I Swatched

No really, I did. Really.

It was only about an inch high and 48 stitches long but it was enough to give me guage for the Ivy League Vest. According to the tracking information I should be recieving my order tomorrow!! Included in the order are 2 hanks of undyed sock yarn which I'm really excited about trying. I found several tutorials on Knitty about different methods and color recipes.

Also here are socks that I have been frantically finishing!

Vinnland


Knit Picks Essential sock yarn in burgundy on 2.5 mm US 1.5 needles. More details here if you are on Ravelry.

Swirly Socks

My own improvised pattern. SWTC Tofutsies on 2.25 mm US 1 needles. Details here.

If don't post before Tuesday, Merry Christmas everyone!

Finishing

Lest I fall behind, allow me to provide an update.

Since I only briefly mentioned it in the last post, the recital went well aside from the usual glitches that can be expected and everyone heaved a big sigh of relief, or at least I did, when it was over. I like doing recitals and think that they are very important, but hoo boy, it's alot to do. Now I think I can even enjoy some Christmas music. Harry Connick, Jr. anyone?

So, a little math has been going on in the knitting category:

1(one) bind off away from finishing the Vinnland socks.
+
1(one) applied I-cord, several woven in ends, and 5(five) buttons away from finishing Sweet P's Sweater.
+
1(one) swirly sock and 1(one) bubble mitt away from finishing both of those.
=
One big guilt free purchase of the yarn necessary to knit the Ivy League Vest and to try my hand at koolaid dying some sock yarn. Rational or not, my order is on it's way.

Hooo Boy!

Two by Two

So, true to my fickle self, all of my other projects have been put on hold to work on these socks. I am really surprised at how much I am enjoying it because I really only chose it because I had the recommended yarn on hand. It is a clever variation on the standard (and very boring IMO) 2x2 rib. Makes for very fun knitting:


And look, no holes in my short row heel!!


I actually didn't use the recommended short row heel in the pattern, but used the technique I saw in a video of Cat Bordhi on You Tube of all places. I finally understood how to do hole-less heels after I saw that video. Woo hoo!


P.S. Despite all of my stress, the recital and the dreaded trip to the DMV went just swimmingly. As a treat for completing these tasks, I went to Joann's. It was on the way home. That's a good excuse right?

*!?% DMV

I realized as I was paying bills yesterday that I forgot to renew my drivers' license. As I was searching for 800 documents for proof of legal presence one of my first thoughts was "I should cast on a new sock to take with me" which is of course ridiculous because a) Sweet P will most likely be with me which means no knitting and, b) I have plenty of things to finish already.


I cast on for this yesterday during her nap when I should have been folding programs.

Blech

I'm beginning to feel a bit of pressure this holiday season. In fact, writing this post is the last thing I should be doing as I still have Lots Of Things To Do to prepare for my students' recital this weekend. After about 2 p.m. on Saturday I think I will begin to feel a bit more holiday cheer. 3 days and counting...

My philosophy this year has changed quite a bit since Sweet P is older and will be able to enjoy all of the things that little ones generally do this time of year like lights, and pie and the smell of fresh pine trees, and Christmas music. I actually feel like a bit more of a kid myself this year.

If you need a chuckle, visit this site. I stumbled across it on Ravelry of all places. Here is our little ditty, but it's probably only funny to ourselves.

And since everyone likes photos, here is one of a lovely basket my mother made for us.


After the recital is over, I'm looking forward to getting the house decorated and am sure it will get me in the mood.