Random Drivel

I'm on the computer because I need to write two articles for my local Knitters Guild newsletter (done!) and research fence post caps (working on it). But I just can't keep myself from checking out what else is going on. I do need some breaks. Anyway, here's just some random stuff to fill time and space and get them off my chest.

What's with Blogline's slooooow updates today? I set up a post for 7AM yesterday and they didn't pick it up until 9AM today. The last time they updated me before that was 9PM Saturday. Have they developed slacker ways while I was off?

I came <this close> to hosting Lucy Neatbyovernight after she talks to my Knitters Guild Wednesday. I live 3 blocks from the ferry she needs to catch the next day. But it worked out that she needs to meet with Suzanne (of the Madrona Winter Retreat) while here, so that's where she's staying. Not that I would have posted photos of Lucy in her jammies or anything. Since our internal clocks would be three hours off and hers would be wound down by a long flight, I didn't expect more than pouring her into bed and then getting her and all her workshop samples to Bainbridge the next day. Still, the idea was cool.

Who would have thought that there were whole companies and Web sites devoted to just fence post caps? I guess quite a few people would have since there are quite a few of them. Part of me thinks redwood should cost that much, since it takes a long time and a lot of resources to grow them. Part of me wishes she could feel fine with throwing up a cheap fence that looked it and would fall down soon after she left. But I've dealt with others' cheap fences and have seen the difference a nice one makes in a landscape, so why waste a tree's life for a shoddy thing when I can do better?

I really, really need to start a sock before my Friday workshop. I haven't turned a heel for about a year and I'm enrolled in a workshop on taking your socks to new places - the kind of places that only Lucy's socks usually go. I have commitments from 11 AM to 7 PM tomorrow, so I need to start tonight.

I do socks toe-up, so I don't really have to finish one to get back in the hang of it. Now, Lucy's Sock Techniques 1 DVD includes sections on knitting socks on two circulars or one long circular as well as on DPNs. I do two circulars and don't own sock-sized DPNs. The workshop materials list includes three sets of them in the appropriate size for your yarn. It usually takes me at least two tries to find the right size needle for a sock yarn.

So, do I really need to buy six sets of DPNs AND to knit a sock with them before Friday? Do I need to just get over it and get comfortable with more than one way to knit a sock? The knitting on DPNs certainly won't happen, at least not to a finished sock. I guess I'll ask Lucy Wednesday night and do what I can Thursday.

Comments

[RobinH]

Hmm. I don't see why you couldn't knit the sock on whatever needles you're most comfortable with (and use markers to stand in for the gaps between needles if need be)- but there might be a good reason I'm not thinking of.

However, I'm wondering just what part of the sock you need. If the idea is to have a sock knit up to the point of turning the heel, so you can try a new technique in the workshop, there might be a cheat. Do a provisional cast on of the number of stitches you want in the foot, knit a few rows in your working yarn, and you're ready to do a heel workshop. The foot-and-toe can either be knit separately and grafted on or knit down from the provisional cast-on.

[RobinH]

And- not that I need to say it!- the cats are adorable.

[KarenJoSeattle]

Thanks, Robin. Actually, the sock knitting is just for recent experience. We have no homework. From what I've seen from a class with Lucy and the DVDs I have, we could need DPNs to do what she wants us to do. I do also need to find some light, solid colors of sport weight yarn.

[Karen B.]

Your babies are just too sweet :o)