Crazy For Sock Knitting!

I can say it now.  I am a knitter.  I can knit socks!  It didn't come easy.  I knit a half dozen bloopers, with no mates.  All different types of yarns, needles, and an assortment of various patterns.  I wanted to throw it all in the trash several times.  But I didn't give up.  I'm a little tenacious like that.  I was determined to learn this craft, and in particular, to learn to knit socks! And I did!

These are my keepers.  Two pair are missing, as they have been given as gifts.  The pair of shortie socks on lower left, are my most recent FO .  That's knit speak for finished object.  I have a pair on the needles now, in the Felici sock yarn from Knit Picks.  Also known as a WIP....work in progress, in both knit speak and quilting speak.   Which, I love by the way!

I am sure many of you out there, non knitters especially, are thinking, who needs that many socks?  And what is the big deal?  Well let me tell you.  If you have ever owned a pair of hand knit socks, you need not ask.  But if you have not, there is nothing like the feel of them. Or the fit.  Or the fun colors and patterns you can create using the vast availability of sock yarns these days.  Don't even get me started on the Indy dyers!  Oh my, such beauty!!  I bought this skein and bag as a collaboration between two crafters.  An Indy dyer, and a bag maker. 

The yarn is so yummy!  The bag is well made and I love the fabric.  But I won't likely be buying too many bags, as it does seem silly when I can make my own. 
I invested in a yarn swift and ball winder recently, since I have been buying the hanks lately.

I got them at Knit Picks, and they were reasonably priced.  I am sure it will get good use!  I have been scouring the Ravelry patterns for a shawl to make.  I think I have narrowed it down to a few I like, that will be in the novice knitter category.  That will be next up to make. 
I ran into my local quilts shop the other day 

The green and pink were for a bag, as well as the gold and brown autumn prints.  I couldn't resist the mice in love.  My nickname was mouse.  My father always gave me gifts of mice.  It made me smile. 
I have done a little thrifting lately, since my grandson has returned to school.  I am always on the lookout for vintage Tupperware.  I use it all the time.  For everything!  These two pieces were great finds.  Each at 3.00

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted this bright wool piece.  It was a poncho, made from a Pendleton.

That was scooped up and came home with me.  I paid 6.00 for it.  I washed it on gentle cycle in cold water, and did a double rinse.  Then dried it outside in the hot air under the shade of our patio.  It has a couple of spots along the sides, that need some binding repair, but other than that, perfect.  So heavy, and so warm it will be!!
Then, on another day, I walked into my favorite shop, and there it was.  In a box on the floor.  The name JUKI on the box, calling out to me...."hey..over here!"

I casually walked over to the box.  Pulled the machine out.  Took it to the table to plug it in....all the while acting only slightly interested!  When actually,, I was jumping up and down inside.  I have wanted a Juki for a long time!!!  There wasn't a price anywhere on the machine or the box.  I found a manager, and she inspected it for a price.  When she left to go find someone else, I googled it to see what it sold for.  900.00 is what I found.  It is computerized.  Seemed to have all of the parts, and they were working.  Although, there was no thread, and I had no way to know how it sewed. 

She came back with a price of 500 and I said nope, too much.  She said 250.  I said I would consider it for 200.  Ultimately, I paid the 200, and upon getting it home, found that the needle wouldn't take up the bobbin thread.  I quickly ran it in to my sewing machine guy.  He said he could fix that, and it was the timing.  But it was going to cost me somewhere between 75 and 100 dollars.  I said go ahead.  But then I went back and asked for 100 back on the machine, since I had to put about 100 into it.  They reimbursed me the 100 dollars.  I paid an even 100 for it, and am waiting to pick it up tomorrow from my sewing machine repair man.  I can hardly wait to play with it.  One feature that none of my current machines has, is needle down position.  So important when working on free motion quilting.  And it is FAST!!!! 
I will be letting you know my review of the machine after I get the chance to play with it.  I have one more thrift store find that I was pretty thrilled about this past week.  But I will save that one for next time.
As for now, I must go knit socks.
XO  Kris