I woke up today at an inanely late time. I don't even want to tell you how late, it's so embarrassing...but when I woke up and saw that it was raining (actually *pouring*), it made more sense to me. It's SO much more quiet when it rains...it really muffles the sounds from the everyday sounds...neighbors clanking around, cars starting up outside, etc. plus, I must've needed the sleep.
On the way to the kitchen, I thought since it was all rainy out, I'd wind my hanks into cakes...at least two of them and cast on for gauge.
Possibly you can make out the purl bumps in the gauge swatch? There are 8 which means that I used a US8 needle. It always makes me feel satisfied to remember to do clever things like that. One thing was evident...the brown yarn (which I actually like better) gave closer gauge than the puffier grey. It also knitted up much cleaner than the grey. I've been wanting to knit a knockabout sweater anyway, so I'll use the Heathered Charcoal for that and order up more Tamarack.
Why scary in the title? One could be that I've decided to buy even more yarn (the Tamarack), the other may be b/c I watched one of the scarier movies in awhile. I never heard about it the first time it came out (did it go straight to DVD?), but it was on after I had settled in with my cereal and coffee. Egad. Scary. It was called Stay Alive. yikes. I must think of something cheerful now.
For Sockapalooza4 news...
Yes, I've cast on and started!!
The above socks are called Diagonal Rib from IK Winter 2004. Speaking of Interweave Knits...I really don't like their 'new' web system. What happened to all of the great patterns that subscribers could peruse by inputting the code word printed on their subscribed magazine? Maybe they think it's more "friendly" and "accessible" to have free patterns for all, but I miss the huge wealth of resources that once was on that site. It's pretty lame now. They give 4 free patterns and you can no longer search the archives. How I hope they reinstate this functionality when the newsletter site is really launched. I'm glad that I downloaded this pattern when I did AND that I was able to find it on an old HD. Yes indeed.
I suppose this should be posted on the Sockapalooza4 pligg site, but I find the site a bit overwhelming. I wonder if anyone will actually see it since people 'vote' for posts and other posts get buried if not voted for. Yeah, what? That said, I do realize that it's got to be challenging to find a way to corral 1,006 knitters' updates and the like so that's not to say that I don't appreciate the effort going in for this year's Sockpal fest, it cannot be simple.
For the sock savior socks, I want to use a pattern called Zokni socks from Pepperknit...it's such a lovely pattern. Oh shoot. I just checked and all of the sock savior socks have been taken! Maybe I'll check back to see if anyone needs a pair of socks later in the summer. You never know.
I've never knit with STR yarn before and I can see why people like knitting with this yarn. It's lovely and springy/sproingy and does not split easily. I am looking forward to knitting a pair for myself at some point!
Thanks for helping me select a yarn. I'm leaning towards Puck also! The diagonal rib socks are looking great.
Posted by: Stacie | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 02:51 PM
wow--your socks are SO pretty! What colorway STR is that? That is a beautiful pattern. I am not an IK subscriber (yet) but after Favorite Socks and seeing some of the truly great patterns people are knitting from that mag, I just might have to order a subscription.
Give Pligg a chance....I am REALLY liking this system. All new posts show up under "upcoming news" with the most recent ones posted at the top of the list, so they have a chance to be seen and get enough votes to be moved to the published news page. From what I've seen, the system is very fair about what stories are posted on the front page. I also really like how you are linked directly to each person's blog and can post comments. I'm feeling a bigger sense of community than huge blogger blog gave me. And (from what I've seen) I think people are getting more hits and comments on their blogs. Like I said...I like Pligg. :)
Posted by: sb | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 02:51 PM
So glad you decided to post on pligg. That's how I found you. Your Sockapalooza socks look fantastic. I love the diagonal patterning!
Posted by: Amy | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 03:16 PM
The patterns may not be linked from IK's front page anymore, but they're there!
http://www.interweaveknits.com/freepatterns/
Posted by: Gershamabob | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 03:44 PM
Those look great so far, both the colors and the pattern! I can't believe how rainy it is today, I was planning to spend some time outside but instead spent a lot of time napping . . . I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, it is the NW spring after all!
Posted by: Carrie | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 05:46 PM
I found you via the KnitPligg! I love the colours and the pattern you've chosen.
Posted by: gina | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 06:30 PM
You're so inspiring, I can't wait to try STR someday!
By the way, good idea for the swatches. I've been swatching but haven't been that clever. Must remember it next time! :)
Posted by: Carrie | Sunday, 20 May 2007 at 11:23 PM
I love the bright blues of your sockapaloooza yarn!
I know the Pligg can be alarming, but the voting system doesn't really affect how many people see your posts. Even if people don't vote, they will definitely come by and take a gander at your beautiful socks in progress.
I almost always work directly from the Upcoming News pages, and if I have time I will look to see if anything managed to be published before I got to look at it.
Posted by: Seanna Lea | Monday, 21 May 2007 at 01:55 AM
I was sort of thinking the same thing of the pligg. I comment, vote and read other peoples posts, but don't seem to get reciprocated by many. It sort of sucks, but it's also good to see who else is out there. I'm glad you decided to post!
The socks are lovely!!
Posted by: Kathryn | Monday, 21 May 2007 at 09:16 PM