While I'm not officially a part of the Sock A Month knitting group anymore (I missed out on this round while in the depths of morning sickness), I still feel that inner urge to knit a pair each month. One pattern that's been in my knitting queue for a long, long time is the Log Cabin Socks from the book Handknit Holidays. This book was the first ever knitting pattern book that I felt I really needed to own, and I love it still.
I am consciously working to use stash yarn for new projects whenever possible, and so knit these socks from Plymouth Galway, in a heathered blue/green colour, on 3.75 DPNs. While they are not quite as luxurious as intended in the pattern, they are perfect Northern BC socks, where our idea of a log cabin is a log structure, with no finishing, plumbing or electricity, and maybe a plywood floor. They are perfect to wear on cold days here - my feet are warm around the house, and they're not too thick to fit into my everyday winter boots. I am in love with the cable action on these, and hope to knit another pair, soon. Cables just make me feel clever, and I especially enjoy the way the two sets of cables move towards and away from each other, and the fact that the cables continue right down the heel flap. So pretty.
I have set myself a goal for the year - this is NOT a new year's resolution, because then in my world it would be doomed to fail - to do a little bit of organizing or decluttering each day in my home. You've heard me say before, we have a relatively large family in a relatively small house, so storage and organization are really big in making our home livable and comfortable for everyone. Yesterday, I tackled a little project that has filled me with no small amount of satisfaction - the board games. If you have small children, you know how easily this area can go crazy! We were using a desk drawer for game storage, which became two desk drawers, and then all the space under the desk, beside the desk... you get the idea. I read in the last few weeks a suggestion for storage, and thought I'd give it a try.
First, I got rid of all the games that were too far gone or that no one plays anymore. These were mostly garage sale purchases that I thought would be fun, but didn't catch on. Then, I took the game pieces, rules and any other accessories for each game and put them in an appropriate sized freezer bag, marked with a Sharpie. The only exception to this was our Family Fun game, which has so many pieces and parts, I thought it would be easier to just keep them in the box. Plus the box is nice and sturdy, unlike most of the game boxes we had. And look - we're down to one drawer! Just one! I love it! Now, what to put in the empty drawer? Yarn, perhaps?
Nice socks!
Posted by: Knittypants | February 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Nice socks! I'm like you... I have a plan, an intention if you will, but I won't make it a commitment or resolution or else I'd be doomed. I'm trying to knit up some of my stash as opposed to buying yarn. There I said it. (I haven't said it before.) But notice there is no commitment here! None! So I cannot fail. It is only a well-meaning intention. That's all.
Posted by: Tammy | February 19, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I've always loved those socks and that's one of my favorite knitting books too. The "Heartwarmer" is one of my favorite projects to look at of all time but I just don't know if I'd ever use anything like that.
Brilliant idea about the games! Thanks for passing it along.
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | February 19, 2008 at 04:40 PM
ooohhh nice socks! you are so totally clever!
great idea for the games too- as we are currently overrun with Christmas and birthday gift games. its getting kinda crazy- I may just baggie them all too!
Posted by: Colleen | February 19, 2008 at 05:10 PM
I remember that pattern and how much I liked it. They look great -- and I like Galway a lot.
I know what you mean about the games. Sometimes it seems that we just move stuff from one location to another without any resolution. Maybe when we're really past the toddler stage, we'll get to the bag one. Maybe.
Posted by: stefaneener | February 19, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Love the Log Cabins ... and what a great colour!!
Posted by: Dave | February 19, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Oh those socks look super comfy - and so cozy. Which is good because I saw on the news that it has been mighty cold in your area lately.
What a brilliant idea for your games. We have an entire cupboard at work. I go through it about 4 times a year and thoroughly reorganize, cull and restock it.
And it looks good for about...2 weeks.
I spend the next 3 months building up an enthusiasm to start all over again.
But that is the difference between a family amount of children and 36 kids 5-12 yrs old!
I have much higher hopes for your family drawer!
Posted by: Miss Scarlett | February 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM
the socks are absolutely lovley!
Posted by: marti | February 19, 2008 at 10:21 PM
We definitely have the same problem with the board games. :)
Nice socks, the color's lovely! That reminded me of a pair of unfinished Log Cabin Socks. I think I finished one and even started the second sock and then abandoned them for no reason.
Posted by: Hasbu | February 19, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Good going on the organization! I know just how good that feels!
Those Log Cabin socks have been long on my list also, yours are Beautiful, Gorgeous, Inspiring! Well knit, dear friend!
Posted by: marianne | February 20, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Love those socks! They're gorgeous!
Great idea for the games. A lot of ours our getting quite shabby.
Posted by: Sheri | February 20, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Why of course,yarn. Don't you know the rule about filling all empty drawers with yarn?
Love the socks; that cable down the heel is cool!
Posted by: Julie | February 20, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Why of course,yarn. Don't you know the rule about filling all empty drawers with yarn?
Love the socks; that cable down the heel is cool!
Posted by: Julie | February 20, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Nice job - two times over! Those socks are just beautiful...cables rock!
Posted by: Patty | February 20, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Yey for those gorgeous socks - that pattern is a firm stayer in my queue too. Also hurrah for a spare drawer - definitely use it for yarn :o)
Posted by: Sarah | February 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM
The color of those socks looks like a spa vacation for your feet - lovely!
Way to go on the organizing. I LOVE organizing and reconfiguring. It's the cleaning that sucks a hole in my soul.
Happy February!
Posted by: Anne Margaret | February 21, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Great socks Charity!
Posted by: Jo | February 21, 2008 at 07:30 AM
love the socks, I have that book I may have to look out the socks. I want to make my mum some. The games idea is brilliant!!! we have so many games they just take up a ton of room. I will have to go looking for bags!
Posted by: Arianwen | February 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Great tip for board game storage! With the lack of drawers in our place I use a shelf in a closet for games. I can use the bag method and all the bags into a clear container.
Galway makes cushiony, cozy socks. :-)
Posted by: Wanda J | February 22, 2008 at 08:06 AM
I really like these socks! I'll have to find that book & make them for my husband :-)
I've been cruising around e*bay for a knitting machine- I don't relish the miles of stockinette either- let me know how you like it (once you have time to figure it out :-)
Posted by: meg | February 28, 2008 at 11:43 AM