HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2010 IS ALMOST HERE!!

Well, well, well - a long, long time since my last post, eh? So here we are - at the threshold of a new year, even looking at a new decade!! I know, I know - not technically. Technically, I think the new decade starts in 2011, but don't quote me on that, okay? Thanks!

Let's see - still working on the boots, but almost done with the 1st one. Then I have to write it all down in pattern form. Sharon, from Simple Shoemaking, is going to sew them into the insoles, then mount them into the street soles for me. We have worked out a barter for the exchange. She has a really cool product for all you would-be shoemakers out there. It's called Soles With An Edge - it's a street sole with a pre-punched, suede edge that runs perpendicular to the sole, all along the circumference. Can be used for felted and/or knitted boot & shoemaking. You can find a link to her site in my favorites. Beleive me - a look at her webpages will get the gears turning in your head!

Christmas was fine. Got done knitting a few things but still working on alot. The big day is coming up quick - when I tell Ella & Tala I am moving out & into Debbie's house, as a stepping stone to getting a place of my own. I know they won't understand and will be upset, but it's something I havta do - for myself. I need to be out on my own again - it's time. It's been 20 or so years since I've lived by myself and I'm yearning to do so again. But it's going to be very hard to tell them - I just hope & I pray that I choose the right words to do so.

One of these days I am gonna post some more sock patterns - I promise. I recently started knitting cables for the first time, and am really intrigued by felted (fulled) cable purses & bags. I really like the looks of those.

Okey dokey - that's all for now. Everyone out there have a safe & happy New Year celebration. I will personally be home in bed by about 10:30 - Dot and I are going to see Avatar in 3D @ the Imax. Looking forward to it. Hvae a great weekend, folks!

Peace and Harmony in the New Year!!

Suz

WHERE HAS MY PEACEFUL ATTITUDE GONE??

Why, oh why can't I get a grip on my resentments? I know that I shouldn't let Ella get to me so badly, but she does. Over & over I hear about that stupid kitchen faucet, and over & over I tell her that I don't USE the kitchen faucet. Then she insists she wasn't accusing me, and I forever wonder why she brought it up in the first place if she wasn't. SO - I just gotta let it go, right?

Well - hopefully, I can. I'm trying, really. I wanna get past this so I can move on with my life. I will say a special prayer for Ella tonite, in hopes that I can get past this & not bear any hard will.

Okay - enough of that BS. Can you believe it's December already?? And only 19 more days til Christmas! Which means ----- drum roll, please ---- only 16 days til my birthday!! Oh yay - 52 years old. Isn't that special?? NOT!!!! LOL And am I ready for Christmas?? Of course not!

Still working in all my unfinished WIPs. One of these days, one of these days. I did get the legwarmers finished and outta the way. Working on Michael's blanket still. And, of course, now I have decided to try to knit some boots for Hannah. Like the UGG boots that are so popular right now, only in grey. Its an eperiment, so we'll havta see how that goes.

Well, it's movie time - catch ya'll later!!

Peace out!!

I'm Getting There - Slowly But Surely......

But please - don't get Shirley involved with this AGAIN!! LOL I am whittling down the stack of unfinished projects. I have finished one pair of legwarmers for Leslie's mom & I'm about 1/3 of the way done on the other pair. The TTL Mystery Sock KAL will have to be frogged, however - I did not make the heel flap long enough for Hannah's foot. But that has been put on the back burner until I get more stuff done. Michael's afghan will be done this weekend, I hope. I'm tired of making squares, actually - just gonna sew up what I have done, crochet a border on it and call it a day. It's plenty big enough, I believe. Here's a pic of it laid out on the conference table to arrange the squares. I had to take the pic so I'd remember what went where!!


It's really kinda neat, because all I did was knit those diagonal garter stitch dishcloths every which way I could think of, in the primary colors his bedroom is done in. I need to get it done before he's too big to enjoy it! I started in August, now he's 3 months old already!! It's done in I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. 100% acrylic wash & wear - a new mom's best friend!

So - I went to see New Moon. With Hannah, Corbin & their mom. Of course, Hannah loved it but I had really wanted to see *2012*. So I guess me & Corbin will go see that one together. New Moon was okay - I'm just not a big Twilight fan, ya know?? I like Anne Rice's vampires! Anyway - Hannah was thrilled, naturally. Which is good. I'm thinking about making her a scarf like the one Bella wears in the 1st movie while they are playing the ball game. Maybe.

What else? Hmmmmm - can't think of anything right now. So - I'll just leave it at that. Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!! Don't eat too much!

Peace on Turkey Day!!

I Don't Wanna Work, I Just Wanna Bang On The Drum All Day....

That's my song today. By Todd Rundgren. It's playing over & over & over in my head. I don't wanna work today. I'm outta the notion & have been since about 8:30 am. Is it time to go home yet?????

So, what DO I wanna do? Take a nap. Knit. Nap some more. Watch a movie on TV & knit. Go to bed early. It's just one of those days, people. The weather is dreary, it's finally turned see-your-breath cold outside & I guess I'm in hibernation mode.

BUT!!!!! Time's a wastin' as I sit here & blog! I'd best get back to the task @ hand, which is none of the above, unfortunately! LOL

I'll be back shortly with more fascinating insights & updates from the one! The only! The incomparable ME!!!!!!!!!


Peace on earth & goodwill towards all....

WIPs

WIPs - Works In Progress. That's my goal here lately - to get some of my many unfinished knitted projects done & outta the way. I've even been taking pics & posting them on Ravelry. I think the idea in my head is that if they are out there for the public to see, I'll work harder to get them done. Hmmmmm - we'll see if THAT works!! LOL

I've decided that everyone gets something knitted for Christmas ------ next year, 2010. Which means, the way I procrastinate, I should really start next month sometime - knitting for Christmas 2010!! Ya know - it comes the same time & same day every single year and I am never, ever ready for it. That, my dear friends, has got to change!

I am almost done with Kathleen's yoga sox & may post pattern & pics here shortly. They turned out really cool looking & she loves them. Here's a cell phone pic of what they look like:

Well, I really need to do some work. Catch ya'll real soon, ok?

Stay cool & peace.

WHEW!!!!!!

Okay - all I can say is that I'm so full of relief I could fly. Honestly. Hannah passed out cold Sunday & had to be taken to the emergency room. She hit her head when she hit the floor & managed to clip a table on the way down, busting her lip & hitting her hand. No reason why she fainted. So, they run a battery of tests @ the hospital - bloodwork, urine test, heart monitor, EKG, X-ray, CT scan. The whole thing - and could find nothing wrong. Zilch. Nada. Not even evidence of a concussion, altho the doctor said he couldn't rule it out because she had banged the back of her head when she fell.

She gets up Monday and is still very dizzy & has a horrible headache. So Christy takes her to work w/her so she's not alone @ the house. They call Hannah's doctor who suggests taking her to see a neurologist. Which they did @ 1:15 today. And the conclusion is? She has a virus, they think. Can't rule out the H1N1 virus, because she has had the live virus nasal vaccine. She may have fainting spells for 2 more weeks, they said. At least it's nothing serious and I am so grateful to God for that.

I've tried really hard NOT to obsess about it, and let the gravity of the situation lure me into the food. So far, it has worked. And now, most of that worry is over - she just has to be watched for high temps in the meantime. All I can say is - thank you, Lord. I am SO grateful for your presence and your help.

I do wonder what they'll do about school tho - football helmet, elbow & knee pads?

Peace & relaxation.....

Work, work, work.....

Hmmmmm - working, you say?? Then how can she be blogging? Well, that is a good question & one that I'm afraid to answer on the grounds that it may tend to incriminate me!! Just in case ya didn't already know, besides being a knitting fanatic, I also work at the Old Fashion Candy Company. I have to have a jub to support my fiber habit!! LOL But anyways, I wear a lot of hats there, but mainly I am a dreaded bill collector.......yes - you heard/read me correctly. I work in collections at a fundraising company. It is a fabulous place to work and has really great people working there that care about the customers AND their fundraisers. I'ce been here over 11 years now & they will probably havta PUSH me out the door to get me to retire.

What's hard is working here & not constantly munching on all the goodies we have all over the warehouse. Then your general manager comes and plunks a box of microwave popcorn down on my desk and says "damaged". Yay!! Well, I suppose I'll take that home to Ella like I did the other 2 and 1/2 cases of discontinued candy we had last week. It was supposed to be for Halloween, but I notice none of it got passed out!! Hahahaha - guess Ella is keeping it for herself.

But, if you ever need to do some fundraising, check out our website. I'm sure we have something that you will like and that your group will want to sell. That's all the advertising I'm doing now!! LOL

The good news today is that the day is beautiful, sunny and warmer than expected. I walked 2 laps w/Leta today, which is a little over a mile and a half. That is really good for me, considering I've done nothing in the way of exercise for several months now. Glad Leta is working here now, so I can have some motivation. My friend Suzanne, however, is the ULTIMATE inspiration for walking & running!! She just completed the New York City Marathon yesterday!!! Yay, Suzanne!! Way to go! Can I hear a woot-woot for the "other" Suz?? ;~D

Peace & love!!

WORKING

Hmmmm - why is it I havta work for a living? Is it really neccessary?? LOL Wish now I had saved my retirement fund, because I really find the thought of living somewhere remote, on the side of a mountain, perhaps, very comforting & soothing. I wonder if I'm retreating back into my shell? I'm not sdoing the "defense eating" thing, but sometimes I fear that I hide in my knitting. How odd does that sound?? I'm nuts, I know - I guess that's what happens when you forget to take your anti-depressant in the morning. I'm waiting on Tala now to bring me one from home. Maybe I'll be more sociable after lunch - not because of the food, but because I'll have taken the pill by then. It's sad to have to rely on a chemical to balance out your day. Perhaps I need more prayer & less drugs. Not that I abuse them - not by any means. I just really can't put my finger on what my problem is today.

Other than that, and the urge to adopt a beautiful, calico long-hair cat I saw yesterday, I am good. Several of my WIP's are done, and I've cast on for at least 5 more!! Seriously! The Mystery Socks are caught up - the toe clue comes out tomorrow. Which is good, 'cause I really need those #2 needles for my wristwarmers & I don't wanna havta buy more!! I already have TWO sets of #2's, THREE sets of #3's!!

And I have a pumpkin to carve and no idea when I'm gonna do it. Needs to be done by Friday. Maybe I'll do it tonite after church. Or at least get the cleaning part of it done. That would be good. Maybe I'm just feeling a tad overwhelmed this week. That could possibly be it. That may be the whole crux of the situation. Oh well, I'll get over it - I always do. Okay - I really, really need to do some work now!! Better hop to it.

Oh - progress list on WIP's - meant to do that so I could see in writing just everything I'm working on. Let's see here:

Camo hunting sox for Greg - DONE
Camo hunting hat for Greg - DONE
Yoga sox for Kathleen - one DONE, 2nd has yet to be cast on
Pink camo sox for my sister Annie - turned the heel in first sock
Baby afghan for Mysti & Michael - about 4 more squares then all the sewing to do
Mystery Sock KAL - 2 more pattern repeats on ea foot then waiting on toe clue
Mohair Babydoll nightie - DONE
Purple lingerie - nightie is DONE except for finishing touches
Wristwarmers for me - FROGGED (need smaller needle, which means I havta finish a sock or 2.....or 3......LOL)
Julian's scarf & fingerless gloves - working on swatches; can't decide what yarn to use
Legwarmers for Leslie's mom - one partially knitted, but yarn has been bought for both prs
DRAGON SOX - practically non-existent @ this point EXCEPT I actually have bought the yarn for Saphira, Thorn & Gladr; just trying to figure out pattern

I think that's all. Can't think of anything else I'm knitting that can actually be published!! LOL Yup - a girl has gotta have SOME secrets, even in her knitting!!


Peace, kids!!

DISTURBIA

I am seriously disturbed @ the moment. I was on Yahoo for a few minutes to see if they ever found the 6 yr old in CO who they THOUGHT floated away in the hot air balloon shaped like a flying saucer. As if that kinda news isn't disturbing enuff - I mean, what?? Who keeps an INFLATED hot air balloon tethered in the backyard where little kids are playing?? WTH?? Gives new meaning to the word "irresponsible", doesn't it? And now that the balloon is landed, they can't find him. Great.

So you read those bulletins & there at the bottom of the page is a link to a story about the 11 yr old FL boy who got set on fire by a gang of teen miscreants when he tried to stop them from stealing his dad's bicycle. His mom makes a public statement about stopping the wave of violence among our youth nowadays. I totally agree with her altho I have no idea what can be done. I'm not a parent & when I indulge my maternal instincts, it's usually by holding & cuddling babies or helping teenagers with homework. In other words, not much discipline involved or even any "hands-on" parenting. So, I am at a loss there, but then I see another link.........

.....to an article on a group of skinhead teens in NH who hacked a woman to death with a machete!! And slit the throat of her 6th grade daughter & left her for dead!! WHAT IN THE H---???????? What kinda people (do I dare call them people?) do such things? And the news report calls the ringleader of the group "a devout Mormon"!! NOPE!! SORRY!! I don't profess to be of the Mormon faith, but I daresay even Brigham Young would agree that the words "devout Mormon" do NOT belong in the same article as "hacked to death by machete". Not unless they were regarding the victim - which they weren't. What was the reporter even thinking? This skinhead deviant isn't a DEVOUT anything - except murderer.

So now you know why I'm disturbed - and why I don't read the newspaper, or watch the news on TV except very rarely. I'm not trying to shelter myself from the violence, I'm just not gonna let it draw me in like it did today. It's a total waste of precious time and energy. I'm not sure why this world has sordid events like this happening in it, but I'm sure that I do not havta involve myself in it. Now I know why I knit & why I take extra-long weekends just TO knit - it's to escape the madness of it all.

Oh and by the way - vacation was great. Can I go back now?? Or maybe go ahead & move to that mountain top with a goat and a sheep or 2? Ya see WHY I'd like to do that??


Oh, btw again - PEACE!! If you can find it!!

Mystery Sock KAL

Okay then - 1 cuff done, another 1/2 way there. I'm going to try to post a pic here so I can get it to post on Ravelry. We'll see how that goes!! On vacation after today - I can't wait. Going outta town, too - for a little R&R and lots of SERIOUS knitting!! I'm gonna take the laptop w/me - free wireless @ the motel. Who knows - may even blog some more. Okay - here's the pic, wild azz colorway & all!! LOL



What do you think?? Not a very good pic, but hopefully I'll figure out a better way as I progress. See ya'll later!!

Peace!

Mystery Sock KAL

Wow - my first Mystery Sock!! My first Knit A-Long!! I'm excited, so excited! My friend & fellow knitter, Suzanne, texted me today & asked me if I'd like to be involved in the KAL. Of course, when she mentioned it was a sock, I was in. Suzanne said she'd send me a link via email, but of course, I couldn't wait. So I searched out the most likely group on Ravelry, texted her about it and BINGO - that's the one!! It's in the Fans Of Through The Loops forum/group at www.ravelry.com. The first group I've ever joined, too. I only hope it's not too cable-intensive. I can do 'em, but usually don't. As a result, I'm not real cable-friendly or cable-adept!! LOL Well, we'll see how it goes. I've never knit anything before without pictures and at least having some kinda idea what it's gonna look like. I do know what yarn I'm using tho - I'll post pics & progress here on the blog, also. Wish me luck -it'll be my ELEVENTH pair of sox!!

Peace & sox!!

Updates!!

Wow - how long has it been?? 15 days?? I'd like to say I've been too busy to blog, but the truth of the matter is that I've probably just been too lazy. I have made a decision as to my living conditions, and after a horrible argument with Ella over my knitting habits, of all things, I have decided to move out. It won't be until January, but the decision has been made. I will not be told on a regular basis when is an appropriate time for me to knit, in the world according to Ella. It ain't happening, believe me. Let's just say I'm far too old to be told what to do, period, on a day by day basis.

So that's that - 'nuff said. Speaking of knitting, no longer am I satisfied to have just one pair of sox on my needles now. I currently have TWO pairs going at the same time!! LOL And a hat to match Greg's sox, which are done, btw. Also - I'm still not done with the baby afghan & Michael is already here!! Plus - it's getting cooler outside, so Mysti may need it!! Lot's & lot's of WIPs - not enuff time in the world for me to get 'em all done, unless I retire. Or just knit for a living. But I don't guess there's a lot of money in that!!

Well, I just wanted to update a bit. I am working, or I'm supp'd to be, so I'd best get back to it. I do have vacation coming up next week!! YAY!! I'm going outta town & believe me, the knitting will go with me. I can't wait! Okay - back to the grind.



Peace!

AWESOME!!

How totally awesome is this????? I was showing my sister yesterday how she could find my blog just by going to Google search & typing in "dragonsox" or "dragon sox" - she was amazed when I showed her it came up on the FIRST search page. So, just how amazing is it when I typed it in JUST now, 12:53PM CST and it came up FIRST!!!!! Yup, that's right!! This blog AND a subcategory showed up in THE top spot on Google!! And I don't even carry any advertisers or have many followers.

This is probably THE silliest thing in the world for a 50+ year old woman to get excited about, but I must admit I am! I think it totally rocks!

WIP news - the orangeade sock is finished once again, and fixed. Now onward to finishing the baby afghan for Misty. She went into labor a week early and is having baby Michael now. Then the camo sox for Greg, and then finish up some *ahem* personal items I'm working on for a little excursion I'm planning in October. Then onto the sock flat dyeing, followed by the dragon sox line of patterns, which I'm working on part-time, on paper, now. I'll get there, I promise!! LOL Gotta run!!


Peace!!

IN MEMORIAM - LEST WE FORGET - 9/11/2001-9/11/2009

First of all, a quiet moment for those that lost their lives on that fateful day eight short years ago. May their bravery & courage never be forgotten, and may this never happen again on American soil, the good Lord willing. God Bless America!



So - here we are. In the fall of 2009. The nip is in the air of the evening, and my mind is whirling with unfinished knitting projects, Hannah's algebra homework & status in school, MY work which is suffering a bit (that needs to be rectified - pronto) and an upcoming excursion I'm making in mid-October. The "orangeade" sox were done, but somehow I made one bigger than the other. So I had to frog the larger one all the way back to the gussett - BOO!!! The camo stripe sox are 1/2 done (working on the toe now) and now Greg wants a hat to match!! LOL This from a manly man! I already had bright orange for a hunter's cap, but he insists on the camo - so I am not responsible for shots to the head in open season!! ;~)

Well, I suppose that's all for the day, I'd best get back to work. Be sure to check out the newest issue of Knitty!! Awesome sock pattern that starts from the HEEL out - can't WAIT to try it!!


Peace!!

:~(

Stud died sometime yesterday. Poop. I knew it was gonna happen but still - I hate it. And I found out at a particularly bad moment last nite, so I more or less lost it when I saw that he had died. I din't have a burial for him - just put the cage contents into a trach bag & had Tala help me take it out.

Right now I am at work, doing nothing but playing on the internet & avoiding going home until much later. I've had enough of Ella & her smart-ass comments to me, so she might as well learn to like being by herself again - 'cause that's where she's headed. Just as soon as I get my finances straightened out, my ass is outta there. I most certainly will NOT continue to let her say hurtful things to me - not anymore. I realize she's old & cranky, and that she doesn't always feel good. But there is no reason to take it out on me. Period.

So that's where I am today - gotta get a move on soon. Wanna do a little work before I leave, then take off for the laundromat and Target. I HAVE to have a new bra!! Later, peeps!!


Peace out, especially you, ELLA!!

Sad times....

Kinda sad - my gerbil, Stud, is not doing well. I don't think he's long for the world - he just mostly sits in a corner. I can't tell if he's eating anything but his fortune cookie everyday, but he doesn't run over & frantically beg for it like he used to. He just waits until I offer it. He's somewhere close to 4 yrs old, I think - I've had him over 3 yrs and he wasn't a baby when I bought him. I'm a little surprised at how attached I've become to him. But that will be all the pets I'll have for awhile, or at least until I have my own place.

Anyway - that's all I got for today. Peace to all.

New month.....

Okay - it's officially September, so I may be on here less. Not that I'm blogging alot anyways, but I HAD to make a short entry to tell of something wonderful!! When you type either dragon sox or dragonsox into Google search?? My blog is the 7th or 8th listing!! On the first page!! Does that rock, or what??? I must have picked a really good name, or little known name. Not that anyone will be typing that in, anytime too soon!! LOL Well, it'll make it a little easier for me to tell peeps how to find my blog, tho. But to me - it's SO cool that it's listed on that 1st page of search results. Makes me feel special, somehow..........okay, that's kinda lame, but it does.

I hear the boss man headed down the hall - best be about my work then. Til later, children. Remember - Auntie Suz says KNIT FOR PEACE SAKE!! ;~)


Peace!

The end of summer??? So soon??? Waaahhhhh........

Yes, kids - I think Fall is on her way. The weather is SO beautiful - in the 70's, breezy, pleanty of sunshine too, but not so hot - just perfect. Makes me think of colder weather being just around the corner - wpn't seem so silly then that I'm knitting all these sox, will it?? LOL

Yup - just about 1/2 done with my SEVENTH pair. Did I say SEVEN??? Yes, I did - making a pair of thick camo-colored sox for Greg to use when he goes hunting. You won't see 'em much, under the Carhartts, but I think they are so awesome!! I used this yarn from Hobby Lobby, called I Love This Yarn. It's worsted weight, and I used size 6 DPN's. The colorway is Green Camo Stripe & I used Bobby Zeigler's Thuja pattern to make a nice, calf-hugging sock. Take a look:



I love the way the colors striped on the sock - I'll have to remember to start the 2nd one in the same place as this one, so they look the same. After this, tho - I'm gonna dye my sock blank. I've decided. The other sox can wait - because I'll need a pair if it's going to be cooler outside! Toe sox, too - make like the Japanese tabi sox, with the big toe seperate so I can wear my flip-flops with 'em. What is a sock flat, you say?? Well, it's a flat piece of knitting, usually done by machine in undyed sock yarn. You use dyes to paint, dip, splash or pour any design or color that you want onto the flat knitting. Let it dry, then unravel one end & start knitting your sox!! Now, be aware that the design or pattern on the flat will look NOTHING like your actual sock once it's knitted, but that's half the fun, I think. Seeing how the colors are going to end up when it's all said & done.

There'll be photos of the whole process, good ones, I promise. The company that makes the dye I'm gonna use wants pics of start to finish, because they may use them on their website. So - that'll be my next project that involves sox. Okay - better get back to work now!!


Peace!!

Knitting & driving....

No - I'm not gonna admit to knitting while I'm driving, that's crazy talk!! Besides, how could I text & email then??? Hmmmm?? Anyways, you know my knitting is always with me, in my purse. I'll knit a row or 2 while waiting in a drive-thru for a drink, or at the bank - whatever. So, I take Melanie by to get her key from the hubby so she can go to CarX to pick up the truck. I'm putting a few rows on the 2nd orangeade sock (yes - one is done already) and when she comes out, I stick it back into my bag. I back out, and feel something soft slide across my knees. It's my 1/2 knitted sock! Out of the bag & now the yarn is wrapped around the steering column! And it's IN the steering column, where the 2 parts go together for the tilt wheel! WTH?? How did that happen? So we are sitting there, trying to get it untangled, and can't seem to find a beginning or an end, except IN the already knitted part.

Finally, after tugging & pulling, I feared the sock was gonna suffer some harm, so I get in my purse for the sewing kit. Mel says "What are you gonna do - cut it??" Yup - that's what I did. Hated to do that, but couldn't figure for the life of me how to get it undone. So, it's cut & what happens? The piece of yarn I cut just slides right outta the steering column. Ain't that sweet?? LOL

But, on a more serious note - my day has not been as nearly bad as the folks @ Whirlpool cooperation here in EVV. Fifty years here in town, and now they are moving what's left of production (they've been cutting back, year after year, piece by piece) to one of their facilities in Mexico. 1,100 jobs - gone. Who knows how many jobs overall, with all the parts supplier plants in EVV that count Whirlpool as their major customer. Sad times - and they still wanna build that stupid stadium downtown in hopes some big team will say "Hey, look - let's move to southwest Indiana!! It looks like a happening place!!" Yeah - right. It's the old Field Of Dreams Syndrome (build it & they will come). The city council ought to take a look at all the empty warehouses, strip malls and storefronts that are empty in this town and get a clue.

Okay - stepping down from the soapbox, now.


Peace, ya'll!

More sox.....

I agree - I am certifiable!! I am now in the middle of my SIXTH pair of sox, and have at least 2 - 3 pair more planned, NOT counting the dragon sox!! LOL Will the madness ever end??? Anyway - they are mostly like the Hannah sock, except I left out one knit stitch between lace repeats - the pattern stitch is now a multiple if 5.......which would be good if I could remember that every row!! But anyway - here's the yarn, and interesting wool blend I picked up @ Hobby Lobby. It's almost got a Donegal tweed effect on the yarn, which is 56% wool, 42% acrylic, and 2% PNC, I think - whatever PNC is.



The color is called Orangeade - I really like how it's working up into the sock. The yarn & the color probably don't lend themselves very well to a lace pattern, but I like the effect overall.



Well - that's all I got for now. Just a progress report.


Peace, kids!

In Need Of A Nap.....

I got up way too early this morning & the day isn't even over yet. Somehow, I see an early nite in my future - I'll probably feel lucky to get my bed made before i collapse in it! Got up @ 5:20 - went out to the kid's house, got the hats that Greg had forgotten, put 'em outside, went to Mickie D's to get some breakfast, went to my meeting early ('cause I had to pee - LOL), had coffee, lunch then laundry & now I'm at the library, catching up my emails and such before I go to feed Greg's dogs. Yup - I'm tired.

Started my SIXTH pair of sox & I have bought the sock yarn already to knit my 1st three dragon sox patterns - as soon as I bother to make them up! The first will be the Saphira pattern - in blues, of course. The Glaedr - yellow & gold. And finally, Thorn - in shades of red. These will probably be longer sox, to show off the pattern stitches. Not sure who will wear 'em yet, but I'm sure I'll be able to find good homes for them when the time comes.

Well - that's all I got for today. Time to go spend some time with the dogs. Later!


Peace.

Hannah sock pattern

I have written the pattern - finally!! Please inform me of any missing instructions & I will correct. Also, remember - this is my first time actually writing
a pattern for knitting, please bear with me. These instructions are for a anklet or sport-style short sock, knit from the top down - if you want a longer sock, simply knit in the lace pattern stitch until you reach the length desired. Most "normal" sox are 6" - 7" long from top of cuff to top of heel flap. I'm also including tips I found very helpful in learning how to knit sox. Those of you with previous experience may find me a bit long-winded, but to the beginner - I hope they help you like they did me - to truly understand the construction of a hand-knitted sock. A very good sock tutorial can be found on Knitty.com - here's the addy of the article: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATsocks101.html

I used size 3 (US) double pointed needles and a sportweight yarn, I think. As I said before - it was something I bought off Ebay from an estate sale. It seemed slightly thicker than sock or fingering yarn. Gauge was 7 sts per inch/9 rows per inch (I knit a little on the tight side).

Cast on 48 stitches using preferred method. This sock fits a medium with foot (the lace pattern stretches nicely) - if you need a wider sock, cast on your increases in multiples of 6 sts to accomodate the lace pattern. Divide stitches in multiples of 6 onto 3 or 4 needles, your choice. I most often use 4 needles, so I had 12 stitches on each needle. Join, being careful not to twist sts, and work in fave rib pattern (mine is done in 1 X 1) for 3/4" (2 cm) or approx 8 rows. Use stitch marker to remind you where the end of the round is.


LACE PATTERN - multiple of 6 stitches
ROW 1 - *K1, P1, YO, SSK, P1, K1* repeat until all sts used
ROW 2 - *K1, P1, K2, P1, K1* repeat
ROW 3 - *K1, P1, K2tog, YO, P1, K1* repeat
ROW 4 - WORK THE SAME AS ROW 2

Start & work in pattern stitch for approx 1 1/2" (4 cm) or longer, depending on the length of sock you want. When desired length is reached, divide sts onto 3 needles - 1/2 the # of total sts on 1 needle, the other 1/2 split between 2 needles. On mine, it was 24 sts on 1st needle, 12 sts ea on needles 2 & 3.

Work heel flap in desired heel stitch. Traditionally, a heel stitch is:
ROW 1 - Slip 1st stitch, K1, *Sl1, K1* repeat
ROW 2 - Slip 1st st, purl across back of row
Repeat until heel flap is desired size, ending on WS row.

I used the Eye of Partridge heel stitch, tho - I think it's very pretty plus sturdy!

EYE OF PARTRIDGE HEEL STITCH
ROW 1 - Slip 1st st, K1, *Sl1, K1* repeat
ROW 2 - Slip 1st st, purl across back of row
ROW 3 - Slip 1st TWO sts, *K1, Sl1* repeat, end with K2
ROW 4 - WORKED SAME AS ROW 2
Repeat these 4 rows until heel flap is desired size, usually about 2 1/4" (5 1/2 cm) or a square shape, ending on WS row. If the person who wears sox has very high instep, you may want to make it a little longer.

TURN HEEL - this is easy, once you get used to it. Scared me @ first, but no more. A good tip I found online was that no matter how many sts your heel flap is, knit approx 2/3 of them on 1st row before doing the dec stitch. Then on 2nd row, purl about 1/3 of total # of heel flap sts before doing dec st. Hope that helps.
On 24 st heel flap: ROW 1 - Knit 1st 16 sts, K2tog, K1, turn work
ROW 2 - Purl 1st 8 sts on needle, P2tog, P1, turn work
ROW 3 - Knit all sts til you reach gap caused by dec on prev row, K2tog over gap (close it, in other words, by knitting st before & after gap together), K1, turn work
ROW 4 - Purl to gap, P2tog over gap, P1
Continue in this manner until all sts have been worked, end up with approx 10 sts. End on RS row.

PICK UP HEEL GUSSETT STITCHES - easy rule of thumb here: pick up 1/2 the # of rows that are in your heel flap. Ex: If heel flap is 28 rows long, pick up 14 sts down the side of the heel flap. I usually pick up an extra stitch down in that corner where the pattern stitch starts again, so I don't get a hole there (approx 38-39 sts on needle now). Continuing around needles, work the pattern stitches in the patt stitch all onto one needle (24 sts). Using spare needle, pick up 14-15 sts along opposite side of heel flap and knit 1st 12 sts onto needle (38-39 sts).

DECREASE ROUND
Needle 1: Knit to last three stitches, k2tog, k1
Needle 2: Knit in lace pattern stitch
Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end of needle

Alternate decrease rounds and even (lace pattern) rounds until you're back to the number of stitches you cast on originally.

Work in 1/2 lace pattern and 1/2 stockinette stitch until sock measures approx 5 1/2" (14 cm) from heel flap for ladies size medium, 6 1/2" (13 1/2cm) for ladies size large. Now you're ready for the toe decreases, which will be all in stockinette stitch. Remember that center of the round is the center of the heel. Make sure your stitches are distributed as follows: 1/4 of the stitches on Needle 1 starting at the center of the round, 1/2 of the stitches on Needle 2 (these are the stitches for the top of the foot), and the remaining 1/4 on Needle 3.

WORK DECREASE ROUND
Needle 1: Knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
Needle 2: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
Needle 3: K1, SSK, knit to end of needle.
Work an even round.
Alternate decrease rounds and even rounds until 8 stitches remain.

Graft toe together using Kitchener stitch or do what I do & don't graft @ all! Thread length of yarn thru tapestry needle, run thru loops on "live" stitches, twice, draw tightly and end off, weaving in ends of yarn. More on non-grafting toes here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/FEATgraft.php

You're done - now go & make the 2nd sock!!

Okay - this is kinda weird the way these posted - I may have to redo this. But this is the finished Hannah sock - pattern will follow, probably tomorrow when I finish writing it out in long-hand. Never realized how
long it actually took to write a fairly simple sock pattern!! Kudos to those that do so on a regular basis!! You can see the lace detail here ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>>>
The close-up pic below is the true color of the yarn. The sideways pic above is one where we were having a problem w/the lighting. Not sure what the yarn is, but the more I worked with it, the more I suspected it was an acrylic sportweight. But makes a nice sock, nonetheless




My goal, other than to design a line of sox, is to use yarns that are readily available. I may even use yarns you DON'T buy @ your fave LYS. Some may be from Hobby Lobby, some may be from Jo-Anne's. I have a Michael's here, too - but honestly, tho I waited patiently for them to setup their much-touted "New Yarn Section - Coming Spring of 2009", it disappointed me to say the least. It almost seemed they had LESS yarn, than more. So I don't visit there as much anymore, which is good - 'cause they have WAY too many beads for this bead fanatic!! LOL


Anyway, here's a pic of Corbin's boring sock. I say boring because it had to be simple and plain, because he was going into middle school now, and couldn't have the guys laughing @ his sox. So it is - simple sock pattern, very regular knitted with grey, heathery yarn. The only redeeming factor is that the yarn came from Norway - from sheep that live there, and it was spun there. Some more of the mixed lot of yarn I got from Ebay, from an estate sale. But he likes 'em and says he will wear them - that's all that matters.

Okay, then - best get some work done here!!

Peace!

Oh, what a nite!

Well, well, well - is it time to go home yet?? OMGoodness, I am so wiped out. Yesterday w/me in charge (LOL) at work didn't go particularly well - we had a deal w/the new phone system that I couldn't fix, of course. Then a girl in the warehouse had a family crisis that I didn't have the authority or feel comfortable making a decision about. Then to top it all off, the electricity went out right before I get ready to leave!! So I run around to check all the A/C units to make sure they're running - don't wanna end up with puddles of chocolate on the floor! Go to my meeting, then text the bosses, who decide, if I didn't mind too much - would I come BACK out to work & check the units again? Just to make sure everything is cool? Literally - temperature-wise? So I did, but now I kinda feel like I never left the place! :~)

A little background, for those who don't know - I work at Old Fashion Candy. We sell & distribute fundraising candy, snack items, candles, keyrings & such across the USA. I'm also a compulsive overeater who attends Overeaters Anonymous on a regular basis to help me get well from this progressive, compulsive disease I have. Now, it used to be that working @ OFC was kinda like being an alcoholic that worked as a bartender - I mean, hey! It was there for the taking (and eating), I might as well have some, right? But luckily, a friend & neighbor introduced me to OA before I ate myself into oblivion. With the help & grace of God, the 12 Steps, my fellow OAer's, my sponsor, family & friends - I am slowly overcoming the urge to compulsively overeat. No more snacking - no more stash in my desk or my bedroom @ home. Thank goodness I don't have my mind on food 24/7 - leaves me more time to knit!

Speaking of which - the Hannah sock should be done tonite & since I'm running out to McCutchanville to help her with algebra homework (yay!), I'll have her & Corbin model their sox so I can take pics with the good camera, then post my first pattern. Sad to say, I've already started my 6th pair of sox for Hannah's mom, Christy. They are on the needles as we speak, or I write.............I know!! As if I don't have enough WIP's hanging out in my bedroom!! Okay - back to work now - that's what I'm supposed to be doing!! LOL

Peace to all.

My bad!!

Ooohhh - I didn't post anyhting yesterday!! And I was @ the computer most of the day. Just lazy, I guess. No - really, I didn't have much to blog about - not unless you wanna hear about my daily irritation from a 90+ woman I live with. But, hey - I gripe about that enough as it is!! LOL It's fine, tho - spent most of yesterday watering the grass, big job that!! Me turning on the hose, turning it off & moving the sprinkler, turning it back on, then back off & REsetting the sprinkler to a new, more perfect spot, turning the water back on, checking to see that all areas of the sod are getting wet ----- more work to it then you might think, especially when you have someone w/OCD working on it!! ;~)

I did spend a lot of time looking at & working on designs for my new sox. Not so much time knitting yesterday afternoon, tho I did knit a swatch to see if I liked a pattern I had worked out on graph paper (I didn't). Seems I like to use graph paper to chart designs, as long as they are knit & purl stitches only - no yarnovers, or k2tog's. But I don't like to read them, at all - I take the design I came up with & immediately translate it to text knitting instructions. Don't know that I'll ever get past that - I've been skipping over any pattern stitch that looked especially difficult & especially if it was charted. Hmmm - but then again, I never thought I'd knit sox, either. Who woulda thunk it??

I really want to design patterns that are all my own, tho - I might borrow a stitch pattern, but my goal will be to change it up somewhat so that it's unique. And I really wanna try to stay as simple as possible. To me - that is the whole joy of making sox, along with the fact that they are a very easy project to carry anywhere. If a pattern repeat isn't too long, it can be memorized, like the lace pattern on the Hannah sox - and patterns keep the sox from being off-the-wall B-O-R-I-N-G, in my opinion. Of course, making shorter legged sox helps with that, too.

I was telling someone about my blog yesterday @ church (yes - the Dragon Lady believes in God & attends worship & Bible study on a regular basis) and when I mentioned my goal was to post my patterns for free, they suggested I sell them instead. I thought about that for about half a minute, then decided no - I had started this blog with the intention of making new patterns for sox and posting them for free, and that's the way it will remain. However, first I need to actually POST a pattern!! LOL But that should happen later this week - I just want Hannah & Corbin to model their sox so I can take a nice pic to show with the patterns.

So - stay tuned, folks!! The best is yet to come!

Peace, dudes & dudettes!!

Watering the grass.....

Yup - back @ the office today.......not doing much of anything yet, just ate my Taco Bell lunch. Hooray for Taco Bell!! I finished the 1st of the Hannah sox - will post a pic of that later, when I have them both done & they are on the namesake's feet. They look okay off the foot, but I think they'll look better ON for the photo shoot! ;~)

Did you know I'm watering the grass @ work today?? Yup - new sod had to be put down and Sam was afraid it would die in the heat, so he paid me extra to come in and turn the hose on tho soak the front yard. Works for me - I had some things to catch up on anyway, since I've been taking advantage of the slowness in the office to knit. No more of that!! Busy season starts next Monday & so do fall/winter hours. Poop!!

Well - time to move the sprinkler. More later.

Peace!

Newest Sock

Yup - the new sock is coming along nicely. I was gonna make it the first in my line of Dragon Sox, but have decided I don't want the Saphira to be the color this sock is. Altho, it is a beautiful sock!! Think I'll just name it Hannah after the person it's made for (she wondered why I hadn't named it that, anyway!! LOL). I'm almost done with the first one (doing the toe now) so here it is. Sorry for the image - cell phone camera, what can I say? But I'm @ work & it's all I have!! One of these days, I'll get it all figured out. But this is the Hannah sock - I'll post a pattern for it later. It's a short sock, which are SO quick to knit, but the pattern could be easily extended to a longer sock. The lace pattern draws the sock up a bit, so it looks a little narrow, eh? But I tried it on Hannah last nite (yes - the dreaded algebra homework has started already......) and it fits just fine. The lace part stretches out & looks even lovelier, if I do say so myself!! It should make for a well-fitting sock, too. The yarn is from a yarn cake I got on Ebay with a bunch of other yarn in a mixed lot. No idea what it's made of but the colors are pretty, aren't they? I may be wrong, but I figured if someone went to the trouble of winding it into a cake, it's probably some kinda decent yarn. Hopefully. Well, if her mom washes them in cold water she should be fine. Here's a close-up of the lace pattern - it's very simple, just a 4 row repeat, which I love. Much easier to remember.

My goal is to be able to knit a sock (eventually) totally from memory & not have to drag out my general sock instructions - which I carry in my purse, by the way. Well, it's back to work now.

Peace, kids.

ENTRY #2 - so far, so good!!

Aaaahhh - I made it back!! I should be working tho......not blogging. Oh well, just a coupla more days & all h*ll will break loose around OFC - and I'll be in the middle of it. Let's just hope I get my work mojo back before then - somehow it has managed to disappear this summer. Hmmmm - perhaps it's on vacation!! LOL Well - it better show up soon, or I'm in BIG trouble!! I know they aren't paying me to sit around & knit sox!!

I think I'm going to design & knit some sox themed on the Eragon series of books. I need to make the name of my new blog mean something, so why not sox named after dragons? In fact, the pair I'm working on now is one of my own design - I took a lace pattern from here, a heel pattern from there, and heaven only knows where the yarn came from!! But it is in blues, so what better name for my first sock design than Saphira?? Has a ring to it, don't ya think? But more on that later - this has to be short, today. My head is pounding & I must work a little - after all, they just gave me a raise! Yup - a dollar more on the hour. Woo hoo!! More $$ to buy yarn with, I think! Oh well - not really. It's time to knuckle down and get serious. Okay - I really have to go now. Honestly. Time's a wastin' & all that jazz.

Peace.

My very own BLOG????

So - am I certifiable now?? I go online to look @ sock patterns, see all these people's blogs and decide I wanna join up. Hmmm - good thing I never took a serious look at the Army, ain't it? And I suppose I'll fill ya'll in with my juicy tidbits on knitting & such. Well - we'll havta see how that goes, won't we?? This may be the only blog you ever see from me, who knows? Time will tell, I suppose.

My idea here is to maybe one day have pics & patterns to share, so I'll be one of those peeps that someone, somewhere, sometime - will click on and say "I could knit that!" or maybe "Hey - if she can post a lame-*ss blog like that, then I can too, by golly!". I would like to think that one day, somewhere down the line, that something I have done or am doing will inspire someone else - in a good way of course.

You won't read instructions here about how to build a bomb or become your own terror cell. I am all for peace throughout the world, and don't have a bit of use for those that use whatever means they can to inspire terror in others - whether it be a small, misbehaving child or a third-world country. If more people would knit, they wouldn't have time for all that nonsense, anyway. They'd be able to sit still & really listen to what goes on around them. To be at peace with themselves AND the rest of the world.

Am I a throwback to days gone by? A die-hard, misplaced, long-hair, bead-wearin' hippie type?? Yes - I probably am. But I don't have long hair, altho I do like beads & making jewelry. I do wear patchouli a lot - it's my fave scent. I just think if I can get along with the wide assortment of peeps I come into contact with everyday, than so can most other folks. The key to that is trying to. Yes, that requires an effort - but so be it.

That's enuff philosophy for now - I have a sock to knit!! So, hopefully - there'll be more to come. I'll keep ya posted!!

Peace, dudes & dudettes!!