Kniting Socks and Dogwoods

This beautiful dogwood photo was found on one of my
latest favorite websites
http://www.knoxsocks.com

Judy Sumner lives
'just up the road a piece'
in Knoxville, TN
and designs some of the loveliest socks
I have seen.

Since my last major trouble with my back,
knitting socks is once again one of my favorite pastimes.

As with beads,
we have no yarn suppliers within 50 miles.
It used to be a fun adventure to visit
the few craft and fabric stores in Chattanooga,
but with gas prices being what they are
and dear husband's unemployment
these jaunts must be very limited.

Except for Michael's and Hobby Lobby,
I don't think there are any places left to buy yarn within
a 100 mile radius,
so I'm now looking into purchasing my fibers
over the Internet.

The best part yet has been finding
Judy's website.
Her sock patterns are interesting, educational, and fun!
She also offers lots of free patterns.

I know that gardening season is fast approaching,
but it is still cool enough here for some
'light' knitting in the evenings.

A new adventure!

Happy Spring!
Ruth Ann
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com
http://www.beadkits.etsy.com

Evening Projects

I wish I knew to whom I should give credit for this lovely piece of handwork,
but, alas, it is just a picture that I found on the Internet
and kept for inspiration.

I make jewelry and handbags all day long
when my back allows it,
but, when evening comes,
I prefer to relax in front of the fire
with hubby and doggy.

We love to entertain with Mexican food and music,
so I thought this would make a perfect cloth for the side table.
(No! I won't allow anyone to eat from it!)
I'm going to make smaller versions
for hot mats.

I'm still going to use my
Mexican Mug Mats
for coasters
so the yarn will have to match.
These mats are available in my Etsy shop.
http://www.r2swanger@Etsy.com

Have a great day!

Ruth Ann
http://www.raggbaggs.blogspot.com
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com

Double Pointed Needles - Yet Again

No need for yet another picture of the
troublesome socks.

I have frogged them beck to the beginning twice
since the last time I spoke with ya'll.

This may be, forever, a one sock set!


Have a great day!
Ruth Ann
http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com
http://www.beadkits.etsy.com
http://www.raggbaggs.blopspot.com

Time for Socks!

'Tis the time of year when
a young woman's heart turns to
knitting!

My first experience with knitting socks with double pointed needles
was when I was about 5 years old.
This was also my last experience.

A few years ago, I discovered that one can knit large
Christmas Stockings
on short circular needles.
I made enough for the whole family,
including our fur babies.
Sometime during the summer,
I lost the pattern.
It had fantastically easy heels and toes.

Last week, I discovered
self-patterning yarn.
Wow!
What neat stuff!!!!!!
(Yes, I know it's been around for years,
but I'm still avoiding the double pointed needles.)

I had to have a couple of skeins,
but then there were those double pointed needles.
Now I remember why I hated them so badly!

As you can see by the photo,
I almost finished my sockies last night.
I have maybe 30 minutes left to do.

Then another color of the same
self-patterning yarn
followed me home.

I still hate double pointed needles,
but I'm loving that yarn!

Have a great day!
Ruth Ann

http://www.r2swanger.etsy.com