My sockapaloooza pal received her socks! They traveled all the way to Spain!

I haven't had very much dedicated knitting time lately. But... I have been getting lots of subway knitting in... which means socks! See:





This pair is the Rock 'n' Ribbed pattern from Knit Socks! in Cascade 220. This is a great little book from my SP7 pal Sara. It has a good variety of patterns and some great general sock instructions. I finally understand the Kitchener Stitch for closing toes! I really liked this pattern - it took me about 4 days per sock. I'll definitely be making more!

I've also finally dug into my Lorna's Laces - also a gift from Sara. I've selected Sock Bug's River Rapids sock pattern. Here's my progress so far:


I'm doing ok with the pattern so far - I have to pay a bit more attention to what I'm doing than I usually like to, but the sock is turning out quite nice so far. And I'm LOVING this yarn! It's so easy to work with and the color is beautiful! Thanks so much Sara!

Secret Pal 8

I enjoyed SP 7 so much that I've signed up for SP8. Did I mention how incredible Sara was as my spoiler? And it was really fun to spoil Jen.

Here's my answers to the SP8 questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I've recently rediscovered how I much I like Cascade 220. I'm not sure that I really have a favorite fibre. I'm not really into synthetic stuff.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Sadly, an old shoe box!

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 3 years. I' an advanced beginner, but often select simple patterns.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes! My Chapter's wish list....

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla or coffee scents. I don't like anything too 'chemically'.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
YES!!! Chocolate all the way, baybe! Love dark chocolate and nuts... but not hazelnuts.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I do a bit of sewing. I've made a quilt, but it took me THREE years! I don't spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm not really that into music and I don't really have a favorite band. I don't think my computer plays MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I really like blues and purples. Pinks are really fun, but don't look that great on me. I'm not really a fan of red.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I've been dating Patrick for just under 2 years. He lives just down the street. I have a three year old Boston Terrier named Bird.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, yes and occasionally.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I've been on a sock kick for awhile. I'm still a beginner, but really enjoy socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks and a sweater. Plus I have about 8 other items that IÂ’ve cast on and then promptly neglected.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes! I LOVE handmade gifts! I love to see people's creativity.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
My preference is circ and bamboo with most fibres. But everything has a time and a place.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No and no.

17. How did you learn to knit?
I bought some needles and yarn from Wal-Mart and started playing around. I ended up with an obscure piece of work that was far too short and fat to be a scarf and far too small to be a blanket. My dog uses it in her bed.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 3.5 years.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
I would have to say Christmas. Our entire family (my mom is one of 10 kids) gets together to celebrate every year. It gets a little crazy, but its how I always think of Christmas!

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really... Unless yarn counts!

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Handknit Holidays is on my wish list. I don't have any knitting subscriptions.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not really. I just like to knit simple patterns that I donÂ’t have to pay too much attention to.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes! I wear a women's size 8.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
Just missed it.... April 26