Sock monkey funkiness

In yesterday's post, I mentioned how I might have found an excuse to visit a LYS (like I need one) because it occurred to me that the socks I'm knitting for Scooter sort of look like the sock monkey tweed effect. Once that idea hit my brain, I couldn't forget it. I remembered last year I had bought some Risata, a fingering weight yarn from Knit Picks in a red. I was off and running to check my stash after I posted. Lo and behold! THE perfect red to use for the heels and toes of these socks. Scooter is just the kind of fun dude that will wear them too. Now I want some, so I might have to drag out my Knit Picks catalog and order some of the sock monkey yarn. I'm pretty sure Regia doesn't make the color I'm using on Scooter's socks anymore. I received that skein a couple of years ago as swag at Stitches West (thank you Jasmine and Gigi..the Knitmore Girls!)

Last night at knit group was such a fun evening! We welcomed our good friend, Lew Deyong, back after a two week absence. We are so lucky to have such a brilliant man, and an incredible lace knitter (or any kind of knitting for that matter) join us each week. Lew has been knitting for 80 YEARS...yes, you read that right. He is from England and learned at the age of 5. Don't let his age fool you though. He keeps himself very fit (walks six miles daily), both physically and mentally. There aren't enough words to describe how much I respect this man and his talents. He recently taught a 13 year old girl in our group how to knit lace, and I only hope she realizes how fortunate she is to have been given this gift. I think she does...after the first lesson, she proclaimed "Lew, you're my hero!!!"

When asked who her knitting gurus are, Cookie A. responded with "Eugen Beugler and Lew Deyong are two knitters I turn to for inspiration and advice."

Lew's journey the past two weeks took him to Oregon to visit his good friend, Eugen Beugler, and to take in some Shakespeare. I think I speak as a whole for my knitting group when I say, we are so privileged to have Lew spend his Wednesday evenings with us at Panera's in Roseville. If you are in our area, please come and say hello. We welcome everyone who shares the love of knitting, crocheting, spinning, anything fiber related!!

Also, if you are in the northern California area, make sure you check out the class Lew will be teaching on November 13th at Filati Fine Yarns in Rocklin, California. It's a one day class he will be giving on the techniques of lace knitting. That happens to be my birthday weekend, so depending on what my husband and kids have planned for me, I'm hoping I will be able to take advantage of Lew's extensive knowledge....and he's just a great, fun guy to be around!

RIP Tony Curtis 1925-2010

(Loved him in Houdini and Some Like it Hot!)