Have you ever noticed that EVERY TIME I promise a new project on a certain day that I never finish it in time. I guess I should keep my mouth shut. As you guessed the socks aren't yet done and I'm not saying when they will be finished. I made the heel on the second sock a totally different color and didn't even notice it until much later. sigh

I do have a quick update on Phoenix the rabbit who is recovering well from being set on fire. Fortunately they caught the person who did it and charged him with a felony. I received an update from his foster mom after sending them a contribution to help with his veterinary bills. Thanks so much to those of you who wrote the District Attorney - it really helped! You can get updates on his progress HERE - warning some sad photos.

Today's photo of Peaches has her looking a bit peeved at Jack the cat for some unknown reason. When her ears go back like that it either means she's annoyed or she's fascinated.

First I couldn't update the blog for some reason for the past day and then I found out Cafepress has a new affiliates program. If someone recommends my book Stranded Color Knitting and it results in a sale, they get 20% of profits that would have otherwise gone to rabbit rescue. I decided to opt out of that as I think it is selling well enough otherwise.

I should have the second pair of gray socks tomorrow. My next project is going to be a pair of fair isle socks, self-designed, in Shetland wool. I have always wanted to try socks in Shetland wool and I seem to be becoming more comfortable with working without a pattern.

Monica asked in the comments how I hold the yarns when stranded color knitting. I am a two-handed color knitter and I tension the yarns through the fingers on each hand. I am getting better at changing from one dpn to the other without losing the tensioned yarns between fingers as well. Here's a photo (this and many other photos of ways to hold the yarns in color knitting from my book Stranded Color Knitting) that shows how I knit with two colors.

Here are the first pair of socks. I adjusted the scan a bit to try to get the right colors. I used 60 stitches, size 3 dpns and Norwegian sport wool. This yarn from Elann a few years back has a fatal flaw - it is superwash and excessively slippery. I used reverse duplicate stitch over 4-5 stitches AND knotted each of a billion yarn ends but I do still expect the yarn ends to come loose over time. I'll wash them very gingerly. To get the right gauge to match the original socks you'd need 68 stitches and probably fingering weight wool. I only had the right colors in sport weight though so I couldn't fit as many patterns.

For patterns I just looked at the original and did those except for the large zig zag which I did because I didn't want to have to consult any charts. It is actually easier for me to knit from looking at a knitted item than reading a chart. I did heel stitch because narrower heels fit my skinny foot better. The top fold was simply a row of purl stitch and then I knitted in the hem. I added some pom poms but I'm going to take them out because they won't survive in this slippery wool.

Here's the only fall color we have in our yard currently. I'm hoping for a frost before Thanksgiving to get rid of the bugs. I'm enjoying knitting the socks and will have a pair to show you tomorrow.

One of my knitting goals this year was to try to knit something inspired by just a photo. I'm always looking for some inspiration for different color combos. I finally found the perfect socks for inspiration in the current Eddie Bauer catalog. Aren't these lovely? They're only $14 which is probably cheaper than my yarn costs and they even have a rubber sole.






I'll make up some patterns as I go along using sport weight yarn. I hate the way short row heels fit so I won't do that. I do like the pompom ties around the cuff so I will do that. The colors of these socks are much more vibrant in the catalog.

Next week I'll show you the yarn colors I chose for both pairs in Norwegian sport wool and Brown Sheep Nature Spun sport weight.

The mitten design project is over. I've come to the conclusion that I'm done with my holiday knitting earlier than I expected. I have 9 pairs of mittens, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 scarves, 2 lace washcloths, 4 hats, 2 pairs of socks and 1 stuffed animal to give away. I'm also going to make some chocolate candy for everyone.



If I don't have to do any knitting for anyone else, I guess I'll make myself some socks.

Even though it is a beautiful sunny fall day, Peaches the rabbit is wondering why everything is so dark today.




I have to confess she's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.

Amazing how much easier it is to see without an oatmeal container on your head.

I finally had to cut the bottom out of the oatmeal container so she'd stop doing it. She just loves sticking her head into things and under blankets. Go figure.