Socks!

I am so happy to have discovered sock knitting. It has become quite a habit, of late! I never thought I would be a sock knitter. I thought it was impractical, expensive, and the thought of knitting on such tiny needles was daunting. I thought the yarn was too skinny too. I was afraid to try it-never quite understood the allure of it all.

Then along came an illness and subsequent surgery right before last Christmas. A dear friend,Becky, knitsandspins on Ravelry,took it upon herself to make me the most thoughtful Christmas package ever. Even my family members have never given me such wonderful gifts. Inside were lots of amazing things. I remember crying for most of the day I received it. I was bowled over by her kindness to me. I will never, ever, forget it. One of the gifts was a pair of hand-knitted socks, made by Becky. I had never had a pair, never worn a pair. I put them on, and was amazed. Not only were they beautiful, they were perfectly crafted, warm, and amazingly comfortable. They gave me comfort when not much else could. I wore them for days, and still wear them every chance I get. I love those socks! They are a symbol of a lot of things to me: friendship, kindness, beauty, healing, warmth, generosity, and love.

It is because of those socks, and because of Becky's encouragement, that I started to knit socks. Other Ravelry friends have encouraged me too, and I love them for that! Puggerhugger, Manitoba2ct, and others have sent me sock yarns and sock books, and have answered questions along the way. But, if it weren't for Becky, and that first pair of wonderful socks, I would never be enjoying my latest knitting habit!

I Need to be Knitting!

It is that time of year whenI need to start plugging and chugging, as they say, to get ready for fall/winter craft shows. This year it is harder to get moving, because I have discovered socks and want to make them constantly! I also want to do more beaded knitting and designing, all of which take mega blocks of uninterrupted time. I suppose I will have to treat this like a job, and schedule in at least 4-5 hours a day in order to meet my goals. I am hoping to do 5 shows this season, God willing! Last year, I had to cancel 2 due to health problems. It had been my best season, and I know I lost out on at least $1000. I have my fingers crossed that this year will go well,that is, if I can get moving!