Sock Update

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

My 5 year old sock is finally moving along. I'm almost done with the heel. This is nothing I could have done on my own. It seems like my pattern is in a foreign language.

I've been going to Old Mill Stitchery on Monday evenings. A group of women meet there from 5-7 pm to stitch and knit. I'm looking longingly at the stitcher's projects, but I'm plugging along with my knitting. Robin, their lovely expert, has been guiding me to a finish. I think Robin could knit socks in her sleep.

I feel sorry for her though. I'm sadly discovering I'm a whiner. There have been grumblings from the ladies. They might secretly move to Tuesday nights. I hope they put up with me though. I've been feeling the need of companionship from a group of fun women.


I read the newsletter from The Attic in Mesa, AZ. Jean, the shop owner, has a sampler of the month program. This is the one for March. (I don't know what is wrong with the picture on the pattern cover...but not to worry. Jean sends one along with the pattern.)

I thought, even if I don't get the entire sampler done the basket along the bottom would be wonderful!

Of course, I then proceeded to start in the upper left-hand corner. I did this while watching TV last night. I stitch in hand....the frame above is all for show.


Jean usually changes the colors. If you've been to her shop you can see she has a great eye! She came up with the silk palette above. I told her to send her entire kit my way.

I've discovered that this blog is going to be 2 years old next month. I can't believe it! I'm grateful you have stuck with me along the way!!! Barb and I are thinking of something fun to celebrate.

Until later dear friends!

Alma

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32 comments

  1. Minick and SimpsonMarch 22, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I'd sooner believe the moon is made of green cheese than believe you are a whiner. Happy Anniversary. I remember when you were talked into having a blog!

    Laurie

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  2. staciMarch 22, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Awesome sock progress! Glad you found a fun knitting group :)

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  3. diamondcMarch 22, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Happy Anniversary, I love this sampler oh so lovely.
    I am not a knitter I am not even a crocheter I am a stitcher for sure but I love your socks the colors are so vibrant.
    Catherine
    diamondc
    P.S. I hope you come back to Minnesota for another retreat.
    Catherine

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  4. PennyMarch 22, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Happy Blog Anniversary! I am so glad you did one, I love reading about the life of Blackbird;s Designs. You are both awesome. I wish I could be in a stitching group with you and barb. Love that sampler from Attic Needlework. I just may have to purchase it myself.

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  5. WoolenSailsMarch 22, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I do not think I would have the patience to knit a sock, lol. Beautiful sampler. I have seen a lot of them from Rhode Island.

    Debbie

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  6. MaryMarch 22, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Beautiful sampler!!! I see why you like it. I knit but have never tried socks. They look intimidating.

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  7. GiovannaMarch 22, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    It's been two years already? Seems like yesterday. It's been great fun to follow your blog. Great knitting and stitching!

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  8. DebMarch 22, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I'm working on that sampler too, but not with Jean's beautiful silks. Hmmm, wonder if I can change out now!! I think that yours is going to be gorgeous.

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  9. NicoleMarch 22, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    I love that sampler and I love those silks!! So yummy!! Your sock is looking great! Socks are my favorite things to knit! :)

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  10. CaroMarch 22, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Congratulations on your anniversary! It's fun to read your posts.

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  11. KathyMarch 22, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Socks are not hard to do. A good pattern is helpful. Now that you have found someone to help you, you will be looking at all the yarn everywhere you go, and socks will be so much fun! It was tricky at first, but after only a few weeks, I'm doing stitch patterns!

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  12. AnnetteMarch 22, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    I have socks-in-progress that are a few years old, so don't feel badly. I would never attempt a full ribbed leg, though, it's all I can do to get a couple inches at the top! I hate knitting the ribbing.

    Jean is one of my favorite people. I'm lucky that Attic is my LNS :)

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  13. LeilaMarch 22, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    The sock is looking great! I love it every time you mention Old Mill -- it makes me think of the trips I used to take to Kansas City. And now I've moved and have no local needlework shop at all! I'll just drool over those lovely sampler threads a bit longer. . .

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  14. GerryARTMarch 22, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Here's a word of encouragement for you kindergarten aged sock, Alma, If you whine while you knit then you're getting somewhere. And PROGRESS WILL BE MADE ! ! ! !
    Tonight is our monthly Knit Nite - a group of about a dozen rotating gals who knit, crochet and other hand work - we chat, we work, we share, we whine.
    k2, p2 hugs,
    Gerry

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  15. MoonBeamMarch 22, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I think I've been following you here for almost two years. Contratulations.

    Can't wait for the party.

    Love the sampler start and those fibers. Yum!

    Bobbi

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  16. woolwomanMarch 22, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    If you are serious about pursuing knitting socks - get Wendy's book called Socks - Toe up or something like that - doing socks toe up has many advantages and I find them easier to do plus I have very small feet and can try them on as you go along assuring a more perfect fit. I order a lot from Jean at the Attic - her conversions to silk are just magnificient - I'm glad you are enjoying the SOM for March - I had to pass on that one since I fell into such a big BBD hole with market purchases. It's OK though - I have many more of her SOM projects and more than I will ever stitch in my lifetime. Enjoy your local group - that is such a blessing to belong. Melody

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  17. MargaretMarch 22, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Really? Two years already? I still remember when you started this blog. It's such a treat to read your posts every time! I love your socks! And your Elizabeth Sheffield. I so want to get that piece!

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  18. SiobhánMarch 22, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Love the socks! I am so impressed. The sampler--soooooo beautiful. I love your start, and the pic of the silks all laid out is like looking at stitching porn! LOL

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  19. BeritMarch 22, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Beautiful projects--thanks for sharing what you're up to! Sock knitting--I'd love to have some I made myself. :D

    Interesting that you stitch in hand (your work looks lovely. Does Barb also stitch in-hand, or does she use some sort of hoop?

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  20. Carol E. in AZMarch 22, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Hi Alma,

    So glad to see that I am not the only one with a "WIP" basket. Some of my items are alot older than 5 yrs old! :)

    Yes, Jean has a wonderful eye for colors and for picking out beautiful items for our stitching stash. I am so lucky to be living so close to The Attic. I understand about wanting to spend some time with a fun group of women. Living so close to The Attic, Jean has open stitching every Thursday night until 9pm. It's a wonderful time to visit, stitch and just relax with good friends. Wish you lived closer, would love to stitch with you and Ms Barb.

    Carol E.

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  21. GlennaMarch 22, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Well, your sock is lovely, but because I don't enjoy knitting as much as needlework, I think you you drop the sock and pick up the needlework needle. Hear it calling you?

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  22. Tempus fugitMarch 22, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Happy birthday to you both ! You're such an inspiration ;-)
    Hope you can come to France again one day !

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  23. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Time does fly, 2 years, wow. I have been with you since the first, always love it when I open the blog and you have a new post. Always interesting and fun!!
    I haven't knitted in years and never socks, mostly sweaters. Looks like you are doing just great. It will be fun to wear them.
    I love Old Mill, plan on going for the shop hop in May.
    Take care and thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world.
    Judy

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  24. MaryMarch 22, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Alma - I know a really fun group of ladies in Minnesota that would love to stitch with you at ANY time! Come back!

    I've only been following for about a year (almost exactly that long since the Stitchville retreat) - it's been great fun and inspiration.

    Mary in MN

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  25. KimMarch 22, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Gorgeous sampler start, Alma!! That's going to be a stunner! I know of what you speak with regard to the 5 year sock! I carry one around in my handbag for those off times when I need something to busy my hands. I'm ALMOST done with the one sock..I think it's been accompanying me for 3 years now. Then I'll have to work on it's mate! At least my feet are done growing...they'll still fit 3 years from now!

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  26. kshackabqMarch 22, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Great socks and sampler, and I doubt your a really a whiner. While I've only been reading your blog for about a year, it is one of my favorites. Happy Blog Anniversary!

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  27. lovetostitchMarch 23, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    I'm a knitter wannbe also - but can't believe you would be a whiner or anyone would secretly leave to meet on another night.
    Do you always start stitching at the top? I must be living in the dark - I'm still starting in the centers - should I move on to this century? Happy Anniversary to you little Blackbirds!! xo

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  28. AnnaMarch 23, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I am NOT taking up knitting! You have gotten me into so much trouble this year...but I laugh along the way!

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  29. BARBARAMarch 24, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Boy, does two years go fast! I have so enjoyed your blog and I must say I am a newbie knitter and my expert sister is assisting me (actually she has little choice as I,too,whine away)She wants me to try the sock route....now here's a girl who has confidence in me!

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  30. MarshaMarch 25, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I like your sock! I visited the attic a little over a week ago. What a great time I had. You're right a good eye for color was very apparent so I now own quite a few more samplers to stitch.

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  31. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Oooh ,almost two years.
    Its always nice to discover a new logwhen i visit your blog. I always wonder where you do find the time for knitting and baking AND DESIGNING, most important :-))))
    The sampler is wonderful and just love the floss. He is on my wishlist :-))

    Bey bey,
    Nicole ( Belgium)

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  32. voyance gratuite par emailMarch 10, 2017 at 5:54 AM

    Super blog, I love your articles and reports, good continuation.

    ReplyDelete

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