A Story of Two Socks

This is a story of two socks...

I'm putting my Finery socks on hold so I can order a 40" size 1 circular needle to knit them Magic Loop. I started them (on size 1.5) and got the first repeat of the pattern done, then realized that they don't look like the pattern photo. After talking with Picnicknits, she explained that the smaller size looks different because of the double yarn overs. Problem is, I wanted socks that looked like the pattern photo. She was very sweet and re-worked the chart on the smaller size so it had a purl stitch running up the middle of the pattern and would match the larger size. But it brought up the stitch count to 68 sts instead of 64. I decided to go a little smaller on the needle size, to make sure they would fit. And now I wait....

But while I'm waiting.....I started my first toe-up sock! I finally was successful in casting on at the toe and knitting up. I tried the "figure 8" and it didn't look so good, couldn't get on the computer to figure out "Judy's Magic Cast On" then finally tried the Turkish Cast On and it worked great! I increased to 64 sts, but then realized that because the foot will be just plain stockinette, I should probably go back and just have 60 sts around the foot. I'm making the Circle Socks, so the pattern is only on the leg. I just thought it would make doing my first toe up sock a little easier without a pattern foot. Now I'm on my way to the gusset! Wahoo!!

Bloody Fine Finery

I woke up this morning at 6:45 a.m. and by 7:00 a.m. I was casting on for my Bloody Fine Finery socks. I saw Picnicknits's newest sock pattern and my little heart skipped a beat! You know when you see a pattern and you HAVE to cast on...just have to...ASAP?! Well, I thought that my Blood Red Malabrigo Sock would be a perfect match for that awesome pattern. I'll post a pic as soon as I can so you can commence with the "ooohs" and "ahhhhs". Until then, just put these two pictures together in your head and enjoy!

Warm Toes

I finally finished Mike's socks! Can't believe I cast these on in October...yikes! I got this yarn for my b-day last year, before Knitpicks started selling it in 100g hanks. Notice the two color dye lots? I really like the darker color better, the dark/light contrast is more pronounced. Mike probably would have never noticed the difference in the socks, but I pointed it out to him anyway. He loves them and doesn't care about the color difference at all.

He's wearing them to work today...wheeeee!!

Ouch!

This is what happens when you're running through the house, chasing your brother to hit him with a pillow while your parents are enjoying themselves on a drive away from home. She hooked her finger on the couch and bent it out sideways. It's a compression break of her right pinkie finger. But don't worry...she's left handed.

She's the first one in the family to get a cast. Cool...and it's purple!

We're still cold...

It's been so cold...really cold, freezing in fact. So last night my man made "Mike-cicles". I guess he sprayed water into the tree and it froze into icicles (I sat inside knitting...go outside? Are you crazy?!). It's almost Noon here, and they're still in the tree and on the grass...that's because it's only 38 degrees outside! Burr!

Say hello to...Lucas!
Justine decided to get another hamster. This guy is a dwarf hamster. He's so soft and cute!! He's still getting used to us so he's a little skittish. He's a fast one...you should see him race around on his wheel!

Geography Bee!!

Justine competed in her school Geography Bee...you go girl! Ok, so she only lasted the first round...she gets that from her mother. We're proud of her for trying her best!

Good-bye Humphrey

Today we buried Humphrey.

He was slowing down the last month or so...we knew the end would be soon for him. Justine was pretty upset this morning, but she's fine now. We had a very nice "ceremony" on the side of the house where he was laid to rest.

Justine's wants a rabbit now...life turns on a dime when you're 10, huh?

Baby it's COLD outside!

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Originally uploaded by brenda.pirie

The nights for about a week now have been cold...this week all the overnight temps will be in the mid to low 20s (except Friday when it'll warm up to 38). Days in the 40s and 50s. BURRR!! What the heck...isn't this Florida?!

I have to admit, I love wearing my knitted stuff. I'm getting "Did you knit that?" a lot. The worst part is getting outside to run or bike. It just ain't happening. The last time I ran, the weather was in the high 40s and I never seemed to warm up during the run. Forget it, I'll stay inside and wait for warmer weather.

And just about every night, Joey runs outside with a cookie sheet, or mug to freeze some water. Um, works just about every night, too. BURRR!!

Just in case you're worried about Jake sleeping in the garage. He has a heating pad under his bed to keep him warm. He seems pretty happy.