Too much yarn? Really?

I never thought having too much yarn was a problem but as I plug along mastering a sock recipe on my CSM, I'm going through a lot of yarn. I rewind most of it but in the process of it coming on and off the machine, you inevitably need to cut it. Some of these skeins have been cut so many times, it would be impossible to make a sock out of them that wouldn't slice your foot open in about an hour from walking on all the knots! Periodically, I start a new skein but I've gone through most of the ordinary stuff and in the words of my CSM pals...all that's left is the farty stuff. That means expensive, hard to come by, hand-dyed and stuff you don't dare waste.

So I went through the stash and tried to decide what I was willing to lose -- none! Well almost none. I'm so close to perfecting a ribbed recipe that includes a 1x1 ribbing to start, into a 2x2 rib (my own special blend), pre-heel, heel, 2x2 foot ... toe. Sorry, I was just thinking out loud there.

So what's a guy to do? Buy new yarn of course! Did we just meet?



I found a source for Opal Smokey Eyes sock yarn in some nice colors for only $9.00 a skein with a minimum buy of 10 skeins or 9 skeins for $10.00 a skein. Seriously, I can't remember and anyway ... I don't make the rules, I just follow them and authorize Paypal. These 10 skeins should be more than enough before I move onto the farty stuff. I'm a little concerned that it's got polymide in it which is great for socks but last time I tried Regia (which has a similar blend) the machine hated it with a capital H! Ten skeins? I think it's worth the risk... it's a $100 investment that should last a good while and if they actually become socks ... they're superwash wool (that means washer and dryer friendly to the non-knitters out there) and in nice enough, self-striping colors! Are you convinced? More importantly, I think I convinced myself.

So what do you think of the colors? Got any favorites? CONTEST!!! Guess my favorite in the comments and anyone who guesses correctly by 2/25/13 will be put in a drawing for something from my stash. Multiple correct answers will be put together and one winner will be randomly generated. That's pretty simple and you could win yarn! One guess per person and please use the color numbers in the comments. No guesses like, "ooh, the orange one!" ;-)

Are you feeling lucky?

It's been a busy yet lazy weekend and it started with a trip to the Salvador Dali Museum. Personally, I don't get his art but with the help of a recorded, guided tour I got a new sense of his talent and imagination. Albeit ... not much more of a fan.

See what I'm talking about? What's this about?

Living in this part of the country, you take the weather for granted. With Nemo bearing down on a good part of the northeast, I'm especially mindful of that. It's scorchingly hot and sunny most of the time but sometimes we get a really gorgeous day. That was yesterday, cool in the shade and deliciously warm in the sun. With year-round sunshine, you take a great day for granted and sometimes, don't get outside enough to really enjoy it. I am definitely the pastiest Floridian but I hope my lack of vitamin D will be my saving grace from the aging effects of the sun. Anyway, I was a bit out of sorts at the start of my day having had a bit too much "fun" on Friday night but I regrouped after lunch and really enjoyed the rest of the day. The museum grounds are lovely and art space is pretty impressive with a giant glass enclosure in the center that surrounds a giant, circular staircase.

We had a great time. I really need to do things like this more often.

Today has been a massive sock endeavor with very little to show but a really messy workspace and several unpaired socks. If nothing else, these will make for great kitchener practice.



Unfortunately, I think these yarns are done. I've cut them and tied them together so many times, the knots when knit into the foot will be like walking on rocks! It's too bad, the grey and black yarn was one of my very first, purchased sock yarns. I always had hopes for socks from it and saved it in the stash for over 8 years. On the plus side, I'm one step closer to the Wollmeise and making them into socks!



I'll keep you posted. In the meantime...stay safe, dry and warm!