Sockupied

Happy Monday all! This post is a day late, but no worries, I was just busy all day yesterday.

If you read my last post, you'll know that I was in the process of moving back home. Well the good news is that I am officially back home and all unpacked.  The bad news is that I am officially back home. Living under my parents is a bit stressful after living alone so long.

Luckily, I've been keeping my self occupied lately, or should I say Sockupied? I got quite a bit done on the knitting front and it's all about socks :)

Road Trip Socks - Berroco Comfort Sock

First up is my "Road Trip Socks", started on my way to Colorado last month.  Between two trips to Manhattan for moving and a couple movies this week, I was able to finish these up at last.  But go figure, I made the foot too long (anybody have any secrets to the perfect food length? I always get them too long or too short). But it was easy fix, involving folding the toes in and sewing them. And you can't even tell.

The yarn used was Berroco comfort sock, and gradated, sorta striping yarn.  It's 50% acrylic, 50% nylon and is very squishy.  But it also seems static-y and I have a feeling that it's going to fuzz up a bit as time goes on. I will keep you posted on my thoughts. This is the first time I've made socks without any wool in them.

Remember these cuties? They were my favorite pair of socks ever, what with the colors and stripes and squishyness. However, after wearing a couple of times I realized that the foot was too short (see above comments about foot length). I haven't worn them since and have been just letting them hang out in my project bag. After finishing my road trip socks, I decided I needed to do something to make these wearable that didn't involve ripping out a whole sock. Thus the above solution was born! 

I decided to separate the toe from the foot very carefully.  And then even more carefully, I put all the toe stitches on needles (I didn't lose ANY!) and added about 1/2 in (1 stripe). I then grafted the toe back onto the foot and tah dah! Longer sock! I don't have a photo yet to show you and I only have one done, but rest assured, it worked like a miracle and was definitely worth not ripping out the whole sock. 

Weekly Inspirations:

Art: Being back in Salina is exposing me to the (although somewhat lethargic) art scene here. One local artist I think is spectacular is Debbie Wagner. She is the founder of the KS figure group (which I may join, we'll see) and also an amazing pastel artist. I saw some of her figure work last night and it was stunning. 

Knitting: What's my next project? Well I am pretty sure I need a new summer top, and Creme Brule is screaming my name. Especially if I use my lovely turquoise yarn. 

Cooking: Last night we needed a side dish for our salmon, and these garlic parm potatoes fit the bill. I minched fresh garlic for the first time to use in these and it definitely made the difference (compared to that stuff in the jar that I usually use). They were loved by all, even my ever picky sister.
Life: Last night The Indigo Girls performed at our local theater and I was able to get two tickets for under $50. What a night! I have only been listening to them as of recently, but I really was able to enjoy myself. Such a relaxing, entertaining show. If you haven't heard of these gals, they are a folk/country duo that is simply amazing. 

Power of Two, by the Indigo Girls

And one last shout-out to my baby brother, who is TWENTY ONE today! WOOO!

~Lisa