By revealing this to you, I run the risk of exposing myself as the novice sock knitter that I am! However, bad things do happen… and I have a hunch that this has happened to others as well… even if you don’t talk about it out in the open.

This was not supposed to happen… My somewhat new sock is already worn out!

Holey Moley!

O wise sock mavens! Help me in my time of need!

Surely others of you have "worn out" your socks too!

• What do you do when you have a sock that needs some help?
• What are your sock "problem areas"?
• How do you combat against these problems?

This hole just appeared–maybe I was a little too rough on it–I expected the little sock to keep up with me as I marched around work, school, and home. Before I knew it, my toe was sticking out. Brrr! (updated to add: This is my Trekking XXL sock–it is a good strong yarn for the most part, which leads me to believe that it was my knitting that was the problem!)

As you may have noticed, I shrunk my sidebar down to its original size. The list of Socktoberfest 2005 participants is still in tact, however. Don’t forget to check in on the knitters you met through the knitalong

All of the Socktoberfest prizes were claimed in a timely manner, and should be arriving on the winners’ doorsteps soon. Another congratulations to the winners!

So, what’s next on the *Lolly* knit list? Well, I still have my socks to finish… and my Klaralund, and my Hourglass, my KSH camisole, and I desperately want to start the ribbed sweater for Kris… BUT, all this will have to wait. Because Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie comes out this month! That means I need to get rolling on my Weasley knitalong item!

Heather and I are big time HP fans… So, we decided to knit Gryffindor "Azkaban" style scarves–I knit hers, she knits mine. How cute is that? The thing is, she already started, so she is way ahead! I am getting a little nervous–my school work kicked into high gear, so I have to turn this scarf out FAST–in time for the movie’s opening on Novemeber 18th! Can I finish H’s scarf in time? I sure hope so!

A BIG thanks to Wendy for the lovely gift! I received this package when I got home from school last night… it was so well-timed! Thank you so much! The colors are beautiful

Lorna’s Lace Shepherd Sock in Irving Park! mmm

Guess what? Socktoberfest updates are still coming in! Go check out these fabulous finished pairs!

• Teresa restarted her blog! Go give her a big welcome, and make sure and see her two finished pairs!
• Kate finished knitting her pair of socks with her very own handspun yarn!
• Amy finally got the chance to make some socks for herself!
• Leisel’s new socks have a great little picot cuff!
• Angela finished her second pair for Socktoberfest!
• Kira finished another pair and started on new ones right away!
• Kim’s Log Cabin socks look so comfy and warm!
• Lori’s socks are born to be wild — great colors!
• Michelle finished some great autumn socks for her kids, and then is working on a lovely pair for herself!
• Mary’s stashbusting socks turned out beautifully!
• Yuvee’s new socks are so bright and cheery–guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
• Petra’s zebra socks are wild and wonderful!
• Cheryl finished some great stripey socks too!

Make sure and email me or leave a comment if you have a finished Socktoberfest pair to share with the group–I will put an update in my next blog entry

**Still addicted to knitting socks? Check out Ariane’s Holiday Sock Exchange! She is one dedicated sock knitter! Email her by November 7th to be a part of the group!

As I mentioned earlier, school has really picked up in this second part of the semester. Reading and writing are pretty much all I am doing! Unfortunately blogging and knitting time are going to suffer because of it… I wish that was not the case… so, see ya when I see ya!

…and for Indigo Muse Tanya–some juxtaposed fall foliage!

Last week’s tree sighting: Palm trees in Waikiki, Hawaii

This week’s tree sighting: Maple tree in our neighboorhood in Maryland

With the amazing mathematical algorithms courtesy of Random.org, I got six completely random numbers, and matched them up to the corresponding number on the sidebar.

The Socktoberfest 2005 prize winners are:

Sarah at Bluegarter.org wins the Fleece Artist Merino donated by Simply Socks Yarn Company!

Kristi at NeedleFingers wins the donated Opal 6-ply from Yarnzilla.com!

Anne at Knit 'Nabler wins the Woolarina hand-dyed sock yarn!

Sydney at As the Yarn Turns wins the goodie bag from DiscountYarnSale.com!

Rose at Enchanted Ewe wins the Opal Handpaint donated by Jess!

Eyeleen at Knitting by Eye wins the Mountain Colors Bearfoot donated by me!

CONGRATS!

So are you one of the lucky six??? If so, please EMAIL ME!

**If I do not hear from you within 48 hours of the time this entry posts, a new winner will by randomly selected. These prizes cannot linger

(Didn't get lucky here? there is still time to join Kira's contest–deadline is tonight at 11pm Pacific time!)

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You did know that all socks STARTED in the month of October counted, right? Cause I got about a MILLION emails in the past few days telling me you are all racing to finish! Don't kill yourselves, girlfriends! I still have WIP socks too!

I will be updating with the remaining Socktoberfest 2005 news until there is no more news to share… but that does not mean that you can wait till Socktoberfest 2006 before you finish them!

I only finished one pair of socks this month…

…and that was technically before Socktoberfest officially started!

I do have one sock of a pair finished…

…and another one on the needles (Dublin Bay in yesterday's post)

This is a no-pressure knitalong for a reason–I didn't want pressure on myself!

That being said, there are SO MANY wonderful finished pairs I just have to share! If you don't see your name up here and you have a finished pair, let me know by leaving a comment to this post, and I will get your name up here ASAP!

Siow Chin Wanda Jan Teresa C Brooke Diane Vicki Margene Lori

Bethe Kate Christine CJ Leah Ina Anne-Ruth sUsAn Jennifer

Carola Bliss Rachel Say Elaine Jessica Anne Elspeth Kirsty

Siri Yahaira Terhi Vicki Phia Laura Amanda Jessica

Carole Esther Jane Liz Joelene Jenn Jane Ragan Mary

Tacha Yuvee Tara Brenda Wendy Anny Chelle Teri Bonne Marie

And in case you just can't stop knitting socks, here two more knitalongs you may be interested in: Anmiryam's Fuzzy Feet-along! and PixiePurls' Solid Sock KAL!

Lastly, I was tagged for this meme by my friends, Yahaira and Winnie…

What is your all time favourite yarn to knit with?

Although I found out about LB Cotton Ease in its "twilight" months (right before it got discontinued), I so enjoyed working with it. I made a pullover, and have some stash Cotton Ease for a tank, a baby knit, and another pullover or hoodie. I love the texture of it, and how easy it is to get gauge with. I also really enjoyed working with Dale of Norway Sisik yarn.

Your favourite needles?

Addi Natura circs. Great pointy tip, and sturdy bamboo. Perfect needles in my book. In terms of straights, I also like bamboo. DPNs? I like bamboo and metal for socks.

The worst thing you've ever knit?

I don't even have a picture of it because it was so bad… it was my first scarf ever… knit with LB Woolease Thich and Quick. It was a kit that we used in my first knitting class. It was an ugly color, and my gauge as so uneven… better left unseen!

Your most favorite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it…but it was the most fun to knit)

I really enjoyed making my Tempting sweater. It was a very simple ribbed pattern. I liked the yoke construction, and used this same technique for my Balmoral cardigan. However, I don't like the way Tempting wears–it has stretched so much since I made it… it is not a good fit anymore. I think I may unravel it and reknit it about 2 sizes smaller one of these days… I also loved knitting the "Kahlo" afghan for my sister's wedding present. I saw it again while in Hawaii, and I think I need one of my own!

Most valuable knitting technique?

Short rows. I have only used them on socks, but the technique is perfect for busty girls (like me) who need a little more room up top.

Best knit book or magazine?

I am consistently happy with Interweave Knits–sometimes they may only have one of two things I like, and some great articles. Other times they have a magazine full of beautiful things. I also really like Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and have one knit from that book on the needles, and another waiting in the wings.

Your favourite knit-a-long?

I have not joined too many knitalongs because I don't like the pressure to finish… however, I have started two no-pressure knitalongs myself. I don't want to "toot my own horn" but I just loved the way that Socktoberfest 2005 caught on and the inspiration I received from each and every blogger in the group. I learned SO MUCH. Little tips and techniques were so helpful. It was a great community effort. So much so that I can't wait for Socktoberfest 2006!

Your favourite knitblogs?

This is not the way I roll, girlfriends. I don't play favorites. However, I will say, I have met so many fabulous knitbloggers, my Bloglines has grown to over 300 people. It is hard to keep up with all of you!

Your favourite knitwear designer?

I find myself consistently attracted to Kim Hargreaves designs, Veronik Avery, and Teva Durham. I like many of Stef's patterns, especially the new cardi.

The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)

Accessory: Colinette Giotto scarf (I just wore this tonight!)

Garment: Dale of Norway Balmoral cardigan

Tag: This is a fun and informative meme. If you liked reading my answers, and want to answer them on your blog, go for it! Consider yourself tagged by Lolly

Our days have been so packed… but I am enjoying every moment of it. It is hard to believe that we leave for home tomorrow. I wish we could stay longer–there is so much more that I would like to experience! It looks like another trip is necessary. Not only to see my dear sister, but to experience more of this amazing place.

After our lovely day with Chris and her family last Monday, we had a nice dinner and relaxation time at Mimi’s house.

On Tuesday, we headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the north side of the island. I am so glad we did… this place was amazing. There are sections for eight of the major island(s) in Polynesia. Each section has guides from that area, authentic clothing, foods, and housing. Each section also has two shows that they perform throughout the day. One is a cultural “hands on” show with arts, crafts, dance, or music. The other show is dancing, cultural rites, singing and playing instruments.

There is a canal in the middle of the park. Each island has a flat canoe that they row down the canal while there are dancers on top of it! One guy fell in the water–but I was not sure if it was scripted or not

These particular dancers are from Tahiti.

After seeing these temporary tatoos on everyone, we finally tracked down the hut–in Marquesas–where they were giving them out.

Mimi got a turtle and I got a woodcut design. I actually liked the look of it alot But I am too big of a wuss to get a real tattoo–so the temporaty tattoo was the perfect fit!

We went to every show we could fit in, plus an IMAX show about coral reefs and their importance to Polynesia.

We learned so much that day about the islands’ cultures–we had a lesson in the history and evolution of the ukulele, did some Tahitian hula dancing, and tried some fresh poi.

It was a wonderful time, and the Polynesian Cultural Center is highly recommended if you are planning a trip to Oahu

There is also a luau at the PCC several times a week, but we opted out of this one, in favor of another one on the other side of the island (we are going to that tonight!)

Tuesday was a late night… Mimi’s husband, Dan, finally returned from his latest training session–he got in about 1am from California. He was gone for 6 weeks, and we were all very happy to see him (especially Mimi!) We did not wait up, but we did get to see him the next morn…

We woke up early to make it to Waikiki to meet with our guide and group for the Waterfall Hike. Our group was through Oahu Nature Tours, which is an eco-tourism company that specializes in flora and fauna of Oahu. Our guide was a native Hawaiian, and added so many great aspects about mythology, geology, native farming techniques, etc.

We were tired after our hiking tour, but it was one of the best things I have ever done. I learned so much and saw so many sights.

That evening, we hit a local bar and grill for some fun with Mimi and Dan. It was so much fun to hang out with both of them and have a few drinks–we got there right before Happy Hour was over

Pinky’s was a great restaurant, and while they had tons of entrees for the meat-eaters in the group, they also had some great salads and sides for my veggie meal.

…and when we got home, we had some fun playing dress-up in Dan’s field gear… wow, is that stuff heavy! Here are Dan and Kris in the vest and helmet

…and just for fun, here is the picture of me in the gear. What a load.

Yesterday, we went snorkeling on the southeast side of the island at Hanauma Bay. I have some pictures to share of our snorkeling, and our evening luau. Those are going to have to wait for another day though… probably when I get home to Maryland.

Many thanks to you all who have read along with me while this blog became more of a travel blog instead of a knitting blog! I hope you have enjoyed it. Knitting news will return soon–I still want to show you the lovely yarn I got at the shop here in Hawaii, and my knitting lesson with Mimi

So, we leave Hawaii tonight (10/28) and will be flying through the night. Tomorrow, we will get home–where it is apparently quite cold and rainy. Hmm–well, Hawaii was a dream while it lasted!

Aloha~

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 I have SO many updates to share! I wish I could go through individually and comment on each pair of socks on each of your blogs, but in the meantime, I want to thank you all for the success of Socktoberfest 2005! So many of you saw the spirit of it that I first imagined–and while these past few days have been a little lacking on my part, you all have really kept it going so well!

And here are some lovely finished socks! Go see them and comment to your fellow Socktoberist!

Aimee Agnes Barb Kristin Carolyn Ada Beth

April Christine Kimberly Ariane Donna Fannie Gwen

Courtney Saun Jess Lisa Nadine Paula Isela

Jennifer Janine Danielle Norma Ruth Kathy Heather

**Remember, there are some fabulous gifts for the Socktoberists–I will draw names with a random number generator on Monday, OCTOBER 31st! So, check in on this day to see if you are the lucky winner of the great prizes!

Socktoberfest 2005 is officially closed–although you can always knit socks a long with us. I just had to put a cap on this huge sidebar Sorry if you missed out on getting your name up there–but due to this year’s turnout, I think Socktoberfest has the potential to be a annual knitalong! Do you like that idea?

Although I am still waiting for some reply emails, the final participant count for Socktoberfest 2005 is around 295! Again, thanks to all of you who signed up!

More good news: We have some MORE prize donations! I am still awaiting details on some of these deals, so stayed tuned for full prize disclosure. I am just floored by the generosity of these companies and individuals. Thank you! Remeber to patronize these wonderful vendors–they are supporters of Socktoberfest!

Now check out the finished socks of theese girls!

• Susan finished a great pair with KnitPicks yarn
• Nadine’s new socks get some puppy love
• Kaity’s new socks are so beautiful!
• Jessica’s new socks are the perfect shade of purple
• Tracy shows off her amazing new socks
• Jenn’s socks yielded perfect results!
• LeAnne’s new socks are so pretty in pink stripeyness!
• Nicola finished a great pair of Conwys
• Jane’s new socks are stunning — they look identical
• Allison finished another pair — she is fast!
• Dani’s great hand-dyed sock yarns are getting some major attention! With due reason
• Michelle’s whole family has a little bit of Socktoberfest spirit!

Now that I am on a short vacation from school, I am doing other kinds of research! Kris and I are looking through the guidebook (thanks to Karma for sending it!) and the tourism board magazines for OAHU! We are going to be there tomorrow~

The bags are packed… and my travel knitting was carefully tucked into my knitting bag, waiting for the long voyage!

There are some things planned for our trip, but a lot is left up in the air… and we like it that way. I know I will be meeting a very special Socktoberist in Honolulu though! Can’t wait, Chris!

So, in the meantime, I leave you with this picture, which is where I will be taking my morning walks… Mimi lives right around the corner (literally!) from this beach!

I will be traveling all day tomorrow, so there won’t be any updates. I hope to blog about our trip, and all of the new Socktoberfest updates on Friday or Saturday. Please continue to email me when you have finished pairs to show!

~Aloha~

I was in the Metro car all alone… so, I sang a little song.

I met Bec for a quick dinner before we both had to go to class…

I jumped on the train again and headed toward class. Left, the Chinatown Gate, and right, the National Basilica.

It was my lucky night. Not only did class go well, but I had enough elbow room to knit on the train. (See? I brought my Dublin Bay sock… and that is the sushi bag that Amy gave me!) …and I was even lucky enough to not have a parking ticket, even after the meter expired!

I talked to my sister on the way home–I can’t wait to see her in TWO days! and I came home to two wonderful things: my great DH Kris, and a great package from Lisa. She sent me vegetarian Skittles! This brought my heart such joy! For 11 long years, I have been without Skittles due to their gelatinous ingredients… but British Skittles are gelatin-free! Thank you Lisa!!

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At last count? 255!

I can hardly believe it… this little idea was born at a hockey game on September 30–and grew and grew little by little. I thank each and everyone of you for the contributions you have made to this knitalong! I have met so many wonderful bloggers through this, and the great thing is, you can too! Just go leave a comment and say hi!

Socktoberfest 2005 is a resounding success!

Another perk? Well, we have another prize donation!

Hi Lolly!

I love what you’re doing with Socktoberfest, and another yarn store’s offer of a prize made the lightbulb go on over my head. I own Yarnzilla, a brick-and-mortar yarn store, as well as an online one. I’d like to offer the prize of one skein of Opal’s new 6-ply sock yarn. It’s DK weight, and it’s put up in 150-gram skeins, so one skein will make a pair of socks. We carry 3 colors of it, and your winner would be welcome to contact me to pick their favorite of the three.

Happy Socking!

Linda http://www.yarnzilla.com

So, there are THREE FOUR prizes now! One from Allison at Simply Sock Yarns, one from yours truly, and another from Linda at Yarnzilla! (Later addition: Paula and K8 of Woolarina have also put up some of their amazing yarn!) Could this get any better?

Well, now you have to see what some of your fellow Socktoberists are doing–amazing things, I tell you!

FINISHED SOCKS

• Christy’s finished socks are so aptly named: Socks that ROCK!
• Danielle’s new socks (sox?) show some team spirit
• Sydney’s new socks are so well-traveled
• Chrissy’s finished another pair of fuzzy socks
• Lynda finished her second pair of socks today
• Sockbug’s got another lovely pair of socks to share
• Beth finished a pair of socks that are mesmerizing
• Anne finished some socks and offers some observations…
• Chrissy’s baby socks are too cute

OTHER SOCK NEWS

• Kate spun some sock yarn of her own!
• Terhi shares some of her family’s sock knitting heritage–see her aunt’s amazing Finnish traditional styles. They are truly awe-inspiring!
• Esther is having a little problem with her striped socks–what do you do when you have to frog yarn that you cut?
• Liz is experimenting with dyeing her own self-striping yarns. The results are fabulous!
• Debi wrote and compiled a great tutorial on Turkish cast-ons. Not to be missed!
• Amanda did us all a favor by making a tutorial on how to knit two socks at once. Thank you!

**One last note: Kira is awesome. She volunteered to help me go through the ginormous list of Socktoberists and report any finished socks and interesting tutorials. Thank you for your help, Kira! However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this is a huge job for even two people. SO, from now on, please email me or leave a comment when you have a finished pair of socks, a question that you want to address to the whole group, or some other extraordinary sock news to share (tutorials, spinning/dyeing, sock stash, etc).

This will make things so much easier for you (I won’t accidentally miss your lovely new socks!) and me, because I won’t have eye strain from going through all of your names! Thanks for understanding.

Don’t forget, TODAY is the last day to sign up! (close at 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time)