My daughter has her heart set on a pair of socks I started years ago,
my first – and still unfinished! – pair of knitted socks.
I’m going to need lots of butt-kicking to stick with these monsters!
In the past week, I almost evened out the cuffs on the two socks.
Each sock gets a ball of blue yarn, and half the other ball.

These things are all so complicated, aren’t they?

Dear Nora,
We the undersigned urge you to visit to North Carolina
at your earliest convenience.
We realize that you have many obligations,
including practical, artistic, academic, and financial constraints.
However, we nonetheless encourage you to return home,
even if ever-so-briefly.
Your mother would like to hug you.

Signatures:
Your Mom.

Add signatures via the comment function.
Thanks!

Without further ado, photos taken this afternoon at Cheesecakes by Alex in Greensboro.
The occasion was the birthday of Ms. Laura Lough, a/k/a Painty.

The birthday girl herself!

Laura and Chris

I love this one! Alli and “the Peanut”

Your humble photographer

MissViolet!

The birthday girl’s mother!

Kelly!

Kelly, Chris, and Laura deep in discussion (about cheesecake probably.)

More pictures!

I’m in suspense, wondering if the Colinette Parisienne Tapis yarn delivered to
Knitted Gems is the right yarn for her baby shawl!

It feels like awhile since I wrote anything here. It’s interesting (to me) that sometimes I just have to set down an idea in writing, but other times weeks go by between posts.

Look what arrived today!!
The second package from my Official Spoiler in the Ravelry
Recession Special Swap!
Whoever sent this is so thoughtful, and has obviously scoped out what I like.

First, look at all the patterns!

I’m definitely trying this one!

More!

And, a lovely journal, soothing aloe footies, and tea!

Thank you so much!

I am wondering how long it takes people to knit a pair of socks.

Of course, many variables affect sock-knitting speed, including -
Weight of the yarn
Needle size
Complexity of pattern
Length of sock
Experience and skill of the knitter

Still, I bet that many/most/lots of knitted socks are knit in fingering weight yarn, on needles between sizes 0 and 3.
The other variables, well, I guess they vary.

I also notice there are a boatload of sock knitting clubs
that send new sock yarn every month.
Are sock club knitters really ready for more sock yarn and another sock pattern each month, or do they have immense stashes of sock yarn?
I’m betting on the big stash theory, because sock yarn is irresistible.
Even I have a big basket of sock yarn, and I haven’t knit any socks!

Last night I dreamed that I started knitting socks for everyone in my family for Christmas, and that I was finishing about a sock an hour – truly just a dream. But, it got me wondering …..

At the beginning of the year, I lined up my Unfinished Objects and made a Master Plan.

I decided that during 2009 every WIP must be
Finished, Frogged, or Flung (into the void).
Time to check in on the plan.

Finished:
1. Scarf for my father – Finished!
2. Ribbon bag – just needs to be put together, which is actually probably where it was a year ago.

Frogged, Flung, or otherwise Disposed Of:
1. Lace scarf – I sent the yarn, the book, and the swatch to Nora.
2. Scarf for Lydia – Flung! It was just too stupid, so I’ve started a new one and gave the stupid yarn to the thrift shop.
3. Baby Sweater: I gave the pieces to Laura/Painty to do with as she wants.

Hibernating:
1. Afghans for Afghans I like this one, but it’s still not done.
2. Socks ‘O Doom for Nora.
3. Cardigan for me – lost interest.
4. Ribbed wool scarf – I like it, but don’t know anyone who wants it.
5. Entrelac scarf – lost interest.

New UFO’s:
1. Secret Knitting Project for Recession Swap.
This one is coming along fine, pictures to follow!
2. Replacement scarf for Lydia.
Started this yesterday, it’ll be a snap.
3. Secret Garden Shawl.
Best project of the year!
4. Todos Scarf.
The project was fun & I hope to finish it soonl.

Other FOs:
1. Silk scarf for my sister-in-law
2. Various bookmarks, etc.
3. Bright wool scarf.
4. Swatches of gossamer yarn.

Planned Projects:
1. Enchanted Woods Shawl.
2. Stacy shawl.
3. Prettier socks for Nora.

Still plugging away on the Secret Garden Shawl,
and it’s time for a few new photos!