Rosie has been reduced to a pile of ramen noodles…. how sad. But, don’t  worry (at least that is what I am telling myself) I am going to do this. No, not the actual pattern, but the technique of knitting  both socks at the same time on two circulars. Maybe, just maybe I will get (dare  I hope?)  an actual,  completed  pair this way. And, yes, I will be  making the  Charadesock in YP Rosie. And, hopefully, with the help of the Knitty pattern I will be able to get my gusset and decreases to be all pretty and proper. (Thanks Sandra!)

What an honor! The International Knitters Treat Exchange was such fun. I was  spoiled by the lovely Chrissy  and I had the privilege of spoiling the ever so gracious Diane  and she was sweet enough to nominate me for Best Treater. And I won! Thank you for the nomination Diane – it was a great fun putting your package together.

How’s Melody? She’s coming along great – just another 5 inches or so. I hope to have it done by the end of the weekend – (don’t hold your breath, but it could happen).

To frog or not to frog? That is the question.

 no decreases shown on this side

First, let me say that I adore, love and am addicted to this pattern. So much so that I would like to make a hat version and a scarf version. Now, any problems with this sock are the fault of this knitter, not the pattern.

For some reason (probably because of my feeble attempt to translate the pattern from dpn’s to two circs) the heel gusset is a bit wonky – nice decreases on one side and nothing on the other. Am I being too picky or should I start over?

 nice little decreases on this side

Next up – the Melody Scarf  in Malabrigo lace (if you have not seen the Malabrigo Lace, you must. must. must.). This pattern is miles and miles of stockinette – perfect conversational knitting, much to Mr. Plucky’s relief – he gets a bit tired of me saying “shhhh, I’m counting.”

With all the driving to and waiting at the airport yesterday and a movie or two with my SIL (Hi S!) and the hubby, I have actually made quite a bit more progress than shown in the picture. The color variations in the Malabrigo are just the perfect touch on this simple, simple knit. I can already tell this will be worn – To.Death.

Then, a smidge of dyeing…… chunky cashmere.

 B & S posing for me on PCH on our trip north to Monterey –

 S being a good girl and posing for her mum…..

   Very yummy looking grapes in Napa

I love California – but even more glad that plucky girl will be home tomorrow night from her solo California adventure. She has been missed.

but I really like, no,  love etsy!

From puffluna  - cute red flower earrings for Shelbs (then liked them so much I had to  get the black ones)  and then some fun turquoise drops.

This  is the best headband, ever (well, next to my sunglass being pushed on top of my head it is. Now if someone could just come up with a headband that achieves that look, well, there is your money maker!).

Audrey  cards – how complete adorable, don’t think I can even part with it.  BellaBella does some  lovely work. Never a need to go to a Hallmark  store again.  

Tomorrow, an actual knitting and dyeing related post, with some Friday Eye Candy thrown in.

1. Bathroom Painted  - Behr River’s Edge   – Done

   Showing the “muted” pic until bathroom is all put back together and photoshoot ready

 For illustration purposes only – to show actual color

2. Yarn Dyeing – check previous post – in process (also, will post pics of the yarn all skeined up and professional looking!)

3. Baby hat completed – pattern from Itty Bitty Hats – adore that book! Just trying to figure out if I want to add the flower to the brim…. hmmmm.

I am hoping the hat will be much more adorable on a little baby head as opposed to a glass jar filled with cotton balls. I would assume it will, but you never know.

4. Trip to the greenhouse to purchase flowers and plants for patio – done

5. Weekly picture of Sam – Done.

Then, last, but soooo certainly not least….. I have been spoiled in a very big way. Amanda!!!! Yep, she’s got me all figured out. The CD’s have kept me very entertained, the yarn is super kicky and the rest, well, you shouldn’t have, but I am so glad you did (little honey stir sticks – where did you find those? What a great idea!). Thank you! Thank you!

Progress  Report (to keep me on track):

• Charade Sock  - still totally in love with this sock and pattern. Gusset to be fixed and done tonight.
• BSA  Rectanble Shawl –  in process and I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone.  

 This becomes……

 This.

It may just be me, but I am finding that the right shade of  brown is hard to achieve – it can either be rusty, muddy or just plain icky. But, after several attempts I settled up the above and also some Godiva chocolatey brown yarn (pics to come later – still drying).

Couple other things  that came out of the dye pot today. They have not been named yet – working on the appropriate monikers. Any ideas?

In other non-dyeing news  - She made it!

Shelbs  is in CA – first plane trip all by herself.  Here she is just before heading off through security (and just after me crying….).