Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spring Socks and New Toes for Old Socks



Socks, socks and more socks I love knitting socks. The socks pictured above made out of Tofutsies. I have one sock finished and am working on the second. They were knitted toe up. I became bored with the random pattern of the Tofutsie yarn and started to add a dark blue cotton wool blend yarn that was left from the yarn I was using to repair the toes on my Koigu socks pictured below. I added the dark blue for the heel and two color design and stripes. I am doing a simple rippled stripes on the cuff ( two rows of knit+ three rows purl) with contrasting two yarns for the cuff. I always have a sock in my jacket pocket to work on when I have a free minute. I took my Tofutsie Socks to the dentist on Monday but did not get too much done. It is good to have something along just in case one has to wait for an appointment. I am always ready with a sock to knit on.

I started knitting these Hemp socks a couple years ago when the new Hemp Yarn came into my shop. I started with a garter stitch toe inspired by a Lucy Neatby video that I was playing in the shop. I left the socks partly done with the yarn to sell the hemp yarn as a sock yarn and several folks bought the yarn for socks. I never got around to making my socks. Last winter while going thru my UFOs from the store I came across these socks with the needles still in the yarn. Since I did not want to run out of the hemp yarn I added some left over dark green bamboo and nylon in dark green to the top of my sock. I finished one and was pleased with the results now I just need to get the second one finished I am ready to start adding the contrast dk green color in my second sock and the ball of yarn has gone missing. I hope my cat Bob gives it back soon or I happen to find where he has hidden it soon. I would like to have these sock finished and ready to wear to Knitters Fantasy on April 4. I will be teaching a class on Knitting a Danish Tie Shawl.


I love these old socks knit from soft Merino Koigu Wool Yarn.
The only problem is Koigu Yarn did not have Nylon in the yarn and I have worn out the toes and heels. The heels went first and were patched and replaced. Last winter I replaced one toe and I just finished replacing the other toe. I just cannot see throwing these socks out just because they are old. I have been wearing these for at least 5 years and with new toes I may get another season out of them.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Signs of Spring

The snow drops and crocus are blooming at my house. I took these pictures with my iphone on March 15.
I must remember to plant more snow drops next year. I got this little bunch in a garden club plant exchange last year. What a treat to see them. Simple pleasures are sometimes the best to ones spirits after a long cold winter.


Pictures I took yesterday afternoon. The first day I could be outside working in my garden. It was 53 out side.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Mercer Garden Club Field Trip to Phipps Conservatory Orchid Show

The orchid show at the Phipps this year was beautiful. Many beautiful orchids were blooming in the Phipps Orchid room this year. The special displays for the Orchid Show were outstanding. It was nice to see the glass sculpture that has been added to the Phipps Permanent Collection.

On Saturday two car loads of Mercer Gardeners headed to the city to see the Phipps Conservatory Orchis Show. We left Mercer at 9:00 and arrived at the Phipps at 10:15 . We toured the conservatory and met back at the Phipps Cafe at noon for lunch. To a slide show of pictures I took with my iphone at Phipps you can copy and past this address http://web.mac.com/ottercreek/iWeb/Site/Phipps%20orchid%20Show%20Feb.2009.html into your browser or click the link on the left of this page.
Diana took my picture with my iphone