So while the first sock, didn’t have enough stretch, this sock seems to fit the bill.  Much stretchier for sure, it’s called Fish Ladder Socks.  I don’t care much for the name, but it does make a beautiful sock.  I think this one’s the winner.

 

I got my last club installment in the mail yesterday and this one is interesting. First of I love the blue colorway, but really I have to knit this pattern. It’s by Cat Bordhi and you know I’ve held off on getting the book because I’m really a sock knitting traditionalist, but since this pattern has shown up on my doorstep, I’m intrigued.

I didn’t renew my club membership. While it was fun, it seemed costly, especially when I only used 1/2 of the patterns and the if I did it over I may not have used the first one.  I have knit 3 of the yarns - using 1 of the patterns provided and will knit 2 more of their patterns and I think for the 4th installment I finally picked out a pattern. Maybe. I got stalled when I couldn’t find just the right pattern.

The first of the two Firebirds has risen…

Unfortunately while I’m classifying this under mishaps, I’m not really counting it as real mishap though because I like it and it looks nice. I was about 3 inches away from finishing the cuff when I saw it. If you notice… I can’t seem to read far enough in the directions and just knit the back in plain stockinette instead of continuing the pattern.

Whoops. Fits great though.

Oh happy days!!! I got my new Socks That Rock kit and while I liked the others - I’m really super happy pleased with this one. I love the colors - it’s lightweight and I even like the pattern, which gives you the top up or top down method. I can’t wait to cast this baby on… I’m off to find my ball winder and swift. If you want to see to see the new yarn click more. I don’t want to spoil the surprise for someone who may not have gotten theirs yet.

~ Madame Purl

(more…)

Yesterday the mail brought a wonderful surprise - my Monkey Socks from the monkey sock swap. Whohoo… plus a ton of other goodies. Dawn really spoiled me… much to my delight. I loved everything and the socks fit perfect. The color was wonderful and she did a wonderful job knitting them.

Thank you so much Dawn for all the wonderful gifts and the wonderful pair of socks.

~ Madame Purl

I love the 40’s station on XM stereo. I listen as often as I can and today they played “It Might As Well Be Spring” (sung by Dick Haymes, who I agree should be the only one singing that song) and I can’t get it out of my head. It’s from the 1945 version of the movie State Fair and this song was written by Rogers and Hammerstein. I think maybe because my big trip to head east, see friends, and do things fibery is coming up. But “I’m as restless as a willow in a windstorm…” I wish I could say one of the other lines “I’m as busy as a spider spinning day dreams,” but alas only knitting today.

Ok - so here are the two toe boxes of the Socks That Rock - using a 40 inch Addi Turbo, which after using my Knitpicks seems very un-pointy. I did actually get the size 0 needle replacements from Knitpicks today. Still love their customer service. Anyay, I do love these colors knitted up - in the skein I was like hmmm… I don’t know. I mean I really don’t know if I would’ve picked this one above all other of this style, but in the ball, knitted YES…. it does rock after all.

Anyway, I’m putting them down now until the plane trip when I NEED something to really focus on. They fit my toes - I’m doing the medium size. I figured when Pat was doing the medium size I was all clear for that one. Sounds good? Good.

Also, let me just say a big thanks to Sue who set me straight on what a bladder -fucus is… you know I had no idea. Anyway it’s a type of seaweed. Good to know in case it comes up on Jeopardy.

~ Madame Purl

So I think it’s safe to post my Sock that Rock - I’ve seen this colorway on not only blogs (with lots of nearly done socks) but also in the new Interweave Knits.

Here is the skein -

And I think much better in the ball.

It’s so soft, but I’m wondering how it will hold up as socks. I guess we’ll see. I’ve got it in two balls and have casted on. This will be a good airplane knit since I’m doing them 2 at a time magic loop method. No needles to fly off and hit someone poking an eye out. Oh no that wouldn’t be good. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped a needle and have been crawling around to get it.

This is Walking on the Wild Tides and the inside ball message says - Bladder-fucus. Hmmm… not sure what that means.

~ Madame Purl.

So I’m feeling much better today and this morning we decided to head out to the eye glass shop and pick up my new glasses. They are purple. If you are familiar with the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph you will know the ending - which I’ve decided to take to heart - “But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised when suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.”

They are fun and funky and I think suit me just fine. Excuse my scrubbed face, unruly hair and brows that are about to grow together - this week I’ll work on those.

I also finished up the heel on the Monsoon sock - onto the leg. Yeah. My only complaint so far is that the needles I ordered from Knitpicks in 0 seem to be shedding and leaving little silver flakes on my hands. Bummer, eh?

~ Madame Purl

These Monsoon Socks crack me up. Here it is looking an awfully lot like a mushroom top. I know as it is knitted it starts to appear like ‘um some form of anatomy that I will refrain from speaking of here. Anyway, I’ll stick with mushroom top.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment about the blood pressure. I left off a few things that I probably should have mentioned. At the Dr’s office it was an automatic cuff and they didn’t have me take off my big fleecy sweatshirt. So after a little research and a test involving Monsieur Purl, I’m not nearly as worried.

Monsieur Purl had perfect blood pressure today during a routine physical. An experienced nurse took the blood pressure and mentioned they take it different when you have a sweatshirt on. After that we headed over to Target where we both tested and came up with the same number. I came home and after a little research. I found out that those automated machines may not be as accurate or calibrated often enough. Plus, I’m not sure it fit my whimpy right arm, as it nearly squeezed me to death. Although my suspicions have eased my worry, I’m still going to be getting my exercise on and watching my stress levels.

~ Madame Purl

To avoid second sock syndrome I decided it’s high time to cast on this toe. Sock two is proving to be just as fun as sock one.

~ Madame Purl