How did that rumor start?

Yesterday in the comments it seems that someone, who will remain nameless, started a rumor about me making handspun yarn for all of you.  Now trust me I wish that were possible, but I do have to finish a degree in this lifetime!!!  (maybe...after the first of the year....I'll have a contest....with a prize....maybe some handspun yarn....what do you think?)

Wheel update: It is on the truck coming to my house!!! DH graciously rearranged his schedule so he could be home for most of the day to sign for it (thank you dear!) so hopefully....

Today I'm also going to participate in "Whisker's on Wednesday."  KSee always has such cute pics on Wednesdays and I caught a few of Knox this week so I thought I would share!

Who knew a brown bag could be so much fun?

And just the right size?

In response to my most recent socks....here is the chart I followed.  (I've posted it on my ravelry project page too!)

The dots in the cable mean you purl that stitch when crossing the stitches.  I had a hard time telling which ones had a dot in the original pattern.  Still have questions about this pattern?  Ask away!

Socks are Done!

These socks were super quick to knit and I couldn't be happier!  They are a nice compromise of plain sock and pattern :)  

Here are the details:

Pattern: Here is a ravelry link to Rovasiras-sukat

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill in Island Red

Needles: US 2 Magic Loop (2 at a time)

Size: Women's 9

Made for: SIL

Modifications:  I did a round toe (now one of my favs) instead of the toe in the pattern.  I also did 3 pattern repeats on the leg instead of 2 which just seemed to short to me.  I had a few difficulties with the chart at first but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing.

Spinning wheel update:  It is getting shipped today!!!  Now I've been informed that it is tradition to name your spinning wheel.  So I've got my thinking cap on!  Nothing is really standing out right now, but....maybe once it is here it will scream a name?

Hope you like them sis!!!

Front of the sock

Last week during the tutorials I purposefully hid the front of the sock from you (I went as far as editing one photo to keep it a surprise)  I'm in love with these socks!!!  Maybe I'll have to make a pair for myself someday!!!

They are going very fast with so much plain knitting, but the pattern is just enough to keep me interested!  If you decide to make these and want help with the chart let me know.  Some of the cables have purls in them and I couldn't tell by looking at the chart.  Once working the pattern I figured it out!  Here is a ravelry link to the pattern!

Socks are done!

My knit night socks are done!  (okay...I did work on them outside of knit night)  These are a simple pair of socks but were lovely on my feet this weekend!

Details:  Plain vanilla sock.  Cast on 68, did 2x2 ribbing and a round toe!

Yarn: Online Cotton Beach Color

Needles: US 1.5 using magic loop!

**these are my October socks for the Pair-A-Month challenge!!

The cotton blend is lovely!  Not too warm for those of us who live in the south!

I was happy the stripes matched up so well...I couldn't have dreamed they would match like this!

I had a lovely weekend knitting a lot!!!  Nothing exciting, but blissfully wonderful!  I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the week (I think)

It's almost 4!

Yep!  Mom's plane arrives at 4 today and the day has crept by!  Thanks yesterday to Marti for finding me the perfect dishcloth here!!!!!  Really go look!!!  It is too cute.  (did you guess it was a giraffe!!!)

In light of Marti finding me the perfect pattern, I have given her my award (a pattern from Rachel's) that I won on Aunt Kathy's blog!

Last night at knit night I got to where I'm ready to turn the heel on my sock (yeah!!!)  So except part 2 of the ML tutorial this week!

Now the socks for my SIL will be using this yarn:

Using this pattern (I took the pic from the pattern....I hope that is okay)  

I think it is perfect.  It has enough going on in the pattern that I won't be bored and are more like a plain vanilla sock which is what my SIL wants!  I'll show you the progress as I make some!

DH's Socks

DH's socks are finished!!!  Woohoo!!!  He is happily modeling them for me and they are a perfect fit!  He wanted to wear them today, but I said that I had to take them for show and tell at knit night.  Was that mean to do?

Pattern:  Retro Rib Socks from Favorite Socks 

Yarn:  Knit Picks Risata (a cotton blend for those of us in warm weather states)  I have been asked to report back if this yarn pills after washing and wearing and I will!  Right now they have a nice squishy feel.

Needles:  US 2 doing 2 at a time on magic loop (a new skill for me).

Mods:  None really.  I did 15 repeats of the pattern for the leg, 19 for the foot and 4 rounds of plain knit before starting the toe.   And look how much yarn was left. 

Talk about walking on the wild side.  I'm very glad I only did 15 repeats on the leg instead of the 17 the pattern said....I would have had to order more yarn.   In case you were wondering DH wears a mens 10-10.5.  These are also my September socks for the Pair A Month Challenge.  I was definitely cutting it to the wire!

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and prayers about my health.  My tummy feels better today but I'm tired.  I know the Lord will give me strength to do what I need to do.  (Maybe He will provide a little time for a nap too!)

WIP Friday

I don't have a whole lot to show you today, but here is what is on my needles/spindle:

1.  Clapotis using my new Silk Noir!  So last night I just couldn't resist casting of for this project.  I am loving the yarn and how happy all the colors look.  It is really hard to capture this yarn accurately in a pic, but trust me it is lovely!

2.  Retro Rib Socks #2 in Knit Picks Risata.  I have turned the heels and started the gusset decreases.  The first time I made these socks I thought it was a slow pattern....it still is.   These are my September socks (for PAMC) so I must keep going!  This is top of my weekend to do list, even though I really want to work on my Clapotis!

3.  Here is my first plain (ie-Knit Night) sock finished!  (It was good to work on during the hurricane too)  I'm using Online Cotton and really liking it! 

4.  And on the spindle....a friend who thought she wanted to spin, but decided she wasn't going to get around to it gave me a huge bag of 70% Shetland 30% Mohair roving!!!  (I'm spinning it up for her for Christmas....shhhhhhh!)  It is coming along nicely!

5.  Okay Gertrude (the giraffe) is still in her balloon stage waiting for a rainy day, my alpaca sweater is still just the back...it is still hot here (but maybe starting to cool down)

Do you see something missing?  Yep!  I started the second plain sock (the mate to #3) for the tutorial (thank you for all your encouraging comments) and messed it up at Knit Night.  Yep!  Can't even do ribbing at knit night....so I went shopping instead....and am loving the Silk Noir.  

From the comments yesterday, Carole wrote:

Hi, I really enjoyed the lesson. I have a question. I got my needles from knit picks size 2 circulars. I'm wondering if my cord is too long, as I spend more time pulling on the cord than I do knitting. I did get the heel made, but just to had to give up . Could anyone tell me is there a trick to get them to slide smoother? They seem like really nice needles.

Carole brings up a good point and in my opinion one of the real draw backs of Magic Loop knitting.  You do spend a lot of time readjusting your work, especially is you are a tight knitter.  I have never used the knit picks circulars?  Have you?  Do you have any suggestions for Carole?  

Thanks in advance for your help dear readers!

Sock Meme!

Well Ike caused school to be closed at noon. (no real worries, but we've got some wind) Didn't get to teach, but that means one less lesson to plan for next week.  We'll see if they make it up.  But it did allow me to scoot home early!

From ashpags:

When did you learn to knit socks? July of 2007

What's the first sock you ever knit? Basic sock with 2x2 ribbing all the way down the foot using Sockotta (they turned out a tad too small, so my SIL now has them) and the yarn was a little scratchy.

Favorite sock pattern? So many great ones....Waving Laces from Favorite Socks (they are on the cover) or Monkeys

Favorite sock yarn? So many nice ones....and many I have that still need to be tried.  Louet Gems, Dream in Color Smooshy, Knitpicks Gloss.

Favorite needle method? Double pointed needles.  Magic loop for travel or two at a time

Favorite sock needles? Knitpicks Harmony DPN

Who do you knit socks for? Everyone...family, close friends, and occasionally myself.

How many pairs have you knitted to date? 15 (I think), and I have two pairs currently in progress.

What's on your sock knitting to-do list? I want to learn toe up!  But I don't want to give away all my secrets either.

What kind of socks do you like to knit -

Striped? Yes, I think it is so fun to watch the colors unfold.
Colorwork? No...I think it would make the socks too tight.
Plain stockinette? Love the outcome, but don't keep my attention well...good for knit night :)
Cabled? Sure!  One of my upcoming pairs is cabled (unless I change my mind)
Lace? Absolutely!
Anklets? Yep (only made one pair so far, but don't think it will be the last)
Knee socks? don't think so
Solid colors? Yes, it's a great way to highlight stitch patterns.
Bright & crazy? Why not?  Socks should be fun
Faux-Fair Isle? See above colorwork comment.

Tag a few sock knitters here: Anyone who wants to! =)

Socks, socks, and more socks!

First off.....I have internet at home....woohoo!!! 

So what has been on the needles......socks of course!

Here are my plain (knit night socks)  Remember I started these so I could talk, listen, and have fun at knit night and not mess up my project horribly.  Turns out they are good for low light hurricane knitting as well.  It is really fun watching the yarn make its pattern.  I'm almost to the toe (1/2 an inch more!)

Once I could see again....DH's Retro Rib socks are moving right along.  An inch more before the heel!

Don't worry I heard all your requests for more info about magic loop and magic loop two at a time.  I will definitely be going into more detail about both methods in the near future for those of you who showed interest!  (if you already know the method....you can chime in your two cents too!)

Speaking of knit night...we've decided traffic is too bad to make it tonight, yes we!  Fellow math grad student and knitter, Susan, is staying with me until her power is restored!  Yes she lives right next to campus and still is without power.  So we plan to have our own knitting party at home. (DH is away this week so it is nice to have human company too--sorry Knox!)   See she is enjoying the internet too!  (actually getting caught up on ravelry!)

Off to knit and make dinner....must make all the food DH doesn't like before he is back!  :) (DH--if you are reading, I sure do miss you!)

Where to start?

So much time has passed and so much has gone on that it is hard to know where to start, but here goes! 

Let's talk about happy things first!  Friday before the storm I mailed my Secret Prayer Swap package to Ranveig.  What a honor to be able to pray for her over the last few months!  Here are a pic of the socks I sent her (which fit--Yeah!)  They are the Hedgerow pattern (can find it on Ravelry)

She also asked me to pray for her sister (who is pregnant) so even though I showed you the bootees before, now you know who they belong to!

I also made her a DPN case!  I just sort of mimicked others I've seen.  Do you recognize the fabric?

 

I'm still waiting to receive my package, but with Gustav things are a little slow here too!

Okay, on to less happy things:

We did get power Saturday night (Praise God!)  Many will be without for weeks, so we are trying to help others as we can!  Here are pics of the nearby tree that fell on the power lines and the street across the road from our apartment. 

 

Baton Rouge is still a mess...many without power, broken traffic lights, trees down everywhere.  Now we are trying to prepare for Ike too!  I pray we aren't hit again!   School is back in session today, so we are trying to get back to normal, but it is a challenge and will be for a while.  Just so you know, we are currently without internet at home (I can't complain about it though)  so if I'm a little quite in blogland that is why!

DH and I weathered the storm playing this:

and I was so thankful to get back to my coffee!  Have I told you about my new mug?

It is a Joe Mo Time Capsule Mug and does an excellent job keeping coffee (or tea) hot for a long time!  So I did get some knitting/spinning done too, but will tell you about that in a later post.  It is amazing how hard it is to knit in low light and spinning makes me warm, as does wool, so it isn't as much progress as I would have liked!   Thanks for all your prayers!

New sock project

Things have been busy in our house, with adjusting to the start of school and B-day celebrations!  So there isn't a lot to show, but here it is:

These are Retro Rib socks from Favorite Socks.  I made a pair earlier and DH wanted a pair, so these are for him!!  I'm using Risata from Knitpicks.  The first time I used this yarn I really liked it (it is a cotton blend and softer than a lot of other cottons)  This time I'm realizing that it is a little on the thick side for sock yarn.  I'm still happy with these socks and think DH will be too (I think the cotton is a good choice for him because he is always warm)  Because I had done this pattern before I wanted to try something different and so I am making them 2 at a time on magic loop! (a first for me....this site helped me get started!)  It is too soon to pass judgement on if I like the method or not, but it will be nice to be done with both at the same time!  Happy knitting!  (as I type this I'm wearing my new gloves and they are working out super!)

Training nearing an end

Well the time is drawing near....the Olympics start tomorrow....so the ravelympics start tomorrow at 7:00am (local time).  I think I'm readying.  I have wound my yarn into a cake (800 yds of laceweight took awhile).  I do need to find my pattern again.  I'm in the Shawl Relay and making another swallowtail shawl (but a little larger)

My Secret Prayer Swap Socks are almost done (just 1/2 a toe more to go, then hide ends, block)  It feels good to have those done!  There are a few other projects I want to put in the package but they should be easy to get done!

I started a plain vanilla sock for Knit Night (although I missed this week).  It doesn't involve thinking so it is perfect for visiting!  I'm loving watching the colors change!  So fun!

So today's goals:

1. Finish Swap socks
   
2. Finish skirt (I hope this is doable....I think it is thanks to Jennifer!  She commented in the last post asking if my machine had a hem stitch.  Who knew?  Not me!  No hand hemming for me.   A little practice and the hem was done in no time and looks so much better than if I had done it by hand!  Thanks Jennifer....got to love blog friends!)
   
3. Now if all that gets done I will try to work on the last little goodies for my swap package...Can't wait to show it all to you!
4. Rest up for the games!  Go team Baton Rouge Red Sticks!!!!

Mom's Socks Debut

Mom's Lace Merino Socks:

Pattern:  Lace Merino Socks from Favorite Socks

Yarn:  Patons Australian Patonyle  (Gift from Amber during her trip to New Zealand)  I really like this yarn...ravelry says it is discontinued although it looks like they have come our with a new version)  Not sure of the colorway except gray (Mom's favorite)

Needles:  US 1.5   I used the magic loop method.  This is the second pair I've used this method on and I must admit it was much better the second time around.  I definitely got in the grove.  (Mom had my needles that I would have used....but making a new sock knitter was definitely worth it)

Modifications:  None....there is a well known error in the pattern.  The lace chart for the foot is missing the purls!  

Can't wait for Mom to model the socks when she visits in October :)

Good friends!

Last night I went to Knitting Night (for the 3rd time)!  I feel like I have made fast friends with some of the ladies!  (no longer the initial nerves!! Yeah!!)

I was working on my second Lace Merino sock:

and I took my spinning to show N!  I had used up all the roving she sent home with me.

(the cat really likes to help with the spinning!)  N thought I had done a super job and enabler that she is...sent me home with this:

so I could keep going!  Next week we are going to ply it! (twist two strands of it together so it will be ready to work with!)

N was also destashing some yarn, so I got to come home with some new cotton sock yarn to try!

It is a love navy and white twisted together!  

I've also concluded I need a better project to take to knit night.  I like to talk (haha) an listen to all the conversations and that make my usual pattern knitting (which keeps me from getting bored) not the best!  So I think next week I will start a plain sock (I have some yarn that will be perfect) to work on at knit night in the future!

My Story: 

So July 26th, 2000 I had successful brain surgery to remove the AVM! (Now you know why the contest was July 10-26th)  At the last minute my parents had been given the option of doing radiation instead (I was completely unaware) as tough as the decision was they felt the surgery was still the best option!  Praise God they made that decision!  The doctors found out during the surgery that the AVM had begun to clot and radiation wouldn't have taken care of that!  God is so good!  

I woke from surgery and could move every part of my body (PTL!!) and was able to go home after 3 days. (I think)  God was definitely blessing me through out the whole process....the surgeon let me keep my hair because he thought it helped patients feel better (sure does!) and he washed out my hair himself (something the nurses normally do)....I got the VIP room at the hospital (who even knew such things existed?) it felt more like a hotel room than a hospital!  Even more than all these physical blessings, I got to walk closely with the Lord and knew His peace through the whole process!  Yeah God!!

Check in tomorrow to see what else the Lord taught me in this time!

Double Entry Post

So I know you've been waiting for it.....today is the day....a comment on this post is worth 2 entries in the contest for a $25 gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe!  We are 1/2 way done with the contest, so keep the comments coming!!!

My Story:

So last we left off.....I had an AVM.....and was off to see the brain surgeon (oh....maybe I forgot that part last time!)  There are 2 ways to treat an AVM....surgery or radiation....my AVM was about the size of a half dollar....it looked like brain surgery was in my future (YIKES!!!)  We had a final test to do on July 25th to see if surgery was safe and scheduled surgery for the 26th.  While waiting for the 25th I got hives from my seizure medicine.....went off seizure meds....fought through a lot of fear about having another seizure....needless to say I learned to depend on God as never before!!!   He was definitely at work and never left me.  Monday I will share some of the verses I really depended on at this time, but today is your day to share!!!  

What is your favorite Bible verse and why???

So what has been on my needles?   Here is a sneak peak!

Surprise, surprise....it's a sock!  One down, one to go!  This is a pic of the lace that runs down the top!  It's gray, so....wonder who it could be for.....oh yeah.....mom!!!!  (I'm not sure this gray photographs very accurately....we'll see if I can get some daylight pictures later)  The second sock will have to wait a couple of days to start....I had started a hat with this yarn....it was too small....had to frog it last night.....after it had sat for a year....the yarn needs a bath....must wait for it to dry.   In the mean time I'm going to work on my Secret Prayer Swap Sock and my spinning!  (Might even cast on for DH's socks...we'll see)

Have a super weekend and be sure to leave a comment.....favorite verse and why.....or any other comment will do too...remember it is worth double!

Monday's Musings

WooHoo!  These socks are finally finished!  I'm not sure why they seemed to take so long, maybe because I worked on other things while working on them, maybe because they are guy socks.... bigger than my socks (hard to do with my size 11!)....does switching from knit to purl all the time slow you down like it does me? 

Pattern:  Retro Rib Socks (from Favorite Socks)

Size: Men's 11

Yarn:  Knitpicks Essential in Dusk (2 balls)

Needles: US 2 dpn  

Modifications:  None (no major mistakes that I know of either!)

My DH (dear husband) wishes these were for him....he REALLY liked this pattern, so I will be doing up another pair of these asap, especially since I've never made him socks (YIKES!) okay, not that I haven't tried...but guy yarn, guy pattern, DH's taste....not so easy for me!

My story:

So let's see where were we? You know the back story.  You know it will take a while for everything to unfold.  Now you want to know what happened eight year ago.  Am I right?  So on July 10th, 2000 I thought everything was fine.  I seemed perfectly healthy.  Then my right arm started doing weird things....it would randomly go really numb (almost like it was falling asleep, but worse)  Every time it happened, we prayed!  But it kept happening!   After much convincing, my mom persuaded me to stay home from work ( I hate missing work/school/etc)  Before it was time for my doctor's appointment, I was in the ER after having a grand mal seizure!  There was much to PRAISE God for in this!

1) My nine year old brother was at the park (1st time on his own) so he didn't witness this!

2) It happened it a place where I couldn't hurt anyone (ie-not driving!)

3) I didn't hurt myself (Yeah for being in the middle of the living room floor)

4) My mom was close by to take care of me (Thanks Mom!)

God was in control and taking care of me, but what was the cause...off to do a million medical tests! (more later)

Now remember the contest is still on, so go ahead and leave a comment! (it isn't hard)  Please make sure that there is a way I can contact you if you win!!!

Wee Tiny Sock

So many people have made darling Wee Tiny Socks that I felt like I had to join in.  I got a blocker at The Loopy Ewe and now can broadcast that I'm a sock knitter :)  I also think these would make great Christmas ornaments or cute package toppers!  (I think you could even make your own blocker out of cardboard! )  Can you tell more of these are in my future?

The yarn?  This yarn I won in a contest from Trish back when I was blogless Leah!  It is Apple Laine Apple Pie in Sunset and my first pair of Monkey socks!  (also the first pair of socks I made for myself that actually fit!  It took me awhile to figure out how long to make my socks)  Thanks Trish!!!!! (sorry it has taken me so long to show you the finished product)

Speaking of contests.....I have finally decided on a contest I want to do ( I think)!  It will begin July 10 and run through July 26th, so be sure to check back for details!  I'm really excited about it!

On vacation!

Well the day has finally arrived!  I'm off to Seattle!!!  with one of my best friends to see one of our best profs!!!  (details about how the trip came together are here) This is one of the first trips in a really long time that is a true vacation...nothing that has to be done except some fun!  Woohoo! I promise to take lots of pics and share with you next week!

No worries for all of you though, I have a few posts planned for you!!!  Retro Rib Sock #1 is done!  I'm super pleased with how it turned out and DH is begging for one for him, I think he would rather I not give it to its designated recipient...which is still a surprise. (I've had trouble finding good guy patterns/yarn combinations...this one is a hit)

I also started my Secret Prayer Swap sock....3 inches of the leg done and I'm loving it! but not pics yet for you....it's a secret :)

Mom's first pair completed!

Here are Mom's thoughts on her first sock knitting experience:

Dear Leah,

Here's the proof (even if I had the wrong date on my camera!!!!) that they are completed!! Yeh!!! They are very warm and thick which I will enjoy immensely come winter. Learning to knit again was a very enjoyable experience due in large part to your teaching abilities and extreme patience with me. Thank you for helping out in all my ooopppps on that first sock and then holding my hand via the phone on the second. While I doubt I will develop the passion that you have for knitting I do look forward to a second pair. Who knows I may even try a pattern sometime- I like the thought of no purls. And a big thank you to all your blogging friends for their encouragement. Every facet of this experience has stretched me in good ways and I'm glad I let you talk me into giving it a try! I love you kiddo and thank you again for all your help. (Don't let anyone tell you that you can't teach an "old dog" new tricks)

Love,
Mom

I'm so proud of you Mom!  Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!  [Technical details: Needles US 1.5, yarn: Knitpicks Gloss in Dolphin, basic sock with 2 x 2 ribbing at the top]  I also got her Ann Bud's "Getting Started Knitting Socks."  While I really enjoyed the book and it does have super pics of all the stages of sock making, I thought the written sock patterns were hard to read for a beginner.  There are tons of abbreviations and knitting lingo, so if you aren't super familiar with knitting patterns it is challenging.  Often just reading the pattern aloud made the meaning clear to Mom, but written out the meaning was hard to understand. ] Mom has a second pair planned, so this won't be the last we hear from Mom! :)  (Thanks Dad for taking the pic!)

Public Service Announcement!

For all you giraffe lovers out there....ravelry has a new group: Tall Blondes!  Of course for giraffe lovers.  I had looked there for a giraffe group before and had never seen one, then J found this one that just started!  So if you have a passion for giraffes join up and I'll see you there!

In knitting news:  I got my yarn for the Pray Partner Sock Swap!  I love it!  Unfortunately no pictures until after the swap because it is supposed to be a secret!  While I don't think my partner (who I'm praying for) knows who I am, I don't want to take any chances!  I ordered it from the Yarn and Fiber Company.  They had free shipping on my order of just one skein.  Wow!  I ordered in Thursday and it was here Monday (I couldn't believe it was that fast with free shipping)  I ordered Dream in Smooshy! but the colorway is secret.  I'm excited to get started with it, but still trying to settle on a pattern.

Now a sneak preview for tomorrows post:

This is what I've been working on!