Matchy, Matchy

Well, I finished the 1st sock. Piece of cake. Had to do the Kitchener stitch for the toe two times before I go it (almost right). This morning it took 4 times to long tail cast the 2ND sock to get it to start in the right sequence to match the 1st one. For my 1st pair of socks I used two skeins (I did not realize that 1 would make a pair) so I was able to make sure before I cast on the first I would start at the same point. Now I've heard and I hope for future socks, as I now know I will knit more, that the matching is not a big thing but for these socks it is a must! I'm really happy with the first one and the second one is now moving right along. Another lesson learned!

I am using size 2, one Addi & one Susan Bates. This help me keep my track of which needle is front & back. Since I am doing 2x2 rib when I end on the first needle it is 2k, I start 2p on the 2ND needle, in this case the SB needle is the knitting one. When I put the sock down it is easy for me to pick up when I left off. My first pair below were on Size 3. This yarn is a lighter weight and the 2 are making it a really dense sock. They should last quite a while, although as this is a gift, one that I would probably not wear, I'm not sure if she, who will not be named, will get to wear these beyond her anniversary of July 4th.

My 1st Swap and I get to travel!!

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
Seattle to check out art glass
2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?
England, well all the British Isles! My Nana was born in England and it has always been a dream to go across the pond.
3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?
Going North, VA, MD, DE, NJ to NYC
Going west up VA to reach TN
Going South, VA, NC, SC
4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?
does Times Square in the 70's count? No that was just quite strange
5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
Very 1st long distance plane trip in '63 to see my future husband off before he left for Vietnam. Stayed in San Pedro with relatives and went to Disney Land, well before Disney World was built!
6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.
I live in NoVA 11 miles from Washington DC! After all the family was taken around once that was enough! I will provide Metro fare cards for future visits
7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker?
Museum, beach, LYS!!!
8. What's your favorite type of yarn?
so far am happy with what I've chosen too early to make a choice
9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?see answer 8
10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
socks, scarves, felted bags and more to come
11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
Project that is OTN
12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?
Have done it all-stained glass is my most artistic-my own designs
13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) wool at my neck
14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?
favorite--all bright colors, least--red , plain white
15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?
both but chocolate wins hands down
16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?
love my cats, love big funky jewelry, anything vintage

Surprise gift spoiled!

Well, I just sent my blog like to family and friends and just realized I'm posting a gift!

This is my second sock just started and I know that she will never guess what she is getting for the 4th of July Anniversity present! Well, If I don't mention, she knows who, not to be confused with he who will not be named!
Pia (painintheass) was not pleased with the attention I was giving a ball of yarn.

First pair down!

Well, I have finally taken the time away from my current OTN project to set this up. It is so interesting to read about what others in the knitting world are up too, I thought I would give it a try.

I took a two night class at Yarn Barn in Burke Va with a friend to learn socks on two circular needles. We both had started, on our own, a pair when a class at at another LYS was cancelled but knew we needed the guidance of a teacher to get through the heal. I used LB Magic Stripes Bright Spring pattern.

For the 2nd sock I frogged the heel no less than three times when turning it to get the stripes to match. I have to say every mistake that can be made was made in learning and making this 1st pair.