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

]]> http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/11/03/hole-in-one/feed 56 http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/10/31/no-tricks-only-treats http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/10/31/no-tricks-only-treats#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2005 22:06:28 +0000 lolly http://63.247.142.132/blog/?p=355 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!)

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

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~

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!

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 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!!

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)

For administrative purposes, I decided to make October 19th the last day for people to sign up for Socktoberfest 2005. All this means is that I will stop adding names to my sidebar–see how many we have already? If there are late-comers that are still interested in Socktoberfest, please feel free to knit socks with us, and comment on the blogs of Socktoberists… there is always next year!

So I have some great news–Our little knitalong has attracted some attention!

I got an email from Allison, owner of Simply Sock Yarn Company, an online company that sells all of the sock yarns we love.

Lolly,

What a great and fun idea! I (obviously owning an e-store that just sells sock knitting items) adore knitting socks. All the encouragement and friendship shown on the blogs of those taking part in Socktoberfest is really wonderful to see.

…I would be happy to donate a skein of Fleece Artist Merino yarn to whomever you all choose as the winner.

Can’t wait to see more of the socks that come out of this!

Allison

Simply Socks Yarn Company http://www.simplysockyarn.com/StoreFront.bok

This news is so exciting! So, I was thinking of a random number generator–just so everyone could have an equal chance, and so it did not turn into a popularity contest (that is not Socktoberfest spirit!)

I will consider everyone who joins the group before October 19th in the running for this contest. And just to make the odds a little better for everyone, I will come up with another sock-related prize to send out. The Prize Day will be October 31st.

Unfortunately, my weekend was filled more with homework than knitting. The really bad thing about it? My mind is already in vacation mode for Hawaii, but I still have to go to class tonight and tomorrow…

This is the best picture I have ever taken of this yarn. It really shows the lovely light and dark sections. I love Tess yarns! The Dublin Bay pattern is going very well. I love the little lace inserts. There is also a matching one on the other side.

… and my first Diagonal Fixation sock is done! It was a quick knit on the size 3 needles. I think that next time I work with Cascade Fixation, however, I will go down to 2s. These are a great fit, but the stitches are not as tight as I like them. I think that they will be perfect for warmer temperatures. One more sock to go. I did no do the pattern on the foot, opting for straight stockinette instead.

I was unable to swatch for the Kris’s raglan cardigan this weekend. It may have to wait till the end of the month… but I did find a perfect pattern for my further stashbusting efforts:

Stefanie’s new pattern is my favorite yet. I love cardigans, and these cables are just a great touch. You can order this pattern on her website. You can also order a kit from Jeanie’s store, DiscountYarnSale.com (Jeanie is a fellow Socktoberist!)

I bought 12 skeins of Lion Brand Kool Wool last spring. I was attracted by the sale sticker and the pretty Eggplant color. They were languishing in my stash because I had no project in mind… until now! The gauge is very similar to the Cabled Cardi, and I think it will look smashing in this color. Yes, I have a lot of things on my “to knit” list, but this is also a stash buster!

While I was at class–a mere 5 hours away from the computer–I got 26 emails about joining Socktoberfest. That means we have 211 participants in this knitalong! I guess Fleece Artist Merino is a pretty good incentive!

So here are those great Socktoberfest updates you were waiting for!

Looking for some great finished socks? These ladies can show you some! Go look right this instant!

And in some other Socktoberfest news…

Okay, time for me to go… I think I am going to fall asleep sitting up!

PS–I am woefully behind in my emails–so if you have written to me, I will get back to you, I promise!

Yeah, I frogged Razor Shell again. I love this yarn (Tess Designer Yarns), and I am quite fond of this lace pattern, but I have a feeling that this type of yarn is just not suited for this project.

I think that one of these yarns is better for this project. Mim used the KnitPicks yarn for her pattern, and the Lion Brand Baby Soft is the same weight and I like the Candy Pink color. So, looks like I will start this pattern again… hopefully third time will be a *charm*.

I guess it is times like these when it is very obvious that I am still a new sock knitter! I am not letting it get me down, however!

That lovely Tess yarn will not be sitting for long however. I already found another pattern that I think will be perfect for it! I hope that I am right this time. Ryan’s Dublin Bay free sock pattern is lovely. (links to the PDF) Simple rib cuff with stockinette and a k2tog/YO lace insert. Easy and pretty.

And while it seems to be all socks all the time over here at Lollygirl, there is a little sweater action happening too.

The yarn for Kris’s raglan zipper cardigan arrived in the mail. It is from Handpaintedyarn.com–their Handspun Bulky Wool seems to be a great (read: less expensive) substitute for the Manos that the pattern calls for. I managed to get a close color too–this is Date Palme colorway. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, which is one of my favorite books. I already have several knits on the needles right now, but what is one more? Especially when it is for DH… I hope to swatch sometime this weekend.

Another item on my needles is the simple and lovely Klaralund pullover. I am using Noro Silk Garden, like the pattern calls for. I completed the back, and started on one sleeve. The back was quick to knit, and I also added some waist shaping. I thought it would look a little better that way. In a way, I hope the shaping will counteract a little with the horizontal striping across the midsection.

Socktoberfest UPDATES

You girls are amazing (all 185 of you!!) There are socks all over the blogs and Socktoberfest fever is everywhere! There is still time to join–so if you have not, let me know, and I will be happy to sign you up.

There are finished socks and nearly finished pairs on so many Socktoberist blogs. It is hard to feature everyone here, so I am focusing on completed pairs for my daily updates. I also like to throw in a few sock yarn stash blog entries and questions that knitters have mentioned on their blogs.

Make sure to check in on these ladies and see their handiwork. Get inspired by their knitting, and offer advice or tips on any questions–this really adds to the sense of community that I hoped for with Socktoberfest 2005.

• Terby finished a pair of socks that are as blue as the ocean!
• Vicki just finished a pair of self-striping anklets that are just too cute! she just joined today–go welcome her!
• Libby also joined today, and shows her first pair of socks from several years ago, and her start on a new pair.
• Jackie finished a pair of Friday Harbor socks and picked up another sock that had been waiting too long. (Jackie is also the knitalong co-leader for Sock It to Me!–a KAL for sock knitters throughout the whole year)
• Wendy finished her pair or Opal Parrot socks–look at that great zigzag!
• Amanda finished a pair or warm tweedy socks just in time for their first snow!
• Jane finished a lovely lace pair, and already picked the yarn for her next set.
• Angela finished a pair of lovely toe-up socks–hard to believe these are her first pair!
• Carola finished another pair–she is a machine! Make sure to click on the picture for a closer look, the detail on these socks is amazing!
• Amy Boogie is a busy girl. She is taking care of her beautiful newborn daughter, promoting Socktoberfest on Knitters’ Review, and knitting gift socks for her dad. Amazing!
• Lyme shows off her great socks from years past, and her WIP sock pile–she has her Socktoberfest work cut out for her!
• Kathy asks “sock mavens” what kind of finished toe techniques they prefer on their socks. Go share your experiences with her!

So, all of these updates should be plenty to keep you all busy. I am gonna take Saturday off from blogging (this is hard work!) and will be back on Sunday eveing with some progress and more Socktoberfest news.

Have a happy weekend, all!

This is the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. It is the most famous of the three buildings, and the most beautifully decorated.
(See the online tour of the building)

I met my friend, Chelsea, in the Madison building and we attended the Archives Fair. We did our share of networking… it is time since we both graduate with our MLIS next summer. We both hope to find jobs at one of the major DC institutions. Unfortunately our other friend and knitter, Debbie, was not able to join us… maybe next time!

Sure, we had our good times talking the archives talk, but the real fun started when we went to lunch. That is when Chelsea pulled out her lovely socks to show me! Just because she doesn't have a blog does not mean she doesn't have Socktoberfest fever! She knit both of these lovely socks in a matter of days! On the left, Mim's Razor Shell in KnitPicks Sock Memories. On the right, a mock cable cuff sock in LB Woolease.

Seeing Chelsea's Razor Shell made me wonder what the heck I am doing wrong with mine. Hers looks just like Mim's. Mine does not.

So I frogged it, and restarted. I went up a needle size, but it is still… frilly. I do like it, but I am wondering why mine looks so different. Perhaps it is the yarn? I am using Tess Designer yarns (I adore this stuff) and size 2 DPNs.

I did set the sock knitting aside for a little while. I needed some soothing stockinette for awhile. My Klaralund and my Hourglass were just the remedy. Both are growing, although it is not entirely evident by the pictures.

You girls (and so far, we are all girls) are amazing! Everywhere I turn I see socks. It is a little difficult to keep on top of it all, so bear with me as I go through each of your blogs and see your progress.

At the last count, we were 165 strong and growing! Whoa! Thanks to each and everyone of you for your great spirit. This is such a fun project! (if you are new to the Socktoberfest, make sure to get a button for your blog!)

One more thing: If I miss your finished pair or a very special Socktoberfest-related post, please don't think I ignored you! There are a lot of people to check on! Just leave me a comment or drop me a line, and say "Lolly, look at my finished socks–or read my Socktoberfest poem–or see my huginormous sock yarn stash!"

Socktoberfest highlights–make sure to check them out!

• Getting in the festive mood, two of the Socktoberists have knit or are planning to knit Halloween socks! See JSC's finished socks for her son, and visit Bev to see the cute pattern she has planned.
• Elaine finished some lovely socks in an unknown sock yarn… whatever it is go see her handiwork! (and don't miss the "Gefelted Fish" –that is classic!)
• Sara finished a pair of Sockotta anklets that have been lingering for a long while. Socktoberfest was what she needed to get them done and on her feet.
• Socks + Jewelry. It is all the rage! Isela and Cathy both knit sock earrings!
• Visit Petra, who just finished a lovely pair of Opal socks! Her site may be in German, but everyone can understand the sock picture!
• Sockbug, the one and only, just finished up a bright and colorful pair of socks for her man. Now that is love!
• Jess just joined Socktoberfest today, and already displayed her lovely new socks! She did a trade with a friend: they made socks for each other!
• Chrissy finished up a cute fuzzy pair of socks–they look so comfy!
• Liz displays all of her socks from years past and gives details about the yarns and patterns used, and how they are holding up over time. Great post!
• Bethe is a sock knitter to the core! She just finished some psychadelic lace socks, and make sure to scroll down and see her Opal Tiger socks. Rrrrr!
• Risë asks for some sock knitting advice on her new blue socks. See if you can help her out.
• Luvtocraft finished up a second pair of socks this week! These are sunshine yellow with a great cable pattern–don't miss them!

One last note: I have received several emails and inquiries from people who have never knitted socks, but want to learn. What suggestions do you have for beginners? any patterns that you think are the perfect gateway to the world of sock knitting? Please share!

There was a time that I did not like DPNs… and it was not too long ago. I finally got a handle on these babies a few months back when working up the sleeves on my Balmoral cardigan. I then made my first socks. As time went by I started to actually like them!

Since I am relatively new to the double pointed needle circular knitting, I am still exploring which needles are my favorites. I generally like bamboo needles when doing circular and straight knitting, and I have several brands of bamboo in DPNs too. (Clover, Brittany, Plymouth)

I knit my second pair of socks on plastic needles, and am currently using aluminums for my Mim's Razor Shell socks. I have not had much time to knit lately (between school and Socktoberfest duties!) so there is not a lot of progress to show. Hopefully there will be soon.

I like the pointed edges of metal, but I have had a problem with bending. Perhaps I should graduate from Susan Bates needles? are there stronger metal needles? I like the way that the yarn holds on bamboos and on the plastics I used. However, the plastic Pony Pearls had a very blunt edge and it was difficult to k2tog and psso.

A few weeks ago, dear friend Jenna was having a heck of a time with her DPNs–they were breaking left and right. She was using Brittany needles for her Sock pal socks… has this happened to anyone else?

**What are your favorite double pointed needles? Do you find yourself preferring one brand over any other? Have you had bad experiences with a certain kind? Tell me what you know!

PS–Yes, another Tuesday with no self portrait. Next week… promise.

• Siri is matching her lovely socks to the autumn leaves! See her finished sock pair in yesterday's post and another one she just finished today. Gosh, girl! You churn them out!
• Moni finished her first pair of Socktoberfest socks–check out the cute heel! She also shows off her beautiful sock yarn stash.
• Angela also shows her enviable sock yarn stash and a great finished sock.
• Margene meets sock knitter extrordinaire, Nancy Bush, and discusses knitting 6 pairs of socks for Nancy's new book.
• Jillz finished up a handsome pair for her husband, and promptly started on some for herself.
• Cathy just finished a pair of tweedy ankle socks.
• Kate is spinning her little heart out! She is currently working on some sock yarn. She is also running a design contest for some business cards. The prize is SOCK YARN!
• Folkcat finished a Microspun sock and gives a review of the pattern and the yarn. She also has some fun with a trebuchet!
• Karen shows off the socks she has made in the past and plans for her next pair.
• Laura just finished a lovely pair of KnitPicks socks with the Magic Loop method! She took up Carolyn's challenge too–fun ways to display your knit socks. Love the theme!
• Heather just posted a pic of her finished Opal socks and her beautiful rainbow Koigu sock. You have to see them!

Thank you to everyone promoting Socktoberfest on their blogs! It's working! The names keep rolling in via emails and comments. I still have plenty of names to add to the sidebar!

So, I hit up the shop with two of my friendly fellow Socktoberists: Heather and Donna (and Donna’s super daughter, Abby)

Donna just completed her Conwy sock from Knitting on the Road. Heather is working up a lovely Koigu sock from Sensational Knitted Socks. Check out their blogs for better pictures and more details.

When we got to the shop, we all made a beeline to the back where they have a large sock yarn selection. I am so happy to see all of their new lines–each time I go, there is more yarn and more selection. Heather purchased some great yarns for gift knitting as well as some for herself.

Donna got some amazing Trekking XXL–it was the only ball they had, or I would have snatched one up. Pink/green. Go see it on her blog! Here she is with daughter Abby, who provided some great entertainment quoting various lines from Napoleon Dynamite. (She called me a "Liger"–how cool is that?)

It was great to see so many people at the store. I guess a great anniversary sale always brings people out. One of the ladies there took this group picture for us.

I came home with a few lovely things: Another ball of Trekking XXL (colorway 105), some Reynolds Swizzle, some DPNs for Hourglass, and a Stitches gift from Donna and Eilene. A lovely pattern for glovelettes and a hank of cashmere. These will be lovely. Thank you, girls!

Of course, I don’t want you all to think I just buy yarn–I also knit with it! My weekend was primarily spent reading a great book about medieval French heretics, but I managed to do another 3 repeats on the Diagonal Fixation sock. Turning the heel is imminent!

This yarn, Cascade Fixation, takes some getting used to: very stretchy, but once you get there, it is quite fun to knit with. It has a bumpy texture, and makes a nice sock texture. The pattern is easy, but cannot really be done without the directions. The chart is helpful, but I still have not memorized it. I am using Clover DPNs, size 3, so it is knitting up quickly.

Socktoberfest 2005 is growing by leaps and bounds. I love going through the names on the sidebar and seeing the sock fever on the blogs. Keep it coming, girls!

Another set of highlights: