Thursday, December 10, 2009

Merry Christmas 2009


MerryChristmas 2009
Originally uploaded by january spin
Well, the inside of the house is finally beginning to look like Christmas is around the corner. Naturally, I still don't have a single present wrapped and some haven't even been purchased or even made.

As Scarlett said so eloquently, "I'll think about that tomorrow.". In the meantime, I am enjoying the new gas fire logs, listening to a Michael Connelly mystery while thinking about all the cleaning I need to get done, and finishing a helmet liner for a soldier. Yes, I can multi-task!

In the midst of all that, I just wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. I hope you remember the reason we celebrate this very special season and that the peace of Jesus' birth stays with you throughout the year.

And now, I am going to seriously think about what needs to be cleaned next....any moment now.

First finished sock


First finished sock
Originally uploaded by january spin
I have a sock. I finished my first ever sock yesterday morning at 7 AM. I sent a text message to a friend who I knew was up and about--seriously considered calling people but figured they might not be as enthusiastic as I was about this feat.

I have even cast on for the second sock as I was afraid I would have admireititis and never get to the second one. As I was finishing the cuff, I began to understand the fascination with sock knitting that so many knitter seem to have. Although it's not the fastest project in the world, it is personal and certainly do-able in a reasonable length of time. The portability is very convenient.

I am glad that the first sock was knit with a superwash wool, silk, nylon blend as I expect it to last awhile. Last night at knitting we were discussing the fact that so many companies use Merino for sock yarn. Merino is not a hard wearing wool. It is a soft, fine wool which is wonderful worn next to the skin . Something that won't get tons of wear and tear is a good project for Merino. All wool is not the same. A long wearing wool would be something like Lincoln or Cotswold. These have a long staple (length) and are perfect for outer garments or for something needing good wearability, like socks.