Early gift giving...

Here's a very happy co-worker proudly posing with her new cabled scarf. Linda has been so kind and supportive that I wanted to knit something special for her. She lived and raised her kids in Ireland, so I thought cables would be just perfect for her. I was really moved when she told me: "You know, I haven't had something knitted just for me since I was a little girl" and gave me a big heartfelt hug. She said her mother was a great lady and was very crafty, but unfotunately she hasn't inherited her talent. I think Linda has other talents just as valuable...

Lizzie's blanket is finished

Just a quick update: finished Lizzie's blanket, and even had some leftover to make a scarf for her two-legged, my niece.

Blanket...

Here's a picture of Pico's blanket (of course no loose ends were included). It looks a bit washed out, and the red doesn't really show well on here, but overall I really like this colorway. In fact, I had chosen this yarn for a sweater for Pico's owner. The pattern I had chosen had a huge argyle pattern in the front which I chose not to do. Unfortunately, I forgot to compensate for the argyle and purchase extra balls to complete the sweater....... Oh well, it's Pico's gain! I'm sure Sandra doesn't mind.

Next blanket is for Lizzie...

Pico's blanket completed

Mr. Pico's blanket is finished, but I'm not posting for fear that his two-legged owners might ruin the Christmas surprise. Okay, okay weak excuse, you're right! Truth is those loose ends are a bitch (pun intended) to get rid of. My needleholes are too small, so I have to struggle to squeeze the thick yarn in. I guess a larger needle would solve my problem...

Why I enjoy knitting dog blankets...

For those of you (yeah you) who think I mostly knit socks ( and I can see why you would think so), I also have been knitting dog blankets. Here's why I enjoy knitting them:

- Dogs get cold too!
- Dogs never criticize your choice of color or yarn.
- You'll never hear your dog say "Does this blanket make me look fat?"
- If you knit it, they'll use it. And if they wreck it, you get to knit a new one.
- You'll never hear your dog say they'll "save it for later".

Leaving you with this pic of Pico. I'm currently knitting a blanket for him.

Gift ideas for knitters

I don't have any new finished project to post about, even though I do have some finished projects. I've been too lazy to tuck in ends on completed socks, scarves, and it wouldn't look as nice on a photo if there was lots of loose ends showing. So instead of showing you pic of my projects, here are a few gift ideas you might want to pin onto your fridge, or message board as a subtle hint to friends and family.

Knit Stix: These knitting needles will free you from your measuring tape, and the colors remind me of the plastic knitting needles that we used in the eighties, not to date myself ( I still have a few of mines, but I'd love to put my hands on my mom's collection). http://www.knitstix.com/order.shtml

Flo: A nifty little purse-like bag to carry your current projects around in a very elegany way.
http://www.lexiebarnes.com/collection/KFLO.htm

Knitting books: One Skein by Leigh Radford
Vogue Knitting Stitchionary, Volume 1: Knit & Purl by Staff of Vogue Knitting
Vogue Knitting Stitchionary, Vol 2: Cables by Staff of Vogue Knitting
Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick
Domiknitrix: Whip Your Knitting into Shape by Jennifer Stafford

Sock knitting machine update

So here it is, fully assembled, rust-free, and in proper working condition.... or so we ( Dad, my sister and I ) thought.

Our first challenge was to figure out how this machine casts on. After trying different ways, we discovered that the "figure 8" is what works. So we casted on ... and cranked the machine.

Unfortunately it didn't want to crank itself smoothly, so we had to oil it again.
And again.
And again.
What a mess!





Then we started having some slipped stitched.
Back to oiling it again....
And again.

And then we realized that there was this weight system that we hadn't used.

It turns out that the weights are there for a reason, and should be use, otherwise the yarn has a tendency to try to escape this scary torture device.









And finally, it was running smoothly enough to do a long, useless tube.
Next lesson: turn a heel.

Quick post

Just a quick post...
My dad is visiting and has removed all the rust on our sock knitting machine, and has re-painted it. I just can't wait to see it! He's also the only person in the family that was taught how to use it, and has used it afterwards. He'll spend some time teaching my sister and I how to use it.

I had to take a break from my Christmas knitting, so I've started and completed my first item for Dulaan 2007: a yellow scarf. Sorry, no photos yet. Next post...

Updates...

As promised, here are some updates:
Work has been really busy: my partner-in-crime gave birth to a 10 pound baby girl (yes, you read right, ten pounds!) two weeks ago, so now I have to hold the fort for her until she returns from maternity leave in about six months.

My sister and I haven't attempted anything yet to salvage grandpa's sock knitting machine. Instead, we spent time reminiscing about him using it, and about other knitters in the family. We also spent a bit of time researching, and found out that we have a Model 400, manufactured by P.T. Légaré in Montréal.

On the knitting front, I have joined the Dulaan 2007 project. Noticed my button? I have committed to knit five items, but of course will knit more (after I'm done with my Christmas knitting). I'm pretty sure that we will reach our goal of 10,000 items by the end of winter, and I look forward to see our progress on Ryan's blog. For those of you who are not familiar with the project, have a look at this link.

As you may have heard, we had a few snowflakes in Toronto already. Of course, nothing like in New York, but still got cold enough to get Sophie shivering a bit. I knitted her a sweater and she gave me this look and said: "What kind of a sick joke is this? You want to keep me warm with this?"

So sorry!

I'm so sorry dear readers, I never meant to neglect you....
Time seems to have been multiplying by four recently. What felt like a week ago since my last post has turned out to be a month! I will catch up this weekend, I promise!

Various updates...

This is what is left of my grandfather's knitting sock machine. Yes, sock knitting is a family obsession.
My sister and I were so excited when our dad told us that the elusive machine had been found in my uncle's attic, and was ours if we still wanted it. He warned us we'd have a lot of work to do in order to get it back into working shape, but we didn't expect it was in such bad condition. However, we'll do our best to restore it, and hopefully be able to use it. Any advices are welcome at this point!






Since my last post, I had a chance to complete two projects: a scarf, and yet another pair of socks. Both will be Christmas gifts. The stitches are not showing that well on this picture, but I think it's recipient will be happy to wear it in cold Ottawa, while walking the dogs. Hey, maybe I should knit matching ones for the dogs too!

The sock looks a bit weird at the toes because I rolled whatever was too long underneath (and with a size 5 shoe, that's a lot). It really looks like it's finished square at the toes, but it's not ( I was just too lazy to take another picture). I have started another pair of cabled socks, but the cable is a bit longer.

So that's what I've been up to, in case you were wondering. That and lots of sleeping. I feel like my body is fighting a cold or something.

First meme

I hadn't checked my blog list in a few days, and I just noticed today that I have been tagged by KB for a meme. This is actually the first time, so here goes:

1. One book that changed your life: Agaguk by Yves Theriault (it was more the way the teacher read it to us that had an impact on me).

2. One book that you've read more than once: Against Nature by Joris-Karl Huysmans (an exploration in decadence and amazing descriptions)

3. One book you'd want on a desert island: I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles (I read it over a period of about two months, and with a few interruptions so I'd like to read it without interruptions).

4. One book that made you laugh: Parler croquant by Claude Duneton (sorry, no translations available on this book about some hilarious uses of the French language)

5. One book that made you cry: Life Before Us by Romain Gary

6. One book that you wish had been written: The key to instant happiness

7. One book you wish had never been written: all the "how to build a bomb" type of books

8. One book you're currently reading: Knit Lit (too)

9. One book you've been meaning to read: The Instant Millionaire: A Tale of Wisdom and Wealth by Mark Fisher ( but really, how much fun can it be to read about finances?)

10. Tag 6 people: Charles, Jason, Bamboo Sticks, Cheryl (Out of the box), Celtic Knitter, Roadside ( I'm cheating here, as KB already tagged him).

Frustrating lace attempts

I finally decided it was time for me to try lacing. Try is the key word here. After spending some time selecting a pattern I'd like, and that wouldn't be too complicated, I decided on Caribbean Scarf. Seemed easy enough: some knit, some purl, knit 3 together, yarnover, nothing I haven't done before. One my first attempt, I noticed I had 40 sts on instead of 41 after a few rows ( it was my swatch). Second attempt, same results but further along. No big deal, I'll frog it and start over. Third attempt, after about eight rows I had 3 sts missing. That's it, I'm laced out for today!

Another pair of socks

Look what just came off my needles. Yes, another pair of socks, and for me too! The yarn I used is called Klassik, and it's from Stahl. I'm sure the in-laws will appreciate that this yarn was made in Romania. At least Sandra will...

The amazing Exploding Diet Coke...

I get home and see a suspicious stain on the floor, next to the fridge. What could it be? I open the door, and find that mess. A closer look, and I find the perpretator....
I guess my fridge is so cold that the Diet Coke froze.

and another baby hat...

Baby hat

I've noticed that the woman whose job I'll be taking over when she's on maternity leave, has really been gaining weight recently, and looks increasingly tired. The baby is due around the canadian Thanksgiving (October 10th, I believe), but I'm convinced she's not gonna make it to that date. So I've decided to start knitting things for the baby for a while. Here's a little hat.

Simple Stripes socks

This week's hot weather has not slowed down my knitting much. I managed to complete yet another pair of socks, this time with Knit Picks Simple Stripes in Blue Jeans. This pair will be a Christmas present for one of my sisters. The heel looks a bit weird on this picture because of the way it was laying on the branches of my dwarf lilac bush. The weather was somewhat cloudy, which explains the washed-out quality of the picture.

Next project!

Ball winding, and surfing pup

Look at the fun I had this weekend with my new toys. I had a few skeins that needed to be winded into neat little balls, including Charles' yarn (still haven't decided on a lace pattern for it). That's about the only exercise I had this weekend, except for a dip in the pool.













Speaking of dip in the pool, I think you'll agree that Sophie has recovered well from her broken toes...

Great buys day

Yesterday was a great stash enhancement day. I went to Romni Wools for their summer sale, and found a basement full of bargains. I bought enough DGB Confetti yarn (at $3.75 a ball) to make five pairs of socks. My husband wasted no time pointing out the colours he prefers, should I be tempted to knit him a pair or two.



I also bought a wool winder and a reeling machine. I had been envious of Kenny's since he blogged about it (June 02 entry) , and I have been purchasing a lot of skeins in the past few months. This will certainly come in handy. I also bought a book of traditional lace shawls. I may have found a project (not too complicated) in there to use Charles yarn.

Late last night, I also finished the second Socks That Rock pair of socks. The left sock is with Seal Rock colour, and the right sock is in Carbon Dated. I really like knitting this yarn, and I like the colours as well. I only wish the colourways would not make stripe patterns, and the colours would be spread all over the sock.

Sophie update

Sophie's bandage has been removed, and her paw seems to be healing well. In order for her not to lick the wound, and to allow it to dry, she was given a cone to wear. The plastic apparatus was making her quite disoriented, not to mention frustrated. After another visit to the vet, she was outfitted with an "Elizabethan collar". This collar is not as rigid, and can be worn up or down. Her frustration level has gone down a bit, and she can walk around the house with dignity... well, almost.

In knitting news, I completed the Socks That Rock socks in "Carbon Dating", and have started a new pair in "Seal Rock".

Cool Buddha Tonic Yarn!

Look at the amazing yarn I got in the mail today! This picture really doesn't do justice to the richness of the colors, sadly so (my camera really sucks). Charles at Cool Buddha Tonic dyes his own yarns. He is quite multi-talented, as you can see yourself from his blog. He also included a handmade card, which I'm tempted to frame and hang in my new office.
I'm not quite sure what I will be knitting, but I'm sure it will be for me. The beautiful shades of lavender, lilac and purples in this yarn are just my favourite! There is a feeling of sweetness to it, and Charles, quite appropriately named it Sweetness Memories. I just love the names he comes up with for his yarns!

Broken toes...

On Thursday afternoon, Sophie and the sitter went to a pet store to pick up treats and other things. As they were leaving the store, a loud thunder freightened Sophie, and she ran into an oncoming shopping cart and hurt her paw. By the time they got home, it was bleeding a bit, and was swollen. We took her to the vet when we got home, and she had two broken toes, and an exposed wound. We had to try to keep her from running, and putting too much weight on it, and let me tell you it wasn't easy. It's a good thing she has plenty of chew toys to chew her frustrations away! This morning, I took her back to the vet to get her bright lime bandage changed, and they made this cute bandage with a little heart on it. I love the staff there, they're so friendly and caring. I have to go back on Wednesday, and the vet will decide then if she needs to be bandaged for another two more days or not. Wish us luck!

New Socks That Rock yarn

After a great first day at my new job, I get home and find this in my mailbox. What more could I ask for?

Sorry socks, not much knitting tonight, I'm pooped!

New job, Socks That Rock, and garden pictures...

Don't you just love it when you get a job interview on Thursday, and get a call on Friday to start work on Monday? Yes, it did happen to me! I was hoping to get a week off to get a few things done, such as changing to my summer tires (yes, I do know it's almost July soon). At least I know I can look back, and not regret what I've done with my time off. I went to St Louis to see Cinder, the hairless chimpanzee, I went to Dominican Republic, did plenty of knitting, and started this blog (which I intend on still updating, even when I'll be busy, just not at the same pace), visited historic houses in the city, went to museums when it's not busy and truly took my time to appreciate the artwork, read books I had started but never finished. Yup, I'm ready for this new challenge!

This week, I almost finished knitting a pair of socks with my Socks That Rock yarn. This yarn knits up real well, and almost has a stretch to it, once knitted. I think these will go to my sister for Christmas, as she hinted she really likes this yarn. I might also buy her a few skeins, but with two kids, she has less time than I do to knit, or crochet ( we learned to crochet, and knit at the same time when we were kids, but I always preferred knitting).



Leaving you with a few pics that were taken in the Yo-Yo Ma Bach Music Garden around Harbourfront. I love walking around there. It almost makes you forget you're in the middle of the city...

Summer!

The weather was warm, the water was cool...
What more could you want?

Koigu socks done!

My Koigu socks are done, and I couldn't be happier with the colors. Even the concrete bunny that moved in my lavender patch (still waiting for first and last month rent cheque, by the way, Mr. Bunny!) can't believe the colors, and scratches his head (mind you, with his backpaws)! I would certainly not hesitate to buy this yarn again, and I can't wait to see if the colors are still as "punchy" after a run or two in the washer.

Next project? Well socks, of course! I'm just dying to try my Socks That Rock yarn, not to mention that I ordered another two skeins of two different colors.

Love my air conditionning today!

Koigu socks progress

This is the sock I had to start over. I had under-estimated the width of my foot, and ankle, thus making it kinda snug all around. Nevertheless, I still love the colorways, and it's taking me a bit longer to knit because I keep stopping to admire the colors.
I have noticed a change in my knitting habits and/or philosophy since I'm not working. Knitting used to be a way for me to relax, to get rid of the stress after a long day at work. I preferred uncomplicated and rather quick projects, without much caring about the yarn type or color. A plain scarf in one color was my favorite thing to knit, and I knitted plenty for a local women's shelter.
These days, I am more attracted to (or at least I like to think I do) slightly more complicated projects, or stitches (yes, I know my last and current socks were as basic as it gets). I've also noticed that I tend to appreciate the yarn color and texture a lot more than I used to. I'm not as concerned about the quantity of knitting I get done, as much as the quality of my knitting. In general, I enjoy my knitting a lot more, and get more satisfaction out of it

They're done!

I have finally completed the Parade socks in Checkers! They're a bit big on me, which means it will fit the recipient perfectly! She'll have nice warm toes on Christmas Eve (hint: French Canadians open their gifts on Christmas Eve, so sorry Sandra, they're not for you).

I have also completed Sophie's blanket, but unfortunately she wasn't quite in the mood for posing, resulting in a poor quality picture. You can see a bit of the texture towards the bottom of the image, but that's about it.

Socks that Rock yarn is here!

On Friday, I received my Socks that Rock yarn, and decided on the spot this will make amazing socks for MOI! I just love that yarn and the colors just rock.
I got really jealous of Kenny's swift and ball winder, so I started looking on the net for some. I found this amazing winder made out of LEGO! What an awsome idea! I might build my own if I don't find one at a reasonable price.
Oh and by the way, Chihuahuas Rock too!

Couldn't wait anymore

I just couldn't wait anymore for new yarn. I just had to have some! So, Sophie and I got on the TTC (no longer on strike, thank you!), and went to Lettuce knit. I was looking for some Socks that Rock, but little did I know, it was all long time gone. Since I had been envying socks out of Koigu, and Trekking from other people's blog all winter, I decided it was time to indulge. Unfortunately, the colors have a bit more punch than on the picture (the lighting in my condo sucks big time). I just can't wait to start knitting a pair of socks for MOI. Yes, this time I'm knitting for myself!

When we came back from our little excursion, there was a note in our mailbox to advise me that I got a package. It was finally my yarn from Knit Picks. I'll be able to finish Sophie's blanket, and then move on to mostly socks during the summer.
Speaking of Socks, I'm within an inch of finishing the socks in Parade Checkers. I'll try to take a picture outdoors this time, in order to get a more accurate color and better lighting.

Still waiting...

Yes, I am still waiting for both yarns to arrive. At least I got a shipment confirmation from Knit Picks. What I got from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, in terms of acknowledgment, is an e-mail from PayPal saying that :"Your package will be shipped by PayPal Shipping with U.S. Postal Service!". Three hours later, I got a second e-mail and this time it says:"Blue Moon Fiber Arts Inc. has cancelled the shipping label for the reason below: Label Did Not Print". No further details were given, so I'm not sure if further label printing efforts will be made or not, or if another method of shipment will be used. I'm considering getting on my bike and going to Lettuce Knit, just to make sure I do get some Socks That Rock yarn. I'll just get a different colorway.

Pooch of the month

Here is Sophie's claim to fame: she's Pooch of the month in City Dog, a magazine available at most veterinary clinics in Toronto. I'm not sure if she will be in the printed Summer issue, or if she's only in the online issue, but either way she seems quite happy (and still down to earth, so far). The cats, they don't care either way...

In knitting news, I'm still waiting for the Knit Picks yarn to arrive in order to complete Miss Fame's blanket. Now that the air conditioner has started in the building, it got a bit cooler in the appartment, and the little canine is looking for warm spots. She was even trying to hide under the blanket when I was knitting it. Mind you, the lazy dog might have just wanted to find a darker spot where she can have a quiet nap.

Almost forgot! I ordered some Socks that Rock yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The color is called Cobblestone County. When I saw the colors, I understood what the fuss was all about. I just can't wait to get it. Oh and just so that nobody gets their hopes up, I'm making socks for myself, thank you!

Running out of yarn!

Aaaaaah! I'm running of yarn for Sophie's blanket. I have less than a quarter of a ball left, and it's clearly not enough to complete the blanket. I have placed an order with Knit Picks, and I really hope they still have the same lot number. One ball might be enough, but I've ordered two just to be safe. Better be safe than sorry.

In the meanwhile, I've been working on the Parade socks in Checkers (actually the sock in at the top of the page). They will go in my Christmas presents bin, but I have an idea of who the recipient will be. For obvious reasons (she reads my blog once in a while), I can't tell. Hopefully she will be surprised when she gets them.

Dulaan items have arrived

I received an e-mail from Canada Post to advise me that my package has reached it's destination. Yay!
Now let's start on my 2007 contribution...

Sad, sad pup

Wednesday morning, I took Sophie to be spayed. Late afternoon, I got a call from the vet's office to let me know everything went well and she was ready to go home. She was such a sad puppy for the rest of the day. I don't think I've ever seen her that quiet since I got her.

While I was waiting to hear from her surgery, I started a new blanket for her in Knit Pick's Palette Hyacinth. For some reason, I got a quick start on it, and seemed to be knitting faster than usual (yes, stress was a factor). Since she's been quieter than usual, I have been able to get quite a bit done on it, but this morning she decided she'd give me some help with it...

Dulaan items sent!

Yay! I have completed my scarf and sent all my Dulaan items for 2006 this morning. I'm sending two scarves, one pair of mittens, and five pairs of socks ( two pair were knitted by my mom). Unfortunately, my camera is not co-operating, once again. It's not much this year, as I only heard of the Dulaan Project in March, but I intend on knitting at least twenty items for 2007. I have downloaded a few free patterns, and I'll try to send various items. I'm not quite sure which item is mostly needed, but I also plan on doing a bit of websurfing, and learn more about Mongolia, the people, and their culture. I'd like to send items that are to their liking. For example, the number three has a special meaning (reflecting the three sided aspects of the Universe like past- present- future or beginning- continuation- end or sky- earth- man), so I intend on including trios in the items: three stripes, three diamond shapes, etc. Here's are three examples of triad poems' paradox:

Three endless
Skies are endless,
Wisdom is endless
Stupidity is endless

Three treasures
Knowledge is supreme treasure
Children are highest treasures
Material things are lowest treasures

Three blues
Blues is the endless skydom
Blue is rainwater in a pond
Blue is water in flowing river

Scarf for Dulaan project

The deadline for the 2006 Dulaan project is arriving soon. I have completed a scarf, and I'm working on completing another one within the next day, and finally send my box in, and proudly add my Dulaan Project button. I'm having some problems with uploading pictures with my camera yet again. Hopefully I can figure it out before I send my box in and be able to post the scarf I'm working on. It's a basket weave pattern, and the yarn is old rose.

This weekend I was helping my sister packing (moving up in the world), and inherited some yarn I'll be able to use for Dulaan 2007. There's four balls of acrylic (I'm not a yarn snob, and will knit acrylic), and at least seven balls of merino wool in various colors. Her stash consists of six large plastic bin, packed in tight. She mostly crochets, but in the past few years have re-discovered the joys of knitting. She has shown some interest in the Dulaan project for 2007. Like our mom and myself, she always has some project on the go for local charities.

Adopted a llama

Meet my adopted llama, Mamma. She just smells like a lavender patch, and eats nothing but purple grass. You can feed her all you want, she just loves it!

adopt your own virtual pet!

I'm sure many knitters dream of having their own sheep, llama or alpaca farm, but not be directly involved with the work required. My sister and I do! We'd love to have our own sheep farm in the country that would supply all the yarn we'd sell in our yarn shop in the city. Not realistic, but sure would be nice to have.

One of the things to do on my "when I'm on my severance package" list (still enjoying being unemployed) was to visit an alpaca, sheep, or llama farm for a day. I remember, quite a few years ago, my husband and I spent a weekend in a gourmet inn in Colingwood. He said had he known a $3 visit to a sheep farm would make me that happy, he wouldn't have spent the money on the inn. It was a fantastic day(and weekend too, thanks hubby) and I'd love to do it again!

Socks for the Dulaan Project, and visiting a Burmese

I must admit, I got a bit bored of knitting preemie hats (a dozen so far) and knitted a pair of socks that I'll send to the Dulaan Project , along with other knitted items. At first, I thought the picture was out of focus, but after the fourth picture, I realised that it's just the colors giving this illusion. The colors on the close-up picture are more accurate, for some reason.














Sophie and I spent yesterday at my friend Laurence's. She owns a Burmese named Tammy. It was just amazing how gentle such a big dog can be, and how careful she was when playing with Sophie. We all had a blast!

Knitted motorcycle

While surfing the net, I found a picture of a knitted motorcycle by Theresa Honeywell.
This is pretty cool! She has also knitted tattoos, power tools, a toolbelt, and a machine gun. I wonder what the next project will be...

Preemie hats count

So far, only six.
I have been busy with Sophie, my 5 month old Chihuahua: training her to overcome her separation anxiety. So far it has not been so successful, and I must practice every day. She's so compact, that I'm used to take her with me everywhere it's acceptable (no, not doing the Paris Hilton thing, Celtic Knitter :P. She gives Chihuahua owners a bad name). Also, she's just so excited to discover the world, that I can't help but wanting to expose her to as many different environment as possible (apparently good for socialisation). My vet says she's well socialized, and doesn't display any of the yappy little dog's more stereotypically unpleasant behaviours (shaking, whining, yapping, etc.), but I'd like her to be a bit more independent and learn to stay by herself. Maybe she needs a hobby. Hmmmmm.....knitting?

What are you knitting for the Brangelina baby?

This image from Salon reminded me that I better start knitting something for the baby before it's arrival in this celebrity crazed world. One question though: What is appropriate? What is considered too much, or too little?
I know! Here's my plan: from now until the birth of the Brangelino I will be knitting preemies hats. After the birth, I will take them to a local hospital. If I knew how to start a knit-along, I would, based on this idea, but I don't. Feel free to use this idea!

Basil's socks are finished!

Nathalie is trying on her husband's socks. Yup, they're way too big for her, so they'll fit. Actually, I have casually coaxed a few people to let me draw the outline of their foot, just so I can have a proper size when I knit them socks. I still have a few missing, but I know they wear similar, or same size as others.
I have started another pair of socks, this time in Parade (Checkers is the color). Even though this yarn makes me feel like I'm lazy, I really like not having to change the colors myself, and mostly, not having a bunch of yarn ends to take care of once the socks are completed. Oh well, life doesn't have to be complicated...

More yarn!

Yesterday, I got received a package from Knit Picks. This time, I ordered: two balls of Parade in Plum, four balls of Simple Stripes (two in Vinyard, and two in Storm), and two balls of Dancing in Jig. The Jig is a bit brighter than I expected, but I'm sure it's not too bright for the person I'm planning to knit socks for.
I better stop buying sock yarn, otherwise I'll be knitting nothing but socks for the next few months. Not that there's anything wrong with socks!

Poem from a friend

If you are feeling kinda blue
I have a special tip for you
Don't get in a special snit
Just grab a needle and knit, knit, knit

If you should knit a special gift
And it's returned and starts a tift
Don't hesitate to send it here
Where it will be cherished, my dear.

My friend Mary sent this to cheer me up after the beautiful shrug I knitted for my mother-in-law's birthday was returned. Apparently, she's too old to wear something like that. The funny thing is that Mary is actually 77 and loved the shrug when she saw it in an e-mail I sent. I really like the shrug but just the sight of it gets me mad, and quite frankly, Mary will appreciate it much more. I'll even leave the brooch that's currently on!

Basil's socks

Basil's socks are coming along great. They will not be needed next week, as the surgery has been rescheduled. Nevertheless, I'm still working on them. As you can see, Sophie and I enjoyed a walk in the park, looking at the blooms.

Technical problems resolved (well, almost)

I finally figured out that the problem is caused by my USB connection on my PC. Not sure how to permanently fix it (I could only download to PC by using a different USB port), but one thing for sure is I need more USB ports on this PC.
Anyway, to make a long story short, here's a pic of my completed Dancing socks (I borrowed a patch of my sister's garden). They hang a little uneven on the grass, thanks to Sophie who had ti stick her head in the picture. Two people already hinted that they would not be upset if they would appear under their Christmas tree this year. Who knows, maybe I'll order more of that yarn next time.
During our afternoon walk, Sophie and I discovered a wonderful patch of blue flowers in the park. This would make for a great setting to display the progress on Basil's socks (providing Sophie behaves long enough for me to take pictures).