Very Special Trekking FO

I finished the Trekking "Fall" socks for the Family Sock Challenge. These are a special pair of socks. I was knitting them when my mom passed away. She recently lost an unfair, "too long" struggle with MS. I don't call it a battle, because she never had a fair chance to fight back. I had already picked the yarn for this special person (who was also special to my mom), but they are now even more meaningful to both of us. I'm hoping to find a pair of cool clogs in Amsterdam to bring back for her to go with the socks.

Vigil Bag Before and After

I finished the purple bag. I might actually carry this one for a while. I would also like to try the groovy Fake-a-gamo Bag. But, I think the straw/rattan hardware is a must. I have no clue where I could find that. A quick search brought back nada.

Lovely Lace and Trekking Fall

I promised to post the yarn I purchased at Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge last week. The above pic is Lucy's hand dyed yarn. As you can see, I've started "Simply Lovely Lace Socks" designed by Karen Baumer in Interweave Knits Spring 2006. It's light, bright, and fun to knit.


Everything but the toe... Trekking Fall Sock #1 is all but finished. This is another sock for the Theresa's Family Sock list.

Hi Secret Pal

Hi Secret Pal - It's so nice to "meet" you! Here's some info about me:
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I've been doing a lot of socks. So, I love sock yarn. If I had to name one overall favorite fiber, I would have to say Alpaca - Yum! I like all natural fibers and dyed yarns in unique colors.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a fold over bag for my needles and notions.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for over 15 years, but I took 11 years off while my son was younger (he's 12 now.) I started back in December 2004 and went CRAZY.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Cinnamon, Vanilla, Pumpkin spice, apple pie

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
There's just nothing like dark chocolate!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I play the piano. I like to draw, but haven't done it in a long time. I don't spin, but really love watching other people do it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have an iPod. I like all kinds of music. But, I favor alternative rock.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love most colors in the right combination. I tend to gravitate to purple and green.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a husband, Doug and a son, Alex. We have a yorkie named Lucy, a lovable cat named Linus, and a fish named Bucky.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear all of the above when I'm in Maine. Here in Florida, it's a little toasty for mittens and hats.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I dubbed this the year of the sock. But, I also love felting bags. Sweaters are great, too. I go through many different knitting moods. I would like to knit a lace shawl in the near future.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, a felted bag, sleeveless summer sweater

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely...doesn't everyone? There is nothing more valuable than a person's time.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use straight rosewood or bamboo DPNs. Love Addi Turbo circulars.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I plan to get one soon.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My mom taught me years ago. But, she couldn't work patterns, so I made a lot of long scarves. I took lessons in my 20's.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
1 year old

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't subscribe to any magazines. I'd rather check them out and buy if there's a pattern I like. There are a few books on my wish list. But, I have a HUGE backlog of patterns I'd like to try in the books I already have. I would love to get a hold of a book that had interested heel patterns for socks. I haven't seen such a thing.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to learn to spin and dye.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
You bet. Size 7.5 US.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 3.