Summer of Socks: June 2006 Archives

In between job hunting, this is what I've been doing - gardening. I still can't decide which perennials to get, and I don't have the money to buy lots of perennials. But veggies are cheap and give instant gratification. So, all 4 corners have been planted with the goal of having a nice bumper crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, zucchinis, carrots, radishes, basil, etc. etc. Earlier today I went to Homestead Gardens and saw that they had tomatoes, squashes, etc. on sale at 50% off. So, of course I had to get more tomatoes - Fourth of July, Beefsteak, Roma. I'm expecting to end up with so many tomatoes that I'll be able to use Mother's canning equipment. At least, I hope so.

In the picture above that I've posted, you'll see zucchini, cucumbers, pepper, hopefully a sunflower growing in the far corner. Something seems to be eating the zucchini, though. Going to have to spray hot wax or something on these plants.

I've started knitting a pair of socks for Bruce as part of the Summer of Socks KAL. The pattern I've chosen for his sock is from Nancy Bush's Vintage Knitting Socks, Gentleman's Plain Winter Sock on page 85. I'm using size 3.00mm bamboo needles and have gotten about 3 inches of ribbing done already. It's kind of slow going because the needles I'm using is not slippery enough. I'm thinking about switching to the aluminum needles. I need to locate my needle gauge so I can find the right size.

Finally found the pattern. Would you believe - the issue was under the spinning basket. Go figure . . . So now I'm back on the road towards finishing the sock. On the heel flap which should be turned momentarily, then on to finishing off the foot, which should go quickly now that half of the stitches are stockinette. And I'll be finished in time to start on the Summer of Socks KAL.

I think the first pair of socks I will be making will be for Hubby, because he is a size 10 and he's chosen a plain pattern, which means ribbings at the top down halfway on the calf, then plain stockinette the rest of the way. Trying to decide which color to use. Hopefully this should go quickly, because I'm speedy when it comes to stockinette. I'll reveal my pattern and yarn choice on June 21st.

If you haven't already, take a look at Two Geeks and a Baby (to the right). My nephew Kai is growing so fast. He has four teeth now, and growing another one. He is crawling now, and has figured out that he can stand if he holds on to the crib railing or other people. It's so cute when he grabs my hand, and then propels himself up so that he is standing. Which means I better rack up my alertness level since he is a moving target and once his legs become strong enough to run around . . .

Pattern to Use: Gentleman's Plain Winter Sock with Dutch Heel, from "Knitting Vintage Socks : New Twists on Classic Patterns" (Nancy Bush), page 84.

Possible Yarn: Patons Kroy, gray, blue, brown, green