I quickly picked some buttons out of the bin this morning. I wanted to post about this sweater before it was completely finished. I was alone most of the weekend, so I decided to work on new project. And work I did. Some bulky wool and size 11 needles (which I didn't even own, I had to borrow) made quick work of the body and sleeves. All I have left is the bottom ribbing and the button bands, so it should be done tonight.

I have not decided if I am going to use any of the above buttons, this sweater might warrant a trip out button hunting. And as for the sweater, it is bulky and has cables. Stay tuned for the big reveal.

It really suck when you realize you haven't been listening to that little voice in your head, telling you to stop knitting. But this time I choose to not listen.

I really like these socks, but they have some flaws. Flaws I choose to ignore, that now are problems. First let me say there is NO problems with the pattern or the yarn, both are amazing and dare I say perfect. My problem is they don't seem to be working together.  This is by far my favorite lace leaf pattern, they really are embossed. It is easy to knit, and moves very fast.

The yarn is Socks That Rock in Falcons Eye. Pretty much the greatest sock yarn around, it has become all the rage in blog land, for good reason. It rocks for one and it is super soft. I could keep ranting about this yarns greatness, but I'll stop. If you haven't felt it, order some.

I am just not feeling this yarn and the pattern together anymore. I love them both so much, but I want better things for each of them. I know I would be happier with some solid Embossed Leaves Socks and some plain socks made with the Socks that Rock yarn. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to realize that. But I am thankful I wasn't knitting both socks at the same time.

Now on to the major problem, the cast on. These socks started with a tubular cast on, but one I was unfamiliar with. It involved slipping every other stitch for two rows. It looks nice, but it isn't stretchy enough. Maybe I slipped the stitches too tight or maybe it isn't the right cast on for my bigger feet. Either way I ignored the fact that it was tighter than it should be, and now they are almost uncomfortable.

So tonight these sock will be frogged and the lovely yarn and pattern will be set aside for another day. Maybe next time I will listen to that little voice a bit sooner.

Yep, another Clapotis. I finished one for my mom last year and I had a chance to wear it over Christmas. I really decided I loved it and needed one for myself. This is one of those projects I don't really want to knit, but I want to wear. Which at Stitches I bought some Brooks Farms Harmony, a mohair wool/silk blend. Every one was was grasping up Primero, but I wanted a more dark dramatic colorway. I am very happy with this:

I don't really intend to blog much about this, I mean we all have seen them. I was bored knitting the first one, but my love of the finished object will keep me going. I decided this will become my new traveling project. Mindless knitting for when I am out and about. So of course I needed a new purse:

I picked this up at Stitches too.  It is the everyday bag from Namaste, and let me tell you it is huge. I love it though, I have always been one to carry around as much as I can. I can even carry around all my normal stuff, my knitting and the D50. All in an awesome shade of green. And now I am about to throw Clapotis in my new purse, because I am out the door.

I guess I didn't say that I'd be missing, so ya, I was gone but I am back again.  I was at Stitches West with Allison. We had a good time together, especially since this was the first time we have met in person. I even got a chance to meet Angela. What can I say bloggin has brought the best people into my life. Now on to what you really want to see:

the yarny goodness. If you would like you can view the entire set here. I went with a list and a purpose and came home with a lot of projects. They was some great stuff to be had even in the midst of all the fuzzy sparkly stuff at the marketplace. Tomorrow I will show you what I have already started. Now I have to get knitting, I've got a lot of yarn to use.

 ....and yes there is quite a bit of sock yarn, what can I say

I sat down Friday night, bored with all my knitting projects. So I thought I would swatch some socks I've wanted to knit. I really had no intention of starting them. Then this happened:

I am starting to think you all are getting tired of my sock knitting. I hope not. I do knit other things I promise. I almost didn't blog about these, cause I am starting to feel like a sock machine.

They were a quick knit, what can I say. I really didn't expend any energy to finish them, it just sorta happened.

info

Pattern: Friday Harbor Socks, Knitting on the Road- Nancy Bush

Yarn: 2 skeins Interlacements Toasty Toes, with a lot left over

Needles: #3 Clover dpns

Time: February 10th-12th 2006

Modifications: The pattern called for sport weight yarn, I used Dk. They fit my feet perfect, I think I might have hit gauge anyway, but I was more concerned about how they fit. I of course knit a short row heel instead of the flap. I really had to fuss with the lace pattern the entire time to get everything to line up. I am not sure if it was the chart or my brain on weekend mode.

This is how the colors look outside. I love these socks, super soft and cozy; plus they are pretty. The colors of the yarn worked out perfect! They do look different from the pattern, not as dainty, but that is ok. On Sunday night I couldn't believe I had completed another pair of socks!

Now I have a question, I having only knit socks for myself can't seem to figure out how to size socks for other people. I have been saying I was going to knit socks for my dad since Thanksgiving. I have his measurements, I am just not sure how much negative ease I should calculate into the pattern. I keep starting socks that are exactly the size of his measurement, but I end up ripping them because they are huge. Help a girl out!