Plath’s Adventures

Mini socks
Originally uploaded by plath.

I may not have been able to get a lot of work done on my Retro Rib socks this weekend, but I did get 9 FOs. Sure they’re mini mini socks, but they still count, right? teehee

These are for the Holiday Ornament Swap I joined. I absolutely LOVE Christmas ornaments, and I adore all things handmade, so this was the swap for me. Hiding under the mini socks are some small beaded wire ornaments I made up as well, but I don’t think they’re as cute. I also joined Rox’s Ornamental, and did a little work on those ornaments this past weekend as well. I’m stressing about Christmas quickly approaching! I have two handknit presents finished in addition to the ornaments, but I’m truly stumped on what to knit anyone else, so maybe I just won’t. I’m undecided.

In spinning news, why the heck didn’t anyone tell me that spinning was so stinking easy?! MIL took me to a spinning shop on Saturday, and I was able to try out 5 different wheels. I was seriously making yarn in 30 seconds. Decent, non-novelty yarn, too. I was able to try the Ashford Kiwi, Traveler, Traditional, the Majacraft Rose and a Louet (the Anniversary edition one?). I think I’m leaning towards the Traveler, although the Majacraft was simply lovely (but a tad out of my price range). If you’re in the Howell, Michigan area, go and check out the Spinning Loft. Beth, the owner, was simply wonderful at letting me try out all the wheels and really boosting my confidence

1 Retro Rib completed
Originally uploaded by plath.

I’ve always been able to get much more work done with a deadline. Sure, I would procrastinate, but I always got it done when it came down to the (k)nitty gritty. That’s the only explanation that I can give on why it’s taking me so fracking long to finish this sock. Socktoberfest is over, and I no longer have that deadline to finish, so I’m ambivalent. Grrrr… At least one sock is finally done.

I’m heading out today with my MIL to check out wheels. They don’t stock Lendrums at the shop we’re going to, but I’m going to check out the Ashfords. I’m nervous. I know– I’m wierd.

Retro Rib
Originally uploaded by plath.

Well, I wasn’t able to finish my Retro Rib socks, but here is my progress as of the end of Socktober. I just managed to start the heel last night, while watching House. It takes a few rounds to really get into the rhythm of the pattern, but it’s smooth knitting once you do. I’m really happy with how they’re turning out

Just a reminder, I’m using Socks that Rock in Moonlight Revel. The socks look perfectly autumn! I’m sure many bloggers are mentioning the fact that Blue Moon opened up registration for their Rockin Socks Club for 2007. I had told Jason a few months ago that I wanted a subscription for Christmas this year, so I was really disappointed to see how much the price had jumped. I won’t be joining. I really can’t justify spending $35 per pair, when I could buy just the yarn for $19 (lightweight) or $21 (mediumweight). It is nice, however, that for next year’s club, the colorways really are special, because they won’t be available to the general public until 2008. BUT, I’ve decided to ask for a wheel (just need to decide between the Ashford Traditional or the Lendrum Saxony) and that’s two high priced gifts. I’d rather have the wheel than 6 pairs of sock yarn, even if it is fantastic! I did, however, add a few of their newly listed colorways to my wists.