Cookies cookies everywhere...

I got my new Cookie A. Sock Innovations book and just HAD to have a cookie sock w.i.p. bag to go with it. This one is mine, it fits two balls of center pull yarn nice and neatly with room for the project and needles too. There is even an extra stitch marker hooked to the zipper for whenever I might need it.

I LOVE these bags and use them for all sorts of things. This one is made from 100% cotton and lined with interfacing, my favorite bags are the ones made with the heavier weight upholstry fabric. This cookie fabric was just a PERFECT match for my the new book release.

But I just couldn't stop at one, could I? NO! So I made a whole bunch to share. I gave some away to my good knitting friends and would love the share some more with anyone interested. My next post will present each individual bag, the price and a PayPal button for purchasing.
There are only a limited number of the cookie bags, but if people enjoy them I can certainly make more.

I have also donated one bag as a prize for the Ravelry Knit Along Group Sock Innovation - a Cookie KAL.

Check back later.....I may have a give away too :-)

...And Now...

...For really exciting stuff!

I finished a sweater! A huge accomplishment as sweaters are so much more work than socks, and so not portable. I love this sweater and I really love the yarn as well. I will overwhelm you all with pictures but that's OK, right?

Yes I am snuggling with my new sweater. It is so cozy and cuddly!
Pattern: My own design. Inspired by Pat's Acer, Cable from Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns and basic starter measurements from Knitting Fool's top down raglan calculator.
Yarn: Seacolors by Nanney Kennedy
Needles: US8 and US6
Started: January 10th 2009
Finished: March 12th 20009
Notes: I made the neck line a little wider, I knit the whole thing in the round and steeked the center, picked up stitches and knit the entire ribbing in the round with mitered corners.
One more note: Please excuse the sweat pants, as I had just put on the buttons and was so excited to get photos I quickly set up the tripod and didn't pay much attention to what I was wearing :-)

Winterlude in Ottawa

We spent Winter vacation and the girls birthday week in Ottawa. We had a blast.

There was Ice Skating on the CANAL.

Tons of beautiful ice sculptures

And of course many opportunities to have a Beaver Tail. Even Obama had a Beaver Tail while we were there. And can you believe we were SO close, yet we missed him by just a block. The buzz around town while he was there, was just so cool. Some girls who did see him in the Market said (and I quote) "Obama Rocks!" I wonder if they got their phone video up on you tube, I'll have to check.

And a very special day to celebrate their 8th birthday. They made their own necklaces, picking out their own beads at the bead shop and got all dressed up to go to the Museum of Civilization. The Egyptian exhibit was on there as well as a fabulous childrens section.

We got together with some great friends and had so much fun, unfortunately, too much fun to remember to take photos.
And now for SOCKS (of course)
The socks were completed upon return from our trip.

Pattern: Harika Socks by Stephanie van der Linden
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill supersock in Black and Spanish Moss.
Needles: US1 (2.25mm)
Love these socks, my new favorites and with the stranding are nice and toasty warm.

New Pathways Fun

Well, I quickly read my new book and knit up 2 pair of socks. What a fun book with new ideas and a great learning tool for me. I always love learning new things!

This pair was made for my daughter Sarah.
Pattern: Bartholomew's Tantalizing.
Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Happy Valley, one skein
Needles: US1 (2.25mm) KP 40" circular
Notes: I love the linen stitch, I will use it again!
These are a cuff down architecture. The gusset increases are done within the pattern on the front of the leg. Quite clever.
Then, the heel turn is done first with the heel flap being done on the bottom which I found quite interesting. The slipped stitch flap is nice and cushioning on the bottom of the foot, but Sarah does not like them because they are too floppy on the back of the heel. When I do another cuff down pattern, I will add a slipped stitch section to the back of the heel. This would add some cushiony comfort as well as holding the sock in place. As it is now, it slips down on the foot way to easily.

Pattern: Jeweled Steps.
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock in Lightweight. A mill end, so I don't know the color, but they are lovely, and perfect for a February yarn, reminding me of chocolate and raspberry candies.
Needles: US0 (2.0mm) 40" circular
Notes: The simple pattern really allows for showing off the variegated yarn.
I did Whirlpool Toe, which is quite lovely, The gusset increases are done on one side only, causing the pattern to move across the foot. Quite clever again.

Now for some updated photos of Max:
Max and Sarah about 2 weeks ago.Max's new toy. He is funny, he prefers to bring the ball back to "his place" rather than to me.


Not in the mood for a photo shoot with Catherine, notice the juvenile tongue sticking out.