The Close of Socktoberfest

Well, Socktoberfest is over and my first year of participation was fun, although not terribly productive. I didn't meet any of my self-imposed goals, but my knitting goals are the least of my worries! I did finish one sock from the Embroidered Stockings and am turning the heel on the second sock...again...I made the foot too big the first time around. I'm not crazy about how the heel is done on this pattern as it's hard to not get holes when picking up stitches.










I did start the Norwegian stockings this Socktober, but didn't make much progress there. However, I did finish my Lara sweater and started working on a hat for a family friend who has cancer (the Shedir had from Knitty). Oh, and I finished my felted slipper class and have two completed, although unfelted, slippers! (Slippers count as socks don't they??) I made the women's medium size from the Fiber Trends Felted Clogs pattern. These are a great project and I will definitely make more before the Holidays.

That's my size 7 shoe beside the unfelted clogs just to give an idea of how large they turn out. I hope to felt them this weekend and will post a pic when they are done.

I received my copy of the Crafter's Companion in the mail and is it ever a fantastic book! I am so glad I pre-ordered a copy. The quality of the book is commendable with lovely paper, wonderful pictures, and inspiring projects. The book provides insight into the creative lives of 17 craft bloggers who each supply a pattern. I would recommend this book whole heartedly - it would made a perfect gift for a craft blogger or for someone looking for some inspiration and a great read.

I recently picked up a copy of Martha Stewart's special Holiday publication - also full of great projects and recipies for the Holidays and beyond.

I want to give a big thanks to Alyson of The YoYo Knits for this wonderful skein of sock yarn! The yarn is handpainted cotton stretch yarn by Greenwood Fiberworks in a lovely teal colour - I love it! I see that Grumperina has made a pair of socks from this yarn and if Grumperina likes it, Crafty Bird likes it too! Make sure you follow the link to Alyson's blog for a pretty extensive list of sock patterns found on the web.

Have a great weekend everyone!