I Got RAK'd!!!!!!!

When I got home, after battling traffic for twice the length of my normal commute, I had a great little box waiting for me! YArN KNiTa from the knitty boards sent me a cute little package full of all this great stuff!


Magic stripes sock yarn (swoon), Jasmine green tea, a sudoku book, a novel, post its, tangerine sour altoids (who knew???), and a little manicure set. SOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!! This just made my day. Thank you so much!


I also wanted to show you what I've accomplished this Socktober. 3 socks. No pairs but those are on the way. Both the Hedera and the STR sock have second socks cast on. The first Pomatomus sock was finished before Socktober started. When the two on the right are finished, I'll write proper FO posts.


From left to right: Pomatomus in Koigu, Hedera in Sundara, and a Garter Rib Sock in STR

Is it just me or is the STR sock GIGANTIC!?!?! This just goes to show you what lace patterns and ribbing will do because they all fit me. Again, bad lighting = bad pictures. But daylight savings is totally screwing with me in terms of lighting. Let's be honest, my pictures aren't that good when there is sunlight.

Finally...


Milo and Eva were so cute last night all cuddled up on the laundry. Today I give Milo extra love because Halloween is tough for an all black cat. Trust me, her eyes are not so demonic in person.

Work? What work?

Today, work is really getting in the way of me finishing my garter rib sock in STR. I'm only 2 inches and the toe away from being done with the first one. But no, I have to sit in my crappy cubicle and pretend to work. And it's even more frustrating that the system I need is down. And I'm just sitting here picking my nose.

I could be knitting right now. UGH!

Although, my hands are sore from the 6 hour marathon knit yesterday. I was trying to catch up on my Lime and Violet podcasts. I just kept listening and knitting and listening and knitting. I even skipped Desperate Housewives. These girls crack me up! I'm fighting the urge to move to Omaha and stalk them until they agree to be my friends. If only it wasn't Omaha...

Bipolar Knitting

I already have 2 socks on the needles. Well, 3 if you count the Arrrr-gyles that need to be frogged and re-done. But when I received this in the mail yesterday, I just wanted to cast on right away. It's Cherry Cordial Sock Yarn from Savvy Minx's Etsy shop. It's soft and pretty with great mixes of pinks and browns. I have to send a shout out to Lime and Violet for suggesting this particular etsy shop.

Seriously, don't even start up with etsy. It's like crack. I'm completely addicted. It simultaneously feeds my sock yarn obsession and my preference for independent craftiness. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of yarns I love from big producers. But until I found etsy, I didn't realize how many people were out there dyeing gorgeous yarns in their kitchens. There's something really cool about making something handmade with a yarn that's handmade.

That thud you just heard was me jumping off my soapbox.

I was thinking about knitting last night as I fell asleep. Knitting comes in waves for me. I go for awhile where all I want to do is knit. I don't want to work or study or go out to dinner because it cuts into my knitting time. Then, I'll go for awhile when I don't really pick up the needles. When it comes to stitching, I'm manic depressive. I think Socktober has put me square into a manic phase. I have at least 4 projects that I love and want to knit on all at the same time. I even had knitting dreams last night. I'm lamenting having to go to work tomorrow. I could get so much done now that the house is cleaned, the cake for the potluck is baked, and the laundry is on spin. In fact, why am I talking to you? There's knitting to be done!

I have lots of knitting to do

But before I get to all that, I have to wish my Dad a Happy 60th Birthday. I love you! And I hope you're having a great day in the Rockies.

And I have to show you the last of my purchases.

I was reading sknitty and she had this great small project pouch. So, of course, I had to get one. This is from the Piddleloop Store. They make great little pouches in all sizes. This one is just big enough for a sock in progress.

I'm a little obsessed with brown, turquoise and lime. I think I'll get another one to make a "learn to knit" kit for my MIL for Christmas.

Here's the inside. Even the lining is cute! The yarn is STR Scottish Highlands. It's making a fabulous sock!

And look at all the goodies they sent me! A tissue case, cute little buttons, notecards, and a fabric covered hair clip. I love free goodies!

Finally, I made it down to Purlescence last night! I wish it was closer to home because it's such a great shop. They were so nice and they had quite a few skeins of Socks That Rock! left. Last night there was a late night knitting party from 9-midnight! How fun is that?!?!? I must have been in a fiery mood because I picked out all reds last night. Maybe it was the traffic! From left to right- Fred Flintstone, Brick Semisolid, and Ruby Slippers. These are lightweight. The Scottish Highlands I have on the needles right now is midweight. So it'll be good to see the difference.

Progress

There's been knitting progress as well. I'm through the first Hedera Sock. And I'm totally loving the Sundara yarn. Emerald Isle color for my little sis in Ireland. Hopefully they'll fit her!


Here's a blurry closeup of the heel. It's the best one I've done so far. All this practice is definitely helping!


I was distracted from Socktober by the lure of harvest colors. The scarf is 4 different yarns knit together using suggestions from LMKG. It's soft and fluffy with a great drape. Best of all, it's long enough using 1 ball of Manos that I started a matching hat before adding more length. Finishing the hat is this weekend's goal. (that and cleaning my messy house!)

The yarn close up. 1 strand Manos, 1 strand Lang Venezia, 1 strand Rowan KSH, and one strand Karabella Mirage. Using 4 different yarns leads to a great depth of color and each stitch looks slightly different. I dig it.


I may have to sleep with it since it's so cuddly!

Who needs Rhinebeck???

When you have the internet? Sure, it would have been great to meet up with all those bloggers and pet some sheep. And I'd love to shop at booths that let you pet before you purchase. But I can shop from home and they send it right to your doorstep!

First stop... The Loopy Ewe

Regia Nation Color in wide green, black, and white stripes. I really like wide stripes on socks. These are destined to be plain stockinette socks, toe up so that they'll be nice and long.


I also picked up some Yarn Pirate in Panama and Fleece Artist in Blue Lagoon. I must be in a blue mood when I was at that store.

Then, I headed over to Sunshine Yarn. Fern on top and Leafy on bottom. The Leafy is going to be Zokni socks. The pattern will look nice in this color, I think.

Etsy is like crack for me. I can't stay off of that site! I found Ruby Sapphire yarns. And I grabbed 2 colors Meg and Carolyn. Carolyn is a much brighter lime color than in my picture. I'm not known as the best photographer!

Last but not least.... some Socks that ROCK!!!!! I went to BMFA and picked up my own skein to find out what all the fuss is about. This is the Scottish Highlands color. I got the medium weight.

Who needs to stand in line for 45 minutes????? Not me!

OK, really I'm jealous that I couldn't be there. And I wish I could have met all the great bloggers in person. And I had to settle for sock yarn online. Sigh....

3:00:01

Today I ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon. It was one of the most amazing and painful experiences of my life. I've been training since June for this run. And, although I'm a life long athlete, I've never been a runner. 13.1 miles later, at least for today, I've earned the that title. I huffed and puffed. I had bursts of energy and moments where I wanted to stop. But thanks to Kim (a girl I met on the course), I made my 3 hour goal.

One of the most memorable moments occurred at the start line in Union Square, SF. It was 6 am. The square was closed off to traffic. And 15,000 women waited as the sun rose to start the race. The energy and excitement that filled the streets filled my heart and made me look forward to the race to come.

Thankfully, I'm not too sore now that I've had a bath and a nap. Brian even took me out for a cheeseburger. It's been a very good day.

I did some knitting this weekend too. But that'll have to wait until later in the week. I'm sleepy.

My first meme.

48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME? Nelltje

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nell for my mom's friend. -tje added due to my grandma. -tje (pronounced tya) means little one in Dutch. Like -ito or -ita in Spanish. My grandma called me that and when she passed away, I had it legally changed.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I'm a total sap. Probably when the Tigers won the penant!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It depends. When I'm in a hurry it isn't so pretty but if I take my time, it's OK.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? I know it's gross but bologna. I think it's because I wasn't allowed to have it as a kid. Now, every once in a while, I buy the turkey kind.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so. I'm pretty fun. Although, I have this crafting addiction my friends have to deal with.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? This is as close as it gets.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yup- and my appendix. In fact, I've never had surgery.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yes. But I'd cry my eyes out before I jumped.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Fiber One Honey Clusters (aka colonblow) Pretty delicious for a healthy cereal.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope- I'm a kick off kind of girl.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I'll arm wrestle you. Right now. Let's go. I'm ready! I'm ready right now!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Graeter's mint chocolate chunk. The best thing about Ohio. (j/k) And I love coffee and black cherry.

14. SHOE SIZE? 11 and pretty narrow. Total ski's. I was a size 10 in 4th grade. Thank goodness I grew into my feet!

5. RED OR PINK? I'm a redhead. So neither. Although, I'm all over the pink sock yarn.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My big round belly. I used to be hot. Seriously!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom. Hands down. No competition. I wish I would have asked her so many questions and shared more experiences with her. I'm not religious. But I gotta believe she's watching. Otherwise, the loss is overwhelming.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Just tell me you did it. Then I can feel my blog stalking.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? White wifebeater, blue sweats, no shoes. But I went to work in khaki's and a brown sweater with brown maryjanes. I'm pretty dull when it comes to dressing.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Chocolate to get me through that last meeting today.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Mets beating the Cardinals. Top of the 6th.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green.

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Spiced Cider and leaves burning in the Fall. If you ask me at a different time of year, I might have a different answer.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Not really a phone girl. Even at work. Probably Dad.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Teeth. Bad teeth are killer. Or eyes.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? I love her blog. Maybe someday we'll meet.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Cold beer on a hot day.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? Volleyball to play. Baseball to watch.

29. EYE COLOR? Green

30. HAT SIZE? XL. I have the noggin to match my feet.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Contacts. But recently I got a new pair of sexy librarian glasses. So I've been rocking those at home more and more.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? My grandma's stuffing- the part that hangs out of the turkey and gets a little crispy.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Fall. Football tailgating. Sweater weather. With the leaves turning beautiful colors. I miss the East Coast.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Yes, please.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Key lime pie. Or Coconut cupcakes.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Who even reads this silly blog?!?!

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See #38

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Running with Scissors by Augustin Bourroughs.

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? A mouse. Seriously, it's plain blue. BORING!

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Tuesday's are tough for me. I watched baseball and then Law and Order. Tonight ROCKS! Top Model and Project Runway.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My husband breathing when he's fast asleep. Little kid giggles. My cat's meow when she's trying to meow and yawn.

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles. But I'll take the Stones over what's out there today. Mick still has it! And it makes me laugh that Keith is going to be in the last Pirates movie. Talk about typecasting!

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Australia.

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can burp on command. And I make a really good pig noise.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Kalamazoo, Michigan. Same hospital as the delicious Derek Jeter.

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Ripped off from January One.

OK- Now you try!

How are you different from your mother?

That's the question Christine Lahti's character just asked another character on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

Her answer. "I hope in as few ways as possible."

Me too... Me too...

Incidentally, this is my new favorite show. And not just because Amanda Peete wore an Amherst sweatshirt in a bar.

We interrupt your normal sock content...

To bring you a moment of baby knitting.

In all this sock frenzy, I almost forgot I was on a deadline. My friend Cynthia's second son is due in November but she's already out on maternity leave. Luckily, she's stopping by next week to show off her older son. Of course, I've known about this impending deadline for 6 months or so. And still I'm here frantically knitting and seaming so that I can give her new baby something to wear.

Pattern: Baby Kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting and Children's Cotton Hat from LMKG
Yarn: Bernat Cotton Tots in Blueberry
Needles: Boye aluminum straights size 6
Started: October 7
Finished: October 15

I love this pattern because it knits up fast with only 2 seams. And it is so cute. The pattern for the hat calls for I-cord but I like to use ribbon. I think the two pieces look more like a set this way.

Excuse the bad photography. The camera and I are fighting and it's already dark here.

Now back to our regularly scheduled sock knitting...

This Week

Can you tell the difference in the color of these toes? Yeah, me neither!!!! Thanks to Thea, the Pomatomus Socks are saved and the toes are done. (The one on the left is the one that was short.) The knitting gods are going to give Thea lots and lots of love for being my sock savior!

This is what Thea sent me. Three little balls of Koigu goodness. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would work out perfectly. YAY!!!!! I'm so excited. Frogging a whole sock to downsize was definitely an option. But not an option I was looking forward to. The Knitty Board saves me again!

Here they are. All done and they fit so well. When I put them on, I can tell which one is bigger. But it doesn't really matter. Notes! I have to keep better notes about needles and such. I certainly learned my lesson. Finally, I have something finished for Socktober.

Pattern: Pomatomus from Knitty
Yarn: Koigu KPPM- 100% merino- color P118L (and a little something else)
Needles: Mostly Bryspun flex dpn's in size 3- better notes needed.
Started: In August for the first one
Finished: 10/13/06

I cast on Tuesday for Hedera socks. (No, I'm not stalking all of Cookie's designs. Really, I'm not.) These are in Sundara yarn in the Emerald Isle colorway. Which is appropriate since my sister recently moved to Ireland for culinary school. So far, I love this sock. The repeat is easy to remember and the lace looks really good. I just turned the heel and I'm headed for home. Hopefully I can finish this one off this weekend while I watch baseball.


Here's the yarn. The depth of color and the variations that exist are just really beautiful.


I'm addicted to sock yarn as you well know. Here's what jumped into my online cart this week.

From Yarn Pirate- from top- Punkin Head, Clementine, and Rosie- The yarn looks bumpy in this picture but it's not. It's soft and lovely and it'll make great looking socks.


From Yarntini- Hope (perfect for breast cancer awareness month)- This skein is HUGE!!!! Maybe knee highs???? Pink knee highs for me? Whoda thunk it?


From Misocrafty- Awesome knitting pouch. Fits yarn for a pair of socks. Fully lined. Elastic bands keep needles collected. And the fabric is so adorable. I love this. It keeps my project handy and the handle makes it easy to grab and go. Yahaira has them at Pureknits. And soon, Jo is going to sell them online.


Look at everything it holds! At least 2 (probably 3) skeins of yarn. It'll definitely be going to Ireland with me in December. I think I can fit at least 2 socks in progress in there. Such a great idea.


Finally, more Socktoberfest questions answered...

Do you have certain patterns planned for some of the yarns? Do you buy yarn and then choose a pattern?

I buy sock yarn because I love it. I figure out the pattern later. That's the only yarn I don't know what I will make when I buy it. You can buy sock yarn on a whim and never worry that you don't have enough. With a sweater or anything, that can be risky.

Does a certain sock yarn you have in your stash take you back to a certain event? (where you were when you bought/received it? what was going on in your life at the time!)

I don't associate yarn with events yet. But I do get on "kicks." Like right now, I'm on a Yarn Pirate kick. So I suppose I can match that back to this time in my life.

ohmygod...I'minlovewithThea!!!

When I got the mail tonight there was an envelope full of Koigu sent to save my sock. The color is PERFECT!!!!! I know it isn't the exact same color but no one will ever, ever know. I'm about to join her yarn to my sock and finish my toe. I could not be happier.

Pics tomorrow when there's light.

Thea- You have no idea how happy you've made me! You saved my Socktober!!!

Gotta go finish my Pomatomi...

Next!

I cast on last night for Hedera socks in Sundara Emerald Isle sock yarn. YAY! The yarn is yummy. The pattern is easy enough to memorize but still entertaining to knit. I'll get pictures up as soon as I'm home early enough to have good light.

Socktoberfest continues!

As for the Pomatomus pair, I knew I could count on the knitty boards! Thea sent me 3 (three!) different colors to try to get a match. I could not be happier. I'm sure there'll be something that's close enough to cover my toes.

So close and yet so... Well, you know

I'm 12 rounds short on the toe of my Pomatomus. Dear Socky Friends- Please save me! It's Koigu Color P118. I just need a yard or two.

I was so looking forward to posting about my first Socktober success. Sad faced Nell! Once I tried them both on, I could tell that the second one is a little looser than the first. I know I changed needles half way through the first one but I didn't keep notes (duh!). Well that'll teach me.

Well, if anyone can help me out, I'll be greatly indebted to you. The socks are comfy and so pretty. And I can wear them soon. In 12 rounds, to be exact. sigh.

My Goal for the Day

To turn the heel on my second Pomatomus. I know this pic is a little fuzzy but you get the idea. It's a delicious speckled Koigu yarn that I'm knitting up on size 3 Bryspun dpns. I'm half way through the second repeat on the cuff. Since my feet are so big, I had to reduce the cuff repeats by one or I'd run out of yarn.

Maybe I'll even make it to the foot today while I watch my Detroit Tigers whoop on the Yankees!!!!! (it's been a long time, baby!)

Here's the first one so you can see how the color really looks. It's a very subtle orange with lots of other color mixed in.


It almost looks like those speckled angel food cakes. My little sister loves those. I love, love, love this pattern. It's so comfy and stretchy. I think the Koigu looks great. And it's entertaining to knit but not too difficult. YAY!


And HUGE congratulations to my friends Jen and Andy who, next April, will become first time parents. It's so exciting!!!!! I'm going to be an Auntie! Just when I thought I'd be done with baby knitting for a while. Oh well, there's really no better use for yarn!

DONE!!!!

Thank God! I finished the baby blanket squares. I'd show you pictures but 2 large squares in bright yellow garter stitch aren't too exciting. Maybe there will be pictures during assembly.

But now it's SOCKTOBER!!!!
To get in the mood, I'm answering the questionaire.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I made my first pair. last March. I bought some yarn (Regia 4 ply, I think). Googled a pattern- basic rib. And away I went. They turned out quite nicely. Although the heel join isn't my best work ever and the dpn's were pretty fiddly at a first. They fit and I was encouraged that I could make a garment that looked the way it was supposed to look. My sweaters haven't been so lucky.

What was your first pair?

Regia 4 ply in a blue and green stripe- Here.

How have they "held up" over time?

Since I'm in California, I've never worn them outside the house. Oops! So they still look great!

What would you have done differently?

The yarn is a little bright. So maybe I'd pick a different color. But those socks definitely started my addiction. Although, I have a ton of bright yarn in the stash. So what the hell am I talking about?

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Koigu. It knits up so soft. I have Sundara, Sunshine yarns, yarntini, and yarn pirate in the stash just begging to be knit. I can't wait! I definitely have developed a taste for soft sock yarn.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I'm a dpn girl so far. I'd like to learn Magic loop but just haven't taken the time.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I just did my first pair of short row heels. Although I love short row for speed, the heel flap probably fit my gigantic feet better.

How many pairs have you made?

Let me think... the first pair, Jaywalkers for a gift, one skein cable booties for a gift, short row socks with Jo's pattern, 1 1/2 Pomatomus, and about an inch on some Arrrr-gyles. So 4 1/2 or so. But I have plans. Many plans. And a stash to support them.


Can you tell I like this link thing? Yeah- I only figured that out recently. Internet genius, I do not claim to be.

So close

I long to knit socks. But the second Pomatomus must wait. There's a baby coming. And that baby needs a blanket. Unfortunately, I got two of the biggest squares- 7" by 28" each. Even worse, the yarn is knitting up at 7 stitches per inch on size 7 needles. And it's garter stitch. Just pretty boring. The blanket will look great even though each square is quite plain.

I have one inch to go. One inch lengthwise is all that stands between me and my sock knitting.

Hopefully by the end of the week, there will be Pomato-stitching.

My Pretties

Check out the lovely package that arrived this morning!!!!! There's chocolate and a little box...


The cutest little ladybug box opened up to reveal....

The earrings are sparkly and a very subtle yellow. They're so lovely. Heather over at Twisted Lily made these. Isn't that cool?!?!?! My picture is crap. It doesn't do them justice at all.

They are just my style. I'll have to bust them out for work tomorrow. I could gush for hours about her designs. I had a hard time deciding what to get. Thanks to Georgia at Yarn Pirate for letting the bloggy world know Heather is out there.

BTW- Happy Socktoberfest!!!! I have to finish 3 inches of baby blanket. Then, the socky lovin' will commence.