Spiraling Away

Who's this? Why that's my Dad holding my August Sockamania KAL socks, still on the needles. He's looking very spiffy, if you ask me. Anyone recognize what blogger inspired this photo pose?

This month I finished my Sockamania KAL socks well before month end. The socks spiral in different directions and were a fun pattern to knit. I used Claudia's Hand Painted Yarns ~ Santa Fe colorway (no, I'm not that Claudia) ~ fingering weight ~ 100% merino wool ~ 180 yards ~ US1 Needles.



I have a smallish foot and typically wear a US 7 or 7 1/2 size shoe (which translates to 9 inches from heel to toe) so beware of yardage issues. In case you were wondering how much yarn I had left over, per pair. Check it out:
Despite the concerns over whether I had enough yarn to finish (not to be minimized) I really liked using this yarn. Notice *blink* *blink* how the blue and gold colors pool together - I particularly like that because I went to Notre Dame and blue and gold are Notre Dame's school colors. Speaking of which, college football season is almost here. A time of great optimism and excitement for me. Notre Dame plays their first game of the season on September 1st and I do look forward to their games. GO IRISH! I also keep my eye on the Washington State Cougars as that's my Dad's alma mater. This is a little problem for Mr. Puffy, who likes to root for the Washington Huskies, but we try and keep his enthusiasm to a minimum around my Dad.

Mission Accomplished - Sort of.

My first KAL project is Finished (3 days late, but who's counting). These socks might just be the nicest ever. Even Steve, who is a little finicky about his feet, loves these and has pronounced them a perfect fit and "not-scratchy."

The pattern is an exclusive for the Sockamania KAL by Anni Design. I used more of my sock yarn from Sundara's Sock Club "The Petal Collection" ~ US 2 needles. It is the Lenten Rose colorway and you can see from the picture below that she was dead on accurate.

*Warning* If you live in a hot humid climate you may not want to read any further. This is a project I found in the Interweave Magazine's Spring 2007 issue and knew instantly that it would be perfect for my mom ~ who loves to read in bed. The yarn is divinely soft and "fluffy" and and would have been absolutely miserable to knit with if I wasn't living in a hot dry climinate with AC. It's actually a gift for her birthday, that isn't until the end of August, but I finished early as I want to get started on my Fall projects. I like to give gifts with a theme, so I shall try and find a nightgown that matches or something else that would be a good compliment. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

What's this? It's pink! It's my mom's Reading in Bed Shrug!

Pattern: IK Magainze, Reading in Bed Shrug.
Yarn: GGH Soft-Kid (1.5 skeins)
Needles: US 9.0
Modifications: I added an extra 5 pattern repeats as I wanted a more relaxed fit.
Upshot: A simple and fun pattern that makes a great gift as there is no sizing/fitting necessary.