Sockapalooza Package!!

Wow! My "sock savior" came through! She sure is a fast knitter. The socks fit well and the book is GREAT!! It gave me an acute case of startitis, though...I want to choose the most complicated, huge, huge pattern and cast on immediately! Fortunately, I didn't have the yarn for a project like that already in my stash! LOL!!
[There was a very nice card withe the name of my "savior" but I forgot to bring it to work so that I could write it, here. I'll update this post later as a proper thank you!]

Durrow: Sleeve Started!!

Since my Worship Team Practice at church was cancelled for last night, I knit, knit, knit, and the back of Durrow is finished!! I'm still surprised that it has gone so quickly! (It needs a good blocking, but there are still live stitches, so I haven't done it yet. I will probably follow the directions and block it after I've finished.)

Having finished the back, I started on the first sleeve. It took me a while to figure out how to do the increases, but I did finally figure it out and
have been knitting away on it quite happily, since then. For today, a day off from work, I plan to set aside Durrow and work on the Mystery Stole until I have clue 6 finished! The clue came out this morning, of course, so I'm anxious to work on it.

By clicking on the picture of the started sleeve, you will be able to see the stitch markers from Danielle at Mad Caterpillar. They are staying out of my way while knitting (as they have no pretty danglies on them) and contrast the yarn so well that I never forget to change from 4x2 ribbing to the charted pattern. I love them.

In Exchange news, I received an email earlier this week saying that my Sockapalooza pal will need to be replaced by an "angel" because she broke her arm and collar bone. I don't mind waiting and my heart goes out to this knitter. I know that I would be soooo bored if unable to knit! I also received an email from my Secret Pal Hostess saying that she plans to get the matches made and emailed by the end of the weekend. I am almost as excited to start as I was for my first time in Secret Pal. I'm already collecting a few little things that I think any knitter would like and am planning on making this a great exchange for her!

Sock Update

I have finished the heel and am over half way through the gusset on the first May Day sock! All is well and this project seems to be the one getting the most attention, lately.

Last night, dh had dinner waiting when I arrived home from work. It was so nice, as I had a not so great day at work...Then, he drove so that I could knit, while we finished a few errands. I had a book to return to the library, and 2 on hold to pick up. I only brought 2 home with me, as the other was not what I expected. I checked out Pursenalities. I took some time in the car to to flip through it. There are a couple ideas that I like and may incorporate any particularly good ones into my design for the International Tote Exchange IV. Last time, I designed my own bag and it was a great hit! After the library, he took me to the driving range. He has been wanting me to take up golf, so this was a natural first step. We each hit a some balls. It was nice to spend some time together, just the two of us without the TV on. I'm sure we'll try it again in a week or two. On the way home, we stopped at the video store. He rented A Night at the Museum, which we watched while eating popcorn that I made at home. It was the perfect end to a not-so-perfect Monday.

More Snowmen & Skates

I worked on Snowmen & Skates some more, last night. I have started knitting the steeks. Its looking great, but I am glad that I'm making the smallest size. Its a ton of work and I tend to grow tired of a project before its done. This project is no exception, but I'm committed to this one. (It is easier to be committed on smaller project! LOL)
The Lacy Mock Cable socks are also getting there...I am working the gusset decreases on the second sock. Sockapalooza and Sockamania have both begun, so I want to get the socks done & start working with Anni's great, new pattern.
Tomorrow, I'm taking the day off from work to meet a friend for lunch and a trip to the Village Yarn and Tea. I'll probably spend the morning knitting or cleaning house. There is so much that could be done.