FO: SlipStripeSpiral Socks

Pattern: SlipStripeSpiral by Mylene Pijpers

Yarn: Left over Berroco Sox and Knit Picks Stroll

Needles: Addi Sock Rockets US 1 2.25mm

Start: 3/3/16

Finish: 4/2/16

This was the first Sock Madness 10 pattern to work to be eligible to get on a team.  I did not finish in time, but I did make it onto the Cheerleading Team, meaning I will still get all the patterns and be able to knit along, just not compete for prizes.  I am fine with that, because the breakneck speed of the competition is a little much for me, LOL!

This is a great pattern, I wasn't too sure about it when I saw it, but it turned out to not be fiddly at all.  The colors are worked as a spiral, so there are no floats, just one round in the MC and then drop that and pick up the CC and continue working in the round.  The slip stitch pattern gives it a great texture and made the socks fun to work.  

The toe is the Personal Footprints toe by Cat Bordhi, its very different, but pretty cool.  The heel is the Sweet Tomato Heel by Cat Bordhi and its worked in short row wedges, I wasn't sure how it was going to fit, but it worked out quite well.

Initially I couldn't figure out what colors to work, so I used the left over 1/4 balls from the Berroco Sox that I had already knit a pair of socks out of previously (so if this didn't work I didn't "waste" yarn) and paired it with a single ball of navy Knit Picks Stroll I had in my stash.  I am very happy with the color combo!

Exploring other things ...

I've been trying to add some other crafts to my repertoire.  Before I became obsessed with knitting, spinning and the fibery goodness I did paper crafts.  I worked with pencils, ink and papers.  I've made holiday cards in the past (I'd like to do that again this year) - I don't send them to everyone, I make about a dozen and send them to those I know will appreciate the handwork.

So ... a while back (a year I think) I picked up a book and some Zentangle supplies - which is really just micron pens, pencil and artist tiles and viola!

This is my first official Zentangle on a tile - I've dabbled in a sketchbook, but this one is an actual Zentangle.  Its a meditative art form that is very relaxing - since you are using repetitive patterns and there's really no wrong way to do it.  You can color them too of course, but I do like the simplicity in tools and materials.

From Zentangle.com:

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.

We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.

I'm not quite sure what "almost anyone" there means, LOL!  Perhaps there is a wrong way to do it!

I found the most delightful concoction recently - I am TERRIBLE at drinking water and I drink coffee, or soda or alcohol ... all very dehydrating things.  Then I wonder (I don't actually, I am aware) why I have muscle cramps and repetitive muscle motion injuries ... 

This is cucumber, lime, strawberry and mint leaves.  I tried lemon water before, but I wasn't a huge fan, this is more my style.  It gives it enough flavor that I feel like I am drinking something, but its not those water flavor things that contain dye - dye is for yarn ... not for eating!

The weather has been lovely here and we kept wondering when the local seafood/ice cream place would open up.  My hubby drives by it every day and I told him to keep his eyes peeled ... they're open and we got some fried clams today ... they even have live entertainment while you are waiting for your order!

Sophie's Universe CAL Clue 4

Finished Clue 4 of Sophie's Universe CAL today with the optional flowers.  I'm surprised that I retained the crochet stitches since I haven't touched this in a few months or more (I don't really know, Clue 3 was completed a year ago).  At this point, the only thing I have to review are standing stitches - used in lieu of joining yarn with a sl stitch and chaining sts, its seamless and looks just like the other stitches.  

I am very pleased with it - BUT - I remembered quickly why it sits for a while ... a few hours into work this afternoon my wrist/hand started to hurt and I was wondering what I did.  Did I whack it off the counter, did I bend it back the wrong way?!?!  Oh yeah ... I crocheted a lot this morning before work ...