Friday, March 16, 2007

Life moves on

Thank you to everyone for your kind words about Kilby's passing. Knowing so many people are sending good thoughts our way really does help. I took the day off work today and I've spent time just thinking about how much she meant to me and Matt. I will never have another kitty like her, but that's what made her so special.

Over the last few days I have gotten a bit of knitting done. Nothing like the calming nature of knitting.

Conifer Socks
Pattern: Conifer by Meghan Jackson from the Pick Up Sticks Sock Club
Yarn: Apple Laine Apple Pie in English Garden
Needles: Inox size 2.5mm (US 1)
Start Date: February 20, 2007
End Date: March 14, 2007
Comments: Once I figured out I should actually read the pattern, these socks knit very nicely. The pattern designer, Meghan Jackson, has outstanding attention to detail. Not only is the top of leg done in a unique stitch pattern, the leg is in a different stitch and then she carries the ribbing pattern through the heel and the toe. Pretty cool.

The Apple Laine yarn is one I don't think I would have necessarily ordered on my own so I was curious when I received it through the Pick Up Sticks Sock Club. Turns out I absolutely loved working with it. It's a wool/silk/mohair/nylon blend with a beautiful fuzz and sheen. The colors are deeply saturated and I had absolutely no pooling. I think there is a very very slight difference in the intensity of the color if you compare the two socks, but nothing too noticeable.

Wednesday night I started my next pair of socks. These are being knit in Yarntini's Project Runway colors, "Carry On!" and "Make it Work!" in fingering weight. I'm knitting toe-up to maximize the yardage and that way I can do my new favorite heel - the peasant heel (you can just see the waste yarn below the top black line). I thought I would do a 2x2 ribbing on the foot and leg, but after looking at it again last night I ripped back to the toe and started the foot over again with just plain stockinette. Much better. For the curious, I'm getting 8 stitches per inch on 0's (2.0mm).

This weekend I'm hoping to spend some good quality time with Thermal. All the socks this week have been distracting me, but I still have hopes of someday finishing Thermal and wearing it. :) Speaking of distractions, here are the new Duet Sock yarns I got earlier this week. The colors are Evening Elegance and Razzleberry. I really just can't get enough of this yarn. Maybe she'll start a sock club...I wouldn't be able to resist a Duet sock club...Are you reading this, Angela? :)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Alyssa.

Knitting really does help calm your nerves, doesn't it?!

I'm glad you found a little solace in finishing up your Conifer socks.

Thank you for the complimentary post about the pattern design! This was one of the more challenging patterns for the club to date -- I'm glad people are enjoying it! The next few months will be a mix of simple/fun and more complex designs, so I hope you continue to enjoy them!

I hope you have a nice, restful weekend!

Kim in Oregon said...

I'm glad you are taking some time for yourself to spend with your memories of Kilby. I've been thinking about you a lot and share your sorrow.

Isobel said...

So happy to hear that knitting is providing comfort to you at this sad time. The socks are lovely, I haven't started mine yet but am also a fan of the yarn. Still keeping you in my thoughs and prayers.

Hawkesley said...

Your Conifer socks look gorgeous and I love the yarn colour. Is the pattern only available through the club?

Angela said...

A sock club?! I am getting LOTS of requests for this! :) You will be happy to know it is in the works :) and you are the first one to hear that!!!