Goodies

When my cousin Kim came to visit last week, she brought me a gift.  Among her other talents, Kim is an accomplished quilter and seamstress - look what she made for me!

This bag is the perfect size for my sock and afghan square projects.  Here's a closeup of the inside.

And one of the cute beaded key chain.

Thanks again, Kim - I love 'em!!

Some other things I'm very fond of are Mouse's stitch markers.  Mouse is not only a wonderful artist, but her ideas are so fresh and funny.  I snagged these at S&B last night, but I'm looking forward to adding more and more to my collection.

I'm waiting for my very own Llama Llama Duck, Rubber Duckie, and Ice Cream markers, as well some flowers and whatever other clever things she thinks up in the future.  Go Mouse! (I have it on good authority that she also takes custom orders.)

On the knitting front, I've started the first of the squares for the Manos afghan.  So far, I like using the Manos, but I still contend that there could be a lot more consistency in the fiber, even it if is hand spun.  I won't use it for a sweater again, but it's working out fine as a square.

I also finished my Project Spectrum purple socks. 

Trekking XXL #78.  I used Miriam's excellent, and easy, "Simple Trekking Socks" pattern.  This interesting take on a K2,P2 rib shows the Trekking colors off to their very best, I think.  Thanks for the fabulous pattern!

After two weeks of waiting, the insurance company finally agreed with their body shop that Jim's car was a total loss, and yesterday he got the check.  This morning, he went to retrieve his license plate and CD changer and had to bid a sad farewell to his zippy red car.  He stopped at one car dealer on the way to work, only to find that obtaining a replacement might not be so easy, especially if he wants a late-model used one.  Apparently, the crush of traffic in much of the United States has resulted in a preference for automatic transmissions.  But the car he had, and wants to replace, is a high performance vehicle, and having an automatic in a car like that is just not right.  So the search is on.  Hopefully, he'll find something quickly - those rental charges are mounting up! 

And on the house front, we might have a buyer.  I'm thinking we'll know something one way or the other later today.  Send all the good vibes you can!!  Thanks.

Comments

[Lorette]

Moving and buying and selling homes. Just the thought of it is enough to keep me in this one for a few more years at least. Hope you get settled soon.
The socks are lovely!

[Diane]

Too bad about Jim's car. I chose to give up standard transmissions after knee surgery a few decades ago. I can still drive standard, but it's much easier on me to have an automatic.

I'll mentally keep my fingers and toes crossed that your buyer works out!

[Heather]

I feel for Jim. I drive every day in Atlanta traffic but I wouldn't trade my manual transmission for anything. And it is becoming very hard to find them anymore. Are you going to the big tent sale at Why Knot Knit on Sunday?

[Amy in StL]

I LOVE those socks! I'll have to try that pattern on my next trekking socks. I have a high performance car and purposely bought an automatic tranny. After much research, I discovered that automatics these days are actually quicker to respond than manually shifting. Plus, I drive most days in heavy traffic, so it's great for my daily drive.

[Jody]

You got awesome goodies!! I love getting handmade stuff - it's so much better! Love the socks!

[Karen]

I love the socks! It's one of my favorite Trekking colorways.

That is a perfect small project bag. Very pretty fabric.

I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you with the house sale!

[Jill]

Sending many good vibes!

I love those socks!

[Janice in GA]

Good luck on the house! and the car. I like manual transmission (not high-performance) and it's getting danged HARD to find one these days.

[Chris]

I agree - Mouse is brilliant with the stitch markers! Your Trekking socks are gorgeous.

Hope things go well with the house and that Jim finds a car quickly...

[Miriam]

Your alteration of the pattern makes it look a lot like the Gentleman's fancy sock from Knitting Vintage Socks! Looks good though!

[Rebekah]

What a great bag, she is very talented. And I love those stitch markers, especially the ones with the eyeballs.

[Debby]

Hi -- I wanted to post yesterday to tell you how envious I am of your yarn shopping with your family, but typepad wouldn't cooperate.

Sending good wishes your way for a buyer for the house and a car for your husband. I feel so bad for him...I love my car and would miss her terribly if something happened. So I hope you have good news on this front very soon!

Your socks are great -- I love the purple!

[Dee]

Good vibes coming your way that Jim finds something he likes.

I love the socks -- great pattern, great color. And I'll leave you with this little ditty now running through my head;

llama, llama, duck. ;-)