To Me, From Me

You have to love advance order options. Way back in the summer, Nichole made me fall in love with One Skein Wonders. Well, I rushed over to Amazon and ordered a copy (I do a lot of rushing and ordering while emailing with Nichole), and noted that the "sequel" would be out soon enough that I could pre-order. So, I did. Can't even say I forgot all about it, because periodically, I'd see a promotion for the upcoming book and smugly remind myself I had one on order. However, I failed to anticipate its arrival today.

All of this arrived today. Some on the porch, some in the mailbox, so at least two different carriers stopped in to make my day. The winter IK issue is tucked in the very back, and the must make just about one of everything holiday gift issue is on the left. All three are going to the beach, along with my post-it note highlighter pen. (Those 3M folks are brilliant, and obviously, into organized multi-tasking too.) I predict yarn will be purchased and my holiday knitting list will shift yet again, but you'll be in the know when it happens, so stay tuned.

But wait!! There's more! Because Interweave was sold out of the Holiday edition by the time Cass convinced me I *NEEDED* it (no arm twisting, not even any drinking... just a few gratuitous project shots was all it took), so I had to find it at an online retailer. Of course, I couldn't pay almost as much in shipping as the magazine cost, so I had to add a few things to my virtual buggy. There's more Tofutsies, more Maizy in a nut brown I could truly gobble up, and some Bamboozle in a perky green. The Bamboozle has holiday gift plans already, but the Maizy is mine, all mine. The Tofutsies doesn't need any justification. There are only about two colorways in that line I don't want.

I know not everyone loves Tofutsies, and that's okay - MORE FOR ME! - but take a look at this and tell me what's not to love? Even with my current attraction to solids and nearly solids, how can you not love this? It's a good thing I have the second Summer Daze sock to take to the beach, because I'm wondering now why I want to knit with anything other than the chitin yarn at the beach. No, I don't find it splitty or smelly. I find it perfectly lovely, and can't wait to knit up the next colorway, whether it is this one or one of the others in my stash.

A proof read finds me doing a lot of lovin' in this post. Blame it on the beach. I'm just about packed, and the Knight and Mugsy are all ready to go, save loading everything into the truck. You're gonna' appreciate this. I'm taking my portable printer too. (What if I need to print a new pattern or something? What? Et tu Brute??) The Knight laughed out loud. (He doesn't SNOL. That's my distinctive chortle.) But he's taking his laptop too, so if you're in the area, you'll know us right away. I'm quite certain there won't be another couple anywhere near the Outer Banks on the beach with a crup (that's a magical jack russell terrier, which is Mugsy's true identity), two laptops, a portable printer and some knitting.

Friend-Rich

I am indeed friend-rich. I'm not talking pals to hang out with on a given afternoon; I'm actually without ANY of those, but what I have in the stand by you, true-blue category more than makes up for shopping with Mugsy on Saturday afternoon. (Shhh. Don't tell him. He's a doll, but he can't even go into most stores.)



Etsy has totally changed my shopping habits. I've always appreciated and expected exceptional customer service, but with Mary, Jessi, Amanda and Anita, I have CUSTOM customer service. What's best is that I know you can have it too; just ask! Each of those ladies has a great shop with a revolving inventory, and all are truly craft-artists, and thus, they enjoy trying new things on the way to making a customer happy.



Above are the 8 and 4 row row counters Mary made when I asked if she would be interested in trying her hand at some. Thanks, Mary! They're beautiful. Here are the 10 and 12 row versions. She also made other "sizes" for different row repeats, but as I'd not even used row counters before, I thought perhaps I should pace myself and try them out first. Not even all of these are for my personal use; some are swap pal bound. I hope my pal(s) will enjoy them too!





Now, obviously the dog lover one is staying at my house (sorry Nicole!), so I undid all of Mary's cute packaging (they also ship in tiny resealable plastic bags) so you could see more. Well, yeah, so I could see more too, but at the moment, it's all about you! That's going to make me smile every time I use it. Yes, yes, they ALL are likely to do that, but you know...






In today's mail, dear Anne sent a little pick-me-up. I'm going to have to watch her yarn shopping reports more carefully; that's twice now that she's flashed a Chan gift in plain sight on her blog. Her nails are so near and dear to her well-being that I think I'm going to take a hint and take a couple of hours one day this week and go get my own mani and pedi.



This is a good time to thank each of you for you cards, comments, emails, posts on your own blogs, etc. Each and every one has meant the world to us, and I am sure all of your support is what has allowed us to dry our tears and begin to pick up the pieces. Thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts.





Back to the yarn. On the left, Tofutsies color #733, which is the skein from Anne. On the right, #739, also known as the June Sock of the Month Club limited edition colorway. Rather true representations on my monitor, so I hope for the same on your end.



I'm finally done shopping for my poor Vegan downstream pal. She's figured out who I am, but I'll wait until her package is in the mail before I announce who she is, so that the few still awaiting packages have one more name to ponder until the ship by deadline. I'm also about ready to ship my October package for SP11. And yes Anne, your bag is almost at the halfway point, so it will be ready to go out on time, unless you decide to come up here after all.

Looking for my Benefactor

I arrived home to find not one, not two, but FIVE packages on the porch for me. Amazing! Two were Pampered Chef supplies, so we'll gloss right over those. Take a look at what the rest of them had inside! All of that, for me. Well... maybe not, but we'll say it is.




The mass on the left is Carodan's own wool. Evidently, on the last Saturday in September, I already knew I wasn't going to make it to the Fall Festival and I purchased a little extra when I ordered by October Tofutsies Sock of the Month Club. (That's on the right, with the pattern peeking out at the top.) The replacement Harmony needles from KnitPicks are the blur in the lower center, and that awesome book on the bottom is the big mystery.



Are you my benefactor? I'm positive I've never ordered from Powell's in Oregon. Heck, the only thing I've ever gotten from Powell's of Virginia is a hope chest, and I didn't buy it. Besides, I was still using my maiden name then. Also, the ship to/bill to are to my name you all know me by, and there is a super-secret (shut up Anne) first name, by which all of my online shopping happens. The order was filled/placed on October 3rd, which was the day I left home thinking both dogs were healthy and all was right in my world, so there's no good reason for me not to remember making such a special order. Whoever you are, THANK YOU from the bottom of my Amazon left me high and dry on this one heart. I am taking this book with me tonight to my training class, carefully tucked into my portfolio, so that while I'm supposed to be learning how to use all the neato features on the new website, I can really be learning how to knit the perfect sock. (I mean, if I can blog and knit, can't I figure out how to do whatever on a website?!)





Here's a close-up of *MY* Tofutsies. October is my favorite month, green, a favorite color, so... MINE! A great apple green with dashes of black, white, and maybe some grey too. Have I mentioned lately how much I love this yarn?!





I would also be remiss if I didn't blow kisses to Caroline or whomever re-addressed my package and still got it to me in a timely fashion, all while either preparing for or being at Stitches East. They didn't even charge me an idiot fee or the additional shipping I'm sure they had to pay. Now THAT is customer service. Thanks, Carodan!





Now, knitting has been happening, but you know we can't talk about what you can't see, because then Anne begins going gangsta' on our friends, trying to get them to tell her about her surprise. Like she really wants to ruin it. Silly girl...


So, I decided I wanted to finish my first pair of Tofutsies. I cast on (love that magic cast on!) while playing fetch with Mugsy. No need to do more than glance at the pattern and go, much less look at my notes or the first socks, right? Erm, uh...

As you can see, it *DOES* make a difference whether one casts on 14 stitches on EACH needle or TOTAL stitches. Not only is the sock on the left wider at the toe, it's toe portion is actually SHORTER before the pattern begins, because, well, it's faster to get to 36 stitches on a needle when you have seven more stitches to begin with. Sadly, it seems that the second sock is the version intended by the pattern's designer (am I right, Deby?), but since #1 is done and I liked the fit... I'm leaning towards frogging and repeating sock #1, but I'm also wondering how I ended up with 36 stitches when I started with an odd number and increase on each end of each needle. The socks are for me, and will always be work with closed-toe shoes, so... ?? Thoughts? Opinions?

My Addled Brain

Imagine my outrage when I got an email saying my Tofutsies Sock of the Month package had been returned to Carodan. Why you ask? Well, let me assure you that the good folks at Carodan are perfect. I, however, clearly don't even know where I live. Any first grader can recite her address just right, but not me. Can you believe the USPS wouldn't deliver a package with my name, my work street address, and my home city, state and zip code? (Roll your eyes. I did. I mean, I live in rural America. I thought that was worth something.) I want my green Tofutsies and the Fiddlesticks pattern, dang it! (Any of you who read regularly or actually know me know those socks were made for me!!)

So, I head home pouting enough that sweet Mugsy, the I go to work to eat all day now dog, felt inclined to stare at me with great concern the whole way home. However, I scared the little bean bug-eyed when I saw a package on the porch! Whhhoooo Hoooo! Little did I know that before I could feed the Bug (like he needed it) his wee handful of kibble and get to my package, the Knight would come in the back door with a padded envelope too.

Because I could just rip it open, the envelope was first. A new tea bag coaster, or whatever you like to call 'em. I use them when I use tea bags, but I also keep one at my electric kettle for the spoon, Splenda wrappers, etc. Nancy, you are so dear!! He's simply beautiful, and will be very happy and well-loved in my rooster kitchen. (Who wants to bet that the Knight mistakes him for a spoon rest?) I tell you, the gals in this tea swap are the kindest, most fun group of women you'll find anywhere. If you didn't join us this time, we hope you'll be there for the next one, some time in 2008. Every swap has its moments, and there are always complications and frustrations, but I really can't say enough about my fellow swappers this time. Nor can I crow enough about this pretty rooster. Thank you, Nancy. I remain in awe of the attention to detail many of you possess and use for knitterly goodness!

Now, go get a cup or glass of your favorite libation, and settle in. We're going vegan folks! (Sit back down, Anne, or you'll get none of the chocolate.) No, I'm not going vegan, but I do want to make healthier choices. I was a no meat vegetarian for a while - still did dairy and seafood - but that was years ago. Anyhoo, because I love Cass and am a curious bird, I joined the Vegan 2 Swap. Folks, this very well may be the most rewarding swap I've been in, no discredit to any of the others. My two "truly vegan" pals rock, and I feel I've made two new friends! So without further ado, here's the first of many photos of the package that will make Anne sorry she didn't sign up for this one.

I know you need details, so just settle down and exercise your patience (or read faster). Here's the happy, German, vegan sock yarn Nicole sent me. Just so you know, both yarns came wrapped, but I wanted you to see all of the cheerful colors! It's called "Flotte Socke" and I do believe it has a bamboo base, not that I know a lick of German. I do believe this is the colorway/yarn I need for my MagKnits Rainbow Socks. What do you think?

Then, there was the Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton, which also held the darling little wooden rooster! (Yay for me. Wait 'til the Knight awakens from his siesta and realizes not one but TWO new roosters slipped into the house, and only one of 'em will live in the kitchen, which is where he is trying to keep all of the roosters. Silly man.) That's no nesting box either. (Roosters don't nest, people. Geeze.) It's a wonderful fabric box Nicole made for me, and I predict many a sock project will rest within, along with some smaller lace projects, and any other little work on the sticks I can fit in there. I'm telling you, I have some seriously awesome pal mojo going!

Here's a close-up of the little darling. He's just lovely, and Nicole was kind enough to include a little booklet with more information about the company, so he might need friends...

Before I share my goodies, I think I need to make Anne read about the yummy pizza with a basil-tofu ricotta and a pesto sauce. Nicole actually included two recipes, and the other is for one of her favorite spreads. Yum! I bet Mugsy will eat tofu with me...

There were more hand-made goodies. Here's the sachet and some really pretty magnets, along with the how did I miss them essential double-ended stitch holders. Why didn't any of you tell me such a thing existed? Granted, I don't use stitch holders a lot, but I've been shuffling stitches back and forth when these ideal tools existed! What else have you been holding out on?

Here's a close-up of the magnets too, because I know you like photos, and these are too pretty to miss. Aren't they pretty?

Okay, okay. Last, but hardly least, are the treats. German chocolate. Marzipan coated in chocolate, which makes it wonderful. (Okay Nicole, I lied. Between the email to you and now, I had to have a piece. Who cares if I ruined my dinner?) But wait! There's more! Yogi Tee. (Kin to Yogi Tea? Anybody?) Mr. Tom, which appears to be nutbar heaven. Bath salts. Vegan treats for Mugsy too, but you'll see them in the first photo about this package. I am spoiled, and so is my dog!

While Nicole wrote a long, detailed letter, this was resting atop the package. Sweet, no??

How 'bout a cuppa'? Kick off your shoes, grab your knitting, crocheting, your book, whatever, and let's just enjoy the evening. Inside though, because it's still way above 80 degrees outside, with humidity to match. I think I saw a mosquito that could carry off this cute card too.

Shrug This and Cuff It

Only because Amanda is awesome, and she wanted to see the shrug made in her yarn... Y'all know I'm not apt to win any photography awards. The Knight rushed off to the firehouse, because he has crew AND bingo duty tonight, and his good friend was there "opening" alone, so I was stuck trying to get a photo by myself, of myself. I tried outside, but it just wasn't happening. I think between the three, you get the idea. I lurvers it, and will be wearing it as soon as Mary reclaims her oppressive, unseasonable heatwave. I'm quite certain even my mother inlaw could snap a shot that would do the shrug, the yarn and me more justice, so keep checking back for a "real" photo. Gals of all sizes, this is the shrug pattern for you. Adjust the gauge a bit either way, and you can make this shrug fit your frame. I am exceptionally pleased with the way the perfect yarn and pattern met in this little semi-garment!

In other knitting news, in the precious few minutes the Knight did spend sitting in his recliner checking email, I *FINALLY* finished the first Tofutsie's August sock of the month, in the featured pattern Summer Daze. It's my first toe-upper, and I'm in love. See the ruffly little cuff?! How cute is that?! And the colorway is as close to true as I've seen anywhere online. There's some of everything in there, even orange.

It fits like a dream. (I swear my calves are not small tree trunks. Hagrid is not a part of my family tree! I actually rotated the photo 180 degrees, so maybe?!? Yeah. Let's blame it on that.) Some have fussed about the pooling in this colorway, with this pattern, but I don't mind at all. It's a cheery, busy, comfy sock, and I might just ignore Anne's bag this week and see if I can't churn out the mate in time to wear it before we get another tropical heat wave. I can't wait to try more of Deby's patterns, especially her yet to be released shawl pattern, done in Tofutsies yarn.

The good news is my October Tofutsies Sock Club yarn shipped out on Friday, so it should be here tomorrow. It's a green and black colorway, so I'm excited! Of course, I still have several balls of Tofutsies in the stash...

PS - Any spots on the mirror or other visible grime must be forgiven. I had to use the Knight's bathroom, as mine would have had echoes back and forth from the two mirrors, and I think y'all know why he didn't care to clean his bathroom this past weekend.

Froggin, a Monkey, Harmony and a Penguin

Well, after about a dozen false starts, my poor Sock it to Me pal has a sock in progress. Recognize it? Yep. It's a Monkey. I'm really enjoying the pattern, and the way the Knitpick Memories is working up in it. And yes, those are DPNs you see. Turns out I miss the little buggers when I stay away too long. They're the Addi 2.50 mm #1s I bought during the Sockza crisis. I like them too, but I think I'll be buying the lot of the Knitpick Harmony needles. Every size, every style... Seriously.

Guess what?! That color is also as close to accurate as I can get. It's a fun colorway, and I do hope it will please my pal as much as it is coming to please me. (For those of you serving as my confessors, pause for the SNOL at the irony of that statement. You've earned it.)

Of course, I couldn't stay away from Summer Daze. (More irony; it was in the mid-40s this morning. No Indian summer happening here.) If you click on the photo, you can see my happy, beloved Harmony circs. Honestly, had I ordered a larger size (these are wee 2.25 mm #1s), I think I would carry them around and/or wear them in my hair. They're that pretty, even with the diminished colorations in the wee needles. I'm not a metal girl anymore. I suspect my tried and true metal KnitPick Options will alway have their purposes (wool?), but these lighter, warm, little works of art have my heart. A couple of reviews on the Tofutsies group have challenged their use with variegated yarns, and I don't think you can get more colorful than this one, and I had no trouble at all. Now, I will have to set this treasure aside and focus - FOCUS! - on the socks with a deadline.

Friday night, I made an attempt to channel my inner scrapbooker. She wasn't quick to come out, but she did join hands with my not-so-inner shopper and swipe a couple of baby-related items so I can (get this - multi-crafting!) scrap my photos of the babies and blankies I've connected with my gifts this year. She did leap to the front of the bus during this little project. I love to journal in my scrapbooks, so a cute journal box is always a hit. My sweet consultant punched and cut out all of the pieces for each of us, so all we had to do was follow along with the adhesive of choice, but he's a doll. My stepson likes "pingwings" so it will go somewhere on a page about him.

Sit, Knit, Heel

So, I frogged back last night, re-knitted the first part of the heel, and this afternoon, flew through the rest of the heel with ease. Go figure. And there's the misleading photo on the left, that makes the colorway look sage and pink. Poo! I wish...

Anyone else have great luck when you approach a troublesome pattern with a fresh outlook on another day? I couldn't believe how easily it flowed this time. Actually, I missed one little sentence in the instructions, and it made all the difference in the world. (I used to think I had good reading comprehension skills.)

There's a close-up of the happy little heel. (Pardon the glare, but at least it gives you a realistic view of the colorway.) I'm sure it could be prettier, but that will come with repetition. There's at least one more with the mate to be done, and I think I'll do toe-up again, at least after my pretty new Knitpicks arrive. Have I mentioned lately that I hate these Susan Bates Quicksilvers? (Free to a good home... seriously.)

I hate to cut this short, but House is on, and Mugsy is now using the Tofutsies skein as a pillow.

Tofutsie Up!

I can now add Magic Cast-on and Toe Up socks to my resume. Sure, I'm a long way from complete, but there's a little toe and foot for ya. I don't know why all the photos of this August limited edition Tofutsies makes it look all sage and pink, because the toe is much more accurate; it looks like a hodge-podge of summer colors with yellow, orange, a Caribbean blue, and a little black for contrast I guess. The photo of the yarn is much more accurate. It took some dry runs, but I got the hang of the Magic Cast-on soon enough, and my M1s up the toe turned out better than I could have hoped. I think I might like toe-up better, but we'll wait and see how the heel goes first.

See the little divot/dimple/crimp on the needle to the left front? That's what will keep me from using these Susan Bates Quicksilver circs again. The point is fine, the surface is fine, but that dimpled join is a bear, as is the odd, gentle bend in the needle just above the join. I've also decided that I really prefer the 16" length for socks, so I'll be ordering more Knitpicks when I get a chance. Right now, I need to head to the fire house for dinner and a membership committee meeting. I'm taking my sock with me. Summer Daze, an exclusive pattern available only with the limited edition colorway, was easy to memorize, so I won't need to bring the paper along.

Anyone else getting some long weekend knitting done? I'll work on the laundry when I get home...