After more bitterly cold weather over the last week, the temperatures are on the rise again, and the snow has returned! I'm always happy to see the snow come back, as it's so good for me to get out and shovel. Plus, if it warms up as much as they're promising, I'll be able to scrape off some of the ice that's coating my driveway and walkways. Ah, the pleasures in a Canadian winter...
This week, I'm taking care of myself by... finishing my socks, the first FO of 2009! I grafted the second toe last night, and quickly gave them a soaking and blocking, so they'd be ready for photos (and then wearing) this morning.
Particulars:
Pattern - Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock, from Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Yarn - Regia Spirit Color, in Nightshade, 2 balls
Needles - 2.5mm DPNs
I made no modifications to this, although the cuff is perhaps a bit shorter than called for... I get bored on the leg. Still, they are exactly what I wanted - a simple, wear-with-jeans around the house kind of sock, for me, me, me! I was surprised, upon blocking, how much this yarn softened up. My most worn pair of handknitted socks were knit from Paton's Kroy, simply because they require no special treatment of any kind. I think that what I need are more and more socks, so that I have at least a week or two's worth, and then I could wear only handknit socks, all the time! And it seems like this is just the year to do it.
An exciting new treat - I was doing some blog reading last night when I found this recipe for Cocoa-Peanut Porridge over at Handmade Homeschool. I instantly stepped into the kitchen and started a batch, which I enjoyed thoroughly (although I did have to share with Katie & Brian). It was requested for breakfast this morning, again! If you like chocolate and peanut butter, check it out, it's well worth a few minutes and a few ingredients.
Love the socks! I must try that recipe, I love chocolate and peanut butter. :)
Posted by: Sheri | January 27, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Socks, soup and snow. It sounds delightful.
Posted by: Carrie K | January 27, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Thanks for the porridge link. It looks delicious.
Posted by: Brenda | January 27, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Pretty socks!
We've had some really nice winter weather lately, temps around -5C and lots of snow. I love it!
Posted by: Hasbu | January 28, 2009 at 04:41 AM
you definately need at least 2 weeks worth of socks for yourself. I'm working on that too!
now, off to try the porridge recipe!
Posted by: colleen | January 28, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Nice socks! There is nothing nicer than handknitted socks.I am promising myself I will finish some stuff before starting anything else. Maybe socks in february
Posted by: Arianwen | January 28, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Hope your toes are nice and snug
Posted by: Sarah | January 28, 2009 at 09:57 AM
It's like the Winter is just piling up, huh. I know these socks are going to make for some warm feet!
Still kicking myself for not having a pair on the needles yet:)
It's a happy day when you got something warm and homemade in the belly! Also, something that the kiddos love.
Posted by: KnitPastis | January 28, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Gorgeous socks Charity, funny though that I cannot even comprehend what snow and cold must feel like at the moment, it's currently 112 degrees F as I write this - and they don't think the temperature has peaked for the day!!
Yum to your breakfast!
Posted by: Karen | January 28, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Umm, umm. This time of the year porridge (oatmeal for us Yankies)is a mainstay for breakfast. Must try adding a bit of chocolate and PB to the mix.
Posted by: Wanda J | January 28, 2009 at 09:26 PM
I'm knitting plain socks too - very soothing. Yours are lovely.
Posted by: Nora | January 29, 2009 at 03:35 AM
Well the socks are lovely but I'm reserving judgement on the porridge, hmmm.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 29, 2009 at 05:51 AM
Lovely socks. I'm ready for warmer weather now so I can knit some nice summer stuff!
Posted by: Denise | January 29, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Charity, what's your email address? I wanted to reply to your comment about the Vogue magazine.
Email me at denise@deniseschulz.com if you can.
:)
Posted by: Denise | January 30, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Yeah - I hear ya on the Canadian weather thing!
The socks look great. Congrats on finishing your first project of 2009!
The porridge looks kind of gross...but sounds absolutely delicious!
Posted by: Shelley | February 01, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Great socks! I also agree, two weeks worth of socks would be better than great. I also like the plain vanilla, always the ones I reach for in the morning.
Hmmm, I'm sure the oatmeal is fabulous, what's not to like? oats, chocolate, and peanut butter? sounds like a winner to me. :^)
XOXOXOXOX
Posted by: marianne | February 02, 2009 at 06:31 AM