Monkey Off My Back

I finished the Sockapalooza sock! I made Monkey from Knitty in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the colorway Mother Lode. The yarn was soft and wonderful to work with and the colors worked out beautifully. The pattern was interesting-not too easy yet not too confusing. I can't wait to mail them and see my partner's reaction. Now I am going to make a pair for me.
By the way, I saw on someone's blog a pair of sock blockers that they had made from a plastic place mat. I wish I could remember whose it was so I could thank them. I traced a comfortable sock onto paper, transfered it to the mat and cut out the shape twice. It worked great and the socks look so much better blocked.

Shenandoah National Park

My husband and I just got home from a long weekend vacation in Shenandoah National Park. It was Wildflower Weekend and we went on a beautiful Ranger led wildflower walk. We also did a few easy hikes. We stayed at the lodge at Big Meadow-a little rustic but very authentic. The food was great and the weather was perfect. I brought my sock but it was just too complicated. I needed something mindless for the long drive down and sitting in front of the fire in the great room at the lodge. I started the Cropped Raglan Sweater from Lion Yarn using the new Cotton Ease in taupe. I got a good bit done and it was a perfect project-simple stockinette. We had a terrace and it was great sitting outside and knitting. At dusk lots of deer came to graze right in front of our room. Now I have to force myself to finish the socks for my swap pal. I joined the Knitters Tea Swap and got my pal. Her preferences are a lot like mine so I should have no trouble finding some things she will like. This was one of my favorite swaps last year and I’m so glad I can do it again.

Sample Sale

Sometimes a sample sale can be as much fun as a yarn sale. Last week I went to a Sportsac sale in Manhattan. They handed out huge plastic bags to fill as you walked in. Needless to say I filled it. Hopefully there is a new knitting bag among all this. Also a good pocketbook to take to work.

I started the Boteh scarf from Interweave Crochet. It is a lot of fun to make. I'm really pleased with the current issue of the magazine. I don't crochet too often but this unusual scarf appealed to me. I may make a few other things. There is a great tote and a few interesting sweaters.

Very Afraid

First, I haven't yet heard from the person who is knitting my Sockapalooza socks. Should I be afraid, very afraid? I know I am definitely worried. If you haven't emailed your partner don't leave him or her in suspense. Just let them know you exist. I've emailed the person I am knitting for and she has replied.

The next news is that I’ve decided to make Monkey from Knitty for my partner using Lorna’s Laces Shepard Sock in color number 74, Mother Lode. It seems like a lot of us are making it. Here is a picture at three repeats. I’m a little past that now. I’m using two circulars and it is working out well so far. Of course, it is a long time to August and I may decide on something else. But for now I’m having fun with these.

Decisions, Decisions

I went to my lys yesterday to get sock yarn for my Sockapalooza swap pal and came home with these. The brown and gray is Regia. The others are Lorna's Laces Mother Lode and Purple Club. Okay, the purple is probably for me. I still don't know which yarn or pattern to use. My partner wasn't too specific so I can probably knit any interesting pattern but she did say she likes subdued colors. I may make more than one pair and decide then. It is hard to tell how things will look before they are actually knit up.

Secret Pals

I finished the scarf for my International Scarf Exchange secret pal and sent it out last Friday and four days later she got it. She wanted it a little wider and I made five repeats instead of three and it came out a little short so I included another scarf made from Morehouse Merino in pink and green shades. I forgot to take a picture of it. I just used a pattern from Barbara Walker and knit until the yarn was used up. I also included some healthy goodies like dried cranberries, chamomile tea, and Scharfenberger chocolate nubs. I was so glad to hear that she received it. This is my second time in this exchange and it is so much fun.
Now I can concentrate on Sockapoolaza 4. I’ve gotten my secret partner and am going to Modern Yarns today after work to find some perfect sock yarn. I’m still not sure which pattern to use but I am leaning towards Monkey Socks from Knitty. I’ve wanted to try them for some time.
Here is a picture for Project Spectrum April/May. Last weekend I went to the MET to see the new Greek and Roman Galleries and then walked in Central Park. This beautiful tree was right near the path.