It was touch-and-go for a while there (not really, mind you, I’m exaggerating for effect) but I think I might just live. Basically, as soon as my back stopped feeling like there was a hot poker between my ribs, I was plagued by the worst sore throat I’ve had in years. This was followed by a sinus infection of epic proportions, which conveniently (SARCASM!) coincided with a road trip to help my mom recover from a surgery over the long weekend.
Nest Superwash Merino, colorway Magrat.
I returned home snot-nosed, hoarse-voiced, congested, and emotionally drained… and proceeded to not sleep at all, for an entire night. I laid there staring up at the ceiling straight through to the dawn. I managed to sleep for a few hours this morning, however, and have begun to feel somewhat more human. My mom is recovering well, and despite all that it was a nice visit home, so things are looking up. It didn’t hurt that I had a couple of nice fiber-y packages waiting in the mail when I returned, either. (If you don’t wish to be spoiled for the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin’ Sock Club colorway, look away now!)
Pictured above is the one precious bump of Nest Superwash Merino fiber in the Magrat colorway that I managed to grab for the Discworld Mega-SAL being held on Ravelry. I intend to begin spinning it just as soon as I can finish my Malabrigo Nube spin. And pictured below might just be my favorite skein of sock yarn… possibly ever.
BMFA Socks That Rock Lightweight, colorway Gran’s Kitchen.
The colorway for the March shipment of the RSC is soooooooooooooo up my alley, I adore it. I love the minty aqua, the gentle gray, the streaks of white. Those soft, soothing, breath-of-fresh-air hues are just what I’m craving at the moment. I don’t love either of the patterns that came with this shipment, however, so I’m on the hunt for the perfect pattern for this skein. It has a rather short, stripey color sequence that is prone to pooling, so the pattern will need some bold lines and/or good overall texture to show up well. I’ve narrowed it down to 4 ideas:
- Quartzonite by Rose Hiver – An all-over textured lace that angles the fabric in different ways, which would make thin stripes look all cool and wavy.
- Louche by Hunter Hammersen – Twisted stitched interspersed with wide swaths of stockinette that should hold up nicely to variegation.
- Smokestack Socks by Tanis Lavallee – A nice texture/cable combo with strong vertical lines that should show up well through striping or pooling.
- Leyburn Socks by MintyFresh – Slipped stitches create a fun effect in variegated yarns and since someone is already making a pair, I know it’ll look pretty good.
Which would you make?
P.S. I wanted to say a general THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who participated in the product survey for Sweet Sheep! I received 91 responses and some really great feedback, I’m looking forward to many happy hours of analyzing and scheming. The winners of the giveaway have all been notified by e-mail (check your inboxes) but I’ll also say congrats here to Valerie, Victoria, Lisa, Sweta, Stephanie, Annie, Shelley, Erica, Christina, and Kathy! Your input is much appreciated. And to everyone who participated, please remember that your coupon codes are valid through the end of May!
Woolen Diversions 
I hope you feel better soon! It is great to hear that your mom is doing well!
Gorgeous fiber and yarn, it’s amazing how sometimes it’s like a dyer just knows what is perfect for you 🙂 When it comes to socks how about the Zigzagular pattern? Or the Atlantic Current socks? I think those would show off the short repeats nicely!
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Oooh, thanks for the suggestions! I’ve knit something similar to the Zigzagular socks before, but I like the look of the Atlantic Current socks a lot! Might have to give those a try.
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Gran’s Kitchen is one of the best ones I’ve seen come out of BMF recently. I like Leyburn sock pattern a lot. But my wear point is on the back of the heel, so in one of my pairs, the slipped stitches wore out. If I were to make a third pair, I’d do a bit more stockinette on the back side of the sock before working the slipped pattern all the way around. (Actually, if I was more truthful, the next time I make a Leyburn, I’m going to convert it into a top-down sock with a heel flap.)
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Duly noted! In truth I’m a bit of a sock wimp and turn all patterns into top down with heel flap since I know I like them that way. This year I’d like to conquer some other techniques.
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I hope you are feeling better soon, and your mom, too! And hopefully regular sleeping has returned, it’s no fun taring at the ceiling all night. And I love that roving, and yarn!
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Glad to hear you are feeling better. Being ill is horrid. All those socks look nice, but I think my favourite would have to be Quartzonite. I may even have to put them in my queue! That colour is very pretty!
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I think I’d go for either the Smokestack Socks or Louche – can’t wait to see how the yarn knits up!
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Oh no! I hope you get well soon.
I want that blue yarn in my life. RIGHT NOW. Haha you are right, it is very much up your alley 🙂
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Woah! They say timing is everything and you have had epically bad timing it seems. But perhaps you won’t be ill for years now! All done. Best wishes for staying well.
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