A Day in the Sun

With the temperatures topping out at almost 70 here yesterday (never fear New Englanders, we are slated for 2-4" of snow tomorrow!), I couldn't resist heading outside to take some shots of the first Garter Stitch sock.

The yarn is Trekking 107. That very pretty short row heel is thanks to Misocrafty's tutorial. The recipient's foot is about 2 sizes smaller than mine, hence the bit of stretched and contorted look to it. It, like the Broken Cable Rib socks is being mailed up to New Hampshire to try the fit. No point doing the second one the same way if the first one doesn't fit. The yarn is Trekking #107. A really springy combination of colors. They are perfect for the next chunk of Project Spectrum - the Green/Pink/Yellow months.

In the meantime, to keep myself occupied while waiting for a verdict on sock #1, I decided to inflict some more torture and frustration and attempt another colorwork sock for my sister. I am planning on using a pattern out of Ethnic Socks and Stockings. There are bunches of stranded designs and some neat patterns. Hopefully, it will go better than my first attempt. I did end up buying the book. I saw one go up in the used section of Amazon for dirt cheap. How could I resist? I got it the other day and for a supposedly "used" book, the binding cracked when I opened it, and there is not a mark on it. Very pleased. It's kind of like a pick and choose book - she gives you basic outlines of styles of socks, and the charts, but then the heels and toes and cast ons (oh my!) are explained in other sections. There are so many different ones! After reading Knitting Vintage Socks and Folk Socks along with the unique ones in Socks for Sandals and Clogs I thought I had seen it all. Not by a long shot. There are cast-on's, heels and toes that I haven't come across before in here. Some really fun stuff.

So, that is my plan for the weekend. Some sock swatching and hopefully some baking and agility training. Considering it's supposed to snow, they all sound like perfect things to do. Speaking of baking - did you see Stephanie's yummy pie? She is churning out the delicious looking baked goods lately! I also joined up on A Year In Bread (link found on Steph's blog). A year's worth of recipes and tips about bread - how could you go wrong!

To commemorate the almost spring we had yesterday, a parting shot of the boys enjoying the sunshine......

A Successful Weekend

Sorry for the little hiatus - the boys and I had our first agility trial of the season over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We are all tired, but it was a successful and fun weekend overall. It was Ravin's first trial. He did pretty darn well!

He got two 3rd place ribbons! He was only entered two of the three days, and it's a good thing I did that - he was a pretty tired boy by the end of day two! He did really well though - I'm so proud!

Tucker wasn't to be outdone by his new competition - he got a 2nd place ribbon as well as his Open Standard title, so he moves up another level in competition!

The biggest event of the weekend was Terri and Razz getting their MACh (Masters Agility Champion) title. This is the highest achievement in the agility world. You need both speed and accuracy to earn enough points and have enough clear rounds to earn the title. Many tears were shed, and of course, what celebration would be complete without yummy cake!

Both Tucker and Ravin got their ribbons on Friday, and Terri got her MACh also, so I'd say that Friday was the pick of the week! I took video of Ravin and Terri's runs, so I'll post a link for those when I get them uploaded for the curious!

The weather has finally turned to spring around here - it was 4 last week and 50 this week! They are saying it may even hit 60 Wednesday or Thursday! So, we have gone from winter to mud season in one fell swoop. I, for one, am not sad to see winter go!

I did manage to work a little on my knitting this weekend (I forgot how much time running two dogs takes!). The garter rib Trekking sock is coming right along.

I really like these colors - very springy! A short row heel is on the way to play off the Trekking stripes, then it's on to the foot! These are a fun, mindless sock knit - I can work on little bits here and there when I have time. Speaking of socks - has everyone seen the new Knitty? They have some great sock patterns this issue. The Clessidra socks immediately caught my eye - I haven't done knee socks yet (though I have the yarn already) and these are now at the forefront of my mind! My timing is always off - nothing like knitting knee socks going into spring! While not a sock, the Dashing mitts look really cute too. A good stash project. I have to say, this issue is a winner in my book - lots of wearable, attractive designs.

Megan's soap has been springing up all over blogland. For good reason! I recently had the pleasure of getting a bar of her soap (you can find it here) and it is great! I'm a sucker for packaging too - this did not let me down.

Of course, I'd already ripped it open and put it in the shower to use that night before I remembered to take pictures. It was wrapped in pretty pink paper with a great little note all tied together with leftover sock yarn! Great stuff - go get some! She has lots of scents and formulas to choose from....