Monday, October 22, 2007

Saviour Socks


Cable socks
Originally uploaded by bianca_b



Hard to photograph sock on your own feet. This pair is designed by me, and sent as saviour socks in Sockapalooza 4

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Socks arrived!

Here are my perfect super socks from Munna:
Knitted with Regia 4 ply
a Pattern from CookieA

Thelonius

The fit perfect and the Pattern is fantastic.








My extra stuff:

Munna comes from Munich (see postcard)

She was on "Oktoberfest" this year and bought for me a gingerbread heart.

And the best:
Handdyed sock yarn from Wollmeise:
100 % wool in colour Veilchen (Viola)
150 g hank
100 g / 350 m
this yarn is a dream

Thank you very very much.

I hope there's a new sockapalooza next year.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Savior Socks Sent


Finished the socks for my "bonus" sock pal and sent them off with a little bottle of wool wash last week. She should probably get them today. I wish I could have finished them earlier, but then again, it is too hot for wool socks right now in our part of the country so she couldn't have worn them anyway. I sent her a little "just because" package so she would have something while I knit since she didn't get socks from her first pal.

This is Yarn Pirate club yarn in Calamity and the Inside-Out pattern from the STR club. (Am I a sock club joiner - you bet!)

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Savior Socks Away!

Here a really bad picture of the start of the socks for my "bonus" pal. The yarn is Yarn Pirate in the club color "calamity" and this is the first time I've worked with it. It is really soft and the colors are amazing in real life - purple, green, turquoise and cream. I love the way it stripes with the purple and turquoise together and the green and cream together. It is a good thing I'm posting this picture saying they were for a pal or I'd be tempted to keep them for myself! I wanted to do extra nice socks for this pal since her first pal didn't come through. These are going to be "inside out" socks from the BMFA sock club pattern, although I might modify the pattern on the leg. I love the way these socks are fitted and the garter stitch toe and heel!

I almost didn't post this for fear of giving away the "surprise". I'm afraid my pal may figure out these are her socks since there are so many fewer people knitting now. Maybe she'll figure this out and not look on the pligg if she wants to be surprised?

Monday, September 17, 2007

cockleshells

Cockelshells all in a row!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Socks Received (and happily worn!)



My socks arrived in mid-August... just before I went on vacation. So I threw them into my suitcase and headed out. They are wonderful! My sock pal did a great job. They're a cable/lace pattern that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself, but now that I've worn them, I might do some more like them! I've never been a lace sock wearer... but I think these have changed my mind.

She also sent a great project bag (in use for a new sock project) and a bag of wonderful chocolate (long gone!).


I found Carissa's blog and she mentioned some concerns with the pooling/striping... Not a concern to me - I think the pattern is busy enough that it's less noticeable.

So thank you Carissa over at Chrysalis Knits!
http://www.chrysalisknits.blogspot.com/

Socks Received (and happily worn!)



My socks arrived in mid-August... just before I went on vacation. So I threw them into my suitcase and headed out. They are wonderful! My sock pal did a great job. They're a cable/lace pattern that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself, but now that I've worn them, I might do some more like them! I've never been a lace sock wearer... but I think these have changed my mind.

She also sent a great project bag (in use for a new sock project) and a bag of wonderful chocolate (long gone!).


I found Carissa's blog and she mentioned some concerns with the pooling/striping... Not a concern to me - I think the pattern is busy enough that it's less noticeable.

So thank you Carissa over at Chrysalis Knits!
http://www.chrysalisknits.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Sockapalooza 4 Socks from Across the Pond in Somerset



My Sockapalooza Pal Mary did a great job knitting me these socks. They are knit from Koigu KPPM in a pretty lavender/grey mix. She also sent me some beautiful Collinette Jitterbug sock yarn in my favorite shades of turquoise and purple. Along with the fibery goodness is a box of Clotted Cream Fudge from Somerset UK, a postcard showing the beautiful countryside and a lovely note. Well worth the wait.

Sharon (Knittingauntie.blogspot.com)

Sockaplooza 4 from Across the Pond Arrived yesterday




My Sockapalooza Pal Mary did a great job knitting me these socks. They are knit from Koigu KPPM in a pretty lavender/grey mix. She also sent me some beautiful Collinette Jitterbug sock yarn in my favorite shades of turquoise and purple

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Missing socks :(

where, oh were, art though socks!!!

If you're my partner, please contact me and let me know you're still out there. I'd like to know that I didn't spend so much time and energy into the socks I made only to get shafted in the end.

:(

Sunday, September 2, 2007

LOVE my new socks!




These arrived last week, but I'm behind in posting. :)

Thanks, Nicole, I love them! And they fit wonderfully, too. :)

More pics and details on my blog.

just when i'd given up

my socks arrived! they're so wonderful, in all their monkey-fit-fit-me-like-a-glove goodness. i wasn't sure about trying the monkey pattern, but then i got these and they're rather beautiful. thanks Martha!

the same day these came, i got and email from my sock pal, who hadn't received hers yet. they were onlygoing one state over, and i have sent them uh....three weeks prior, so i flipped and cast on another pair for her

Have a look of how lucky I am

I have received my wonders, in form of socks of sockpalooza. You can judge yourselves if they are or not wonders, And you cannot count on the impressive trick of the tact! My God! they are extremely smooth!


I looove the hole package, the socks done in koigu color pine, and the ball of yarn of trekking xxl in precious and very inspiring combination of colors that seem to shout to me to jaywalker! but I do not know if with these longer-than-life legs of mine would have to dare to me with that one pattern that seems to give so little elasticity…
One of the reasons to make interchanges is to know weavers, or simply crazy (by handmade, to be understand), of all parts and “to extend circles” either, because I have had the luck of which it surprises to me, so pleasingly The Comfy Bev, Bev is an enthusiastic one of the interchanges, as we can read in his blog, and an untiring and perfectionist weaver I have proofs of it! And you can have a look to the finished objects in her galleries of photos.
I want to take advantage of, also, to request excuses to him to Bev, my stupid mood has caused that does not answer to you before, to neither sends to a message nor nothing you, because there am been a little sad these days, excuses, again, or I have prevailed a change of rate and nothing to leave things for morning, mainly if me they make happy so and so.

Thank you very much Bev, is a pleasure to meet you


(Edited: I'm so kind of dissaster tht I haven't published this one when I wrote it... just don't answer, In my own blog it's posted weeks ago...)

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Presents from Kathy


Arrived home Friday (8/24) after a full evening of preparation for a weekend soccer tournament to find a package waiting for me! As I am on a strict yarn diet I knew I had not ordered anything. I tore open the package and inside I found a wonderful little gift. My pal, Kathy gave the sock a valiant effort and an effort I truly appreciate. She did a wonderful job with her start but those short row heals threw her for a loop. I love both the yarn that she worked with and the yarn she gifted - my older daughter has already tagged it for herself.

Thanks, Kathy for the wonderful gifts and heroic effort...

ETA: Thought this had posted last week...yes call me Dork.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Socks from Erika!

Erika has sent me these lovely, lovely socks a few weeks ago...but I am in town, with a camera, and computer, and here to thank her for these gorgeous, perfectly fitting Roza socks (pattern by Grumperina) , a magnet, and great yarn art/postcards!!!! Awesome knitting, and awesome colorway. Thanks, Erika!!!!
My puppy ate my own second sock that I knit for my downstream pal (yes, it's true) and after reknitting the second sock (with new yarn, of course!)...they're ready to be sent to my pal with some goodies...when I told her what my pup did to her sock, she was such a good sport for waiting! :) Kris in NH

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Thank you dear sockpal!

I recived my socks from my secret sock pal today, thank you Rachel!!!

They are so beautiful, nice knitted and a lovely colour (I love green). I think that I will try to knitt this pattern my self. Thank you for all the goddies you sent me, there will be fighting in our family now, my two boys have already asked me several times if they can have the Kettle chips or the shewing gum.

This was my first sockapalooza and I cannot wait for the next one. As a beginner, this blog has given me so many links to other blogs and I have a long list of bloggers that I read continously. Thanks to all of you, but most to Rachel!!!



Saturday, August 18, 2007

slow to post



I have been a bad Sockpal. My socks arrived on August 4th and I have yet to post about them. Emma at Stitch'n Sue did an amazing job with the color and the pattern. They are waving lace and I can't remember the yarn but it is absolutely wonderful and I love the colors. I love the additional yarn she sent me from East Wind Farms. I took photos right away of the socks, but did so on my (now, as of Aug 14th) MIL's camera and then had trouble getting the photos from them. Throw in a very secret elopement for my husband and I this past week and a brief honeymoon and you get one very neglectful sock pal!

Emma, thank you so much for my wonderful socks. Your knitting is amazing and every stitch so perfect. I feel so lucky to have received your socks. I am currently working out what pattern I want to use for the East Winds Farms yarn. I am tossing around a few ideas and have yet to make a decision. I love the colors and how the yarn feels. So soft.

Thank you again for making my first sockapalooza experience a great one!

slow to post



I have been a bad Sockpal. My socks arrived on August 4th and I have yet to post about them. Emma at Stitch'n Sue did an amazing job with the color and the pattern. They are waving lace and I can't remember the yarn but it is absolutely wonderful and I love the colors. I love the additional yarn she sent me from East Wind Farms. I took photos right away of the socks, but did so on my (now, as of Aug 14th) MIL's camera and then had trouble getting the photos from them. Throw in a very secret elopement for my husband and I this past week and a brief honeymoon and you get one very neglectful sock pal!

Emma, thank you so much for my wonderful socks. Your knitting is amazing and every stitch so perfect. I feel so lucky to have received your socks. I am currently working out what pattern I want to use for the East Winds Farms yarn. I am tossing around a few ideas and have yet to make a decision. I love the colors and how the yarn feels. So soft.

Thank you again for making my first sockapalooza experience a great one!

slow to post



I have been a bad Sockpal. My socks arrived on August 4th and I have yet to post about them. Emma at Stitch'n Sue did an amazing job with the color and the pattern. They are waving lace and I can't remember the yarn but it is absolutely wonderful and I love the colors. I love the additional yarn she sent me from East Wind Farms. I took photos right away of the socks, but did so on my (now, as of Aug 14th) MIL's camera and then had trouble getting the photos from them. Throw in a very secret elopement for my husband and I this past week and a brief honeymoon and you get one very neglectful sock pal!

Emma, thank you so much for my wonderful socks. Your knitting is amazing and every stitch so perfect. I feel so lucky to have received your socks. I am currently working out what pattern I want to use for the East Winds Farms yarn. I am tossing around a few ideas and have yet to make a decision. I love the colors and how the yarn feels. So soft.

Thank you again for making my first sockapalooza experience a great one!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I have a great Pal!

Today I went to check the mail, and lo and behold, there was a package for me from Anne (Natural Fibres) in Yellowknife, North West Territories. She is a sweet thoughtful woman who sent a totally wonderful package (more on my blog).

My socks are gorgeous ... knit in a beautiful turquoise Opal Uni Solid sock yarn (Colour #29), Anne said they were her first attempt at Lace knitting but I think she might be fibbing -- she has done a gorgeous job knitting Hedera (by Cookie A).


My socks are so soft, and the colour is so pretty ... and to top it off, they fit me to a T.
I will try to get a better picture (taken by someone other than me!) later or tomorrow -- they are gorgeous and I want to show them off, and can't seem to get a good angle while they are attached to me -- I am not bendy enough!)


Thank you so much Anne for the very thoughtful package! I love it all , and really do appreciate everything!

I have sockage!!!!!


And sooooo much more thank you Tonni.





See more here!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

They came !


I got my socks and they are works of art ! The amazing pattern is Gothic Spires by Cookie A and my wonderful pal Norah knit them out of Regia Silk, a yarn I have always been curious about. She even included an extra skein and so now I can knit with it myself.
As you can see, my pal not only made socks out of luxury yarn, she also included luxury treats . Thank you so much , Norah, the socks fit perfectly and I love them .
And special thanks to the intrepid Alison, who can organize a sock exchange, have a baby and write a book, all at the same time - wow ! Knitters are incredible !

My Pal Received her Socks...not me sofar...

My sockapalooza mate JennaKate received her socks from me - and she posted a glorious review including the most important fact - THEY FIT... I am so glad she liked everything that I added in the box. It was fun spoiling a complete stranger. We had a bit in common, even though I am nearly twice her age... (age is a state of mind though)
My next question is who is my sock mate - I have not received a package yet, and I am starting to get a bit worried. I have had such good luck with my swaps, I am sure they are in the mail, or at least on the needles...
In other news - I spent 11 days at Disney World and it was the hottest I have ever experienced. I brought my knitting but it was way too hot to even think about knitting. Back to knitting today - my yet unfinished forest canopy shawl is going to be done soon. Its a gift, and I need to get it done. Picture to follow.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Socks Sent

I sent the finished socks to my pal on the 2nd, but forgot to take pictures. The USPS says that they have arrived on the 6th, but I haven't gotten any confirmation from the recipient. Hopefully she'll take pictured for me, so I can post them here!

I just wanted to check in with my sock status. Heidi, if you're readying this, let me know you got your socks, please! I'm worried they were stolen off your porch, or something!

No word from my upstream pal, yet... but I'm hoping for the best.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Thank Yoou Sockapalooza 4!

I had fun in this swap!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

I am Done-apalooza!




As of last Friday evening at 7 p.m. ... they are finished!






SpecsPattern: BFF by Cookie A (the internet won't let me kink to the pattern! sorry! you'll have to google it yourownself)Yarn: Garn Studio's Fabel Superwash, Colour 677Needles: 2.75 mm Brysun, 5 inch length (I love them .... my total favorite needle. Ever.For: my SP4 Pal -- can't say who she is until she gets her package! I hope the colours and pattern suit her! The picture is a little brighter than the colours are live and in person -- but it is quite close.Mods: Just one ... I like the look of a wide cuff folded in half ... so made a 2 inch cuff instead of the 1 incher the pattern called for

Would I do it again? definately ... the pattern is not only pretty, but it is a really "quick learn" which makes it almost as easy as a Vanilla! I really like the look of the finished sock, and think they would be nice presents for Christmas. I would probably make a different heel, as the pattern calls for a stocking stitch heel, and i usually knit (and prefer) a thicker heel -- I knit it according to the patternI have several goodies to put in with the socks ... some treats from my area and some other knitterly things, which will all go in the post tomorrow (** Edit: it got reeally busy at work and in life, so I missed the post office and the store for paper -- but it will definately go ASAP.) It has been a lot of fun to knit the socks and a little challenging to try to get to know someone through their blog and via email, but it has been an interesting 'Palooza. I will be happy to finally be able to send the socks on their journey.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

All done!


I made it, I finished my Sockapalooza 4 socks - but just about. Sheesh! These socks beat the heck out of me. I don't know why and how come, possibly my constant exhaustion was to blame - but for a fairly simple pattern - I messed up way too often. Boo! I re-knit the heels twice (oy), re-re-knit too many pattern repeats (double oy), I bound them off twice (triple oy!)... But - they're finished! And with all the agony involved - I like them a lot! The pattern is easy (despite my best efforts to prove the opposite), beautiful and unique, Lorna's Laces has become my favorite sock yarn - soft, cushy and beautifully colored. I hope my sock pal likes them...
I packed them up and shipped them on monday. I added a couple of my favorite chocolates (I love the Panda one sooooo much! And it helps saving endangered animals too! Double score), a hand sewn bunny, a great bar of soap (I hate to promote stuff we sell at work, but his products are incredible, and we met the actual Hugo who started the company makes the soaps himself still - and he's such a great guy he deserves the mention) - and a little letter from moi.
(Yeah, my pal's name is Lynn - sorry if that's to revealing)


Done and on their way..


I have not posted here before but because no one in my house truly appreciates that I have completed and mailed my sock pal socks to parts north of sunny Los Angeles, I felt that I had to tell someone...anyone that cares. It nice to not hear "Gooood" or "hmmmm...interesting" and you were the first that came to mind.

Thanks for listening.

ETA: I can not add the damn picture...any guidance would be greatly appreciated. That mystery box is a link to to picture (shakes head)

ETA again: Figured it out...perhaps I should look under "help"

Friday, August 3, 2007

My First post

I sent these out yesterday. They are Embossed Leaves in Lorna's Laces.


I had super fun with Sockapalooza! I cannot wait to see what my secret pal made for me.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Socks for Second Pal Done!


These are Oriel from Sensational Knitted Socks in Opal solid made for someone whose pal quit the game early. Next time I pick a 28 row lace pattern for socks I have to do on a short deadline will someone please hit me over the head with a heavy object? The pattern was a challenge and it had a new heel I'd never tried before. There was lots of frogging but I do think they turned out well. Hope my sock pal likes them.

Done!



I'm not sure I posted correctly on the knit pligg - I guess I'm a bit technology challenged! Anyway here is a picture of my completed socks. The pattern is Fluted Bannister Socks by Laura Gallagher and the yarn is Sheeps Gift from Joslyn's Fiberfarm in the Confetti colorway. I really enjoyed knitting these and have started another pair already! I hope my sock pal likes them!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Socks ready to go


I finished my socks a few days ago and I'm ready to ship them. They are monkey socks and the yarn is Colinette Jitterbug. I hope my pal likes them. Can't wait to get mine!

Help!

My socks have been done for a month, but I cannot locate my sock pal. I emailed her yesterday to confirm her mailing address, and the email bounced back! It looks like it's a bad email address.

I have been concerned because she replied promptly after my first email, but then didn't answer me again. If she were in the States, I wouldn't worry because the package would have a good possibility of being returned. But she's in the UK, and I don't want to lose her socks or Sockapalooza bag!

Any ideas?

Socks are done!


And just in the nick of time. Actually they have been essentially done for a week or two, but I just got around to finishing the toe. I can't wait! This is my first exchange and my first blog post ever! I really hope that my sock pal likes her socks.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

done!!

my socks are finished, and sealed for their long journey to .....




i also included one of the sockapalooza 4 bags. of course i had to get one for myself as well. and it's even cuter than i expected. hope my pal enjoys her package

My socks are finished

and soon they will go all the long way to .....
Hey, you didn't really think I would tell you?

Here's a quick pic of the finished pair:


Hope my pal will like them.

And of course I'm really curious who did knit some socks for me. *lol*

Karin

2 Quick questions!

One, what are people doing in the Uk as regards to the postal strike this week? On the 2nd we are supposed to have no post being delivered but I'm not sure about taking stuff to be posted?
Two, do we reveal our selves to our sock friend when we post or at a later date? Just wanted to check before I seal my socks up!
Thanks!

Monday, July 30, 2007

I've made it

Yes the socks are ready, and soon to be mailed ..

Have a nice week,

Muoriska

my sock is finished

I finished my pal's socks this weekend and I hope to get them off in the mail by Wednesday. No pictures at the moment because of technical issues, I hope that my partner posts pictures when she gets them!

http://www.midgeling.com/weebug/blog

DONE!

These are my Jaywalker socks (by Grumperina: http://magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm). I really enjoyed making them -- the zig-zag design was fun, especially w/the self-striping yarn. I am blocking them now, and crossing my fingers that they will be dry in time to send them! Damn humid Boston summers. Anyway, very fun. Now off to find some tidbits to put in the package along with them!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Second Pair Sock Pal Socks Started

I started socks for my second sock pal - these are Oriel out of Sensational Knitted Socks. The pattern is a challenge for me but I've wanted to do it since I first saw it in the book.

Now if I can keep from getting distracted for a few days I'll get these done on time!

Finished socks



I am in Holidays and I finished my sock pal´socks.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

FO: Springgrass Socks

I hope my socks pal likes them. I hope they fit.

Sockapalooza 4 Socks

Pattern: Springgrass Socks
Source: Craftoholic
Yarn: Merino Semi-Solid Sock Yarn in 'Baja' by Mama Blue Knitting Goods
Needles: Knit Picks US2
Started: June 20, 2007
Finished: July 16, 2007

Triumphant!


Just had to show them off. Could these socks be for you? Can't wait to mail them!

They're Finished!


Parasol Socks done in Crystal Palace Panda Cotton, Periwinkle colorway. Great little pattern and nice yarn. Yes, it's a bit splitty, but I'd use it again. Any splittiness is offset by the softness of this yarn...and the drape. Now, I'm making a pair for me!

Monday, July 16, 2007

All Done!!!


I took my sock pal's socks to Seattle where I was going for a conference and had one day to go sightseeing. I was going to take them along and take pictures. Unfortunately, I put them in my checked baggage and US Air lost my luggage (after one plane being late, another being broken, waiting for replacement aircraft, the hotel losing my reservations, etc. etc. etc.) I was in a really nasty mood on Sunday while sightseeing because on top of being dirty and uncomfortable and not being able to get pictures of my socks, I finished knitting what I brought on the plane with me and had NOTHING TO KNIT.

We took a shuttle to Bainbridge Island since my husband wasn't wearing practical shoes so we couldn't go hiking on the one day we had for sightseeing in Seattle. Just when his poor feet could take it no longer, I saw this sign:















I asked DH if he wanted to sit down so I could go exploring. Walked around the corner and saw this:















So, I went in. All of the regulars looked at me and I announced "I'm having a yarn emergency!" A very nice sales person came up to comfort me, asked me what I liked to knit and showed me to the Socks That Rock, knowing that would solve my problem. So I bought a skein of Carbon Dating, and took a picture of that on the ferry ride back.














My new yarn quickly turned into Monkey socks (because I could download the pattern from the internet and had sock needles with me from the project I finished on the plane.) Luggage showed up 2 days later....














That meant that I could finally put the finishing touches on my sock pal's socks. The yarn is Twinkletoes in Cedar Forest and the pattern is Mad to Dance. I really like the cables on the heel...