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Um. . . Socks.

Yes. The same socks! I feel as if I'm serving you leftovers. So I tried to spice up the presentation with a different background. Do you find it more exciting?

So, ya, I finished the heel flap and turned the heel and picked up the stitches for the gusset. Can you stand it??? These are the big fat socks-on-a-birthday-deadline again.

Personal

Yesterday, I had not one, but two separate bad tires! During the morning commute, one new tire had to be purchased and installed. I must admit that the car *did* drive better after that. However, during the late afternoon commute, the new tire's mate on the right side went flat. What an exciting day. Almost as exciting as this second sock. Luckily, I was near the place that fixed the first tire, so I got to know the gentlemen at the Texaco. They weren't impressed with the second sock either.

Let's see, what else is new . . . Flor's finishing up a beautiful pullover vest--take a look!

Pups

Jack is back, and feeling very well again. Hooray!

Della says it's Friday, so get a little silly!

Have a happy one, and have a terrific weekend!

Second-Sockin' Along

Not a lot of knitting time today; not having a commute sure cuts into sock-knitting time! We do, however, have a little progress to show on the big fat birthday socks due 20 October.

This sock SO doesn't match its mate. I don't much care; I just want it to knit quickly. I wish it would knit itself! One spring, in NJ, I traded handknit socks for massage therapy sessions. Oh, how I came to hate seeing my massage therapist wiggling her bare toes in her Berks. Knitting on demand is a drag; I have a lot of admiration for production knitters. Reading Annie and Kate's adventures in knitting on deadline give me the idea that production knitting is for stronger knitters than me. But. I have to get the gift socks finished up so I can get back to the Morning Glory Vest in a carefree state of mind.

Baseball and this blog

What riches to have the time and inclination to watch when the Cubs and Yankees and Red Sox are playing. Viewing the playoffs creates some tension in me (but not my knitting), and so I'm posting a lot earlier in the day than I usually do. It's hard to drift off to sleep when the Yankees are getting pounded, even by the Red Sox.

Pups

Little Jack was a bit under the weather today, so Mikey and Della amused themselves by finding Nemo.

We hope you find something to amuse yourself with today. Happy Thursday!

Sock Hop

Closer to Sock Hope! I hope to finish at least two pair by next week, because they are birthday presents for mid-October birthdays. And here it is already, the 8th! Yikes! What is more tedious than knitting the second sleeve of a sweater? For me, the dreaded second sock. That's why I'm sock-hopping around on three instead of just finishing pairs one at a time.

Sade's Mom has a countdown-to-Christmas on her blog, and watching it has made me realize I need to prioritize my knitting. But the fair isle is so relaxing . . . and "scribble lace" is so much fun! I almost resent these second socks. But I know I won't be able to stand myself if I find lone socks in the workbasket (especially at gift-giving time), so I plan to press onward and try to think happy thoughts as I make my way around and around in sock-time.

Sisters

Yesterday I picked up my nephew from school and I enjoyed it very much. He reminds me of his mom at that age, and those memories are very dear to me. I moved away from Texas when I was in my late teens; Laura stayed and grew up to be the beautiful person she is today. Here we are, at four and 18, with me teaching her how to blow bubbles with bubblegum:

Here we are now; am I lucky or what?

Pups

Della wants in on this sister and sock act; she wishes you a Wednesday filled with happy moments and memories.

Enjoy your day!

Tuesday

My blog-title-generator seems to have issues lately. I hope it starts working again soon, so I can leave off with the weekday titles.

Knitting Progress

We have a new "Scribble Lace" (from Debbie New's Unexpected Knitting) item to report, and here's Sister demonstrating its loveliness:

The fabric that results from this is very interesting; lengthwise, this is over 60 inches long, but when you hold it by the sides, it shrinks up into a square. Laura can wear it like a long scarf, or fold it and wear it as a triangle-type shawl. Brilliant.

And speaking of brilliant, Alice Starmore's Morning Glory Vest is ready for arm steeks now. One of the really charming design aspects of this vest is the way she has patterned a design along the front steek. Isn't that a nice touch?

In context:

I also have sock progress, but not enough, so I'll save that for another (cleverly-titled) entry. I really like the Strapaz, by the way. It's a pleasure to knit.

Pups

Dachshunds, as a breed, are known to be very opinionated pups. Michelle wrote yesterday that her dachshund, Mr. Stubbs, refused to wear his handknit sweater (and refused in a very damp and ungracious manner). My pups, when living in the NE, enjoyed their sweaters, but perhaps I was just lucky in choosing colors that Mike, Jack and Della preferred. There's nothing so stubborn as a dachshund, Michelle. Better knit a different sweater for Mr. Stubbs. For best results, I suggest letting him choose the color.

We have happy stubborn pups here. They wish you a good day! Della reminds you: It's Tuesday, so stay alert!

Monday

Oh dear! This oversleeping-on-a-Monday thing seems to be turning into a regularly-scheduled event. The pups and I are late this morning. Still, Mikey says Put Your Best Foot Forward.

So! Did you have a nice knitting weekend? I didn't get as much accomplished on the Morning Glory Vest by Alice Starmore as I could have, but it's because I simply can't stop reading and swatching Unexpected Knitting by Debbie New. I think I made it clear last week that I love this book, but really! I LOVE this book! That Scribble Lace stuff is more fun than watching "Carnivale," and watching Carnivale while scribbling made me feel deliciously delinquent. I found I was powerless to resist scribbling with some feathery eyelash I had in the stash; it's nearly finished, so I'll show you tomorrow.

Today should bring some blog-reports on Stitches East...what did you buy? How was the weather? Did you take a class? I heard Debbie New was there and her classes were overflowing...tell all, please. I miss the NE dreadfully!

Monday-Monday-Monday! We have to fly here; have a wonderful day, and we'll see you tomorrow.