Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

sKNITches Big Tryst, Fleece Artist Nyoni

This post is going to make many, MANY of you happy.  I have a new shipment of sKNITches cashmere blend Big Tryst!  This luxurious, sport weight yarn is perfect for cooler weather, and the colors are gorgeous.  This is one of those yarns that I only get in stock once a a year, but I have many of each color so I hope you can get the colors you want.  My faves in this round include Scarlet Letter, Rosette and Cinnamon Teal Duck.

 

Earlier in the year, I featured a special price on Fleece Artist Nyoni in the Sale Section, and I have it for you again!  Nyoni is the same fiber content as Somoko, only it's being offered by Fleece Artist at half the price!  Snag yourself a few skeins for socks or garments at only $11.75 per 383 yard skein.  And this batch is superwash too.

Scheafer Yarn, Bloomsbury Group Collection

Schaefer Yarn has released their newest series of special edition colorways, celebrating the artists of the Bloomsbury Group, an avant garde, bohemian group of artists that flourished in Edwardian England.  These 4 colors were dyed in conjuntion with the Johnson Art Museum of Cornell University for their internationally acclaimed Bloomsbury Group Exhibit.

Take a look at the lovely colors that the ladies of Schaefer dyed up in Anne for this edition, along with the work that inspired each color: Duncan Grant, Lytton Strachey, Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf

 
 
 
 
 

Tilli Tomas' Milan, Fleece Artist Merino

I've already cast on a new pair of mitts... yes, I'm a creature of habit.  It's not uncommon that after finishing a project that I cast on again in the same pattern.  But these were such a fun knit that I couldn't help but cast on a new pair!

But what's new is that I'm knitting this pair for a very good friend for a Christmas gift, and I'm knitting it in a solid colored yarn that's new to the store- Tilli Tomas' Milan in the American Beauty color.  It's a wonderfully soft merino/cashmere/silk blend sock yarn, and it's available in many variegated and solid colors. It comes in 50 gram skeins that are bound with white satin ribbon and with fabric tags- the skeins really are put up in the nicest way I've seen in a sock yarn.  And it would only take one skein for the Lepidoptera Mitts, should you want to knit them in this extremely luxurious yarn.

 

You really should check out this new yarn.  It's not machine washable, but what it lacks in ease of care, it MORE than makes up for in luxury.  Shown below: Little Red Riding Hood, Siren's Serenade, Black Cherry and Green with Envy

But Milan isn't the only yarn to just arrive.  I have a new shipment of Fleece Artist Merino in  new colors, including Boreal, Red Fox and Salt Spray, and popular colors like Ebony, Hemlock and Nova Scotia.  Salt Spray is a color that I've had before in the Swiss Mountain Sea Sock and in Casbah, and it's been the most popular the past several months.  I had Red Fox in the Casbah at Sock Summit (and have some coming for the store very soon) and it sold out quickly.  And Boreal, well, like Red Fox, it's a complex mix of colors and I just really, really adore it.

I haven't been shy on the blog and in newsletters that I've knit Fleece Artist yarn more than any other.  I've knit lots of Merino and Casbah, and twice with Sea Wool.  I'm a knitter who picks yarn for color more than anything else, and not only does Fleece Artist produce superbly dyed colorways, but they haven't pooled or striped for me, which is a big plus too.

Shown below are Fleece Artist Merino in Ebony, Hemlock, Red Fox and Boreal

Lepidoptera Mitt Pattern

Thanks for all your encouragement in getting this pattern up.  I'm really happy that so many of you e-mailed and commented that you were looking forward to the pattern. And THANK YOU for making it your favorite on Ravelry!  So here it is!

*Please let me know if you find errors in this pattern by e-mailing me at allison@simplysockyarn.com .  I'll post corrections, if there are any, in red text.

I designed these gloves out of necessity- to keep my hands and lower arms warm as I type, which I spend much of the day doing.  I left off fingers to that I could type effectively, and chose a pattern with no cables or thick ribbing so that the surface was smooth and wouldn't impede my typing.  But after wearing them outdoors as well, I realize that having the fingers free makes them good for driving, manipulating a toddler's car seat buckle, sipping a cup of coffee, and even knitting.

The name of this pattern is an homage to my college days at IU, when my favorite prof was an avid entomologist who somehow made the world of bugs interesting to a girl who previously dismissed them as icky.  The stitch pattern of these mitts reminds me of the veins of a butterfly's wings, and the butterfly is part of the order Lepidoptera.  It just so happens that the color of yarn I used in this pattern is named Butterfly too.  The stitch pattern is a variation of one from Nicky Epstein's, Knitting on the Edge: Ribs, Ruffles, Lace, Fringes, Floral, Points & Picots: The Essential Collection of 350 Decorative Borders .  A beautiful book that was gifted to me by Joe several years ago, and that I have looked to countless times for inspiration.

Materials: Yarn pictured is Dream in Color's Knitosophy sock yarn in the Butterfly color,  The skein is 100 grams and 450 yards, but I used less than 1/2 that for both mitts.  You can use any fingering weight yarn- I think Simply Sock Yarn would be good for solids (just one skein) and Casbah would be nice for a luxuriously soft mitt.  The solid red mitt shown is Tilli Tomas Milan in American Beauty- and you would just need one skein for shorter mitts.  You'll need 5 double point needles in your choice of size(US 1 or 2); you'll knit with 4 and use the 5th for holding the thumb stitches.  You'll also need a needle for weaving in ends, and two stitch markers. 

Size:  I knit these for myself, and I have somewhat large hands and thick wrists.  I used size US 2 needles.  You might consider going down to a US 1.5 or US 1 if you have smaller hands/wrists.

Instructions

Cast on 48 stitches.  Distribute as follows: 24 sts on needle 1, 12 sts on needle 2, 12 sts on needle 3.  Join into a round.

Cuff:K1 tbl, p1* repeat around.  Repeat this rib for another 5 rounds.

 

Arm:Complete the above stitch pattern 4 times for the mid-length mitt pictured.  For a shorter mitt, decrease to three or even two pattern repeats.  I chose a longer arm b/c I want to keep my lower arm warm when my coat sleeve edges up as I carry a toddler.

Thumb gusset:  After completing your desired number of pattern repeats for the arm, you'll start increasing to allow for a thumb.

Row 1: Knit pattern through first 12 stitches, PM, M1, PM.  Knit the rest of the round, keeping in the stitch pattern.  You have added one stitch between the markers.

Row 2: Knit in pattern first 12 stitches (to 1st marker), SM, M1, K1, M1, SM, continue rest of round in pattern.  You have 3 stitches between the markers

Row 3: Knit in pattern to first marker.  SM, K1, M1, K1 tbl, M1, K1, SM, continue rest of round in pattern.  You have 5 sts b/t the markers.

Row 4: Knit in pattern to first marker.  SM, K1, M1, P1, K1 tbl, P1, M1, K1, SM, continue rest of round in pattern.  You have 7 sts. b/t the markers.

Row 5: KNit in pattern to first marker.  SM, K1, M1, K1 tbl, P1, K1 tbl, P1, K1 tbl, M1, K1, SM, continue rest of round in pattern.  You have 9 sts b/t the markers.

Continue increasing by making two stitches per row between the markers until you have made 15 stitches, set up like this: k1, *k1tbl, p1* 6 times, k1tbl, k1.  

Knit each round 7 more times, and keep the k1tbl, p1 pattern in the thumb gusset stitches.

Slip the 15 thumb gusset stitches to the 5th spare needle to be held there while you knit the hand.  You will come back and complete the thumb after you finish the hand.

Setup stitches as follows for the hand:  24 sts on needle 1, 12 sts on needle 2, 12 sts on needle 3.

Now you'll knit the hand, keeping with the stitch pattern, for 12-14 rounds.

Finally, finish the hand by knitting 6 rounds of a* k1 tbl, p1* rib.  Cast off. You'll want the finished mitt to come below your middle knuckles, as pictured.

Now you'll knit the thumb.  Join yarn, then knit the 15 held stitches as p1, k1 tbl rib.  Pick up 7 stitches along the thumb gusset and continue p1, k1 tbl.  KNit this rib for 7 rounds, then cast off.

Weave in all ends.

*     *      *     *     *

PM = place marker

SM = slip marker

SSK = slip first stitch as if you knit, slip second stitch as if you purl, knit those stitches together

K2tog = knit two together

K1 tbl = knit through back loop

Halloween Sale at Simply Socks!

Want to treat yourself with something other than candy this Halloween?  Then check out the sale I have on two of the store's most popular sock yarns!

I'm currently offering 20% off on all Alchemy and Noro sock yarns!  Regularly $14.75 and $15.75 for Alchemy's semi-solid Elements and variegated Colorways, they are now just $11.80 and $12.60, respectively.

Noro Kureyon Sock is regularly $18.50, and is now $14.80, while Noro Silk Garden Sock is regularly $19,50 and is now $15.60.

I have lots of colors in all those, so you're sure to find something to treat yourself or a friend.  Shown here are Alchemy's Juniper sock yarn in Underwater Moonlight and Vintage Jade.

James the Elephant says "Oh my gosh, ALCHEMY is GREAT!  AAAAAHHHH!"... No, really he was just in sugar shock at the Zoo Halloween.  But still.
 

Finished Object Friday

I've finished TWO projects!  Hard to believe, since I've been accumulating half-finished projects for months now, right?

First the mitts I've been working on are now complete, and I'm putting the finishing touches on the pattern so that you can knit these mitts if you like.  I'll admit right off the bat that there could be an error or two in the pattern, as I've only knit the pattern once, so I fully expect you to tell me if there is!  But I'm trying my best to make sure it's accurate.

These mitts were knit for me using size 5 US 2 double point needles and Dream in Color's new Knitosophy yarn in the Butterfly colorway.  This yarn first came out about 2 weeks ago, and I've already received my second shipment of it.  I'm trying my best to keep it in stock for you in all colors.  I think the stitch pattern compliments the color well because to me it looks like the veining in a butterfly's wings.  Your thoughts?

The second project I finished is the Stormwater Shawl using the Swiss Mountain Sea Sock in Salt Spray.  The pattern is free with purchase, and while I'm sold out of this color now (I do have more on order), there are several other colorways that would look lovely as well.  Peridot and Cedar are catching my eye.

I thought I would knit the scarf version of this pattern immediately after finishing the shawl, but I've already started finishing up yet another UFO (unfinished object) and that's my Mini Mochi color 107 socks in the Dublin Bay pattern (a free pdf).  I've finished one entire sock, and about 70% of the second sock, so I think I could be finished with that tonight.  That makes THREE finished objects this week!  I feel like I champ!

Lorna's Laces Swirl DK SALE

I have a fabulous deal to share with you!  Lorna's Laces offered me a nice discount on their DK Swirl yarn, so I snatched a whole bunch of it and have put it in the sale section for you!  I believe it starts on page 5. This isn't a yarn that I've carried in the store before, but it's a lovely merino/silk blend and it's going to be great for garments and lounging socks.  And the price is... well, you can't beat a yarn that's normally priced at $13 a skein, and is now only $8, am I right?

I chose 15 really lovely, wearable colors, and I have quite a bit of it at this moment.  So should you want several skeins for a larger project, you'll be able to get them for now.  I don't know if I can get more of this, so if you see something you want, please don't hesitate.

I've had this shawl on my to-knit list for a few months, and I think I may be knitting it in this yarn in the Charcoal color, instead of Alpaca Sox like I originally intended.  At this price for very high quality, hand dyed merino/silk, how could I not?  I haven't knit this yarn yet myself, but it's popular and gets good review.  Want a thorough review?  Check out the one Clara Parkes did for Knitters Review a few years ago when the yarn first came out.

Shown above are Red Rover, Gold Hill and Cedar. Below are Mineshaft, Black Purl and Amy's Office

As this is a dk weight yarn, you'll want to find an appropriate sock pattern.  This one is the one I suggest for this weight yarn.  And if you are like me, you'll add an interesting stitch pattern rather than stockinette.  Though I think this yarn would look really nice with a very simple sock too.

If you have pattern suggestions and ideas for this yarn, please leave them in the comments below.  I'd love to get some inspiration from you!

A day in the life of....

.... handknit socks.

Walking in the door on my mother's feet.  She's been on vacation for the past week, and this is about the only time James let her stand still on Sunday.

Crawling swiftly up the stairs after James.

 

Sitting quietly while watching James put together a puzzle. 

Finally coming to a rest after hours of play.  James is resting on Grandma's lap, watching 'toons before naptime.  It was a fun morning for the handknit socks and those wearing them.

_________________________________________________________________________

These socks are were knit with Fleece Artist Merino in the Amethyst colorway, using the Jaywalker pattern from Magknits (a no-longer-published online magazine- you can find the pattern now on Ravelry).

I started knitting these socks in December of 2005, and gifted them to my mom in September 2006.  Her leukemia's been in remission since then, and I wish I had known then how things would turn out- that she'd be healthy and playing with her grandson three years later.

Seeing these socks yesterday brought back a flood of memories, some wonderful, some awful.  Do you have certain projects that you associate with a particular event or time in your life?

 

 
 
 

Warm hands this weekend?

I just might have warm hands this weekend!  I've just about finished one of my new mitts knit with Dream in Color's new Knitosophy in the Butterfly color.  I'm really pleased with how this mitt is turning out- it's my first time knitting a mitt, and I pretty much did this pattern on the fly using a stitch pattern from Nicky Epstein's book Knitting on the Edge and a few mitten/mitt tutorials I've found.

One tutorial that has been particularly helpful is Mittens 101from Knitty in Fall 2005.  Basically, you can turn any sock pattern into a mitt by knitting the tube with a pattern of your choice and then adding a thumb.  Turns out, it's very simple and I don't know why I didn't try it before.  I guess I just like knitting socks so much that I didn't really consider knitting mitts/gloves/mittens.  But my hands just get so cold in the winter that I started knitting them more out of necessity, and now it's going to turn into obsession, I know it.

What I like about knitting mitts is that they are a bit quicker to knit than socks.  So I'm thinking that mitts would be a nice gift knit.  I just don't have the time to knit big projects right now, and I have to admit that I want to keep all the socks I knit for myself right now.  I want to amass a big collection of hand knit socks for myself, and I seemed to have wrecked quite a few lately by washing them in the machine with items with zippers (I lost my mesh lingerie bag and haven't bought a new one yet).  I didn't make the connection before, but it turns out that the zippers are snagging and making holes in my socks!  Luckily, I do have some yarn leftover from two of the snagged socks so I can unravel part of the foot and reknit, but two of the others I'm out of luck b/c they were gifted to me.  But I did get a couple good years of wear out of them.  Still, it's sad.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'll make this pattern available for free here once it's complete.
 

Halloween costume ideas

Help a mama out and give me some halloween costume ideas for this little man! Joe and I are at a loss. Last year he was Darth Vader, so this year???

Butterfly Mitts

Well, I tried to stop myself, but I couldn't do it.  I had to cast on a new project, even though my list of wip's takes two hands to count (you can see them all here on Ravelry).  What did I start?   A pair of mitts in Dream in Color's new sock yarn, Knitosophy.  Color, Butterfly.  Yes, all the colors arrived at the end of last week and are now available!

The most notable thing when knitting this yarn is that the color is amazing.  I didn't know what to expect with this new line, as Veronica (dyer at Dream in Color) was clear with me that, unlike the veil-dyed Smooshy, this flash-dyed (her new technique) yarn does have the possibility of pooling or striping. Each skein can be very different from the next- it's a unique fibery work of art.  But in the five inches I have knit so far, I don't see any pooling or striping of color.  In fact, the way the color is laying in the fabric reminds me of the shimmer of a butterfly's wing- which is likely what Veronica intended when dyeing the color Butterfly...  Or maybe it's a happy coincidence?  Either way- loving it.

This is the first time I've knit mitts, and I'm combining a few patterns with a variation on a stitch pattern from Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge.  I'll likely post the free pattern here and on Ravelry when I have it completed.  And if you want to keep up on my progress, I'll try to keep up with that at this link on Ravelry.  The weather here in NE Indiana has turned cold, and it's enough to make my hands cold when I'm on the computer all day.  So fingerless mitts are a great way to keep my hands warm and my fingertips free to type.  At least, that's how I'm rationalizing casting on yet another project.  Can you help me come up with other justifications?

Green Socks

I've said it before, I'm a sucker for green.  I mean, look at how many different greens there are in my new yarn line and you'll know it's true.  So It's no surprise that I've knit a few green socks lately, right? The first pair is a a mock cable rib that I knit with a US 1 needle and Simply Sock Yarn in Fiesta Lime.  I don't think I've ever knit such a brightly colored sock before, but there was just something about this summery lime that made me need to knit it.

I highly recommend clicking on the images below to see larger versions- you can then really appreciate the stitch definition.  And it's easier to see any mistakes I may have made!

The next sock is also knit in Simply Sock Yarn, and I used a 3/4 a skein of Chartreuse and the yarn leftover from the the previous sock to knit the cuff, heel and toe of this sock.  Again, I knit this sock with a US 1 needle, and the pattern is a 3x1 seed stitch rib.  Basically, row 1 is knit 3, purl 1. Row 2 is knit.  Very simple, but gives a bit of elasticity and interest.

(Please note that the daylight made Chartreuse look a bit paler in the below photos than it really is.  It's actually more green than this photo shows.)

I haven't gotten around to knitting the mates for these socks yet, but I'm sure I will soon as it's getting cold here in Indiana and I need more hand knit socks.  I've ruined a few pairs recently by snagging them and not realizing before throwing them into the wash.  Then the tiny little hole that could have been easily repaired then becomes a big gaping hole that can't be fixed.  *sigh*  I know that I should be happy that they lasted me a couple years but they really would have lasted much longer had I taken care of them better.  Good thing I like to knit socks, eh?

 

Are you amping up your knitting in preparation for winter and the holidays?  Are you knitting more for yourself right now, or others?  I do have a pair of socks for my mom in Mini Mochi color 107 almost done, and the Stormwater Shawl for my sister is being cast off tonight.  But other than that, my knitting is all for me right now.  At least the projects that I'm actually working on.
 

Dream in Color's Knitosophy Sock Yarn

Dream in Color has released their new sock yarn, Knitosophy (nit-AW-sofee).  Dyed on their Smooshy base yarn, Knitosophy is bright and flashy, and is different from Smooshy which has somewhat muted tones with more subtle color changes.  In fact, they named this unique dyeing technique "flash dyeing" to reflect the bright, run way the colors look in the skein.  You may have seen some of the first skeins of this dyeing method on the special edition colors in our store. Each skein is completely unique and the color play randomly in the skein with no hint of  exactly how the colors will knit up.  Each color has a unique tag with a painting and an inspiration quote- the art and philosophy of Knitosophy.

Below are photos and information about these new colors, directly from Dream in Color.  I don't know how accurate the pictures are for each color, as none of the yarn has been shipped yet (edited to add that the yarn has now arrived and is available here).  And if the skeins are anything like our special edition colors, it's likely that color will vary (in how light and dark it is) quite a bit for each skein in the same colorway.  I'll let you know as soon as we get our shipment in the store and up on the website, but I really don't have a timeline right now.  I'm really looking forward to this new line!

 

BLOSSOM is comprised of bright pinks, yellow and tangerine.  Inspired by the quote, "Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

 

Be BOLD is comprised of turquoise, blues and purples.  Inspired by the quote, "Put a grain of boldness into everything you do." - Balthasar Gracian

 

BUTTERFLY is comprised of turquoise, carmel and royal purple.  Inspired by the quote, "Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." - Nathaniel Hawthorn (whoa, isn't that the truth...)

 

DISCOVER is comprised of bright blue, royal purple and magenta.  Inspired by the quote, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover." - Mark Twain

 

LAUGH is comprised of green, magenta, turquoise, purple and deep red.  Inspired by the quote, "The excursion is the same when you go looking for your sorrow as when you go looking for your joy." -  Eudora Welty
 
 
  

You are the PRINCESS is comprised of lilac, brick reds and rust.  Inspired by the quote, "I was once afraid of people saying 'Who does she think she is?'  Now I have the courage to stand and say 'This is who I am.'" - Oprah Winfrey

 

Find your STRENGTH is comprised of raisin, chocolate, lilac and plum.  Inspired by the quote, "Women are like tea bags.  We don't know our strength until we are in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Be Your Own SUPERHERO is comprised of turquoise, eggplant, magenta and deep red.  Inspired by the quote, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." - Christopher Reeve

Weekend in pictures

The newest Opal Sock Yarn Collection arrived!  Schafpate promotes a green concept.  The yarn is made through an all-German supply chain beginning with merino sheep at the Nature Preserve BiosphareAlb in South Germany.  THe wool is processed in the Bremer Woll-Kammerei AG in Bremen and spun in the Zwickauer Kammgarn GmbH.  Finally, it is printed into self-patterning sock yarn by TUTTO Wolfgang Zwerger GmbH in Hechingen before being shipped all over the world to avid sock knitters.  You'll find the whole collection at SSYC now for just $17 a ball.

 

Opal isn't the only ones supporting local businesses- for the past few years, we've bought our pumpkins and gourds at Cedar Creek Produce (where we also get many of the berries for our jam in the spring).  LIke many of you, it's just normal practice to get much of our food and various other items from our neighbors.  Selfishly because they are close and the displays are lovely, but also because the prices are fair, and it makes me feel good knowing exactly who my purchases affect.  Not that we don't do a fair amount of shopping at large grocery stores and hardware stores (I'm a sucker for Target- oh, how I love thee Target), but I feel better about supporting a small business... especially when their prices are the same or better than big stores.  Another plus is that on our way back from Cedar Creek Produce, we saw a little sign that advertised apple cider, and we bought a few gallons from the Grabers, who live just a few miles away.  We also bought white potatoes from them cheaper than we would have at Meijer (our grocery store).

 

We didn't buy any orange pumpkins, as Joe planted one hill of pumpkins this spring, and we just picked 14 pumpkins from that one hill.  This is the first time we've had real success growing pumpkins, and I think that it's likely from all the rain.  Joe and James picked our "punkins" this weekend, and now the vines are no longer creeping outside of the garden into the lawn.

 

This is my kitchen table, displaying silvery-blue and white pumpkins... which is now splattered with yogurt.  Many thanks to my guys at the US Opal Distributor for the silk shawl holiday gift last year- It is currently weaving its way through my table table display!  And, thankfully, still yogurt free!  I'll see how well James does with his butternut squash later today.
 

 

Child's Hat

The weather has turned here in NE Indiana from what was lovely and warm last week, to cold and rainy today.  For the first time, I have to admit that I'm sorry to see summer go, mostly because it's just been such a comparatively cool summer.  Usually it's pretty hot and horribly humid in the summer, but this year it's been really beautiful.  Now that fall is coming, I've realized that it's time to do some appropriate knitting.  The most important projects being a few hats for James.  I want a basic ribbed border hat for him, perhaps one with earflaps, and another a fun and somewhat wacky pattern.  I'm considering this one for his basic hat, but I'm wondering if you have a few kids hats that you've knit and love, or ones that have been in your queue.  Please do share!

Next on my fall knitting list is this shawl, because not only does it look soft and simple, but as I'm sitting here typing this on the sofa, my upper body is exposed while my legs are warm under a knit blanket.  The pattern calls for Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace held doubled, but I'll be knitting with a single strand of Classic Elite in Alpaca Sox.  I can't decide if I want to go the bold red route and use Cereza, or if I want to go more muted and knit with one of the kettle dyed or solid colors. Perhaps a blue?  This will be the largest project I've knit, but it looks very simple with basically no shaping.  Will be a good TV Time project.

Third, is finishing this blanket, which I think I started a year and a half ago. It's the Curve of Pursuit pattern and Dream in Color's Classy in colors 370 and 340.  I bagged it in spring 2008 b/c it was getting too hot to have a heavy project on my lap, but never picked it up in the fall.  Now it's the next fall, and I'm half-heartedly vowing to get the outside edge completed.  That's really all I have left of it and I guess I should finished it, right?  Right?? 

I think the reason it's not holding my interest is because when it's finished, it really isn't going to be large enough to be anything other than a lap blanket, and I really like a larger blanket that me and James and Joe can use.  I guess it would make an interesting wall hanging, but I don't really want a wall hanging, I want a blanket.  And it wouldn't match my decor on our main floor.  These are the colors of our basement, but I just can't rationalize spending all this time on something and then hanging it in a room that never gets used.  It's kind of like cross stitching a gift for someone, and then finding that they've never hung it, or relegated it to some rarely used room like a spare bathroom.

Am I babbling?  I think I'm giddy from having a child who's been napping for 3 hours, allowing me to watch a DVR'd Bones episode and a super cold Diet Coke with Lime.  I'm out.