It's been all socks all the time here, and look what I have to show for it! I finished the Monkey socks; here they are after their bath, drying and almost ready to be packaged up for my Sockapalooza pal.
I read in the description of the Monkey Socks on knitty.com, that the designer felt that this pattern was a monkey on her back, and the only way to get rid of it was to knit it. I feel like this pattern has been on my back, and I've finally gotten it off! It is a really nice feeling to have these ones finished, and it also feels great that I can get my Sockapalooza package ready to go out on time. I used Regia sock yarn for these, and 2.75mm DPNs.
What is the best thing for me to do once I've finished a pair of socks? Why, cast on for another pair, of course! I'm taking part in an unofficial KAL with RC and Kristy, following Ann Bud's toe-up sock instructions in the most recent Interweave Knits. It calls for a Middle Eastern cast on, and I fiddled around with it for a bit, but was finally satisfied. I've just finished the toe increases, and am starting the foot. I'm knitting these with Panda Wool, and using my new casein DPNs.
I have news! I've written before about feeling a lack of balance in my life lately... after a lot of thought, I've decided to change my employment situation. A woman that I know, who is a teacher, has asked me to take care of her toddler son this fall, and after agreeing to this, I went into the store last week and gave my notice. Hooray! I am mostly happy about this - there are people I will miss fiercely, and there are people I will be glad to see the back of. But I think this is a good move for us all here right now, and I'm excited to see how our family will benefit this fall and winter from my extra time at home. Stuart & I have talked a lot about this decision, and I am so grateful to have a husband who is supportive, and wants what is best for me and our children, and is such a good provider that I have the freedom to make these changes, and to allow myself a few weeks of grace between these two situations. (Now, are you thinking what I'm thinking? Just think of all the extra knitting time I'm going to have!!!)
the toe looks great!!!!!!
and where did you get teh casien needles?? are they warm and bendy? how is the tip?
Posted by: Colleen | July 25, 2007 at 04:44 PM
oh and congrats on the job situation! I'll be working at a pre-k myself this fall! (less than 10 hrs a week, but its yarn money!)
Posted by: Colleen | July 25, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Sounds like you are making a great job decision. Good for you!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 25, 2007 at 06:44 PM
I LOVE the socks...they are wonderful!! Also congrats on your new
job.
Posted by: Kristeen | July 25, 2007 at 07:44 PM
Great socks :)
Sounds like the new job will give you all more time together which will be great with the bonus of more knitting time perhaps ? ;-)
Posted by: Anne | July 26, 2007 at 01:09 AM
Good on you for making the decision to change something that wasn't quite right. I hope this new opportunity is what you need.
Posted by: Nora | July 26, 2007 at 04:34 AM
YAY! This is good news indeed! and how wonderful to get the time 'inbetween', now I just know you'll use it wisely ;^).
The Monkey socks are beautiful, your pal is going to be so thrilled! Good going on the toe-up!
Posted by: marianne | July 26, 2007 at 04:46 AM
Lovely socks and lovely news for you - hope that all works out really well :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 26, 2007 at 05:18 AM
Congratulations Charity! Such wonderful news. I love the Monkey socks. Once I finish Sockapaloooza I'm going to finish mine!
Posted by: Patty | July 26, 2007 at 07:16 AM
Pretty pretty monkey socks! Be careful with those casein needles - you really don't want to accidentally hold one in your mouth! Otherwise, they're really nice to knit with, smooth and decent points, flexible but not as fragile as wood.
Posted by: Gina | July 26, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Love your Monkies. Great news on the job front, sounds like a great plan.
Posted by: Rain | July 26, 2007 at 10:55 AM
I love your Monkey Socks! I am still hoping one day to knit up a pair when I can sit down to a pattern and take the time out to pay attention to it. Right now it's just knitting socks that are pretty simple:)
Posted by: KnitPastis | July 26, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Love those Monkeys! I think I prefer them in lovely semi-solids like this than some of the multis I've seen. More knitting time -- nothing wrong with that at all!!
Posted by: Dave | July 26, 2007 at 01:43 PM
I love this yarn for your toe-up socks! It is beautiful. I am glad to see you moving right along.
The Monkeys are great, too! I'm with Dave - this semi-solid yarn really does the pattern justice.
Posted by: Kristy | July 29, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Beautiful socks! Your pal will love them!
Posted by: Hasbu | July 31, 2007 at 03:04 AM
Congratulations on such beautiful socks--very lucky pal!
Posted by: Alliesw | August 06, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Congratulations on such beautiful socks--very lucky pal!
Posted by: Alliesw | August 06, 2007 at 04:30 PM