Bloomin' Feets and a Tiny Sock....

Remember the Wee Tiny Sock swap way back when? During the course of the swap, while knitting on my tiny sock, Rhonda and I discussed a book swap (I was reading the Friday Night Knitting Club which I really didn't enjoy that much - writing style issues not content - and Rhonda was reading Knitting, A Novel). I sent out my Wee Tiny Sock on the same day as the book and that was that.

Several days later I got the book in the mail. When I opened up the envelope I saw a little package and my immediate thought was "Crap! I didn't send Rhonda anything extra...." When I read the note and saw the sock I burst out into a laughter that brought Ed and Nick running (clearly when you live with someone chronically ill there is some level of constant monitoring that goes on and any sound I make brings someone to check me out).

Oh my god, you made my day woman! The best part was that the socks were made from Fleece Artist that I had sent to Rhonda in a Random Act of Kindness. Thank you so much Rhonda (I had emailed her immediately when I received the sock and book but hadn't posted yet)!

And I would like to give a huge shout out to Emily for such a fantastic and fun idea....thanks so much!

Now.....about the Bloomin' Feet Swap. Incredibly, they have been started (which with the events of the last month in my body is kind of a miracle but clearly I am able to focus more...woohoo!).

I wanted to do something different, original and unique. However, I need to make sure my Bloomin' Feet Pal likes them (I am quite happy keep them for me so be bluntly honest in your opinions) before I turn the heel, as my pal's feet are not the same size as mine.

My concept was to create a sock that is almost like a collage, interjecting two patterns in one sock with two complementary yarns.

I am using Farmhouse and Jasper (no link - they don't make this colourway anymore!) in STR lightweight. The Farmhouse pattern is done in Basketweave from Sensational Knitted Socks and the Jasper pattern is done in the Wave and Shield pattern from Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitted Patterns. It may be hard to see the final concept as I have only been able to do one repeat of the Jasper to date. No question it is a funky idea and no question it may not be for everyone. The photo doesn't do it justice.

I am contemplating ripping it back to create only 1 and a half repeats of the Basketweave (there are currently two) although I have some plans after I have turned the heel to showcase the Jasper pattern.

Feel free to be honest. I don't want to send it to someone who really doesn't like it and I'd love your feedback anyway. I am quite pleased with it but can also appreciate the fact that we all don't have the same tastes or opinions.....so have at 'er!
Front view on the blocker - a little un-natural for the sock but gives you a better idea of the patterns. You may have to click on the photo for a better closeup.
Sideview of the sock on the blocker. More like it would be on your foot. **I have to add that the photos are NOT the best representations of the colours - the Farmhouse is more muted and the burgundy that is Jasper is actually in the Farmhouse. I can only blame it on the fancy schmancy digital camera Ed bought me for Christmas (to replace the cheap one I was using - took more accurate pictures though) which I haven't had energy to read up on (and I do have a degree in Photography - like you'd know!).


A Little Aside - I continue to apologize for my sporatic appearance wirh regards to posting and commenting; people have been so kind and understanding - thank you. Without going into huge detail (I am sure it is getting boring for you) I have been in the hospital 3 times in the last 3 weeks and I am in a period of 'adjustment' (for lack of a better term) with respect to my kidneys, bladder, my hormones and my CNS. My doctor, who has experience and distance, is pleased with my progress (it is that whole thing of my body needing to adjust to changes in the dysfunction while dealing with the trouble the lead continues to cause) but acknowledges that for me it is painful, discomforting and tiring. I have wavered a few times, had a couple of good cries (carefully though so I don't send my system totally out of whack) and I am trying to see the positives. So, thanks for continuing to be patient....I really appreciate it!

Crewsin' along with a Wee Tiny Sock.....

I joined Emily's Wee Tiny Sock Swap, I couldn't help myself. I figured this was a deadline that even I could achieve. So I did. And I knit a Wee Tiny Sock! These little things are too cute...useless in any functional sense but way too cute.

So I decided I should test drive the wee tiny sock...on our wee tiny Italian Greyhound Khemet.

Needless to say she wasn't thrilled. I didn't put the sock completely on her foot (it was a wee too tiny for my wee tiny doggie) as I didn't want to hurt her. I am actually happy that it matches her spring coat. Okay clearly too much time on my hands....

I did wash it before sending it along to my pal, just in case you might be worried......

The yarn is Emily (isn't that funny?) from Posh Yarn. The colour is Sweetshop. This yarn is delicious; 80% Lambswool, 10% Angora and 10% Cashmere. I made a pair of socks with it that are divine (coming soon I promise....). These Wee Tiny Socks are toe up with a short row yarn over heel (it was tough...all two turns of it!).

I can honestly say this was a FUN swap! No pressure, minimal expectation (the sock and a note) and a quick knit. Thanks so much Emily!

While I have still been feeling pretty lousy (chelation is on hold for a bit; too much detoxing - apparently I am quite efficient and my body has to catch up) I have been able to knit more in the last month than I did for about 6 months last year! Woohoo!

The sacrifice has been a conscious choice to limit my time online, either posting or commenting - I have been able to read some and comment on a few but it really does require some cognitive staying power and well, I am trying to find the balance.
I have been knitting. Nothing too difficult. It feels so wonderful though. Soothing. Calming. Back in my place of oneness with the universe. Almost. Every. Day. A wonderful development.

My favourite heel. Short row yarn over heel. Love it. Quick and relatively painless. And a great fit. And, it looks great. There is a wonderful tutorial on the technique here from Melinda at Purlwise.

The finished socks. Vespers' Crew on 2.5mm needles. 2 socks on 2 circulars. No pattern, just the lovely stripiness that is Vespers (this link is the shop - and yes, it is always sold out). And I have just realized perfect for St. Patricks Day....wait that was yesterday wasn't it. Okay, so I am a bit behind....!
Have a wonderful day where ever you be! Here in Eastern Ontario, the sun is shining and the sky is blue and there is lovely snow blowing across the farm. Ah, the last few cold days of winter.....it is a beautiful thing indeed.