Just the Facts, Ma'am

The last two weeks have been very warm with temps near 90, which is 20 degrees above normal. We've enjoyed several evenings, along with weekend mornings, on the patio. It felt more like early summer than spring.  The A/C wasn't been turned on, although there was one day we nearly succumbed, so instead, we headed for the basements cool temps.

Then Monday arrives.  The temperature at midnight was the high for the day at 61.  It was 41 in the morning and the daytime high was 53. It rained all day (with a bit of snow in the mountains) and the next morning it was 39 degrees.  I had to disturb my newly stocked sock drawer and pull out a pair of warm socks (and shoes!).  I must admit they felt very, very good on my feet.  The rain was nice for a change.  As of yesterday, the sun is back.

There may be a Monkey photo shoot tonight.  I enjoyed my Monkey's, but it's time to move on.  I'm afraid that one more hit pair and I would be completely addicted.  Next in the queue will likely be a plain SS sock, very good for SnB knitting (Spiral Boot Socks are too dark), but I'm wondering if I should stop knitting socks for awhile...nah. Socks are my one a true addiction.

Flotsam Jetsam  has had a little attention. I admit to being stymied by pattern which caused me to loose focus. I cast on for the front and found that part of the pattern even more confusing.  I will persevere, but it will take an effort.  Damn vaguely written Rowan patterns! Can't they just say how many inches instead of how many rows!? 

Hopefully the long weekend will afford time and chance to get out the sewing machine and sew the lining for my Larger Than Life Bag.  I like Vera's bag so much so that I'll be heading back to the fabric store to obtain something fun for the inside lining.  That double lining idea (with a little stiffener) sounds like a good one.

It's been my intention for some to to spin fiber for a shawl.  In fact, several of the fibers in my stash have been acquired with that process in mind.  Lo and behold, there is a KAL (S/KAL?) to just that end.  Spun Stitches is the brain child of Kristen and Teresa.  (Check out the very cool buttons!)  I'm trying to decide what project to do first.

I've been in a bit of a swap mood and decided to take a turn in Lynne's Secret Swap.  I've got some fun ideas for my pal (who I didn't know before now).  Anyone know where I can get a mug with a pretty flower design on it?

I'm late with my Sound Swap package.  Hopefully it will be in the mail this weekend.  From the sounds of it (I crack myself up - eh, Norma?) many of us are late with our CDs!

I also joined Knitters Tea Swap 3 and my pal is Michelle. Her family has had many health challenges of late and I'm working to bring a little relaxation (and joy) her way.  It's been fun to go shopping with Michelle in mind and hope to have a package ready soon.   This isn't a secret swap AND she and I will be exchanging goodies.  It's been fun to make a new friend and get to know Michelle. 

Is it Friday yet?  I'm ready for a looong weekend...how about you?

Comments

[Pat K]

You always have so many projects to inspire me with. And I will have to check out that Spun Stitches. Your sock collection is wonderful, how do you ever choose what to wear on a given day?

[Carole]

I had to wear socks the other day, too, and I thought I was done for socks for a while! I'm ready for the long weekend AND I'm on vacation next week. Two more days, two more days . . .

[Vera]

Look at all those pretty socks! I plan to put a plastic canvas bottom on my bag. I really look forward to seeing yours.

[Jen]

Flower coffee mugs? I'd try museum stores - some even have online shops.

[Kelly]

I joined the spun stitches SAL yesterday and now I'm trying to figure out what fiber and pattern to use.

Can't wait to see those finished Monkey socks!

[Pat]

I LOVE your sock drawer!! I enlarged and just stared at the picture for a long time - Mine isn't quite as full, but it's getting there!

[Rachel]

My, you've been a busy knitter! I'm looking forward to seeing your Larger than Life bag completed. I finished mine yesterday, and when I carried it around with me today, I got lots of compliments. It's a perfect tote bag for the summer.

[Kim]

That sock drawer grows lovelier each time you take a picture of it. I am in awe of all that you have knit!

[Sarah HB]

LOVE the bag.

[Cara]

On pair of monkeys is never enough!

[Cara]

One pair of monkeys is never enough!

[Cara]

duh!

[Annie]

My gosh, Margene, you accomplish so much knitting and spinning it makes my head ... well ... spin. So what you're saying is leave the monkey sock alone, that it's addictive, and that those of us prone to addictive knitting should slowly back away? But you make 'em so pretty!

[Lolly]

I totally need a new dresser - i need a whole drawer for my socks too! :) Lovely Monkeys. Yeah, I need some of these.

[Anne]

Cafepress might also have something interesting and fun.

I can't wait to see which of your (many) rovings you pick to become a shawl!

[Vicki]

I made a bag for Ali a few years ago and the instructions called for using something called "buckram" on the bottom of the bag. I'd never heard of it before then, but it is a stiff, woven "fabric" used by milliners, etc. As I recall, it was quite inexpensive and much stiffer (though still very flexible) than interfacing or something like that. I think it might work very, very well for the LTL Bag.

[Carrie]

You could always calculate how many inches in length by using the number of rows and the stated row gauge for the pattern.

[Birdsong]

Thanks for the link to Vera's bag; I think I might have enough fabric to do a double lining, but that re-inspires me to consider two different fabrics, internal pockets, etc. And maybe even a stouter handle than the pattern calls for... I love innovation. I feel like it's been a long week too, and there's still today and Friday; hang in there, grrlfriend!

[Nancy]

I am so ready for the long weekend! Although I finally let my husband throw the memorial day BBQ he's been wanting so we will have something like 30 of our nearest and dearest (who knew we had that many nearest and dearest, lol) coming over Sunday.

At least there will be Monday to recover!

[claudia]

No, its not Friday yet. Much that we both wish it were so.

[Judy H.]

I really hate it when patterns rely on the number of rows instead of inches--I always have to go back and do the math with the row gauge to adjust, as I never have the same row gauge as the pattern! But, I'm often fiddling with sleeve length and (occasionally) body length, so I have to do all that math anyway.

Try a garden shop for a nice mug--they often have a 'gifts' section, featuring plants, of course!

[Roxie]

YOur sock drawer looks like a candy box! Pretty, pretty!

[Beth]

Spun Stitches sounds like fun. My problem is I'm seeing sooo much cool stuff I'll never get to working on it all.

[elizabeth]

Just this weekend I designated a drawer for handknit socks. It's pretty much empty now (especially compared to yours!) but I hope to remedy that soon! After seeing the beautiful shawl Susan made with your handspun, I can't wait to see what you make!

[Kim]

Love the photo of your sock drawer! I am also late with my Sound Swap Cd!!! Glad to hear I am not alone in that.

[Carol]

And I though our weather was being fickle! The mountain shot is so nice, it looks like a painting. All those socks! Wow Oh yeah, I can see you refraining from knitting socks; when I see pigs flying over the mountains there;) Can't wait to see you bag all done...

[sprite]

Rudi and I are behind in our Sound Swap mixing as well and are probably going to need each and every one of the extra days Jennie gave us.

[Dianne]

The Mug..you always have such lovely photos on your blog..have you considered taking your own photo and having a mug made?..I know those online photo places ie. Kodak..will take photos and do mugs, t'shirt..etc. I've had t'shirts made before with photos I've taken..quite nice and personal.

[Leah (Agile Knitter)]

I have a lingerie chest just for socks. Every color has a place to go, but they are not handknit socks. Because I make them, I end up giving them away more than keeping them.

Seeing your drawer makes me want to call everyone that has them and say "give em back." Almost. LOL. Your drawer is a new inspiration to knit more socks!

[Cookie]

Thanks for the reminder! I need to wash socks. *L*

You're going to be very busy. I can't wait to see what you pick for the spin/knit along.

[Judy]

Red Butte Gardens for the mug? Love your socks. Mine are sitting out for now. I got tired of putting them away and dragging them out again with this weather. ha!

[Theresa]

At least there's that gorgeous sock drawer for when it gets chilly! I love the Monkeys with the picot hem. That's definitely how I'm doing mine.

And have a great holiday weekend.

[Hillary]

I hadn't heard about Spun Stitches. That sounds like so much fun. You find the coolest things to do.

[Sharon]

Temperatures have been all over the place in Michigan too. But really, it's all the better for knitting. When it's lovely...sit outside and knit. When it's nasty...sit inside and knit. We can't lose. I'm nearing the finish of my first Monkey, and yes, it is an addictive pattern. Go ahead and give in to it, Margene...after all, it's still the process.:)

[Laura]

Shhhhhh!! Lynne's swap isn't a secret one! Don't give away what you're getting your pal on your blog! :)

It's all I can do not to click on the link for that s/kal. I'm not in over my head with stuff right now but I'm definitely up to my neck!

[Sarah]

Which shawl will you be spinning and knitting? I keep looking over at Spun Stitches. All of the hardware/software photos are inspiring.

[Asaknitter]

Flotsam Jetsam looks beautiful! We're also having great weather - finally after 6 months of non-stop rain in the Pacific Northwest.

[Kathy]

That is one impressive sock drawer!!

[Mary the Digital Knitter]

I guess you have a Monkey on your back.

[Chris]

I am SO ready for a long weekend. A break in the rain and some warmer temperatures would be nice, too.

No, don't do it, don't take a break from socks!

[Jennifer]

I'm so looking forward to a long weekend!

The monkey socks are that addicting, eh? I better stay away from them until I can get this other knitting off my needles then!

[Brenda]

I'm very much looking forward to a long weekend. I want to finish a pair of socks, but I'm also getting together with a friend to do some beading. I got her hooked on beading, and then I switched to mostly knitting. I must make amends! I "need" new earrings anyway.

I hope Flotsam Jetsam works out. It looks very pretty so far. Looking forward to Monkey photos!

[Teyani]

long weekend? oh boy, I'm ready!
monkey socks aren't such a bad addiction, are they?

[Heather Joins The Round]

I saw some really cute flowered mugs at Starbucks in Foothill Village, on the sale table.

[michelle]

ohhhh those Rowan patterns sometimes we have a love hate relationship, they have some nice patterns but not very well written imho!! Good luck with that! Love the socks, some of those colors look like mine...heehee
Actually looks like my sock drawer too...LOL

I've been having fun collecting things for your package too!
It's finally Friday!! YEAH!! Have a great weekend!

[Tonia]

The weather has been crazy lately. We bent to the air conditioning forces early. Not just for our own comfort, but also for our toddler's. He sleeps so much better with it on and if he sleeps better I sleep better. Of course you know that if Mom is happy then everyone else is happy. ;)

Glad that FJ is getting some attention again. Sorry that the patter is being a pain.

[Wanda]

I have to admit the more I see you knit on Flotsam, it makes me like it a little more.