Life sure is crazy

Busy, still.

Let's see. I have a sleeve and a half to finish on the top-down sweater, but it is asisde for the time being, because Avast is getting there, although it is 218 stitches across, but I am in my second ball of Bartlett Yarns, so, getting there slowly, but surely. Also, I decided I need to pick up my Christmas stockings if they are to be done on time. I am half way done with #2 of 5. They go pretty fast, but when I did the first one, I discovered something about my Fair Isle. I am a TIGHT Fair Isle knitter! So, with #2, I only hold one yarn at a time, and knit both with my right hand. Much better now. However, I have two projects OTN that I do not want to pull out but aren't going to be the right size. DAMN!!

I joined Socktoberfest (like everyone else in the blogiverse). I have my Hederas that are sitting one leg half done. They just mock me. I don't think I like lace patterns much. It is too much work for my life right now, maybe. I need "easier" knits (cables on Avast, Fair Isle on Stockings don't count as hard - I can "see" it better) at this point in my life. So, my Soctoberfest projects are Christmas stockings, Hedera, and my DH a pair. In that order.

My Socktoberfest questions are:

• When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I joined an online group with instructions very SIMPLY laid out. There were “lessons” - Parts 1 through (I think) 6. The socks were knit with worsted weight on size 6 needles. It was good.

• What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

My first pair were made with some stash yarn that I only had one ball of – green worsted weight Encore. Note to self: do not choose acrylic next time!

• What would you have done differently?

Not used acrylic. Walking on acrylic knit socks is like having a bunch of pins on the bottom of your feet. No matter, I learned, and it worked.

• What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

No real preference

• Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

Can’t crochet to save my life. I have exclusively knit on DPN’s, but have the books to learn 2 circulars and Magic Loop – just haven’t used either of them.

• Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I don’t even know what I use. What does Ann Budd’s book use?

• How many pairs have you made?

Um…one for step-dad, one for son #1, one for son #2, three for me (if you include first ever pair), now working on 5 Christmas stockings – done with one, half way through another. How many pairs is that. Oh, also started another pair, that is stalled.

I also joined My first toe-ups, so I guess that I will do DH socks toe-up. That is probably not the best choice, just because he has such big feet, but I'm not going to start another pair.

As I have said before, HOMEWORK SUCKS!!! Malik (and I) were up until 10:30 or 11 last night doing homework that should have taken him 30 minutes! Plus, he is in middle school this year, and he is in CONSTANT trouble!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

Well, I guess I will press "publish" so I can have a post this month.