I spent quite a bit of time knitting this weekend, especially during the football game, and I have a lovely sock to show for it. The sock isn't lovely b/c of my mediocre knitting skills- it's a combination of wonderful yarn (CTH supersock solid in Teal) and a very cool pattern (Embossed Leaves from IK Winter 2005) that makes it work. As you can see, I've finished one sock and am about 1/3 done with the mate. I've even strayed from my normal use of Crystal Palace's bamboo needles, for Lantern Moon Rosewood needles. The needles are an inch longer than I'm used to, but I really like how sturdy the hardwood feels, and the pretty reddish color. **If you use a Netscape browser, you may notice that you get an error when looking at the Lantern Moon needle section. My webmaster is looking into this, but if you want to see them in the meantime, just use the Manufacturer drop down menu on the left side of the SSYC homepage and scroll to Lantern Moon. You can see them that way!
SSYC has received several boxes of Fleece Artist merino in the past couple days, and one more in expected to make its way here today- sometimes with customs, things get caught and delayed. So expect to see our Fleece Artist selection expanded late today or early tomorrow (Tuesday). Lots of colors we have been out of are going to come back. Ebony, Moss, Ivory, Pale Pink, Wildflowers, Seashore.... lots more.
I still haven't decided what I'm going to do for the Blooming Feet swap yet. My pal has given me so much room to choose, that I'm going to eventually take a plunge and decide. That's kind of cool that I have such a broad range of choices, b/c then I can choose what I would most like to knit, rather than knitting for someone else's desires. But hopefully it will turn out to be something that she wants.... otherwise what's the point of the exchange?!? Any suggestions as to what do when an exchange pal gives you such a broad range to choose from? Do you play it safe? Do you choose something you like? Do you go with the popular pattern and the popular yarn? help.
I imagine that if there was something specific your pal didn't like they'd have been sure to tell you so that sounds like free reign to do what you like to me.
Posted by: Julie | February 05, 2007 at 03:31 PM
the embossed leaves look great! great pairing of color and pattern :o)
and since i actually know who your pal is i'd say have fun. if she gives you a lot of wiggle room it's because she means it. and i don't think she's afraid to walk on the wild side as long as it still falls in the purrrrty range.
my pal for the first bf and for this one gave me lots of wiggle room so i've looked over blogs for color ideas and just made sure to find a pattern that i knew they hadn't knit yet. have fun!
and i have a crazy question for you since you carry the lorna's crack goodness: can you give a guess as to what colorway the sample on the raindrop lace pattern (from fibertrends) is knit with? i was thinking it was the denim semi-solid but then the yarn looks darker and the other blues seem brighter...i'm confounded! and i'll quit rambling in your comments now :o)
Posted by: amanda | February 05, 2007 at 05:23 PM
If the giftee were me, I'd want you to make something *you* like... that way I get a more personal gift from you. However, it's not me (since I'm not participating). Good luck picking something. :)
Posted by: Andrea | February 05, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Just a couple suggestions that might help narrow it down: I would stick with a superwash yarn, to make things easier for your pal (even if she handwashes everything, it's good to know the socks won't go crazy and felt into tiny ones!), and a pattern that doesn't go all the way down the foot. Yes, it is SO pretty, but they aren't that comfortable to wear in shoes. You could also use a yarn that your pal hasn't had a chance to knit with, something a little more obscure or hard to find?
I hope this helps you out a little. =)
Posted by: Bronwyn | February 05, 2007 at 09:17 PM
if she gave you a broad range, odds are she likes almost anything! I'd go with something you like as you'll be knitting it, but also something that you know for sure she'd like....I agree with the superwash thing!
Posted by: stacey | February 06, 2007 at 09:30 AM
My sock swap pal also left me loads of room to play ... and I agree, it's a bit daunting to just begin :-)
the embossed leaves look great.
Posted by: Teyani | February 07, 2007 at 03:21 PM