We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight. The in-laws don't really live that close to the airport, so a 10:30 flight very quickly converts into a 5am wake-up time. Ugh.

That one red suitcase, by the way, was inspected very carefully at check-in. Last year the security folks picked out the boys' suitcase with the music box from their baby mobile in it to inspect. The music box did kind of look like a bomb in the x-ray machine, I'll give them that. They summoned someone who rode over to the check-in area on a cute little yellow bike and ran what looked like a mini-dust buster over it and then rode off again to get the results. It was some sort of machine that could tell whether the "device" had been tampered with or something like that. Of course, hubby's opened up that music box about five times to resolder the electronics in it, because the buttons have been pressed so many times in the last four and a half years that they keep breaking. So I was, needless to say, a little worried. But after about ten minutes they decided that it was okay and let me check in. This year they chose the suitcase filled with my socks, hubby's half-knit LMKG zip raglan sweater, and german boardgames for the kids. They called in the bike-person again and she wiped down the outside of the game boxes and rode off to get the test results. My mother-in-law said it looked like a test for illegal drugs. Illegal drugs in the Junior Labyrinth game, right, of course. After ten minutes they ran the suitcase through the x-ray again and declared it to be okay. Yes, I really am just into boardgames, thank you.

But it was all made up for when they told us we had a window seat. The boys were so thrilled they even translated for Oma so she could comprehend the awesomeness of the situation: "a fensterplatz!" And lookie, we got one of the WM-Deutschland planes with the soccer ball on the nose!

While we were waiting at the gate, I noticed that a man standing behind me was wearing, get this, a gold medal from Turino! How cool is that? It was for Men's Hockey and after searching a bit on the internet, I found out he must have been this guy from the Swedish Hockey team who plays for the Boston Bruins. And that medal was gorgeous. I remember there was some sort of uproar about the medals having a hole in them this time around, but let me tell you, it was impressive. Wow!

The boys played quite well on the plane and I made some progress on my second pair of Canadian Colors socks. (Regia Canadian Classic Colors #4741 "Brasil Color". Nah, it doesn't remind me of Brazil any more than the other reminded me of Toronto. And what does Brazil have to do with Canada anyway?)

Eventually, the boys fell asleep and I got to watch the movie (Elizabethtown - not very good, but Orlando Bloom is worth watching no matter what) and knit quietly. I overheard the couple in front of me telling their seat neighbor about their baby. You could tell there was something special about them. The baby was a typical 4 or 5 month old, who cried when you would expect and had to be carried around most of flight. But there wasn't one second of that nine hour period in the airplane when those parents didn't seem absolutely 100% in love with that baby. No exhausted looks or frazzled nerves. Nothing but pure joy. Then I overheard the word "adoption" and they explained that as soon as the airplane touched down in Boston, the baby would become an American citizen. When we landed they all clapped and I have to say, I got a little choked up.

It's good to be home.

oh, just a little sock yarn

Yes, I did buy some yarn. It's true. But each of the little bags contains some yarn for my best knitbuddies, so if you take those away, it's really not that much that I bought. Certainly not so much when you take into consideration how many Legos I brought back.

and these are just the big sets

I had to borrow an extra suitcase from the in-laws to bring back all the Lego booty. We've got some new Legos to play with now, two Lego sets for the boys' birthday in the summer, and two sets for Christmas. Hey, when you see what you like, you gotta get it while you can, right?

Can I talk to you about Lego for a minute? You see, they've changed their whole program and everything is themed now, like Harry Potter scenes and Star Wars ships and a disturbing number of variations of robots with giant guns. The problem with all of these is that you're just supposed to make the one thing with each boxed set. They used to make sets with more general pieces and instruction books describing several different things you can make with them. But it's all marketing tie-ins and individual units now, presumably to maximize the number of boxes that you have to buy to complete the set or play out the story or whatever. But my boys just want to build. And build. And build. They'll build something from the instruction book and then immediately take it apart to build the next thing. We've bought all the so-called "designer" sets that are still available (except the ones with guns) and I've been keeping my eye open for older sets still on the shelves somewhere. Old stock never stays on the shelves long in America, but I hit the jackpot in Germany. All of the sets I bought back have production dates of 2003 on the boxes and have instructions for 10 or so different vehicles or creations. And two of them are even old Inventor sets with working motors (hubby is sooo excited about those!). So I had to get them, you see?

Oh, a tip from one Lego mom to all you other Lego moms (and aunts and grandmas) out there, I hope you've gotten yourself a couple of these. They really work and help save those fingernails from Lego-induced chips! And with two of them, you can lever even really tiny pieces apart.

Well that about ends this installment of 'everything you ever wanted to know about Legos and more'. Tomorrow, I'll tackle putting away all that sock yarn.

The acquisition of a significant amount of yarn always requires some stash reorganization. And I've noticed that the yarn in my IKEA storage system seems to have become a permanent fixture there, like it's part of the furniture now and not just waiting to be knit. So with new sock yarn to squeeze in and old yarn yearning to break out of the storage, it's time to stir the stash.

This is never a pleasant site. First everything gets tossed on the bed and only slowly redistributed into the storage cubbies and bins. And inevitably hubby will come upstairs during the middle of it all and catch an unobstructed glimpse at the true size of the stash.

But then things start to look better. The soon-to-be-socks bin is neat and inviting.

The remaining sock stash has been purged of a few excesses and mistaken impulse purchases.

And the lornas laces is blooming in the flower pot.

kick it!

Two other knitters have drilled and starting making boots! Katie has finished one fabulous green boot. I love it! And Whit crocheted hers! You gotta see it.

In the meantime, Jae reports that she managed to convice her husband to drill holes in perfectly good shoes and Rebecca is practicing her dpn skills on some socks.

I've still got one boot left to finish. Maybe listening to Whit's interview with Tina Marrin can inspire me to get started again. Or I could watch the Knitty Gritty show again for about the thousandth time. "Are you ready boots? Start knitting!"

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sockapaltwoza

Lots of finished make-up socks to report:

Alison sent off socks to Sara!
Bliss got the sock savior socks I knitted!
Alison C. has finished socks too
Ariel finished Whitby's for her make-up pal.
And Stinkerbell loves her make-up socks!

Three Alisons and an Ariel saving the sockapalooza - awesome! Thanks so much, ladies. Isn't it great when we all knit and make up?

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another weasley

And the finished weasleys just keep on coming....

Whit made a beautiful "F" weasley for her daughter. (I think if I had mine to do over again, I'd do an F too! I've got a little thing for Fred now.)
Becky made an "N" weasley for her son. (I love these pictures of the kids in their sweaters.)
Patty did a great job on her Gryffindor scarf.
And Ann knit a fun Hogwarts hat for her Knitting Olympics project.

There are new knitalongers too:

Anne's Gryffindor socks are way cool and Jenny is working a Hogwarts unity blanket. What a neat project!

Long live the weasley-along!

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yarn aboard

The radio box I sent in Amanda's sock yarn swap has visited two others so far: Emily, who received the gifts I packed in the box, and Rachel, who received gifts from Emily.

This is so much fun to watch! Go radio box, go.

Zoob is fun!

I am king of Zoob and lord of all the Zoob creatures.

Zoob Bug

I think this one started off as Zoob DNA, but after all the cursing that was involved in daddy's constructing the Zoob Rex (which was so unstable that the boys weren't allowed to touch it after he'd put it together), the boys decided they'd have just as much fun with a Zoob centipede.

And there's some fun waiting for mommy too, thanks to Kristin, who apparently lives where folks need a lot of powdered beverage mix. She heard me complaining that my local stores only have like two flavors of Kool-Aid and sent me a "few" packets and some KnitPicks dye-your-own yarn to play with. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

look, she even included rubber gloves!

This is going to be a fun week.

One brazil color sock is done! I simply love how they have worked out the stripes in this yarn. Some of the Regia Canadian Colors make narrow stripes like my Toronto socks. (These are my favorites.) Some make wider "random" stripes like this Brazil sock. (Totally cool!) And some are just plain variegated. (I even bought one ball of that because the colors were so great, and I'm usually not a fan of that kind of variegation.) This series is too much fun!

More stripes, of course, means another solid heel and toe, worked through the magic of cutting out one whole section of the stripe sequence and scavenging it to fill out the one color. I just knit up to where I want the heel to be (for my Germany socks it was the middle of the black stripe; for these socks, I waited until just before the little blue stripe started in the beige), then I left that yarn hanging from the sock, joined in the proper color from the stripe sequence I'd cut out from the other end of the ball, and knit the heel with that yarn. When the heel was done, I picked up the original yarn and kept knitting. So there's absolutely no interruption in the color sequence over the front of the ankle. In order to save yarn, I'm doing heels and toes in different colors this time. This way I'm only "wasting" one stripe sequence repeat for each sock.

I love doing this.

Olympics over, vacation over, now it's time for full-on sockapaloooza! You can tell things are heating up - we've got almost 15 pairs of finished socks this week.

Danielle finished (yay! First finisher in Ashley's group! [that I know of]) her lovely green lacy socks, but is considering starting some knee-highs.
Dorothee has finished up her pal's fun blue lace socks. You have to check out the red hot socks she's making now. Love them!
Grauwal has finished a luscious pair of red, ribbed Regia socks but is contemplating making a new pair.
Illanna has finished her socks! Look at those awesome colors - it's Kool-Aid, of course.
Jenny has finished her RED Falling Leaves ankle socks and a little something extra for her pal!
Julie is done with a very springy pair of socks.
Katherine has finished her sock pal's socks, and they do indeed rock - I predict a serious case of envy for all visitors. Congratulations!
Look at Leandra's finished socks! They are beautiful. And let's not forget to give credit to the giggling sock model.
Lori E has finished her socks. She hopes her pal likes fraternal socks. Same yarn, same dyleot, different socks. Go figure.
Mama E has finished her embossed leaves. THEY ARE SO PRETTY.
MommyknitsJen has finished an exquisite pair of pale blue lace Koigu. She hasn't been able to post finished pix, but see her progress pix.
Sharon has finished her lacy beaded socks, and just in time (they were here Knitting Olympics project). Go check out the finished picture!
Jen has finished her first pair of socks! She used Trekking XXL and has also been doing some fairly serious sock surgery to a rather fine looking knee length sock.
Micha has finished her socks in Regia Multi-Ringels. Lovely bright stripes - she is having a hard time not keeping them for herself!

Oh, and a reminder from me: when you finish your socks, be sure to let your sock sister know, then click on the link in the sidebar here to update your info, and once you've accessed your info click on the "socks knitted" box so we'll have a record that you are done knitting.

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And now... get ready.... it's your UPDATE-A-LOOZA... Got an hour or two - read 'em all! Or check out a couple, then come back later. They'll still be here.

Sock momma Alison still has not started her socks yet. They're only supposed to be knee-highs in Koigu - what's the rush? (Heh, heh.)
Abigail will be running a fun contest to see who can pick out her sockapaloooza socks amongst all the socks she'll knit in the next couple of months. She'll be giving away a KnitPicks gift certificate, so watch her knit and then post your guesses in May!
Alexandra has found the perfect yarn for her pal. Isn't that a great feeling?
Alice C hasn't started knitting yet, but is planning on using two different yarns to make a stained glass effect. Sounds cool! Can't wait to see them.
Allena's getting everything ready to start knitting, but would like some advice about knitting top-down vs. toe-up.
Allie has finished one soft cashmere and kid merino sock, but it won't fit!
Angela thought she was done with her second Jaywalker sock, but has had to take it apart twice. Let's hope the third time's a charm, Angela!
Angela has finished the cuffs of her super fun Old Shale two yarn socks.
Anie hasn't posted them on her blog yet, but she reports that she's working on River Rapid socks in two-strands of Crystal Palace Kid Merino. Sounds heavenly!
Ann has almost finished her first beautiful lilac Elfine sock. (And check out the yarn swap she participated in. Mmmmmmm, yaaaaaarn.)
Annette is making the most gorgeous Broadripples in Socks that Rock.
Annie's gray cabled sock is looking so lovely, it sounds like the pair will be hard to part with.
Becky has also found just the right yarn for her pal in pretty shades of pink and orange. Hey, check out her next crochet project - cool!
Bethieee has knit two socks, but they aren't a pair. Is it possible to knit two left socks?!

Sock Sister Ashley started Pomatomuses but failed completely and started some Wyverns instead. Also, she's having a little vacay this week, and apologizes if she missed anyone's update!
Bfmomma is making progress on both socks at once, AND she dyed the yarn herself!
Brenda picked up some Lorna's Laces in a special Vancouver Island-inspired colorway for her pal. What a nifty idea! Knit local, swap global!
bySarah is putting her Best Foot Forward with some lovely Fortissima Cotton.
Caitlyn has started some beautiful blue Pomatomuses in Artyarns Ulatramerino. (Is Pomatomus the new Jaywalker?)
Carol has sent in a photo update—almost done!
Carla started some blue, blue, blue Badcauls, and they were simply gorgeous—but they didn't work out. Neither did her Retro Ribs. Sniff.
Carmelle's made two Cascading Leaves socks—but they're not a pair!
The purple ribbing continues to grow over at Carrie's.
Chrissie is knitting the Birch Leaf socks from A Gathering of Lace in a wool/alpaca blend, and might dye them pink!
Christy has some half-finished Retro Ribs and a super-cute dog.
Cori is knitting up two Sensational Knitted Socks at once, in a cool self-striping chevron pattern.
Dana is making awesome progress on her gorgeous pinky-(or reddish-)purple Jaywalkers.
Danielle has decided to make some Fixation anklets for a pal who doesn't want wool.
Danmakine reports that she has one HOT HOT HOT pink sock nearly finished, and should have the second one well underway before this update goes out; will she be our second group finisher??

Sock Sister Carry reports:
Diana has been in a sock knitting frenzy, are any of these sock pal socks?
Diane has finished her first sock.
Donna has her yarn and pattern, she is considering trying the magic loop method.
Dyann has picked out yarn and a pattern.
Elise has finished her first sock.
Erica has finished her fabulous Oregon socks! She will be doing another pair in another color for her pal.
Fayme has nearly finished her pal's socks.
Fickleknitter started her socks with a pattern based on "The Sacred Text".
Flan is attempting the toe-up variation on the Jaywalker pattern.
Frith has finished one pink sock, second one on its way!
Heather B has yarn and a pattern!
Heather is using the "Rainy Day" pattern in Aegean Maine Bear Zox yarn for her pal.
Heather is starting on sock number two. Check out her beautiful Embossed Leaves Sock!
Helen finished up with the Olympics and is really rockin' on her socks, she's past the heel and doing both at once!

Sock sister Cathy writes:
Judy has chosen a pattern and will be starting soon.
Julia has finished one beautiful Mata Hari sock and has started Number 2!
Jenny has started her socks now that the Olympic frenzy has passed.
Jen has started her socks, 2 at a a time on 2 circs!
Jess has received her Socks that Rock yarn in the Lapis Colourway, oooooo.
Jessica has progress shots of her socks on 2 circs!
Jessimuhka is working on a gorgeous pair of falling leaves socks, wow!
Janine has received her beautiful pink/red yarn and is looking at patterns.
Jenni is knitting the Uptown Boot Socks from Interweave Knits Winter 2003 in juicy red Koigu.
Jenny Raye has made progress on a very cool sock in Lorna's Laces in Poppy using the Wyvern pattern.
Jenn is making great progress on a pair of socks with lace detail. Her puppy approves!
JJ changed her mind on her pattern but has still gotten Sock 1completed and Sock 2 well on its way.
Jenn has chosen a yarn and is experimenting with patterns. She needs your help, go give her some ideas!
Julie has started her socks in a pretty green using the Embossed Leaves pattern.
Jessica has finished a leg in a pretty lace pattern.
JoShell has started a pair of Fancy Silk Socks in purple!

Sock sister Donna reports:
Kara had to rip out her beautiful Tulip sock - it was too tight! See the lovely "before" picture (it's still impressive).
Karlie is halfway through the leg of her "Mermaid Pearl" socks!
Kat's past the heel on some lovely candy-colored lace socks - say "Hello, Spring!"
Kate's Pomatomous sock for her pal features yarn she dyed herself, in colors her pal would like. It's incredible - go see.
Kate and her Jeep had a disagreement last week about whether you should drive with the hood open or closed(!) I have a feeling she'll soothe her frazzled nerves by starting her sockpal socks!
Katie will be making the Six Sox knitalong's "Glad Raggs" beaded socks for her pal - how cool (plus, two knitalongs at once is multi-tasking).
KC has a great start on some groovy red and purple socks!
Keohinani is almost halfway done with a beautiful pair of spring green ribbed socks!
Kim sees some Falling Leaves socks in her pal's future!
Kim is using Dale Baby Ull for her pal's Gentleman's Fancy Socks, baby! She says the first attempt was ugly, but I don't think so!
Kirsti's pal will be getting leafy, lacey socks in Mountain Colors' Bearfoot - yum!
Kit has a case of Second Sock Syndrome, but that means her first sock is done (check out the homemade sock blocker)!
Kitty's Jaywalkers look awesome - and she's almost finished, just one toe to go!
Kristel is designing lacy socks - if they work out, her sock pal will be the lucky recipient of the first pair! In the meantime, check out her steeking pics - I don't need to read Finnish to understand "after the steeking comes the Champagne!"
Kristen has finished her pal's first sock, a beautiful cabled number in teal Wildfoote - so pretty!
Kristen is getting in touch with her inner Celt knitting some tremendous Celtic Braid socks for her pal - who I hope is me. :)

Sock sister Erin writes:
Laura left to the decsion of her sockpal yarn to the masses. The people have spoken, and she now has sockpal yarn.
Leslie T and her little boy and a blast koolaid dying dome merino for her sock pal. She's already finished one sock and has cast on the other.
Lesley C has one sock done, and one to go, although the second sock has gone "wonky" and will be started over.
Lily has started her elfin socks. She has an updated post here that shows one done, and one to go.
Linda has chosen Waving lace socks from IK Spring '04. She just has to decide on a color.
Linz is doing both her socks at the same time, to avoid Second Sock Syndrome.
There has been a change in plans for Lisa C. She has cast aside her jaywalkers and decided to work on her sockpals socks, which she has now decided will be Gullwings.
Lori is not only making the Pippi KneeStockings from Stitch n Bitch for her pal, but she is also contemplating a little project for her pal, "for fun". Now she's anxiously awaiting some elastic to arrive at her LYS.
Lori has passed the halfway mark on her socks.
Lyme has almost finished one river rapid sock. Check it out!
Mac has her yarn dyed and spun, and is comtemplating socks of her own design. Although the first trial has not gone so well.
Mai has some pregress on her beautiful fair isle socks.
Maggii has chosen her yarn and is going to crochet her socks.
Greetings from Hawaii! Malle is knitting socks while celebrating her birthday on the beach.
Maria is getting close to finishing her socks, and is planning to send of few extras along in the package. Go help her cope with sending her daughter to science camp!
Mary A not only has a sock update, but go take a look at her pi shawl.
Mary C has started some very pretty embossed leaves for her pal.

Sock sister Ina says:
Maureen hasn't been knitting much - she's seeking suggestions on how to deal with skunk juice!
Meghan has started Mermaid socks in blue Opal Dreamcatcher.
Melanie has strep throat, but also an amazing Knitting Olympics Closing Ceremonies parade of socks (with pattern) on her blog.
Melissa read the pattern chart for Falling Leaves upside down and backwards, so is going to (gasp) frog in public.
Meredith started Embossed Leaves in purple Koigu and has finished one sock.
Michelle has finished her training pair of Jaywalkers.
Michelle has been test knitting with self-striping yarn and with two variegated yarns; another experiment is in the wings.
Mindy has worked about four inches on her first sock.
Minnie is recovering from flu and Olympic knitting and Pomatomus.
Miss_M is knitting an "alarmingly" long leg from her handdyed handspun.
Nicole is cabling along on socks in between working on The Project That Shall Not Be Named.
Olga has beautiful Hill Country yarn and is knitting Rib and Cable socks from IK Fall 2005, also sewing up a storm!
Opportunityknits is using Regia Silk to make Juani's Braided Socks.
Pam (sadly blogless and camera-less) has been knitting on planes and has finished one sock. Her pal will be getting a stack of postcards along with the well-travelled socks!
Patrice has knit one leg and is experimenting with different heels.
Patti is recovering from flu and learning the 2s2c technique by making Retro-Rib socks. (Don't say I didn't warn you.)
Patty has almost finished one sock.
Patty is back from a vacation that included a lucky visit to Red Sox spring training, knitting one Jaywalker, and starting a shy sock for her sock pal.
Peggy has other socks on the needles, but will be starting Jaywalker in Opal Handpainted soon because she knows it's no fun to receive socks late.
No knitting, but a naughty question from PinkHebe in the U.K. on the prevalence of a certain, er, intimate grooming practice in the U.S.
Pip_and_Tom has cast on Dalarna.

Sock sister Jenipurr reports:
Rae is almost finished with her first sock - a gorgeous shell lace pattern in turqouise.
Roberto decided that the yarn just didn't work with the pattern he'd selected, so he's starting over.
Rocketbride has started over, but is nearly done with the first sock (again).
Ruth is working her way through the first sock and doing a great job so far.
Sally has posted pictures of her first Lacy Mock Cable sock.
Sarah is making Tiptoe socks from Knitty, and her first one looks fabulous so far!
Sarah has finished her first sock, using some gorgeous pastel yarn from Knit Picks, and the gentleman's fancy sock pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks.
Sarah G has decided to start over, with a new lace pattern.
Sarah W has picked out some brightly colored Koigu for her sockpal's socks.
Sheri is making Harbor Socks, and has made it past the first cuff. Check out the colors she's picked - these are going to be some amazing socks!
Sherry has changed her mind and is now making Celtic Braid socks in yarn she dyed herself (the cables look terrific so far).
Sheryl is making progress on sock #1, using a Slip Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks.
Stephanie has started her Chalet Socks in bright turquoise Lorna's Laces (check out her progress pics of the design).
Strangelittlemama has picked some gorgeous yarn for her sockpal's socks.

Sock sister Lisa writes:
Hey, if you haven’t done so already, head over to Blue Moon Fiber to join the sock club. Did you click? Psych, you’re too late and what the heck do you need more sock yarn for anyway? For god’s sake, it’s an illness for some of us. And Anna signed up anyway. Go over to her blog and tell her she should be ashamed. ;0)
Hey, wanna see what you get when you google “weird socks”? Zaam, do you recognize any of these socks? Um, check out the third listing…I’m just sayin’.
Carrie just bought her yarn from Melissa who is offering discounts to sockapaloooza participants. She pulled a “Bodie” and didn’t quite get her Olympic socks finished in time. Gee, I wonder who is cutting into her knitting time?
Holy Pippi Longstocking, Christine is making these! Check out the cool calf shaping…which can only mean…yes, another pair of knee socks (yes, I’m bitter).
Dani spent her Sunday at Flying Fingers--I am very jealous…did you take the Yarn Bus? After winning a gold medal for completing her Olympic Afghan (whew!), she says she’s ready for for Sockapalooza. Here is her progress. What? That’s what you get when you send updates without pics.
Head on over to Diane’s blog to help her pick out which Socks That Rock colourway she should use to showcase the Dublin Bay Socks Pattern. And if you are so inspired, support her other very worthy cause.
Jennifer just cast on her for socks using Cascade Fixation and wants a little help understanding how to read the ball band. So, here you go Jennifer…IGNORE IT—NOONE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS AND IT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED AT KNITTING GROUPS AROUND THE WORLD…I’ve knit quite a few pairs of socks with Fixation. I wouldn’t go any larger than #4s and try to keep just a little bit of tension on the yarn but do not stretch it too much when knitting. And god help you if you drop a stitch…just forget about it, don’t even look for it in the elastic abyss.
Rachel finally got around to sending pictures this week which means that I won’t have to use my placeholder, but rather, you can see the real deal. Of course, this may be the closest her sock pal will get to the socks as her mother in law threatens to steal them.
Ich finde diese Muster einfach grandios! Durch viele der wunderbaren Färbungen der Wollmeise werden sie hervorragend ergänzt. Oops…sorry, I forgot you don’t all speak German. Well, I also forgot that I don’t speak German either. But for the sake of Sockapaloooza, each week I plug away with my German-English dictionary tirelessly translating Sabine’s blog postings. What? She posts in English too? Well, where’s the fun of that?
So last update, I confused Susanne with Suzanne and so I’m going to do my best to get this right this week…
So I’d like to introduce you to Susanne. Grammy Sue, what to do? Working on two pairs of socks, and looking for populi vox (I know, but vox populi didn’t rhyme). Which to give, which to keep…I know, let’s play spin the sheep (now, that’s just wrong).
And this is Suzanne, I think. But wait, they are both knitting with Opal so I’ll probably confuse them again. She’s waiting to hear back from her pal who claims to have a 10 inch foot circumference to make sure that the sizing will be right. Hey, if it’s too big, your sock pal can always wear the sock over their shoe. I say, Knit On!!!
Tonia knit a fabulous fair-isle sampler hat for the Knitting Olympics and is now swatching some Lorna's Laces for her sockapaloooza socks.
Stashbuster Alert!! Trish is soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, and she had better come back with two knitted socks or a really darn good excuse.
Uylond dropped me a line to let me know she finished the first knee sock for her pal (knee sock!!! I still can’t get over that). Take a look.
And for me, I present, my boomerang cozy.

Sock sister Mary reports:
Jennifer-Lynn is onto the second sock of her pair.
Jillrachele is halfway through her second sock. There's no picture yet, but hopefully we'll see one soon.
Lararoy has finished her first sock! She's taking a little break before starting on the second - I think we all know how that feels!
Laura's sock yarn has arrived, now she just has to find a pattern that will show it off.
Leigha has finished her first sock. She's using Lorna's Laces and the Dublin Bay pattern from Knitting on the Road.
Lisa has been practising intarsia in the round in preparation for her Skull Socks of Fury. Aren't they cool?
Pat is giving us a sneak peek at her sock yarn. She says we won't see any more for a while, but will tell us that she'll be doing Openwork Rib socks from Sensational Knitted Socks - great book Pat!
Take a look at Peacock's swatching for her socks. They are going to be fabulous!
TwistedKnitter's sock yarn has arrived. She's not sure if she'll stick with that choice, but she's been learning lots of things about the way she likes to knit socks. She's another one of us who loves the book Sensational Knitted Socks!
Pilar has finished one of her socks, although she's not completely happy with the toe.
And look! Ingrid is using Sensational Knitted Socks as well, plus she's using Socks That Rock yarn. I'm sure her pal will be very happy with their socks!
Janet has had to rip her sock as it was turning out too big. Janet, we feel your pain!
Krista has picked out her pal's sock yarn - Lorna's Laces in Gold Hill.
Doris has started her socks. She was thinking about 'super-plain' socks but now she's planning on doing some Jaywalkers.
Emily is about to embark on the adventure of her first ever pair of socks. She's using Lorna's Laces and doing Jaywalkers.
Libraryliz is using Cascade Fixation for her pal's socks. She's loving the colourway but is nervous her pal won't like them. Go tell her not to worry - I'm sure they'll be great!

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One last note! Amy who we all know from IndiGirl Knits has contacted me to let me know about some special sockapaloooza offers. First, her store Make1Yarns has a boatload of sock yarn available (Regia Tip & Top Cotton, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Art Yarns Handpaint Stripes and Ultramerino 4, Schaefer Anne, Diakeito Diamusee Fine, 2ply Jade Sapphire Cashmere, etc). They offer free shipping and for sockapalooza participants only, will also include upgraded shipping (i.e., express or air instead of ground). Second - and I'm so excited about this! - she'll be running a drawing at the end of the sockapaloooza for all participants. The prize will be sock yarn of your choice from their current stock, plus a GoKnit pouch from KnowKnits (which is perfect for sock knitting). Isn't that cool?! Thanks, Amy!

After gray days and everything being all yellow, I spent an evening with the brown manos - the only color I didn't bring with me to Germany - and have three more squares to add to the afghan pile. I think I may like the brown best of all so far.

That takes me to a whopping total of seven skeins used and 20 squares knit. That's almost a third of the squares done - I can't believe it! What I can believe, however, is that making these squares is hurting my hand. It just occurred to me that by knitting only mitered garter stitch squares and short-row socks recently, I haven't purled in weeks. Nothing but knits. Can you spell RSI? Ouch! So despite the fact that all I want to do is crank out more squares, and the fact that I've found two more colors to add to the blanket,

welcoming #67 (green) and #14 (cream) to the basket

I have to put the Manos (and the Regia, sniff, sniff) aside for a bit and start something new. Something with purls.

Since my recent knit-only knitting regimen has left my hand a little sore (I suspect that the real culprit may be the computer, still it hurts when I knit, so...) I went looking in the stash for a project that I could knit continental. I learned to knit continental a couple of years ago as a practice to making Dale fair-isle sweaters for my boys. I practiced with a few continental-only projects and often go back to it in circumstances just like this, where my right hand needs a rest. I don't want to stop knitting, but I gotta stop using my hand the way I have been. Thankfully, my left hand is standing by!

And there's a project I've really been wanting to start since my experience sitting behind new adoptive parents and baby on the plane ride home from Germany. It's a baby sweater for friends in Germany who have long wanted to have a baby and have recenly taken in a little girl for long-term foster care. The girl is about 1 1/2 yrs old and I thought the Suss monogrammed kid's sweater from Hollywood Knits Style would be a super cute gift. It's a simple, oversized sweater and looks adorable on the little girl in the picture. And I have just enough Spotlight cotton leftover from the girl's placket neck sweater to make it. A special gift for the new family, I hope.

And as it's all I've allowed myself to knit for a few days, it's going pretty fast!

Okay, so I'm substituting yarns for this monogram sweater and my gauge isn't even close to what it should be. Fine. For the body, I knit a size larger and, trust me, it's plenty big. But the sleeves call for pretty much the same number of stitches to be cast on for all sizes. I stuck with the pattern numbers and the dang thing came out skinny, skinny.

check out the schematic
seriously, always check out the schematic

Yeah, it'd be big enough for a little girl's arm, but proportionally it's going to look ridiculous with the rest of the sweater being so oversized. So I'll be ripping it out.

And that's what it's all about!

I've knit socks on the German train and now on Amtrak.

Regia Canadian Colors, my constant companion

The woman sitting across from me was also knitting and so were two very classy and sophisticated women in my subway car later. Wow, knitting sure is hip in New York City!

Well, I'm off to shop and knit in the big apple. If you see someone knitting Brazil socks in the local yarn stores today, that'll be me!

and knitnying, and knittycitying....

What a beautiful day it was in New York City yesterday! And full of beautiful things. First, there were the fabulous clothes at my favorite little boutique in Brooklyn.

Then there were all the yarns and samples and accessories the latest and greatest yarn store on the upper west side, Knitty City.

Knitty City was a very friendly and cute store with a good selection, especially sock yarns! I spotted a few things there I'd never seen before, like Lily Chin's new line of yarn, Frog Tree Merino (love their alpaca too, but their merino feels just like Malabrigo!), and I even met a fellow Sockapalooozer there (hey, Julie!).

peeking in

Next up was a delightful cream puff at Beard Papa's right down the street. YUM!

And then downtown for the prettiest of them all, Purl (I was very tempted to get some Manos there for my afghan; and all the Lorna's Laces Worsted - swoon!), and some late night knitting at KnitNY (where I even ran into fellow sock sister, Cathy!).

Frog Tree Merino and Trekking sock yarn from Knitty City
and a Go Knit Pouch from KnitNY

I didn't buy much so far, but there's still today, right?!

First up on my second day in NYC was the newest and hippest knitting store to come to town, Suss Designs. Yes, the Suss from Hollywood Knits has brought her gorgeous knits and yarns to NYC.

Wowza, is this place incredible! They had lots of yarns I'd never seen before, including the Suss yarns which are lovely - what a difference it makes when you can see and touch them - all with beautiful colors and wonderful fibers. And the knitted garments for sale were to die for! They were even having a 50% off sale on winter items, but they were still too pricey for me. The styles were fabulous though. And browsing for inspiration is always free!

A quick lunch at Peanut Butter & Co. (everything peanut butter!) and then it was back to Purl so I could finally use that gift certificate my mother got me for Christmas.

We spent a looooong time looking at the staggering selection of Koigu and Kersti. I was all set to get some Kersti for a sweater, when mom pulls out the most amazing swatch of Alchemy Synchronicity in Rich Berry. I put the Kersti back, Julia Roberts came in to pick up some yarn, and I snatched up all the Synchronicity in that colorway.

alchemy synchronicity from Purl
and artyarns ultramerino sock yarn from Suss

Then I rode the bus home with about 500 other people - I've never seen so many people waiting for a bus (we were wrapped all around the entire downstairs gate area, which if you've ever been to the Port Authority you know is huge!). They must have pulled in every bus they had that would run. When I realized that none of the seat lights inside our bus were working, I briefly considered putting the knitting away. Then I thought, who says I can't do a short-row toe in the dark?

perfect short-row toe knit by feel

When the bus made a stop for folks to grab a quick bite to eat and the driver turned all the lights on, I realized my mistake.

perfect short-row toe on side of foot

Well, at least the yarn shopping was good.

Starting this week, a new format for the weekly sockapaloooza updates: first, there'll be all the most recently finished sockers; then some highlights from each sock sister; and finally, in the extended section of the post, all the sockapal-news-za that's fit to print. I hope this makes the updates more readable and enjoyable!

Finished sockers!

Agnes knit Fancy Silk Socks with short-row heels (they look awesome!)
Angela finished her springy Jaywalkers.
Angela's bright red slip-stitch sockpal socks are done! She's even posted her pattern. (And you HAVE to see her recently finished circle bolero from the cover of Vogue Knitting - wow!)
Ann has finished beautiful lilac Elfine socks.
No pictures posted yet, but Anne reports that she finished her socks this weekend, somewhere in New Mexico on the Sunset Limited (Amtrak). She'll be able to post pics when she's back home.
Not only did Carmelle finish a pair of Cascading Leaves socks for her pal, she knit another pair for herself! Naturally, she rewarded herself with a pile of new sock yarn.
Caroline finished her socks - and that's all the details Ashley has! Very mysterious....
Debi has finished her pal's Lacy Scallops and they are beautiful!
Fickleknitter has finished her very lovely socks.
Frith has finished her bright, spring inspired socks.
JJ has finished her socks, and has started a pair of child socks too.
Julie has finished her pink and white socks. The twisted rib looks gorgeous.
Jen has finished her Yukon leaves socks.
Kitty has finished her pal's terrific pink Jaywalkers - they're great!
Leslie T has finished her socks. They have been washed, blocked, and set aside for their big orange debut in May.
Mac has finished her lacy socks. I believe they are her own design.
Mai has finished her gorgeous fair isle socks. Aren't they beautiful?
Maria has finished her Cherry Tree Hill socks. Take a look.
Pam's well-travelled socks have gone to Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City, but only have been photographed while still in progress.
Roberto has finished his Sockpalooza Speckled Socks.
Sally reports that her Sockpalooza Socks are done (pictures will be forthcoming, I assume).
Sarah has also finished her socks. Go look at her pictures - the colors are terrific!
Tracy's pal is waaaaaay lucky. Not only does she get amazing autumn leaves Socks, Socks, Socks (you also need to read about how special the yarn is too), Tracy is going to make her a needle case.
Not to be outdone, Wendy completed beautiful socks in hand-dyed in Gleam colourway by Melissa at Two Loops. (Although I'm not sure if we will be seeing any hand-dyed yarns from her anytime soon - uh oh, look what she just got.)
Beginner Leigha has finished her socks. Now all she wants to do is knit more socks. Leigha - welcome to the club!

Highlights!
(How 'bout we do reverse order this time, so you can check out the blogs of those at the end of the alphabet while you're still fresh? That puts Mary's beginners first...)

Sensational Knitted Socks has worked its magic again. Norah had a 2am revelation about dpns, successfully completed the class sock and has now cast on for her pal's sock.
Peacock has done some more amazing swatches for her sock. Just look at that colourwork!

Help a sista' out. What would Bush do? (Nancy Bush, that is.) Anyone who has knit this pattern, feel free to offer Trish some advice or encouragement before she abandons this sock pattern.
And when you're done, go give Deidre some assurance that her socks are worthy of SP3.

Highlighted sock knitters in Jenipurr's group are those who have reached the halfway point (one sock down) and are avoiding Second Sockitis to get those sock pairs finished for their pals!
Sheri has finished the first sock (scroll down in the entry for pictures). I love how the watermelon colors spiral around the sock through the lace pattern!
Sheryl has finished her first sock, in colors that remind me of neopolitan ice cream (yum).

Melanie of Pink Lemon Twist (not to be confused with Pinkle Mon) is launching a Yahoo! group with fabby free patterns.
Nathalie has discovered new knitting mojo by giving Vine Lace the heave-ho in favor of re-starting on Embossed Leaves. Maybe it's that clever toe or the new dpns.
Michelle had a highly succesful trip to Stitches West, where she got peachy perfect yarn.

Sock sister Erin has some pictures of her River Rapids sock progress up, along with some retro ribs for her hubby.
After debating which pattern to use, Lisa has opted for the tipsy knitter socks. She's got one down, and a good start on the second.

Sock sister Donna finally has an update - she's happily stranded on a socknitting island with Crusoe socks for her pal in Koigu.
Kirsty has turned the heel on her second lovely Lozenge sock - will she cross the finish line next week?

Helene is knitting an absolutely scrumptious pair of Blueberry Waffle socks, help her decide if these should be her pal's socks.
Jayme needs help! She has put up a poll on whether or not to use her own handspun or one of her other beautiful choices.

Di has been working on some socks in Eki Riva baby alpaca, but is feeling tempted to keep them for herself, they DO look lovely and soft.
Dragonfly_Judy is zipping right along on the Boysenberry Pie socks, already finished with the first and to the heel on the second one.
Elka has started on her GORGEOUS sock pal socks in her own pattern, and is using a beautiful handspun yarn!

Colleen just kitchenered up the toe of her first sock. We've been watching it grow all week: the leg, the heel, and the foot. Go Colleen! That kind of dedication deserves a new iPod.
Courtney is looking for advice from anyone who's knitted the Fancy Silk Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks - can it be done on two circs?
Bliss Needs your help: go vote on which sock she should make! And OMG, have you seen her puppies? Go look at them RIGHT NOW.

Amysue's Sensational Knitted Socks aren't knitted yet, but you've got to see the pics of the sweater she finished for her daughter's birthday, the cake, and the son wearing the pink felted bag she knit for her niece!
Anna swore to remain faithful to her Sockpal, but after finishing the first sock, she is now having "a brief, cheap, and meaningless affair with some Trekking". I can see the appeal, Anna!
Ann is working on two pairs of socks, both exquisite, and may give both of them to her pal. Lucky!

(Click on "more" below for all the rest!)

Update-a-loooza!

Sock sister Mary (that's me!) has finally started her socks! I'm using Fleece Artist Merino and one of Anna's sock patterns.
Susan has some cakes of yarn on her blog. Some of them will become her pal's socks, but which ones, we just don't know...
Reagan has had some gauge problems and has had to rip back her sock. Don't give up Reagan, they will be lovely when they're done.
Jill has started on her Jaywalkers. They're looking great Jill!
Laura's had a few problems - broken dpns anyone? She's regrouped and has now decided on some ankle socks for her pal. Who knows, she may even do two pairs.
Krista has finished her first ever sock and it is fab! I think these are for her husband, is that right Krista? Now she's preparing to cast on for her sock pal.
Laura has decided to use this pattern for her pal's socks. Thanks for the link Laura - I may have to try a pair of those myself.
Pat is on the heel flap of her sock. She's even made up a variation of the pattern in Sensational Knitted Socks.
Tiffany has finished one Jaywalker. She promises to model them when the other one is done.
Valerie has started her socks. She's doing the Diagonal Rib Socks by Ann Budd.

Sock sister Jenipurr reports:
ReluctantMango is back from vacation and has started some Lava Flow socks for her pal.
Renata is starting over with Badcaul Socks in Socks that Rock.
Rosemary is making Simply Lovely Lace Socks in a pale pink Opal.
Sharon has started some blue stripey Jaywalkers for her sock pal.
Sherry is almost done with her first Embossed Leaves sock.
Spinning_Sue has started some lovely purple socks which will have a lacy rib pattern on the legs.
Stariel has a progress picture of her socks online. Looks like her sock pal's getting purple socks with ruffles!
Stephanie has given up on the Chalet Socks and is redoing them with a lacy shell pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks.

Sock sister Ina writes:
Mia is test-knitting (and frogging) Falling Leaves.
Miss.Sarah is trying out this pattern and this pattern, courtesy of her generous SP.
Miss_M has finished one long evil sock.
Opportunityknits is re-discovering the joy of sock knitting with the perfect sock yarn and pattern.
Pansar has almost decided what to make her sock pal.
Patti has half a sock done.
Patty has achieved sock-knitting satori via Dani yarn, with the sock itself mystically represented by an African violet.
Penny has been knitting and tinking Vine Lace all the way to the heel.
Phoebe has become addicted to the Walking Away pattern.

Sock sister Erin reports:
Laurie W has ordered some beautiful handpainted yarn for her pal.
Lavendarsheep has reconsidered her sock choice and is opting for Harry's socks from the Socks, socks, socks book.
Lexa has bought some beautiful handpainted merino. Now she cannot decide what to chose for her pal. She is opting to make socks from both colorways and then decide which will go to her pal. (Good thing she and her pal are the same size!)
I don't know who the jaywalkers on Linz's site are for, but they are pretty in purple.
They aren't sockpal socks, but Lisa P. has finished her long socks.
Maia has a pair of socks up and a pair in progress. Help her name the orange ones.
Also not sockpal socks, but Marie R. is working on some pretty pink lacy socks for her daughter.
Mary A has reached the heel of her sock and is really enjoying the Sensational Knitted Socks patterns.

Sock sister Donna reports:
Kat's testing out the Crusoe pattern for her pal - I say "go for it!"
Kate's lace socks are indeed "simply lovely."
Kathleen has started "Baby's First Sock in Shell Pattern" for her lucky pal - so pretty!
Katie had to frog her Glad Raggs sock - it was too tight. Too bad!
Katie learns a gauge lesson with her Simply Lovely Lace Socks, and ends up with not one but two pretty socks to show for it!
Kim has her yarn, but she's still considering her pattern options - go admire her finished "Nacho" socks and give her your input!

Sock sister Cathy bought some yarn, thought she decided on Mermaid socks but has now gone out and bought another sock pattern book!
Jess started her toe and one of her ebony DPNs broke, go leave a sympathetic comment!
Jaya has selected yarn and a pattern, go wish her luck on her comprehensive exams too!
Jen is combining multiple patterns, the Not Cable Socks, but doing them toes up as per the free KnitPicks pattern.
Jen H has pretty pink yarn!
Jodee has decided on the Crusoe pattern from Knitty in Koigu! Lucky pal!
Jenn is working on the Pomotamus socks from Knitty in Lorna's Laces in the Aslan colorway.
Holly is not sure she's happy with her toe, but the closeup of the heel looks great!
Joanne has chosen some great looking yarn.
Jaime has an enviable pile of sock yarn to choose from.
Jessica is making great progress on her socks.
JennyRaye has finished her first Wyvern sock.
Judy is turning cables on her Beehive socks
Jessie has started her socks in Claudia Hand Painted yarn in Plumlicious! What a great name for a color!

Sock sister Carry has finally just started her pal's socks in Bearfoot and writes in:
Debbie has started on the heel on her Flamingo Jaywalkers, looking good!
Debra will knit pink "Moc Crocs" from KnitPicks with Cherry Tree Hill's Supersock in Old Rose.
Diane has been working on her socks, no pictures yet but check out the pictures she took at the cathedral!
Elisabeth will be knitting her pal some fair isle socks in Lorna's Laces!
Eliza has nearly finished her pal's socks. She's being sneaky though, the only pic is in a ziplock!
Emily has been trying to decide between the Dublin Lace, or some mosaic pattern.
Gwen is hoping that we might weigh in on her sockpal choices. While there check her latest pair of socks!

Sock sister Ashley reports:
Brie is almost done with one of her Rib & Cable socks, in a lovely muted colorway, and has also found time to make herself some Koigu anklets! A woman after my own heart...
Catherine started some Lorna's Laces Jaywalkers for her pal. Can't wait to see pics!
Christine is done with one beautiful blue Pomatomus and is flying through the second.
It's all Grumperina, all the time over at Chymerikaen's--she just finished an Odessa hat and has some Jaywalkers underway for her pal!

Sock momma Alison has still not started her socks (well, I would have but I couldn't take the needles out of my Brazil socks, owing to my having knit the toe wrong in the dark!), but has finally gotten around to catching up on all her sock-ees:
Adrienne will be making plain, top-down, stockinette socks for her pal in green Jawoll Jacquard. Looking for more excitement, check out the Pomatomas socks she's working on - wild!
Alden has posted a pic of her and Jayme's beautiful socks in progress.
Alexandra has started socks with lovely pastel stripes.
Alicia has just started her sockpal socks, but has made the cutest Harry Potter hat! (I LOVE it!)
Allison answers her sock pal's questions - she is so funny!
Alynda is knitting both socks at the same time and is already turning the heels. I hope we see some pics when she's all done!
Amanda will be making Sheri's Lace socks in Lorna's Laces Iris Garden yarn.
Amy is working on beautiful Rib and Cable socks from IK.
Amy is thinking ahead to summer and will make short sport socks in Cascade Fixation to wear with sneakers and shorts. The socks will be a mix of denim
blue, dark blue and yellow. Pictures to come...
No pictures yet, but Angel is knitting Rib and Cable socks in dark green Knitpics yarn.
Angela is working on her own pattern in red Jawoll - oooh, it looks pretty (and complicated). Good luck, Angela!
Check out the gorgeous cable-y socks Anie is knitting!
Ann ordered yarn Jade Saphire 2-ply Cashmere from Make 1 Yarns to make Leaf Lace Socks for her pal and reports that their service was great servicel.
Ann-Marie is letting herself be inspired by the awesome socks she got in the last sockapalooza swap. She's planning on making Jaywalkers for her pal this time.
Beate is going to use some of that fabulous self-striping Regia yarn that I love so much - it's the cotton version, called India Color (check out the link on her blog!).
Bekki has started all -British socks: Elfine socks in Fyberpaytes yarn.
Poor Betty has been unable to start her sockapaloooza socks since she hurt her finger. She's just had the cast removed and is exercising it by finishing up her Olympic knitting project. Once she's fully recovered, she's planning on knitting Yarrow Ribbed Socks from Vintage Socks or After Bertha socks from Socks Socks Socks. Get well soon, Betty!

My hand was doing great while I was in NYC - no soreness, no twinges - then I knit a bit of that sock on the bus, got home and used my computer, and it hurts even more now. Yikes! Back to the continental projects for me. And so I don't get bored (I am so not a one-project gal!), I offered to knit a sample sweater for the store. We've got new spring yarns in - it's kind of exciting to knit ahead to the next season - and I'll be making this little cropped cardigan from Louisa Harding's new Beachcomber Bay book in her new sparkly ribbon yarn called glisten.

look, I swatched!

It's my first time doing a stitch pattern beyond stockinette stitch or ribbing with my left hand. After working on the baby sweater in cotton, I feel like my gauge is fairly reliable when knitting continental. Now it's time to get used to working in pattern. Maybe someday, I can switch over entirely to knitting continental. Who knows, maybe I'll have to.

feather and fan - always a favorite

This ribbon yarn feels pretty nice. It's not scratchy like some ribbons can be. It's actually a silver thread core inside a ribbon. Every few centimeters there's an opening in the ribbon so the core thread is visible, making the little sparkles. Those little notches where the silver shows through are constantly catching on the needle though. Ugh. And the whole yarn twists and twists while I'm knitting with it which is totally crazy-making. I've got a rubber band wrapped around the ball, so I can let the ball hang from the needle and untwist every couple of rows. So overall, it's slow going what with knitting the pattern in continental, the notches catching on my needle, and the yarn needing to be untwisted all the time, but somehow I managed to make it through sleeve number one without breaking a sweat.

isn't she pretty?

Back to the Suss baby sweater. Back to that sleeve that I had to rip out. Back on track.

You know, the Suss store in NYC had these sweaters for sale. They were definitely the same construction, but had a knitted square with an initial in it sewn onto the front instead of a single monogram. Knit in the Suss textured cotton, they were really sweet. But they were $89. I'm so glad I can knit!

I've got happy feet today, wearing my newly finished Regia Canadian Colors "Brazil Colors" socks! Unfortunately, in this case, happy feet means an unhappy hand, because, to finish them, I had to reknit that toe with my right hand (I haven't quite gotten the hang of knitting continental on dpn's yet). I'm such a cheater, I really don't deserve to have my hand get better. But I do deserve fabulous new socks.

I love how the heels came out on these - the stripes, the short-row decreases, they feel great too. And these socks remind me of Orlando Bloom, since I knit so much of them on the airplane while watching that Elizabethtown movie. (Does that ever happen to you, when you watch a show while knitting something or listen to an album a lot while working on one project and that project ends up reminding you of that show or song? I still remember knitting mom's sweater while watching the Osbournes and knitting the Karabella scarf while finishing Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. My favorite show to watch while knitting? Amazing Race. It's so tense and exciting all the way through that I just fly on whatever I'm working on!).

Oh, what's that you say, it's St. Patricks Day and you'd like to see something a little more green. You got it!

The Suss monogram baby sweater (from Hollywood Knits Style) has two sleeves and is ready for finishing! This knitting continental thing is getting easier and easier. I think I may be picking up speed!

I've got a finishing class to teach next week and am hoping to get a couple of my other unfinished objects up to the finishing stage to bring with. If I spend some time next week seaming and weaving in ends, I can give my right hand an extra needed rest and have some finished projects to boot!

Could Paul Klee have started with Legos?

Since I really should keep knitting continental and rest my still twinging right hand, I've tossed my two current projects in the unfinished works pile for now (good thing too, since hubby's zip raglan and my jinxed cork sweater were giving me nightmares anyway). With the dead weight projects ditched, I figure I'm free to start something new and fabulous. I mean, the monogram baby sweater is already awaiting finishing and I need a break from the glisten cardi and its tangly ribbon yarn. Soooooooo, you see, I really have no other choice than to start knitting the hot pink synchronicity yarn I got last weekend at Purl!

We only found eight skeins in the rich berry colorway that caught our fancy and eight of these wee little skeins ain't a whole heck of a lot. I feel confident that it'll be enough to cover me without being indecent, but it won't stretch for a full-length, long-sleeve sweater. I'm hoping it might just be enough for this t-shirt sweater from Ella Rae Book One. Wide neck, three-quarter sleeves, cropped length - that's awesome yarn-skimping styling! And look at how gorgeous it's knitting up!

ooooh, I wish you could feel this

The synchronicity is just as delightful to knit with as I'd imagined. And I'm right on gauge knitting continental (yes, I swatched - that's like twice in a week!).

mmmmm, waist shaping - more yarn saved!

I'm totally psyched about this project. The only probelm: now I'm gonna have that dang Police song in my head forever.

Attention, attention, your sock momma has finally started her socks! St. Patrick's day seemed like the perfect opportunity to start my sock pal's green Koigu knee-highs. Yes, you heard me right, knee-highs. She mentioned knee-highs in her preferences, and since I kinda requested knee-highs from my sock pal, I figured I should just knit knee-highs and get some good sockapaloooza karma going. I went looking for a pattern in Knitting Vintage Socks and other books, but once I saw the stocking that my radio box pal, Emily was making for her sister, I knew I had to make them for my pal.

Over the Knee Stockings from Handknit Holidays

They're so gorgeous! I was particularly pleased by the balance of lots of stockinette (which I really like) and a little something fun (which my pal really likes) in the back. So far, I'm loving the pattern. The little mini-cable ribbing looks so great and the koigu is scrumptuous!

I wasn't sure how my pal would feel about lace in back though (I don't like lace on my socks - brrrrr!), so I'm inserting a cable pattern along the back instead of the lace.

I figure with about 48" of sock to knit and 6 weeks to finish, I've got 8" to knit per week. My hand-saving sockapaloooza regimen: these socks are the only project I'm allowing myself to knit with my right hand for the next 6 weeks; all other projects will have to be knit continental; and no more using the laptop trackpad.

Okay, now that we are all mildly reassured that I will not be a sockapaloooz-er, are you ready for the updates?!

Finished sockers!

Now, I don't know if these are her sockpal socks, but Abigail has just finished another gorgeous pair! She's knit 5 pairs already for her May contest where we get to guess which pair was really for her sock pal. I can't wait to see how many more she makes.
Alden knitted Traveler's Stockings in a stunning purple shade of Fleece Artist merino.
Becci is a flapper! She's finished fun, red, stripey socks for her pal. With heel flaps.
Bfmomma finished her pair of hand-dyed socks. She picked the colors especially for her pal!
Carol finished her purple-and-green stripey Koigu socks. Yay for knitting both at once!
Christine finished her Pomatomi (yay!), despite her little weiners', er, gastrointestinal issues (boo!).
Eliza had a very fruitful weekend that culminated in a finished pair of socks!
Fayme has finished her scrumptious stripey socks. (Actually it was over a week ago, sorry!)
Heather has finished her Embossed Leaves in Lorna's Laces for her pal. She was really impressed working with the Lorna's Laces.
Jodee has finished her socks!
JennyRaye has finished an amazing pair of pink Wyvern socks. Go drool over her stash also...Yum!
Julia has finished her Mata hari socks for her pal. Check out the pic in the sidebar and her Jaywalkers and her new maryjanes!
Kit finished her beautiful pink and orange "Calcifer" socks. And she has a question: what else are you putting in your sock pal's package?
Melissa has finished vivid Lava Flow socks in Knitpicks Flower Power. Check out the close-up!
Miz_Booshay has finished Impressionistic blue socks in Trekking XXL.
Sally has posted a picture of her finished Lacy Mock Cable Socks.
Sheri has finished her Friday Harbor socks in swirls of watermelon. They're absolutely gorgeous!
You guys really rallied for a fellow knitter! All of your encouraging comments on Deirdre's blog were just what she needed to be inspired to finish her socks.
I don't know if I (sock sister, Lisa) believe her - we have no physical proof that these socks actually exist - but Uylond swears that she's finished her bright pink knee socks in a mock islet pattern. Must...Send...Pictures...Must...Find...Friend...Or Family Member...With...Digital...Camera! OK, you asked for it, here is this week's placeholder picture.
It's almost sad to see her finish, but there'll be no more updates from Sabine, the nicest, most enthusiastic and sweetest knitter of SP3. (Really, I love you all the same.) Nancy Bush, the sock pusher lady has got her hooked on socks with her rib and cable design from IK. This is her first completed pair of socks and there's no going back. Would someone please translate her post entitled "SHEEPS AND EMOTIONS". All I can understand is the word Brokeback Mountain and my curiosity is piqued. I just have this image in my head of a man and a sheep sitting in front of a roaring fire, and the man is telling the sheep "I just can't knit you."
(can't you just tell which updates come from Lisa??)
Lararoy has finished her pretty blue stripey socks unscathed. Now she has to knit some for a 3 1/2 year old.

Highlights:

From my crew:
Allie has started up a new knitting blog and has finished her first stripey Thuja sock. She's knitting the socks on size 00 needles at 10 stitches to the inch - really!
Anne writes that she's been busy knitting socks for 3 people at the school where she works. The idea is to raise funds for a school in Africa that her school has 'partnered' up with. She's providing the yarn and the 3 highest bidders are getting made to measure, hand knitted socks! 2 down and 1 pair still to go and then she can begin her sockapaloooza socks. Awesome project, Anne!

After two false starts, Sock Sister Ashley has finally finished a sock - but it might be hideous. Or it might not. Cast your vote!
Caitlyn has some questions about her Pomatomi and needs advice!
Cyndi has turned the heel on her first sock—but thinks it looks too big. Any opinions out there?

Carry's featured updates:
Elspeth has started her socks in her own design in Knit Picks Sock Garden in Zinnia.
Gleek has picked out a very nice brooklyn handspun superwash sock yarn in jungle canopy for her pal...she's still contemplating the pattern.
Grumperina has been putting too much thought into her sock pal's socks, I think her designer nature might just be getting the better of her!

From Cathy:
Julie has finished one lovely green Embossed leaves sock. Also check out her home made sock blockers!
Helene finished a beautiful pair of Blueberry Waffle Socks but is now trying to make a pair of Norwegian socks for her pal!
Holly is making some modifications to add St. Paddy's Day green heels and toes to her socks.

Donna's highlights:
Kate has finished her pal's first striped sock - it's amazing!
Karen is making great progress on her first Gentlemen's Fancy Sock in Schaefer Anne - no pooling for her!

Erin's group:
Lavendarsheep has some great pictures of her sock yarn in process. She has dyed and spun it and it's very pretty.
Marliynn is dealing with some sockapaloooza indecision. She has four pairs started and cannot decide which one to go with.
Mary Cis clipping along on her embossed leaves. She also has a pretty picture of her entrelac scarf.

Ina reports that stormy weather was the theme in the Mar-Pix tribe this past week:
Michelle has dramatic shazaaming on her Uptown Boot Sock.
Mozemen's socks missed a ride to Alonissos on the raging wine-dark sea.
Before evacuating because of Cyclone Larry, Nathalie posted heel and toe detail from her lovely Embossed Leaves sock. It's her birthday, too!

From Jenipurr:
PumpkinMama has finished her first lovely Mermaid Sock and is working on the second. Check out the picture!
ReluctantMANGO has finished the first sock and likes them so much she's looking forward to making a pair out of the same yarn for herself (when she's done with her pal's socks).
Rocketbride has finished her first pumpkiny striped sock and is working on the second.

Lisa's 50%-ers:
Fellow Knitsmith, Shireen sent me over a picture of Dina's FIRST SOCK EVER! Bravo Dina! Send details on the yarn and pattern when you get a chance.
Weeza has one down and one to go (although she might be finished by now since Weeza's update seems to have disappeared from my round-up last week...I coulda' sworn). She says the colorway isn't as "eye-seeringly" bright as it appears in the photo...You say "eye-seering", I say "eye-pleasing". (And speaking of which, did you see Alison's new Alchemy yarn yet? Ooo La La!)

Mary's highlights:
Go and give Laura some encouragement. So far she's had 2 broken dpns, tangling yarn and now a pattern that doesn't seem to work.
Ingrid is motoring along one her socks. As they are green, it was very fitting that she posted an update about them on St Patrick's Day.

(click on "more" for the BIG update!)

Update-alooza!

Sock momma Alison's group is having the usual ups and downs:
Alynda had to rip out the heels of her socks and reknit them five times to get them right. Finally, she's on her way down the foot!
Amy is past the heel on her first sock. She dyed the yarn herself with Kool-Aid and may overdye the finished socks again.
No pics yet, but Anastacia says she's "frogged & restarted & frogged & restarted", and started her pal's socks again.
The third time's a charm for Annette who's just finishing up her first beautiful Broadripple.
Betty is working on the instep of Elfine socks for her pal. And her finger is getting better!

Sock sister Ashley has a few more updates to report:
After going back and forth about what to knit, Bliss has her first sock all finished!
Carolyn started some purple Koigu Embossed Leaves socks--and sadly, they appear not to be for me. Unless she is trying to deliberately mislead me...hmm....
Cath is soldiering through a pair of Jaywalkers - and flashing her sock yarn stash! Yum!
Chawne is having problems settling on a sock she likes too--but she makes a darn good afterthought heel!
ChiaLea has some Crusoes underway in Lorna's Laces - but it's hard to knit when your cat keeps nibbling your needles...

Sock Sister Carry hopes that she was able to get all the updates in, please forgive her if she forgot you this week, it's been a doozy!
Deb has decided on the Jaywalker pattern in the lovely red Mountain Colors yarn.
Debbie Lindsey is working on two pair of fabulous socks, one for her pal.
Dragonfly_Judy has gotten through the first one and got through the heel on the second.
Elisabeth tried a new pattern but ripped out because of sizing issues.
Gwen has been working on her pal's sock, but feels like it's going really slow.

Sock sister Cathy promises a sock update of her own for next week, but until then, sends in these updates:
Jenny has started her socks using Jaeger Matchmaker and the Dublin Bay sock pattern.
Jasmine has started her socks with entrelac cuffs.
Jessica has finished one gorgeous New England sock in very appropriate Spring colors.
Jess has recovered from a broken needle and is now zipping along on a Wyvern sock in Lapis Socks that Rock yarn.
Joanna has finished one sock and started the second.

Sock sister Donna has a slew of updates to fill us in on:
Kari has started on her Little Shell Socks in Cherry Tree Hill yarn - her pal is going to get a lovely surprise!
Karola finished her sockpalooza socks, but needed to make the first one over and has already frogged it.
Kat's pal will be getting Mermaid Socks - look at the tempting choices!
Katie has finished her first pretty Lovely Lace sock, and she has a question for you - do you try your pal's socks on before you send them?
Katie has finished her first Glad Ragg sock, and is in the home stretch on the second - very pretty!
KC's lucky pal is getting the Cherry Tree Hill treatment - yum!
Kim has chosen a pattern and has started a beautiful, lacy pair of Child's First Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks - she's getting help from every knitter's secret weapon, the Post-it Note.
KnitaholicSkylar is making progress on her Lovely Lace socks in hand-dyed yarn - go see!
Kristen has finished a whole bunch of objects and started her sockpal socks; should she frog them, or does the pretty pattern work with the yarn?

There's lots of knitting going on in sock sister Erin's group:
Lelah has started her nautilus socks and a new job!
Lexa has started some orange Wyverns.
Lisa P has started her Falling leaves socks.
Lori E has almost finished one sock, and is anxious to start the other.
No pictures yet, but Lorraine has started some Hot pink Pomatomi for her pal.
Louise is working on some Karen's lace socks for her pal. She also has some progress on a pair of embossed leaves.
Luanne has decided to make her pal some blue embossed leaves, and then plans to make herself some brown ones.
Margene has one red sock done.
Marti has one River Rapids sock done, and looks great. Now she must embark on the second before SSS (second sock syndrome) sets in.

Sock sister Ina has a few less-stormy updates left to share:
Megan has finished one sock and pondering the benefits of blocking lace.
Michelle has finished training and has selected Lorna's Laces Pink Blossom and Embossed Leaves.
Mindy has been in hiding, but managed to work about an inch of ribbing for Sockbug's Not Cable Socks.
Miss_M shows off her new body art; plus has finished one sock.
Patty has sesqui (one-and-a-half) socks finished.

Sock sister Jenipurr's group has been keeping her busy tracking all their great progress:
Rachel is making River Rapids socks in blue stripes (so pretty).
Rebekkah will be making her very lucky pal some Mamluke socks (scroll down in the entry to see a picture of them).
Rose is making great progress on her first sock, done in varigated greens with a lace inset along the side.
Samantha has finished her first sock (no pictures though).
Shannon is making progress on her first sock, using a deep blue Koigu and the Denmark pattern from Knitting on the Road.
Sharon is making progress on her blue stripey socks.
Sheryl only has the toe to finish on her second sock and then she'll be done.
Shireen has picked her yarn - some gorgeous multicolored Socks that Rock.
Spinning_Sue is has a completed foot and is now working her way up the leg of her pretty purple sock with a lacy rib.

Sock sister Lisa updates us on those in her group who are just getting started:
Life certainly does have a way of cutting into your knitting time. But Tammy has finally cast on for her pal’s socks. She's knitting the Simply Lovely Lacy Socks from IK Spring 2006. She’s reaching into her stash for some vintage cashmere/lambswool/wool blend... mmmm, mmmm, good.
Things that make you go 'Huh?' Tuulia confesses that she hasn't started her SP3 socks yet but yet, her blog is ALL SOCKS, ALL THE TIME!
And yet another case of..."Is there such as thing as a too stiff sock?" First fellow knitsmither Shannon asked, and now after seeing Zina's sock, I have to ask it as well...tee hee!!!
Trish scrapped her Nancy Bush Vintage socks (too scratchy) and now she's flying on her floozy barista, or is it flirting barrister socks. (Where to they get these names?)
Yahaira as a contrite heart for her selfish knitting as of late and writes her sock pal a letter of apology for her late start. But she sure makes up for it with this fabulous yarn…I love ya' baby! That's who!

Sock sister Mary says things have been a little quiet in her group this week, but there were a few knitters making progress:
Erin has some lovely Koigu ready to be knitted up for her pal.
Peacock has posted about some of the socks she's knitted before Sockapaloooza.
Procrastiknitter is working on some Feather and Fan socks that may end up being for her pal - she's not sure yet.
Spinsterbat has started her socks.
Liz has finished one sock of her Broadripples. She feels she's falling over the edge into sock obsession...

And if you made it all the way through this whole update, you have gone way over the edge into sock obsession. See ya there!

Friday

Sunday

Tuesday

the Tooth Fairy brought Legos!

Do excuse the pun - it's still all teeth talk around here and I just couldn't help myself.

S is getting his lovin' in as long as he can. His blankie is not long for this world. Let's take a look at what has happened since the blankie's last visit to the knitting doctor:

I found this run on the plane on our way to Germany. Since we were on the plane, I had none of my notions with me - no stitch markers, no crochet hook, no tapestry needle, no scrap yarn, no scissors. I had to cut some Manos that I had brought to knit an afghan square (cut it with the dental floss I brought with me) and slip it into the dropped stitches as best I could and tie a knot. He doesn't mind the Manos threads, so I've left them in there ever since.

This is S's favorite corner. I repaired this corner about a year ago, leaving it nice and new and thick. He LOVES (and by 'loves' I mean holds and flips and tugs) on that "new" little corner so much that the yarn all around it has become too thin to hold together. Now he says he likes this corner best because of all the holes.

I had let the two above problems go without a lot of life-saving measures, but then I saw this on one of the edges. That could not be left for long. I had a real battle to get the blankie away from S long enough to deal with it. There was no way I could reknit all that - the yarn is too thin to hold for long even if I could - so I ran 'safety lines' through the rows right below the unraveled section (as well as around and under all those holes in S's favorite corner).

We've talked and talked about what should happen when big blankie is finally so full of holes that it doesn't stay together. S gets very sad. He says he doesn't want me to just unravel the areas that are ripped and reknit a couple of feet of the blanket, because then his special corner won't be there. But he also says that I could always just knit him a new blanket. So clearly, we're conflicted. We don't have pets, but I think the boys are learning the same lesson about mortality through loving these blankies. S doesn't want to see his old blankie die and he knows that another blankie would never be exactly the same as this one. Nevertheless, more Plymouth Galway is on order.

The magic needles are still clicking away...

Cat finished an awesome "E" weasley sweater.
Micky has been in a Harry Potter mood, finishing both a Hermione hat and a weasley cell phone cozy.
and Knitopia knit some Sunshine Yarns Gryffindor socks. They came out great! (PS - a little birdie told me that there will be lots of self-striping HP sock yarns for sale at Sunshine Yarns Tuesday morning!)

I think you gals (and the recent DVD release of Goblet of Fire) have got me back in the mood to do some HP knitting. Ahhhh, knitting and Harry Potter - is there any better marriage of two obssessions? My boys say yes. Coming this summer it's Lego Spongebob sets. We are so excited!

UPDATE: Hey, look Shannon snapped a picture of me at Knitsmiths last week (with her super cool new razor camera phone!) wearing my weasley!

Well, if you're my friend Lisa, you can bring two kids sweaters to a seaming party on Wednesday...

hooray, seaming party!

and turn them into two beautifully finished sweaters by Sunday.

 
Tea for Two and Smiling from Miss Bea's Rainy Day

If you're me, you can finish the seaming on a baby sweater in one night, but still can't remember how to do the danged embroidery for the initial after 5 days. Guess I'll have to look that up. Eventually.

Oooh, I love all the shaping in this t-shirt sweater pattern! Clearly, this is the front of the sweater. The pattern has you knit the front first. No idea why - there's nothing in the construction of the back that refers you to the already-knit front. Whatever, it's gorgeous!

I did fiddle around with the neckline a bit to make it a nice smooth scoop neck. As Monica pointed out, you can't see the neckline at all in the pictures in the book. I thought it already had a rounded neckline, but the decreases called for actually make a straight diagonal line on either side of the center bound off stitches. Blech.

Not blech-y of course is this synchronicity yarn. I am flying through this pattern, loving every second knitting with this yarn. I'm almost tempted to slow down so I can enjoy the yarn more, but I really can't wait to be wearing this sweater. With all that shaping, I think it's going to look awesome!

Wow what a week for the sockapaloooza! The theme this week: big.

First, I had to rip out and restart my first sockapaloooza sock, because, you guessed it, it was too big. It fit me and my calves are bigger than the average bear's! Plus, my sock pal is rather on the thin side, so it wasn't going to work. Still, after casting on again, I made my 8 inches for the week.

 
can you see how the calf decreases have changed the variegation?

And now (get ready, it's big!) the most enormous update ever, in reverse order this week...

Finished Sockers!

Pilar has finished her socks! Sorry Pilar, I don't speak Spanish so can't give many more details, but take a look at her blog for the finished objects.
A zebra can't change its stripes but CraftyLily's socks will surely change your mind about trying Cascade Fixation. She shares some insight on her blog about how to conquer this tricky yarn.
Weeza's finished! And she proudly declares that they even match (no small feet, I mean feat). Hey, what's that sock yarn lurking behind the sheep's right elbow?
Wooliedi is done too and she knit some lovely New England Socks from Knitting on the Road. Unfortunately no pics...so you know what that means...this week's placeholder.
Sheryl is done with her lovely ice cream striped socks.
Opportunityknits finished Juani's Braided Cable Sock in Regia Silk.
Patrice switched patterns and in short order conquered the short-row heel and finished Priscilla's Dream Socks!
Margie has finished her socks! She is calling them the rightside-upside down socks. She assures me we'll understand why when she gets a good picture of them.
Marti is patting herself on the back for finishing up her lovely socks so early. No pics yet (perhaps because she's been tending to her poor little sick ones). Go send her a big shout out though, because she's already signed on to knit a make-up pair for a socker who's had to drop out.
Katie's Glad Raggs socks are done - and they're beautiful!
Diane finished her pal's socks on the first day of spring!.
Dragonfly Judy has finished her Boysenberry Pie Socks!
Yay Bliss! Not only did she finish her socks, she had her puppies help model them. Trop mignon, Remy, trop mignon.
Ann has finished her cabled gun-metal Fleece Artist socks. I'm sure her sock pal will be as smitten with them as she is!

Highlights

Mary's beginners are having some fun!
Erin has started her socks. She's learning the Turkish Cast on and Magic Loop and it's her first pair of toe up socks. No wonder she's hyperventilating!
Pat has finished one sock. Check out her blog to see how far that sock has travelled.

And with Lisa as their sock sister, you know this group is having a blast:
Dani has got second sock syndrome (SSS), but her first Trekking sock is a beauty. You can't tell the colorway from this picture as it was taken on a fairly typical dreary, Northeastern March day. Now this is more like it! Want to venture a guess at the colorway?
Check back in a few days and Carrie will have some pictures to post of her sock progress "blogger uploadus interuptus" has struck again. But who the heck cares...the pictures of baby Santa are so stinkin' cute.
Trish has finished her first fluid bandsman, footed bastion, flitted bandied, fluent bagpipes...socks...all kidding aside, this one's a keeper and so Spring-y!

Jenipurr's got some first-sock finishers:
Rachel has finished her first blue striped River Rapids sock.
Rose has finished her first sock, with a lovely lace inset down the side.
Shannon has finished her first deep purple-blue Denmark sock.
Sarah G has finished her first sock (see picture for sneak peek of the colors).

Sock sister Ina is un-venting beaded rib with beads socks in Cherry Tree Hill Supersock.
Miss Sarah has discovered the secret to making socks double in size!
Olga had many adventures in NYC and made progress on her socks.
Parikha took a break from blogging anout her incredible European vacation (be sure to check out her great pix!) to start her Embossed Leaves.

Colorful updates rom Erin:
Lori B.'s elastic arrived last week and she has been knitting on only her sock pal's socks ever since. She is all the way to the foot, hopes to have one sock finished this week and cast-on for the other. She is really enjoying the pattern with all its color changes.
Lisa C has almost finished her sockpal socks. We see them here hangin' with the daffodils.

Donna has one fabulous highlight for everyone this week:
Kara's fabulous Fair Isle socks are almost finished - whee (and wow)!

Sock Sister Cathy has finally started her neon mermaid socks on 2 circulars!
Jenny needs your help. If you have a foot circumference of 9" you can help her with sizing.
Judy is working on an amazing cabley Beehive sock!

Highlights from Carry's group, which has surged ahead with the most number of finishers so far:
Donna has plenty of socks to show off, including her pal's socks.
Heather J has finished her pal's first sock and has done her FIRST EVER after thought heel, way to go!
Heather O has finished the first SUPER COOL Dragon Scale socks and is working her way through all of the HP dragons, anyone like to join her?

After having forced all of you to vote on her old Sockapalooza sock, Sock Sister Ashley refused to listen to the overwhelming majority opinion and cast on for something entirely new! But she's giving away the old yarn, which so many of you inexplicably liked! Hi! Free yarn, people! (Sock Sister Ashley promises not to put herself in the highlights section next week, and to stop talking about herself in the third person ASAP.)
Carrie's got one purple sock all done, and an adorable sleepy schmoo.
Carrie has one blue Embossed Leaf sock finished, and has tastefully coordinated it with some lovely jelly beans.

And from me:
Allena had a capital P problem with her capital P, little o, m, a, oh, you know, the socks from Knitty.
Check out Allison's knee-highs and high heels look. It's hot! Oh and she's making progress on her sock pal socks too.
Beth has FINALLY found the right sock pattern for her pal, Juta's Stocking from Folk Knitting in Estonia. Go read the whole saga and make sure she doesn't talk herself into starting something else!

(click on "more" for the BIG update!)

Update-a-loooza!
(did I mention that it was big?)

Sock sister Mary writes:
Jen has bought the yarn for her socks - Lorna's Laces in Tuscany.
Laura's first sock is almost done. She's promising us pictures tonight...
Peacock has completed the cuff of her stranded colourwork sock.
Rebecca has started her first Jaywalker.
Rebecca number 2 has started her first pair of socks. She's planning to take them to her knitting group if she runs into any problems.
Sharon has started her socks. No pictures yet, but she tells us they will be nice and stripey.
Krista has switched from Lorna's Laces to Regia and is loving her socks.
Kim has finished one sock.

Sock sister Jenipurr reports:
Rebekkah has started the first Mamluke sock from Folk Socks.
Sandra has started on her multicolored Simply Lovely Lace Socks.
Scout has picked some lovely purple handpainted yarn for her sockpal's socks.
Sherry is making great progress on her first sock (as well as lots of other socks too).

Sock sister Ina's group is working hard to regain the lead in finished socks:
Meredith has switched to Jawoll Cotton Superwash and Fluted Bannister socks, working two at once!
Mia is starting Simply Lovely Lace socks from IK Spring 2006.
Mindy has worked about six inches (15 cm) after completely frogging her sock.
After a two-week hiatus, Minnie has resumed knitting on toothpicks and doing the math. Can she finish in the time remaining?
Molly has tried innumerable stitch patterns, perfected her short-row heels and toes, shopped all her LYSs at least twice, and has started Twin Rib Socks from Sensational Knitted Socksin Koigu.
Nicole has turned the heel and checked the fit on her cable and rib socks.
Pansar has started Fancy Socks in red Marias garn.
Patty has finished one sock, cast on the second and is taking the lucky socks to Italy.
After some extreme knitting, PinkHebe has turned the heel on one sock. She also received a professional award.

Sock sister Erin has a ton of other updates for us but would first off like to thank all of her sock sisters for helping her with her update this week! She really appreciates it. Also, she has to report that she is back to square one with her sock pal's socks. She thought the River Rapids might be too lacy, and thought her pal might like some more color. She found some lovely Koigu and is now using fellow sockapalooozer Tuulia's pattern.
Laura F. is battling broken sock mojo, and has finally reached the halfway point on her first sock, after three attempts. Hang in there, Laura.
Lavendersheep is relieved to find that her newly spun sock yarn is in fact superwash. She had bought a back up though, and now has a decision to make.
Lelah reports that she is very close to finishing sock number one.
It sounds like Lesley seems to also be suffering from some stress-induced bad sock mojo. She is halfway done with the upper part of sock #2 and am expecting to rip it all out, because her gauge is drastically smaller than on first sock. She has decided she either has to wait until stress ceases to complete sock or go up a needle size.
Lexa has decided to make her pal some Yukon Leaves socks.
Lindsey P. has finished one new england sock from knitting on the road in white regia and have started checkered textures from knit socks! in regia cotton. She had planned to send both pairs to her pal, but has come down with a case of serious sock envy.
Linz tells us she is making progress on her Jaywalkers. She has lost her usb cable so no pictures just yet.
Lisa H. is making a feather and fan pattern in the cobalt bloom colorway in Socks that Rock. She has one and a half socks done and is really enjoying the process.
Luanne is taking advantage of her Spring break, by starting her Embossed Leaves.
Lydia Z. has decided on the Montana Wheat sock pattern by Mountain Colors using their Bearfoot yarn in the shade of elderberry. I cannot wait to see those.
Lyme is EXTREMELY close to finishing her socks. Sounds like she'll have a few battle scars to remember them by.
Lynne has been at home with the flu this week, She started her sock pal socks, using the Interweave Knits Easy Lace socks...and ripped out the easy lace three times! She's back on track now and really pleased with ohow they are turning out.
Manda is having issues with her socks. They keep coming out too big!
Margene is zipping along on her second sock., with and without her trusty ipod.
MaryAlice has been working on the gussett of her first sock . She has taken a break to reflect on how the pattern will work with the decreases. She plans to give them her full attention when she finishes her Pi shawl edging.

Sock sister Donna has a lotta updates too:
Julia is rocking the pink for her pal - she's halfway through her first mystery sock.
Karola is halfway through her second sock - she could finish by next week!
Kat is mulling over her short row technique and creating what looks like a beautiful sock in the process.
Kat has started her sockpal socks and it looks like Bogey the dog is keeping her company.
Katherine is feeling the Koigu love with her blue Conwys - they're lovely!
Kate's Lovely Lace Socks are not agreeing with her yarn choice - should she start over? Give her your opinion!
Katieis having More Fun Than Cables knitting her beautiful sockpal socks - nice!
Kelly is almost done with her pair of pink Pomatomi - will she finish this week? (Bonus: check out the awesome bunny hat in that entry).
Kim's pink sock (a Knitting Vintage Socks pattern) is coming along nicely - lucky pal!
Kim finished one pair of splendid socks and has started her sockpal's socks - they're pretty and very cleverly constructed!
Kira's experimenting with different cast-ons and toe-up socks - where will it take her?
Kira might be another Simply Lovely Lace socker, but she's not sure - if you love that pattern, go cheer her on!

Sock sister Cathy reports:
Jen is getting started but needed to visit the frog pond!
jenny has picked out the most gorgeous red colorway of Artyarns Ultramerino for her pal!
has started her pal's Crusoe Jenn is making all sorts of socks and has started a Pomatomus sock for her pal.
Jenny is almost done with her first Jaywalker sock.
Holly is finished with one pretty blue sock.
Janine has one Embossed Leaves sock done and a second started.
Jessica has stopped avoiding her second sock, which is great since the first one is beautiful!
Juliehas finished a "test" pair of Embossed Leaves sock and is casting on for the "real" ones.

Sock Sister Carry is making slow but steady progress on her socks and reports:
Elisabeth has a sock she can "live with", check out the colors.
Elspeth is showing off her WIPs including her sockpal socks (the orangey-yellow yarn on the right).
Erin has her pal's yarn, some Koigu resting in the Seattle sun.
After some challanges and ripping out, Flan is about to turn the heel on her first toe up jaywalker for her pal.
Grumperina has settled on a sock pattern for her pal, a simple but interesting pattern.
Gwen has finished her first Jaywalker sock for her pal.

Sock sister Ashley has moved her blog and has even MORE updates for us!
Brynne started some Conwys in Socks that Rock for her pal—she's down to the heel already!
Carla's making progress on her Badcauls - and whipped out some yummy-looking muffins.
Carola is flying her Pomatomus flag. (And had a seriously weird day yesterday!)
Catherine took a break from educational New England field trips (Hi, coffee milk! Miss you!) to cast on for her Jaywalkers.
Celia cast on in her pajamas!
Chawne is knitting her socks in a very bad-ass colorway: Slayer!
ChiaLea experienced a Yarnukkah Miracle while knitting her sock.
Constance writes in that she'll be going with Cascading Leaves, and will send pictures soon.
CrissyPo has six inches done of her Baby Rib socks; she's planning some very complicated sounding sock choreography!
Danielle has some Jaywalkers underway…or are they alligators? Or, er, something else entirely? (I'll never look at mine the same way again.)
Daphne has some pretty blue-green-purple cotton socks underway. 100% cotton! Take good care of your hands, Daphne!
After trying out a bunch of different patterns, Dawn has some pretty Savannah Socks underway.

Sock momma Alison knows that no one has read this far. I can hear the crickets chirping out there! So I'm keeping it short this week:
Adrienne has started her socks in Socks that Rock Rose Quartz. Ooooooh, pretty.
Allison admits to being a little slow - she's almost decided on a pattern for her pal! Check out her fabby pink anklets though - they rock!
Poor Alynda struggled last week with the heels on her socks, thought she was on the right track, but has now realized that the socks are just too tight. She did some swatching ("crazy talk!" - her words!) and cast on again. She reports that she's now "the proud producer of a pair of tiny toes." Hang in there, Alynda!
Amy (in China!) just started a blog and her rockin sock pal socks.
You gotta see the pink pirate socks that Anmiryam has started!
Bev is getting a jump on second sock syndrome by starting the second sock before the first one is done! She's doing a cool job modifying the Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits.

Phew! No go do some knitting....

Finally, I got off my butt and pulled down the Vogue Knitting reference and looked up how to do the embroidery for the Suss monogram baby sweater. It wasn't hard - I actually did it while playing "Trouble" with the boys - I had just utterly forgotten how to do it.

B agreed to try on the sweater for me, so I could see how cute it looks on a little person's body.

note: he's at least three years older and bigger than the recipient!

B would however like to remind everyone that despite the fact that he is trying on a pink baby sweater he is 100% boy. Thanks B.

Well, another baby on my list taken care of. Hooray for me! Hooray to the parents. Hooray for baby C!

Once I finished the back of the alchemy sweater, I could get back to the glisten cardigan. In a moment of extreme laziness, I decided just to pull the addis that I was using for the glisten cardi out of the bag and use them to start the syncrhonicity top. I can't switch needles now without affecting my gauge, so I'm stuck trading off - one piece of the alchemy sweater, one piece of the glisten cardi. It is quite a motivation to get through the glisten project, I can tell you.

I certainly finished the back wicked fast. But this was probably owing less to the needle issue than to the fact that I really can't stand this yarn anymore. It still feels lovely in the ball and is pretty and sparkly, but it is way annoying to knit with and I've got some serious problems with how it's used in this pattern. First, the yarn is still catching constanly on the needles. And this isn't just frustrating, but also seems to be causing it to fray slightly where the little sparkles are. This looks particularly bad along the cast-on edge (you can even kinda see it along all the edges in the pattern pictures - look close and remember, this yarn ain't fuzzy!). Second, although I'm doing my best to untwist the yarn as I knit, there must have been more twisting in the section where I was doing the armhole shaping, because it clearly has a different look to it. Blech. Then there's my issues with the pattern. Why, please tell me why, is this ribbon yarn knit at a gauge that makes a short-sleeved, cropped little cardi weigh a ton and use up 9 (yes, NINE) balls of yarn?! If this were knit on US10's instead of US8's, I think it would be much lighter, more drapey, and feel significantly less like chain mail.

And look at all those ends I have to weave in! So, riddle me this, why does every ball start with a separate piece of yarn that's only about 2 yards long???? This is not an isolated thing. I have found it in every ball. I knitted the first two of them in: the first, because I had no idea; and the second, because I thought that must have been some sort of a one-time manufacturing mess-up. Now I look closely when I start a new ball and it's fairly easy to see that there are really two ends at the top. I pull them both and one leads to the ball, the other just pulls off a 2 yard strip of yarn. Is this some sort of ribbon yarn convention that I don't know about? Tell me there is a reason for this besides vexing me and forcing me to weave in a thousand ends.

All I can say is thank goodness I get to switch back to the synchronicity top for a while! Back to the happy yarn place.

UPDATE: Check my comments in the comments section for some more thoughts from me on this yarn and pattern....

The next baby sweater up to the plate: the child's geek spiral pullover from Loop-d-Loop in Crystal Palace cotton chenille. Finally another boy in my circle of friends to knit for - I was feeling out of my element with all those girl sweaters!