Just for fun

This is what greeted me shortly after breakfast. The blue dot is a sticker from the banannas on the counter. It says, "Place sticker on forehead. Smile." I think my husband has something to do with this.....

A diversion

These are little socks that are a lot like me -- twisted in a good way! Cat Bordhi's latest sock book has these as a practice pattern for the full-sized version. The pattern is called Coriolis and is named for the force that makes the water circle down the drain in the same direction every time. Really neat! Notice that the little curly seam bit curves out towards the ankles on each sock -- which means you get to knit a different pattern for the left and the right foot.

I was also very pleased with this yarn. It's called Red Heart Heart 'n Sole. The fiber has aloe added to it so that it softens your hands as you knit. It should also help the socks stay soft -- perfect for baby feet.

Update on Rory

Rory went to his new home yesterday with many hugs and much jubilation. He will be a companion to a recently-arrived little boy.

Tommy is right. Toys are awesome! Not only are they fun (and instructional) to knit, they are fun to give away.

(P.S. Check out Tommy's blog here for his latest endeavor -- the Cowboy!)

Androcles and the Lion

(Reader note: If you have never read Aesop's Fables, I suggest you run to your nearest library, find the kindly lady that reads to the children every day at 10:00 and beg her to tell you what I am talking about. Or just Google it...but that would be almost cheating.)

I have often heard it said that you should always be good to those you meet on the way up because you never know who you will meet on the way down. Enter the story of Androcles. A little bravery, an act of kindness and two minutes out of his busy day saved his bacon in the middle of the gladiatorial ring.

I was reminded of this story when I was flipping through channels and came across a PBS program reading the book Andy and the Lion, loosely based on the fable. And it also happened to be the same day that I finished this little guy.

It was not exactly a revelation, but it was enough to make me think: Slow down and make a conscious effort to help those I can, particularly when it costs me little or nothing.

The lion (who was promptly dubbed "Rory" by my favorite Patty in all the world) is based on a pattern from a toy book. I don't remember which one, because I forgot to write it down. The legs are different because I intentionally made him floppy. I also recommend knitting it in the round, because 1) there are a lot of pieces to this joker and 2) less seams = more peace in my knitting happy place.

More to come soon. I get to knit for a baby and these pieces go pretty fast!!!

Monkey sock, not a sock monkey

This is a long awaited picture of socks knitted from the pattern titled "Monkey" in a knitty.com article last year. You can find it here. It was my first attempt at lace. These were also knitted at slightly larger than gauge because I did not possess size #2 DPNs at the time.

The pattern is marked at the second level of difficulty (advanced beginner?), which is fairly accurate. If you are tired of plain ribbed socks, these are a good step up. The pattern makes them interesting and it's not too hard to find where you were in the pattern when you last left off. If I did anything differently, I think I would have picked a lighter shade. The pictures don't really pick up all of the lace pattern because the colors in the yarn are a little too strong. All in all, I am still pretty happy with the final result.

Hal the sock monkey

This is Hal in his new home. It's not really that stark, its just being re-floored & repainted. Also with his new cat. Kitty 1, Hal 0

Where does he get such wonderful toys?

Last week, I made a sock monkey. It was my second one. He was properly christened "Hal" at our knitting group. He's now at his new home. Hal has a little time to prepare before he meets his new buddy, sometime in November. Until then, I am told he is getting curious looks from the cats.

If you have never made a sock monkey, I highly recommend it. It's not complicated (2 socks + clever cuts + strategic sewing+ stuffing = monkey). It's not expensive (less than $15 for materials makes 2 monkeys). And the comic value alone makes for a fun afternoon. (Come on, who DOESN'T smile when they see the red heinie?) Take your project on the road while you are working on it and you are sharing the laughter.

I also got a pattern for a knitted lion. It is pretty cool, but it has a lot of parts to sew together. I've been totally absorbed in working on it every evening. Despite having to knit the first leg three times (she can be taught!), it is actally going fairly well.

Now I am hooked on toys. I found a pattern for a little dragon, pulled out the stash, and have some things ready to go on that project. My favorite knitting magazine in print has a pattern for a wonderful bear in fuzzy novelty yarn (another stash raid? or can I go shopping?) Or maybe a ball to use up some more stash oddments.......