The New Year Approaching

It has been quite the while since i have posted anything on the blog...a little under the weather and the holidays always seem to take up so much of my time but I am venturing into more socks and received a gift of Kaffe Fassett's Pattern Library from my daughter with so many ideas for doing intarsia knitting on border cuffs, heels and toes! This might be my New Year's resolution to really try to see if there is a place for intarsia knitting in socks. Hard to do in the round but I think I can figure out simple repeats and patterns.
Today finishing up yet another Heart Clog sock! I'll have to do some for Valentine's Day!
Happy New Year.

Cross socks Pattern

Amazing how the pattern that I published for Ravelry has been requested and actually knitted by someone in Denmark! I am continually amazed how the wide web connects people and makes the world a very small place. It is really satisfying to see your pattern done by someone. Just amazing...

Basket Weave

I am at a point that I am feeling like I wish I had 4 hands to knit with. Two more pairs of socks were sold today and the basketweave went after I put them on sale to the same person who purchased my variegated yellow socks. He like them so much that he decided to buy two more pairs. Wonderful but that really makes my little shop look a little empty. I'll have to knit alot and fast! What fun.

Cable Rib Socks

This pair of socks were sold and what is interesting is that I think because the varied tones of the yarns made it less desirable. I had put these on sale just to move them. The yarn was from Yarn Treehouse, 100% wool and really very soft and warm. I love their yarns but because they are extra care I think that puts some buyers off on buying socks that are 100% wool versus yarns with nylon (superwash types). I have been into superwash yarns lately but may go back to 100% Wools again as I like knitting with them. (Even though they are extra care yarns).

Heart Clog socks

Absolutely wonderful...another order for the Heart Clog Socks makes my day! I really love these but think I will use different pattern on the sock. Maybe an all over pattern of hearts in relief. That would truly make it a heart sock! Probably a Valentines Day sock. I'll work on that!

AND THE YANKEES WIN!!!!!!! What can I say. It was a great win with Hideki hitting hot. 6 RBI's and named the MVP. So now I can just savor the win and have some sleep at night! Great going Yanks! See you all in the spring!

Last month was loaded up on custom orders for Clog Socks and just finished a custom order of these mitts only in black. Really think this is a great idea and hope that I can do more of these. So just knitting away as fast as I can. Still hoping to do a pair of Clog Socks with Yankee logo on heel! Hope they win the World Series tonight! These late games are tough on sleep! Go Yanks.

Busy Day Today

So sometimes I wonder if I have the energy for a day like today. Went to give blood...Finished my custom Fingerless Cable Lace Mitts and got them to the post office along with another pair of Heart Clog Socks. If I could only knit faster....raked the zillion of leaves that were covering my front lawn, bagged them and made two trips to the town dump to dump them! Did the laundry, and am about ready to start the prep for dinner. What a day! and yes the Yanks came through with the must win last night. Next game is Halloween night and that will be a real hoot! Go Yanks!

And the Yankeeeeeees Win!

And so this was an exciting game! A bit sloppy at times but Andy and MO really came through and now it is off to the World Series...The World Series! Wednesday night...can't wait!

Clog Heart Socks

I have now gotten orders for 2 of these burgundy clog heart socks and 1 order for custom Checker clog socks as well as a custom pair of fingerless mitts! Can't believe that this is becoming an interesting sideline. My hands have never been so busy.

Dodgers Go Down....Yanks Tonight!

It wasn't to be...Dodgers go down and Phillies are in...Yanks tonight against Angels and could be a Yanks versus Phillies World Series. Not what I wanted but hoping that Yanks make it into the series. Sure would be great to have them clinch it at Yankee Stadium but that would mean that the Angels would win tonight. Don't think I could stand the tension!!!!! Go Yanks.

Socks and more

What fun...another pair of heart clog socks...no faster than I get it on Etsy I get an inquiry for a custom pair. Whoa...my hands are becoming a knitting machine. It has been really fun to knit these socks and I really like that people enjoy them and are purchasing them.

Clog Heart Socks

Really is so nice to sell my socks. The Clog Hear Socks, original design just was purchased along with a couple of other socks. Love Etsy.com...has been a really fun way to fund my hobbby!

Origami Season

Today is rainy and a good day to work on the traditional Holiday Card...origami animals...For the last 18 years I have been doing a folded origami animal and sending it out for the holidays. This year is going to be really beautiful and delicate. After a year of knitting every day it is always hard to get into origami. But Origami is a great way to just be into yourself and a very quiet pass time to ponder the things in life. So many levels that everyone should try doing it. Many sites on the web...just google Origami Diagrams.

The Calligrapher's Daughter

I am reading a novel written by my cousin Eugenia Kim, Washington DC. Wonderful book and worth a read...just wonderful.

Eugenia Kim's The Calligrapher's Daughter follows the trials of a headstrong girl in turn-of-the-century Korea. Love and inter-generational strife operate against the backdrop of the impending Japanese occupation and the shadow of the dying monarchy. The Washington Post writes, "Eugenia Kim's sensitive first novel, which depicts 30 years of Korea's modern history in light of its ancient past, is an illuminating prequel to present-day events. . . . A satisfying excursion into empathetically rendered lives."

It was a really great day. The Lexus dealer in NJ was very nice and I met Jared Max (Sportscaster for WCBS Radio, he is on my left) and Carmine DeMaio on my right was my contact at Lexus. The camera crews were out and I got interviewed for the WCBS Website. They even treated us to lunch and the topper of the day was that I was presented with a signed autographed ball from Melky Cabrera! It was great!

So today it is off to Englewood, NJ for my moment in the limelight...hope there are no baloons or hoopla!

Heart Clog socks

I got some inquiries on my heart clog socks and interesting that they have been looked at on Etsy almost 200 times within a span of a month. I have not had so many hits on one sock in such a short time. Also got a request to do a custom heart sock...but don't know if that is going to pan out as I couldn't do it for the price listed on etsy. We will see...but in the mean time I am writing down this pattern to see if I might submit it to Knitty.com and knitting another pair of these only in a grey blue with white hearts!

Basis Cable/Rib sock

I do believe that the cable and rib combination of pattern, although basic is very comforting...sold this pair today and think I should probably do another pair of these. Excellent.

Checker Clog Socks

Couldn't resist...had to try another pair of clog socks.....

Amazing Odds: NY Yankees Melky Cabrera hit the Cycle!

Today I thought I would just write about an incident that happened that was improbable! I am a hugh NY Yankee fan....On Sunday, Aug. 2, Melky Cabrera hit for the cycle. For those who don't know what the cycle is...a player hits a single, double, triple and a home run in one game. So Melky of the Yankees did it. Hasn't been done for last 14 years but he did it. Earlier in the season I had put my name in the hat at a local radio station to win the cycle contest. For the luck of the draw...my name was chosen for that game on that date at the beginning of the season. So now he did it and I won. My name was announced on the station and I was contacted. What a shock. I had forgotten that I even entered the contest. No one ever wins this. So now I am suppose to get a new car! Wow, I still can't believe it happened.

Clog Heart Socks

So tinkering with another pair of socks thought socks made to be worn with clogs...you know the open backs! Keeping those feet warm in the early spring or late fall when the air is cool. Actually fun to do pattern on heel and think I'll try another with a different pattern. Used Knit Picks Bare Essentials, Merino and Nylon blend. Great to knit with and very soft to the touch.

Visit from Leslie and the Boys

A very nice visit from my daughter Leslie and her boys, Luke and Ethan. We went to see the Essex Steam Train and visited the Bronx Zoo which was a real treat and hit with the boys.

Always sorry to see the visit end but always great to see Luke and Ethan and of course Leslie! Can't wait for the next time we get together!

Yoga Socks

Well, I knitted the yoga socks using Knit Picks Merino/Nylon blend. Really fun to do and lacy pattern makes them look even more unique. Might do some more and try to sell them.

Cable Socks with Accents

Just sold this pair of socks to a woman in England. She said they matched the color of her husband's rugby team! Absolutely happy to sell these. They were knitted with Knit Pick Gloss (Merino and Silk). The only thing with this yarn is the extra care needed. I think that people are just to rushed to take the time to care for products. It's more that people need convenience of not spending too much time in mundane chores like washing socks! But, I do love the feel and look of this yarn and I think it is worth the extra effort.

Yoga Socks

Well so I saw these socks called yoga socks. I thought...interesting and could be such a nice sock to knit. So I am off knitting a patterned pair...open toes and heel for traction. And of course in white...as that is what I seem to be into lately. White socks!!!!!

Diamond Pattern Socks

So I finished the socks and was really surprised how fast they were to knit. Really love the final results and have to say I love this yarn. Merino and nylon blend superwash by Knit Pics. Got to get some more only in colors.

Diamond Pattern Socks

Working on a new pair of socks with diamond pattern...basically using only purl and knit. Actually looking pretty nice and should be done in a couple of days. Thinking of doing a pair of toe less socks (pedicure socks). Might be fun and interesting to use all my stash yarns.

Enjoy the day

So sad the passing of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Does make you stop and think about your own life and ponder your own purpose. Life is short and hopefully we will all leave wonderful memories and good deeds for those we leave behind. Enjoy the day and savor the joys in your life.

Cable and Rib Sock

Using Knit Pick Essential Sock Yarn (soon to be called Stroll) knitted these socks. Pattern from Interweave knits. The yarn is very subtle in the color tones. They vary slightly and create a very hand made feel. Very soft as well and easy to knit with. Love this burgundy color. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Knitting Gives You Solace

So starting in on another pair of socks...cable rib, really nice with a cable running down the sides and ribs on the instep and leg. Burgundy color and should be really nice. I don't know why I am just knitting socks..I guess they are a short project and I get a great feeling after I have sold a pair, but more than that it is a way for me to be diligent in making socks and posting them. There is a quiet quality of knitting and a comfort level of finishing a project. Many years I use to have unfinished projects in my knitting projects but I have learned to finish the projects I start and that has made me alot more disciplined I think. I think also it takes my mind off those things you don't want to concern yourself about and clears you mind of mundane thoughts. Knitting can set your mind at ease and give you solace (at least for moment or two). I do love to knit!

Knit Pick Yarns

I finished the Go With The Flow socks! Knitted using Knit Picks Bare Superwash 75% Merino/25% Nylon blend yarn. Love the lacy pattern Interweave Knits Summer 2005. These are made for a Women's shoe size 7-8. They measure 9.25" flat, from heel to toe and will stretch to 10". The leg measures 9" from bottom of the heel to the top of the sock.
Machine Washable/tumble Dry Low. Great pattern...and really easy. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Knit Pick Yarns

Got some really interesting yarn from Knit Picks...called Bare Superwash/Nylon fingering. Price was6.29 for 462 yards (100 grams). Really amazing feel and texture. Machine Washable and tumble dry low, looks like a yarn that might be great for sport socks but decided to try a pattern from Interweave Knits, Summer 2005 that I wanted to do. Called go with the flow socks, nice lace pattern (I do love to do lace socks). Hope to get these on Etsy for sale. Really pretty.

Click here to view my etsy shop!

Hand made Sports socks

Socks worked fine but now know that they should be much tighter knit...maybe by using #1 needles and a lace weight yarn. Cotton or a cotton blend would work well but it was a bit of a chilly day and actually the wool blends that I made these socks with worked really well.

I will try another pair when I get a chance...oh and I was in a "ladder" for a tournament at my local course...I won so it is on to the next round next week. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Testing some Socks

I had knitted a pair of active  sport short ankle socks and today I am golfing and thought I would see how they hold up. These particular socks are a wool blend and are very cushy and soft. I am interested to see if they literally hold up and don't slide down while golfing. If they work out I may investigate cotton blends and patterns. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Sandalwood Socks

Really nice to get an order for my socks. Sandalwood sold today and really love the pattern on it. Got it from Interweave Knit and will do another as soon as I can...and another beautiful day on the east coast. That is 3 days in a row! Click here to view my etsy shop!

Cross Socks Pattern

Clearly it is interesting to see crafter's wanting a copy of the Cross Pattern Sock (Pattern). I am anxious to see if the instructions were written clearly and that they could be followed. And anyone interested can just contact me.

On another note...today is a beautiful day on the East Coast...finally and hope I can get out into the garden and plant a few things.

Click here to view my etsy shop!

Handmade socks for sale!

So I decided to put some of my socks in a sale on etsy.com. Actually might be interesting to sell some really nice items. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Cross socks Pattern

Amy K (pyropagan) from Ravelry requested my pattern for the Cross socks! First time request and hope that it is sucessful. I'm off to golf this morning in the rain but need a break! Click here to view my etsy shop!

Long shot wins and Socks are Finished!

Saw the stretch run of the Kentucky Derby and was awesome! Quite a finish and what a longshot.

Also finished socks using Lorna's Laces Sock Yarn. Will take pictures and post them. Very nice rib socks, casual. Love this yarn for it's weight (lace, fine) and washability. Easy care and the more you wash the softer the feel of the garment. Really exceptional...the price of the yarn is too. Always looking for sales on this yarn. Click here to view my etsy shop!

Rain Rain Rain

Today looks like more mist and rain...saw a robin this morning that seemed very upset. Wonder if it was the robin I have been watching. Great day to finish up that pair of socks and get it on etsy. I posted some sale items on my site and probably will work a little on the site today after I do my cleaning chores. And got to get my picks on the Derby and Nascar! Click here to view my etsy shop!

Robin's Nest

Today checked on the Robin who was sitting on her nest and she abandoned it leaving one egg. I think that the other 2 eggs were taken and she decided to just leave the nest. Sad but it does happen and the egg left may be unfertile. I'll take another look later but the statistics on Robins hatching eggs and the survival of the fledglings is below 50%...so it goes. Robin's live up to 14 years and nest a couple of times a year. We will hope that she can do it again and have a family!

Click here to view my etsy shop!

Just starting the blog...

Welcome to my musings. Not sure exactly why I arrived at creating a blog but here goes. Of course I just love to knit and knit...and socks are my passion these days. So as I meander with thoughts and pictures of what I am up to, I hope that it will entice you to try your hand at knitting...socks! Today I am finishing up a pair of socks for Father's Day hoping that they will sell on Etsy...but who knows. Next will be a pair of socks made from my leftovers and stash yarns.