Summer of Socks 2008
Sorry for the long absence, folks. Things have been a bit hectic for the last couple of months - I was in a new position at work, then the position got eliminated (figures), then I was out of work for the entire month of June, and now I've gotten through my first two weeks at a new job. Suffice to say, I have been knitting a ton, but not taking so many photos and just didn't feel like writing. I have four pairs of completed socks that have yet to be photographed (crazy, right?) plus a couple of completed scarves and a tank top. I will get to those things one of these days!
Anyhow, I decided awhile ago to join Summer of Socks 2008. It seemed like a good idea at the time, as I knit a lot of socks in the summer, and I figured it would be nice to set some goals. I decided that my goal, for the period of time June 21, 2008, to September 1, 2008, would be 8 pairs of socks, knit out of yarn from 8 different dyers from 8 different pattern sources. Here's what I decided on:
- Cross Stitch Block, from More Sensational Knitted Socks, in Yarn Pirate Merino Sock, Rum Runner (finished!)
- Bluebell Rib, from Sensational Knitted Socks, in Yarntini Variegated Sock Yarn, Gimlet (first sock seen above, with photograph taken right before I started writing this)
- Merino Lace Socks, from Favorite Socks, in Araucania Ranco Multy, Aztec
- Latvian Socks, from Folk Socks, in Mountain Colors Bearfoot, Moondance
- Unst, from Knitting on the Road, in Mind's Eye Yarn Merino/Tencel, "Blackberry Chocolate Parfait"
- Juta's Stockings, from Folk Knitting in Estonia, in Sunshine Yarns Superwash Twist, Deep
- Salish Sea Socks, from the Blue Moon Fiber Arts 2007 Rockin' Sock Club, in BMFA Socks That Rock Mediumweight, Bella Coola / Nuxalk
- Gentleman's Sock with Lozenge Pattern, from Knitting Vintage Socks, in Claudia Hand Painted Yarn Fingering Superwash, Peppermint Mocha
Anyhow, it was becoming clear that this would never happen, as I am already behind schedule. Then a couple of other things snowballed. The socks I'm currently knitting (toe-up, by choice, which I may never do again, I dislike it so) are coming out too big. I decided that since I was considering knitting another set of socks for my family (all six of them) and I think these will fit my mom, that's where I'm headed. While I think I can do most of it from stash and might align it up with my goals above, the patterns/yarns I chose might not fit the various members of my family. Second, I found out this week that instead of heading back to Chicago like I do every year for Christmas, everyone is going to Southern California (my ticket was purchased last night)! So I want to knit a shawl for each of my three aunts out there. They won't be big (about 700 yards of laceweight yarn will be budgeted for each) but I do want to take my time and not get overwhelmed right before the holiday (particularly because lace requires blocking).
There are still lots of socks to knit, it just won't be 8 pairs this summer, and not the ones I've already picked. That's okay, because laying out the order in which I knit socks never works for me, anyway. :-P
