Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Finished for my son

These socks started here.

Yikes! That was a while ago! Sorry, son, for taking so long.
They are a sz 13.

Next........fingerless mitts in the same yarn to match his socks. :)
I've traced his hand and then traced his fingers. They will fit like a glove.....ahem....no pun intended. ;)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Madrona Fiber Arts in Tacoma, WA

This is Pat Fly's booth with her luxurious hand dyed and hand-painted yarns.

You can find them at Little Knits.

Fly Designs is the name. Check her delicious yarns out......you will not be disappointed.


Thursday, February 14, 2008

Socks for a dear friends SIL

The process first started with the invitation to do something special for my dear friend, Alberta. First, of all, we are friends for life with a common tragedy - my husband was a deputy killed in-the-line-of-duty in Arizona and Alberta's husband, of over 20 years, was State Trooper who was killed in-the-line-of-duty in Washington.
Alberta wanted to giver her dear SIL something unique and special to her so she asked if I would knit her a pair of warm socks. Of course I would. :)
The next step was to find out what her favorite colors are; some important measurements for a personal fit; how she would be wearing them; and any allergies to certain fiber animals.
I love searching for the right yarn and found Schaefer Anne at Little Knits, called "Puget Sound". As a note of caution: You should always purchase 2 hanks when they are a Limited Edition, because when they are gone - They Are Gone.
So now comes gauge and the perfect pattern from 'Sensational Knitted Socks' by Charlene Schurch called Baby Cable Rib - and I can't believe I got gauge with US sz 1's! Usually, it's 0's.......so with that information and the circumference of her foot, I figured 10% less for ease and cast on 68 stitches (making an adjustment as her pattern is for 64 or 72 stitches) with US sz 3; knit 3 rounds of k1, p1; and then switched to my gauge needles and knit away. I use one needle size smaller for the heels and toes for durability.
So, this great hank of wool and mohair with some nylon went from this........

.....to a great pair of socks.
It's magic, you know, how a long piece of string and be manipulated into something so practical.
Gosh, I love to knit.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Leaving Yreka, CA

Almost home! I decided to take a chance after looking at the cam pictures of the passes at http://www.tripcheck.com/. I will be using that from now on! It's a great place to "see" what you might be in for as you travel the highways.


These scenes, from Siskiyou Pass, are zoomed in.






















I only wish the trucks wouldn't follow so close.