Almost missed the party

While on Ravelry last night, I thought I would take a look and see what was going on in one of the groups I belong to there...Fans of Through the Loops. I knew Socktoberfest was coming up, but it never occurred to me that tomorrow would be the first of October...holy cow!!!! Where did the time go!??! I lovelovelove participating in Socktoberfest and Kirsten Kapur has some of the most beautiful designs. Once a week, she releases another clue and at the end of five weeks, you have a gorgeous pair of socks! Her designs are very well written, and if you find yourself not understanding, or having an issue with something, there is always someone available in the group for support. To kick off the celebration, Kirsten released the first clue a couple of hours earlier than usual, which is midnight o'one in the Eastern time zone. Lucky me...being in California, that means I get it at nine o'one, so can start the next clue before going to bed the night of!!! It might not be the o'one after the time...I just liked typing it.

I was so happy when I realized it was kick-off time for the first clue last night. I ran to my stash to see what fall-like colors I had that would be suitable. Not knowing what the design is going to look like when completed, I'm glad Kirsten tells you what yarn would work best. She suggested a solid or semi-solid for this year. Imagine my squeeeees of happiness when I discovered I had an already wound ball of Malabrigo sock in the colorway Ravelry Red!!! It's not that bright Christmasy red, but rather the deep red that reminds you of the color the leaves on the trees change to in the fall. I have some Madeline Tosh, some DragonFly Yarns, some Berroco Alapaca Light, some Pagewood Farm Handdyed (cashmere!), but I knew immediately the Malabrigo was the perfect choice for this year's Socktoberfest Mystery Socks! I'm usually right on with my gauge, so I wasn't even going to take the time to swatch. I grabbed my size 1 1/2 dpns (2.5mm) and during the nightly news, I cast on for my first sock. I completed one whole pattern repeat of four rows of the cuff and decided I just couldn't use the dpns I had. The only pair available in that size were from my new Knit Picks Harmony 4" set. Those needles are just not going to work out for me, so I am now forced to make a trip to the LYS today for some needles. I've been looking for an excuse all week anyway, right? I'm going to be in real trouble if I get there and find the Malabrigo worsted weight is now in the Ravelry Red colorway too. There will be no question, no debate at all as to what I will have to do. The only thing on my mind will be which pattern to use it for!

I'm so happy I didn't miss the party!!!

Friday couldn't have come fast enough for me. Scooter has been out of town on business all week and I'm so ready for him to be home today! While I miss him, it really doesn't bother me too much. In a past life, I was a military wife for 25 years, so was very used to being alone. The only difference back then was that I had three children to take care of and raise. Now, I get to do what I want, and spend time with my grandchildren and my kids.

The temperatures are finally out of the triple digits and you can just smell fall not far off. We plan to enjoy our weekend now that we don't have to roast if we want to go somewhere, and hope that you do the same!!