SAM4 Ready to Start!

I enjoyed SAM3 KAL so much that I signed on for SAM4. I'm in the routine of sock knitting and want to keep the momentum going. I've got socks started for my Sock it to Me Swap Pal and will finish those for my SAM4 August socks. I plan to do the "boy version" of the dorm socks in August, too. Maybe this means that I will post TWO pairs to SAM4 in one month?! We'll see.




This is the beginning of a pair of Circle of Friendship. I thought it an appropriate choice for a swap pal.


Also starting tomorrow: New project for FOR ME!? KAL--KnitPicks Plain Vanilla sweater (with mods). Will post pics later.


Interestingly, my socks won a first prize at the Mid-State Fair and my incredible fair isle gloves got nothing! Go figure!



Keep Knitting!

Sherry

Final SAM3 Socks!

Here they are! My July socks. These are a prototype for girls dorm socks. I decided to put the G_kids Christmas money gift inside a pair of socks this year. I'll do a boy pair and then start knitting socks in earnest!

This pair took ONE skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease. I knit them on size 6 denises--2 circs. I used the magic cast on, short row heel, 3x1 rib up the leg (about 3"), and ended by doubling the number of stitches, st st for one more round and then cast off in st st, creating the ruffle. This was a very quick knit.

My Tote Has Arrived

Last Friday the UPS man brought a box--oooooooooooooooooo, and there was MY tote from ITE IV.

My pal, Katherine, really spoiled me. She DESIGNED this tote just for me. It's called the "Patchwork Tote" --she knows I'm also a quilter! Isn't that cool! So it's actually assembled out of squares like a patchwork quilt. You can go to her blog and see that and other designs. She also sent me the tote pattern and a couple of other cute patterns, the Yarn Harlot (which I haven't read), candles, lotion, chapstick, a handmade pin cushion, a couple of skeins of sock yarn in a color to go with the tote and 3 fat quarters. Two of the fq's are already designated for a new project--converting a pullover sweatshirt to a jacket.

I truly LOVE this tote. The Monday Knitters like it, too!

SOCK IT TO ME SOCK SWAP

The socks are finally started. It took a little time, but I've found the perfect pattern and yarn. I'm not good at blogging and all that goes with it so, my downstream pal knows who I am. Hopefully, she will be a good girl and not take any peeks here at my blog.

I'm using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cabin Fever colorway. Beautiful yarn to work with. The pattern is Circle of Friendship Socks by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer for Heartstrings. I'm using Knitpicks Options size 1 (2 circs).

Tote Finished and Ready for Shipping!

ITE IV tote bag is finished! I didn't do all the things I planned--but almost all. I think my pal will be pleased with it. It's loaded with goodies and almost ready for a trip to the P.O. and then "HOME."



Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Colors: Yucca, Redwood, Peat Moss, Spiceberry, White, Lavender, Denim, Prune, Stonewash, Pea Soup, Blueberry










Here's a bit of a closeup of the fair isle design. This is a Berroco pattern (available free on the net).






And the lining! There are pockets in there, too! The pattern does not call for one, but I thought it would give the bag more class to be lined and have inside pockets. I used a 100% cotton batik.



This was a great experience. It was especially fun to see all the posts (many daily) showing everyone's progress and then the finished bags!

Completed Projects !

Karen's Gloves KAL gloves are finished! This is one project I really feel good about. I learned a lot doing this one. Here's the vitals: yarn is Colinette Jitterbug (love it!) in toscana colorway and Universal Pace in cream. Less than one skein of each. Needles: KnitPicks Options (2 circs) size 2 up to the fingers and Lantern Moon Sox Stix size 2 for the fingers.
Tomorrow I will deliver them to the Mid-State Fair, along with a pair of sox. I'll know how I do around the end of the month.
The pattern, Hand Painted Gloves by Karen Neal is available from The Studio in Kansas City. http://www.thestudiokc.com/



Clapotis (For Me?! KAL) did not fare so well. It is complete at about 8" short. I finished it, used a BIG PIN and wore it to my H.S. reunion. Got many complements.
A problem I can't see getting around is how "wormy" the chenille part of the yarn is--it's a Drop Spindle hand dyed yarn. I will have to decide if I can live with that BEFORE I decide to frog and re-knit it narrower. Any way, here it is.
This is a Knitty pattern.

Sock Swap Questionaire

What are your foot measurements? Size 8.5 to 9; L= 9.5"
How long have you been knitting? How would you rate your experience? I’ve been knitting a long time—but not constantly; there have been breaks. I’d say I’m somewhere between intermediate and advanced.
What is your favorite color? Your least favorite color? Favorite color is blue; least favorite—hard to say—I can take any color in small doses and with other colors (especially if blue is involved)
Do you have a favorite fiber? What type? I always prefer natural fibers. High quality blends with naturals are OK, too.
Do you have any allergies to certain fibers? No allergies
Do you have an Amazon, or other type of, wishlist? Amazon; KnitPicks



What techniques, if any, would you like to learn? Am currently beginning to learn toe-up socks and later this year, I’ll be tackling steeks.
Do you have a sweet tooth? What are your favorite snacks? Good chocolate
What is your family situation? I live with my husband and one grand daughter. No pets at present.
Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Metal, plastic or wood? I like all except plastic. I do have a set of Denise’s which I like. Right my faves are my small size Knitpicks Options circs.
Besides socks, what are your favorite items to knit? Anything that presents a bit of challenge. I love learning something new (no matter how small) with each project.
Is there a pattern, (sock or otherwise), that you are dying to try?
Do you like to read? What are you reading currently? I love to read. Don’t do enough (could be because I’m knitting). Getting ready to read Debbie Macomber’s Susannah’s Garden
Do you collect music? (On an iPod or MP3 player.) iPod
What kind of music do you listen to? Classical, jazz, classic rock ‘n roll.
Is there anything you collect? I inherited a collection of Fostoria which I would like to add to.
What are your hobbies, aside from knitting? I sew—mostly quilting. I also do scrapbooking, decorative painting, decoupage and other paper crafts.
Are you participating in any other swaps or knit alongs? I’m in SAM3 KAL, For Me?! KAL, Int. Tote Exchange IV, Karen’s Glove KAL
Do you have a favorite scent? Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea
When is your birthday? July 25.