate.

The past few winters here in Upstate New York have been relatively mild. We has some cold days, but no long stretches of cold, blustery weather. This winter has been a bit different. Here it is, February almost over, and we've not had a lot of snow. But, it has been cold--and windy. This winter, cold snaps have lasted for days, and with windchills, temps have been below zero.

At the time we need heat the most, the price to heat our homes has been outrageously high. In my area, they even want an increase. Of course, this is an area with incredibly high taxes and an unemployment rate that strikes fear in the minds and hearts of all residents. Many people here and elsewhere are like me; we lower the thermostat, throw an extra blanket on the bed, and bundle ourselves in warm clothing--especially handknits.

Despite wearing my handmade socks, my feet get cold. But it's not all of my foot. The rest of my feet can be fine, but my toes get cold. It's always been that way. The problem has been how to keep the toesies warm while not making the rest of my foot hot. Enter--the Toe Cosy.





Don't laugh; it works.

I can wear it over a sock if I'm most concerned about adding warmth. If I still want the pattern/yarn of my sock to show, I can slip the Toe Cosy underneath the sock. And, if I want to wear my clogs without socks, I can slip on the Toe Cosy instead of a full sock. This also helps if the clog rubs against my foot.

If you're brave and want to make your own Toe Cosy, here's the pattern. It's written for Magic Loop but can easily be adapted for DPNs or 2 circs.

Approximately 250 yards of sock yarn or DK yarn
Size 2.0 needles (or size required to achieve gauge
Gauge: 8 stitches/inch in sock yarn.

Using a Turkish or other invisible cast on*, CO 16 stitches. Divide stitches on needles.
Round 1 Knit
Round 2 K1, M1. K to next to last stitch. M1, K1
Repeat these 2 rounds until there are a total of 52 (56, 60) stitches, 26 (28, 30) on each needle.
Knit even until the sock measures approximately 5.25 inches from cast on. (Try on the sock. It should reach past the "bunion" portion of the big toe and slightly into the arch area.)
Knit a K2P1 rib for approximately 1 inch. Again, try on for comfort.
Bind off loosely, and enjoy warm feet.

*If you're uncomfortable using this type of cast on, feel free to use a long-tail cast on and simple graft the toe closed when finished.

In Whose Opinion?

OK, folks, this is me. Well, at least part of me. After literally years of not putting images of myself on the Internet, I had a change of opinion this year. Why? It's thanks to Oprah--May I call you Oprah, Miss Winfrey?

Yep, Oprah. As many of you know, I have delusions of becoming as successful as Oprah. I don't necessarily want to become a cultural icon; successful will do. But, when she went Tom Cruise-like about her weight gain over the past years, well, I was, shall we say, annoyed. She said she couldn't understand how she let it happen. She felt like a failure. Well, Oprah, welcome to the world of being human. Many--if not all--weight loss experts will tell you that it is common for people to regain lost weight--and more. Why were you surprised? Don't you listen to the experts on your own TV show or radio network?

Maybe it's just me, but her "self-flagellation" about her weight gain sent this message: "I'm fat, so what I say or do shouldn't mean anything."

Balderdash. There, I said it: balderdash. And yes, I'm fat. Oh, I could say (and have said) that I'm fluffy, plus-sized, and many other euphemisms. But what it boils down to is that I weigh more than the "average" individual. I've dealt with it. It doesn't mean that I'm stupid, without valid opinions, lazy, or unambitious. It doesn't even mean that I have serious health issues. My weight is only part of who I am. If someone can't deal with that, then they can't deal with me. Their loss. At least one good thing has come from this, however. Well, at least for me. I'm not hiding my photo anymore.

Now there's at least one knitting pattern designer who is professing to tell me what I should and should not knit if I'm planning to wear it myself. As it is, finding large-sized and smaller-sized patterns can be difficult. Even patterns that are labeled plus-sized can be misleading. Imagine my shock when I found a size 2X pattern in a magazine and found that it went only to a size 42.

The designer of whom I write indicates that some of her patterns do not lend themselves to larger sizes, and it would be a disservice to provide them in those sizes. I'm sure she's write. In fact, I daresay I know she's right. I would look ridiculous in the crop-style tops that have been gracing knitting magazines. But, should it be up to the designer to make that decision for me? Short people might not be flattered by long knitted coats. But again, should it be up to the designer to limit their selections? Designers of all clothing should give individuals credit for knowing what they look best wearing.

Now, this designer is definitely not the only one who feels this way. Take a look at how many patterns are offered only to a large or perhaps extra large size. The difference is subtlety. She has said what many apparently believe.

So what can be done about it? Buy designs by those who realize not all of the world is a size 6 (or even 12) and stands 5'8". Let designers, pattern companies, and even your LYS know that you want a wider range of available pattern sizes. Be active and advocate. Avoid pity parties. Remember the squeaky wheel concept. Become that wheel.

And yarn companies: Hello? Are you out there? Larger sizes, including longer lengths, require more yarn, ergo, more sales. Duh. Encourage those who design for you to include larger sizes.

Thank you, Oprah, for getting me off my butt and make a stand. To stop hiding behind photos of cats. To come out in the open.

I Have a New Appreciation for

Stockinette Socks like these.

I recently stealth knitted a new sock pattern. It's very pretty, but did I ever have problems with it. First, let me say that it was not beyond my technical abilities. Quite the contrary, even though it looks much more difficult than it is. But, it was a 24-row repeat, and I didn't happen to find the pattern conducive to memorization. I won't tell you how many times I had to frog the socks. It's simply pathetic. It's also not a sock I would personally wear. My shoes tend to run tight, and there's too much "bulk" to this sock for a comfortable fit. But, as I said before, it is pretty.

I fear the stockinette sock has been much maligned in favor of more complex patterns. How unfortunate. Stockinette socks are great mindless knitting, especially while doing the foot and leg. It's relaxing to sit and watch movies/TV while knitting away on a sock. And perhaps most important--to me anyway--is the fact that the stockinette sock can highlight the yarn.

And, you can still be creative with a stockinette sock. Snazz up the leg a bit. Do something a bit different with the cuff. Use contrasting yarn for the toes and heel.

When you're finished with your socks, show them off. Let everyone know how you feel about stockinette socks. You are not alone. Throw off the shackles of stockinette shame!

This and That--Including Knitting

Well, it's over. Tommy crossed the Rainbow Bridge early Saturday afternoon. For several days, I had gone to bed thinking that I should make that call to the vet. But, the next morning, he'd seem to be doing better, so I'd decide to put it off. Of course by nighttime, we'd be going through the same cycle. That's what happened Friday. Tommy had a brief rally earlier in the week, when he started the steroid treatments for his cancer, but it quickly ended. Friday night I went to bed thinking it was time to let him go. In the back of my mind, I'm sure I thought he'd be acting more normal by morning. After all, that's what had happened before.

This time, it was not to be. When we got up Saturday morning, it was obvious to me that Tommy was telling me he wanted to go. And I had to respect his wishes. So, I made that call to the vet.

Let me say something about my vet and his staff. The past few weeks have been very emotional, and they stood with me all the way. They've been caring, considerate, and most of all, kind. When the vet came into the exam room, there was no rushing. We talked about the situation, and he agreed that it was probably time. He explained what would happen. He gave Tom a tranquilizer and then took him to a room in the back, where he shaved a small spot on Tom's arm and inserted an IV. He gently carried Tommy back into the room, wrapped in a big fluffy towel. As he injected the final drug, I talked to Tommy and petted him. In seconds, Tommy was back with his mom and dad, across the Rainbow Bridge.

After Tommy had passed, the vet reassured me that there was no way I could have known how sick Tommy had been. He reminded me that I had given Tommy a good extra year and had done a great job treating his diabetes. I did feel good about that. After all, his family wanted to euthanize him in November 2007. Plus, I truly believe that Tommy went to join his mom and dad. I also learned alot during the time Tommy lived with me.

I've had pets euthanized before, but they'd all been due to emergencies. For example, Lily had thrown a clot. There was really no time to adapt to the idea that it was something that had to be done. This time was different. Tommy was 16 and had diabetes, so it was always in the mind that his time with me was probably short. I will always be grateful that I was able to be with Tommy when he passed. After all, before he came to live with me, he had spent most of the previous year alone. He knew I loved him. And thanks to the vet and his staff, Tommy's passing was gentle. We should all be so lucky.

Knitting Content
For as long as I can remember, I've loved lighthouses. I'd like to live in a lighthouse, preferably on my own island. OK, so what does this have to do with knitting? Well, Miss Violet (of Lime & Violet fame) posted the following Isak Dinesen quote on her blog recently: "The cure for anything is saltwater--sweat, tears, or the sea." I love the sea. One of the highlights of my life has been sticking my feet in the Pacific Ocean. Strange as it may seem, as much as I love water, I can't really claim to be able to swim.

OK, you still want to know what this has to do with knitting. I would like to knit only things relating to water, the sea. I'm not sure how I'm going to do this. I'm thinking something Aran, perhaps a lace scarf with a water-related pattern. It'll evolve.

Re-Mojoed

My knitting mojo seems to have returned. I think much of the reason is that I'm deadline knitting for a designer I respect very much. I already feel as though I've let her down, because life threw in some curveballs that let me get behind schedule.

I've never really lost my knitting mojo before, and I'd prefer not to do so again. I have started thinking about knitting in a different way. It isn't a cure-all, a panacea; there is no such thing. What it has been for me is a constant. No matter what else was going on in my life, there's been a knitting project (OK, many more than one) that I could pull out and work on. It was something I could control. For the last month, I've felt a lack of control in some of the major areas of my life. They seemed to be issues too big for even knitting to provide relief.

Oh, things haven't settled that much, and there are still things that I have no control over. Funny thing, though. I think that's called life. No one has control over every aspect of life. If someone claims to, he or she is either lying to you or to themselves. But, when I picked up my knitting needles again, it just felt right. I had found an old friend.

Sometimes Knitting Isn't a Cure-all

There are very few days when I don't knit at least a row or two--or start a new project though I have many WIP. Knitting has always been a way for me to get through things. OK, so is eating, but I've made a conscious decision over the past year or so that I'd first turn to knitting in times of stress.

That policy has worked well--until lately. My knitting mojo seems to have taken a vacation, now when I need it most. Like millions of people in the US and the world, I'm desperately feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. Rent this week will be hard to meet, because I have a client who seems to be on her way to bankruptcy. And this is after she told me that she'd already received payment for the job. As it is, she canceled two book contracts I had with her because of losing her contract. That I can understand, but she should certainly pay me for completed work.

On top of that, I now have to take a test to keep my freelance position with a company I've worked for for several years. It merged with another company, so policies have changed. You'd think I wouldn't have a problem with the test, but I am notoriously bad at such things. I am good at what I do, but tests....

Then there's Tommy. He's the diabetic cat I adopted in 2007, after his surviving family wanted to put him to sleep. He currently has mild pneumonia and cancer--probably lymphoma. He hasn't been eating either. I hope that I will make the right decision when it comes to his care. I must admit that a big part of me wants God to make the decision for me.

And now, for some reason, my knitting mojo has gone AWOL. Maybe it's too much to ask of an activity. I don't know. But right now, I could certainly use the security that knitting has brought me in the past, and that I'm sure it will again someday.

Farewell Furry Friend

Ewenice T. Bunet died sometime Tuesday early evening. I found her body under the bed. She had not come when I called her for dinner, which was quite unusual. It appears as though she got stuck, though it was her favorite place to nap, so it was not unfamiliar territory.

She was only ten months old, and I had her for only four. I feel so guilty. I can only hope that she knew how much I love her.

Ewe used to chase poor Eddie around. I seriously think she was in love with him. It didn't matter to her that he was a cat and much bigger than she. Oh, Ed would act annoyed, but since she died, he keeps wandering around, looking for her. All of the cats (except Tom) do. Poor Norman went over to where her cage had been and lay on the floor. It was like he was paying homage. Actually, I think he'll miss the hay he used to steal from her hay bin. I won't miss having to clean up his hayballs.

Some people don't understand the bunny as pet concept. I think they must still think of bunnies as outdoor animals kept in wooden hutches. Let me tell you, bunnies make great indoor pets. Ewenice was a joy: so sweet, so funny, so loving. I loved watching her hop/run through the house when I let her out every morning.

So long, sweet Ewenice. Please know that we all loved you, and still do. I'm sure Lily was there to help you cross the Rainbow Bridge. She'll keep you safe and make sure you're loved.

Giving Thanks

Brenden Foster died on Friday, November 21. His death wasn't reported on many television news programs or in many newspapers. But, it should have. In his short eleven years, he influenced more people than most of us will in a life decades longer.

You might have heard about him on CNN or read about him in Seattle-area newspapers. Brenden had cancer, and as his life drew to an end, he wanted to make a difference. On a drive, Brenden noticed a group of homeless people. That sight affected him deeply. He wanted to feed them, but he was far too weak. Brenden's wish could have ended right there, with good intentions but no action. After all, many of us have good ideas and intentions but they never see fruition.

That was not to be the case with Brenden Foster's last wish. People heard about his selfless wish, and they came to his aid--and to the aid of the homeless he had seen. Organizations provided food and other needed items to those he had seen that fateful day. But it didn't stop there. As people all over the country heard about Brenden on CNN and other media, they set out to help the homeless in their area in his name. This little boy, who could have lived unknown outside his community, had influenced an entire country.

In an interview shortly before his death, a reporter asked Brenden what made him sad. One might expect someone in Brenden's shoes to say dying. But, those who had followed Brenden's story knew that wasn't "him." So what made Brenden sad? People who give up. He encouraged people, saying, "Follow your dreams. Don't let anything stop you."

Incidentally, Brenden's desire to help extended beyond people. He was concerned about the declining bee population. He wanted everyone to plant flowers.

This Thanksgiving and holiday season will be an extremely difficult one for many. It seems as though you can't turn on the television without hearing about more business closings and layoffs. People who never before worried about whether they'd have a job no longer have that luxury. With such problems looming like the sword of Damocles for many of us, it can be understandably difficult to think of others at this time. As we struggle to put out a Thanksgiving dinner filled with mountains of food, how can we think of those whose every meal is in doubt?

How? Think of Brenden. He was dying, yet he didn't wallow in self-pity. He thought of others. Helping others doesn't necessarily mean starting an organization to feed the homeless and those in need across the country--even the world. Start small. Figuratively set another place at your Thanksgiving dinner. Take the money you would have spent on that serving and donate it to an organization that helps feed those in need. Don't worry if it seems small to you. Organizations such as Feeding America is happy to accept contributions of all amounts. You will make a difference.

And knitters, can you do without a skein of yarn to help those who have to do without food? I think you can. Take that money and donate it to help the hungry. Do you have stash that you don't think you'll use? Most of us do. There are different ways you can use it to help people in need. Sell it and donate the money. Donate the yarn to a shelter, where people can use it to create something positive. Knit a hat, mittens, scarf, or afghan and donate it to a shelter or organization that helps those in need.

All of us can be like Brenden Foster. In a world bereft of true, admirable role models, he and his actions will always stand tall.

Sticks & String as Security Blankets

I guess it's been awhile since I've blogged. Well, I've been knitting and dyeing of course, but a lot of my time has been spent working on the many Knitting Purls projects. Check out the Knitting Purls blog to see what we have going on. And keep your eyes open for a new ezine, Hooks & String, for all the crocheters out there.

And I've also been doing a lot of thinking about the election and the state of finances. I'm certainly not alone. When it comes to the financial world, we all got a good picture of the influence the US financial market has on the international scene. Many people are scared, and I'm one of them. But, there are, of course, people worse off than I.

On the news the other night, there was a story about how people are handling the stress caused by the roller-coaster financial ride. Sadly, many are turning to unhealthy means to do so, ways that have ramifications for their families and friends.

I started thinking about security blankets. Not literally, though most people probably had one at some time in their life, but figuratively. I remember a stuffed dog I had as a child. It was a very vivid pink, or it had been when new. As a child, I suffered from frequent nightmares. I could always count on this dog (who had a name, but sadly, I have no recollection of what it was) to be there for me when I woke. When I was lonely or feeling overwhelmed, it was first that stuffed dog and then others to whom I turned.

This summer I came to realize that I now see my knitting needles as a security blanket. I didn't know how much they had replaced that long-ago forgotten stuffed animal until this summer. Twice during the summer, homes on my block were destroyed by fire. As my neighbors and I stood across the street watching the firefighters battle the blaze, and praying they'd be able to keep the flames from jumping to the trees leading to our home, I kept thinking how much I wanted my needles. At least if I could knit, I'd be able to do something; I wouldn't feel quite so helpless.

Just a few weeks later, fire again struck our block. While watching the firefighters try in vain to save the house and the one next to it, my thoughts again turned to knitting. Was there something I could knit for these people? Maybe I could organize a collection of handknit items to donate to the families who were now homeless. I felt as though I absolutely had to knit, and it really didn't matter what it was.

Is the fact that I want to drop everything and knit when I'm stressed weird? Perhaps to someone who doesn't knit, but I'm sure there are many knitters who feel the same way. I'm not sure why we do, but I think it has to do with normalcy. When we're faced with things over which we have no control, we seek things we can. (That is one theory behind the development of eating disorders as well.) As we face economic uncertainty due to business failures and other economic downturns, we may feel as though we're helpless. The same is true when facing illness and many other stressors. We've lost control, and it makes us feel helpless, sometimes even useless. So, we go in search of something to bring equilibrium back to our lives. For me--and for many others--that something is knitting. It calms and soothes. It brings stability in an unstable world.

Still Stitching, but also Dyeing

I love knitting, and I can't imagine anything ever changing that. But, I have quickly become a big fan of dyeing. The first photo is of my Bored Board socks. The yarn was died with Kool-Aid and was my first attempt at any type of dyeing. The colorway is The Mad Hatter. My local knitting guild, Needles and Skeins, is doing a Swallowtail shawl KAL. It's supposed to be done in a lighter-weight yarn, but that's not for me. So, I dyed some worsted weight. This is Ballykissangel colorway. Now, this next example is KindaCamo. It's what happens when you think you have three hanks of the same yarn, and you don't. The colors are a bit too "off" to make it work with the rest of the yarn for the shawl. Autumn is the next colorway. It's my favorite season, in part because of all the colors. In person, there's more blue to this than what shows up, but it's still one of my favorites. I don't know what I'll make with it yet, but I already regret not dyeing more at the same time. And finally, we have Iolite. It's my favorite gemstone, and I couldn't resist trying to dye yarn in those beautiful colors.

From now on, I think I'll dye more than one hank of a particular colorway.

Yes, I have been knitting

I have finally finished my July socks for the Sock Challenge. This is the Ivy League sock pattern designed by Wendy Johnson. I test knit the pattern for it (and enjoyed doing that a lot), but after the first sock and casting on and knitting part of the second, my attention seemed to get diverted. I've been spending a lot of time working on my moguldum. I'm podcasting for Knitting Purls now, and I'm starting a new ezine, Spinning & Dyeing, which will debut in December. But I really do like the pattern. Incidentally, Wendy has generously donated it to the Patterns for Paws Project!



I'm on the board of the Editorial Freelancers Association. Last week we had a 2-hour teleconference. In anticipation that I'd get bored, I designed the Bored Board sock to work on during the meeting. I wanted something simple, since I knew I should probably pay attention. This yarn is the Mad Hatter I dyed using Kool-Aid. I like how it's working up.



As of Monday afternoon, I have something else taking up some of my time. I'd like to introduce you to Miss Ewenice T. Bunet. The last name is pronounced Bun-nay by the way. She is a Lionhead bunny and is 6 months old. And yes, I plan to spin her fur. But mostly I plan to love her.

New Goings On

Well, I'm still dyeing. This time I used Wilton Cake Decorating colors. Now, these are not the ones usually found in grocery stores. These colors are found in cake decorating stores and in cake decorating sections of craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels. There is a wide variety of colors available, and of course you can mix colors to create your own.

I also tried a new dyeing tool: the slow cooker! Piece of cake. It certainly doesn't get much easier, unless you're using the Kool-Aid "sun tea" method. The only problem I had was keeping the yarn submerged during the first 20 minute soak. I finally put a plate on top of it to hold it down. I'm not sure why this happened, but I think it might have been because there wasn't enough water. I'm using a 4-quart slow cooker, and perhaps I should have gotten a slightly larger one. Another reason could be that I had the skein twisted a bit too tightly, which didn't allow the water to soak through efficiently and sink the yarn. Regardless, I'm happy with the results.

NEW STORE ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to call your attention to a new etsy shop opening at 8:00 PDT on August 8. Dizzy Blonde Studios features a beautiful selection of hand-dyed yarn. You can see closeups of the yarn here. I think we all should do our best to support independent dyers and spinners.

What I've been up to

I've said many times that the better I become as a knitter, the more interested I am in other aspects of the knitting process. One of my newest fascinations is dyeing. These are photos of my very first attempt. I used Kool-Aid: 2 packets of Grape and 3 packets of Lemon Lime. Once the green and purple were to my liking, I squirted the middle part with Tropical Punch.

I am very happy with how the yarn turned out. There are gradations in the purple and lime; they are more obvious in the purple parts. I had read somewhere that someone thought the dark purple looked brown when using Kool-Aid. That's not true for me. My dark purple is a real dark purple. Incidentally, I named the colorway The Mad Hatter. There is a local antique store with a lime green and purple storefront.

When I do Kool-Aid dyeing again--and I will--I think I'll do it on top of the stove. I used quart canning jars in the microwave for this project. I had a mess in the microwave from "boil over." It was easily cleaned up. I don't notice that it smelled up my kitchen, and the yarn does not have an overly Kool-Aidie smell.

The next dyeing project is using a Crockpot. I think I'm going to keep to food dyes, but this time use food coloring in past form, available in cake decorating stores or Michaels and probably AC Moore. I think I'll go for a more autumnal look.

Besides this, and knitting, I've been letting the idea for a new project marinate in my mind. It would aid in my quest to create a dynasty!

Still Here

I didn't realize that it's been so long since my last post. I wish I could say that it was because I was off on some exotic journey--knitting-related, of course--but I can't. The simple fact of the matter is that things just got busy.

I'm still knitting socks. In fact, right now I am test knitting a sock for Wendy Johnson of WendyKnits. It's called Ivy League Socks. It's lacy, but not a problem for someone who hasn't done much lace work. The chart is easy to follow, but has enough elements to keep the knitting interesting.

Wendy has been generous enough to donate the pattern to Patterns for Paws. This is a joint project of The Lily M. Foundation, Inc.'s Lily's Friends and the Purebred Cat Breed Rescue. Patterns will be made available for download, with profits split between the two organizations. If you are a knit or crochet designer and would like to participate, please send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com.

I've also been buying lots of fiber.



That is 100% merino wool in the Ida's Delusions of Grandeur colorway. It came from a cool new etsy store, Zarzuela Fibers. Check it out. Keep in mind, though, that her fibers and yarns go FAST.

So why am I buying fiber? Meet Ezekiel:




Now to find time to actually practice and spin!

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.

Taking the Plunge

Here's the photo of my latest pair of socks. It's my basic sock pattern done this time with Trekking XXX. This is the first time I've used this yarn, and I liked working with it. We'll see how well it holds up.

In making this pair, it got me to thinking about how far I've come in the past few months, at least where socks are concerned. I was one of those knitters who felt that I'd never be able to make socks. I just could not (and still can't) get the hang of using DPNs. No matter how many times someone told me, "But you're only working on two at a time," I just couldn't get coordinated enough to use them. I tried making socks with 2 needles, and I even bought short circs, both in an attempt to join in on the sock-knitting craze. Both gave me less than satisfactory results.

So what changed? I learned to do cables. So what do cables have in common with my seriously stockinette socks? On the surface, not much. On a deeper level, confidence. For many years, cables held the same fear and wonder for me that socks had until recently. They looked so complex that I could never see myself tackling them. But then I found a Lion Brand pattern for a cabled afghan. They said it was simple, so I decided to give it a shot. I jumped in, trembling slightly when I reached the first instructions for these things referred to as CR9, CL5. But the instructions for making the cables were clear and, most important to me anyway, actually made sense! Before I knew it, I was off and running with cables.

You still might ask yourself what cables have to do with stockinette socks. Well, after I conquered my fear of cables, I felt as though I could take on anything--knitwise at least. So I took another look at socks. My efforts with DPNs were still pathetic. But then I discovered Magic Loop; it seemed like the answer to my sock-knitting prayers. But alas, my first attempts at MLing were unsuccessful to say the least. I bought the booklet that was supposed to be the "Bible" of MLing. Far from being helpful, I just got increasingly confused. I looked at online videos and bought more books, but some of them contradicted others. What was I to do?

Turn to knitting on 2 circs. That method actually made sense to me. So I knitted a couple of caps using 2 circs. But the lure of MLing was still there, so I tried it again. This time the instructions made sense to me, and I was off and running. Socks, mittens, caps--what a breeze using MLing. And to think, if I hadn't taken the plunge and gained confidence by making cables, I might still be on the sidelines, drooling over the plethora of gorgeous sock yarns and patterns.