I've set myself a goal

I've decided that this sock should be finished by the end of July (yes, I know, cutting it close...but I have this Thursday off). Then I can finish the second in the month of August, along with my swap project and the other stuff that I want to get finished before the semester starts. Seems pretty reasonable, right?

In other news, I only have two weeks left in my summer jobs (including this one). It's very exciting, especially since I am taking some very cool classes this semester--more on that later! Of course, I'm also beginning to acknowledge the fact that hanging out with Mr. DH every weekend (boyfriend, please remember...) will not be happening during the year. It will probably take some adjusting. Poo.

A bit of progress

I am plugging away on the birthday present socks, and have finished the heel on the first. At this point, I plan to finish the first before July ends, so I can have almost all of August to knit up the second. And yes, I am that slow of a knitter. Pictures soon, maybe even on the future recipient's foot!

Speaking of birthdays, my best friend Miss J. had a birthday today--I nearly forgot! Luckily (for me, not for my swap partner) I had just procured a Starbucks-related object that made a lovely gift for her. I will just have to find/buy/make another. (Secrecy because I don't want to give away the package's contents yet!)

Resisting because I must

So this past weekend I went to visit a friend, in a nearby city (huge compared to where I am, but not the biggest in central NY). It just so happened that I dropped said friend off for a two-hour gig volunteering at the hospital in town (pre-med) and had nothing to do in the interim. What's a girl to do but stop in at the nearby Barnes & Noble store--one of which is nowhere near her current residence--? I was sipping away at my innocent and cheap (compared to a book) tall non-fat iced caramel macchiato when I accidentally dripped a drop on the book I was perusing. Well of course, what could be brushed away and pretty much ignored in a library book (after notifying the librarian on duty, of course) COULD NOT be ignored in a store, so I just had to purchase the book--Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand if anyone's curious. Then, conveniently located in the center aisle on the way to the cash register, was a display of these huge volumes, multiple books by a single classical author bound together...and on sale for $8 a pop. So one of those came home with me too.

All of that leading up to my current resistance effort: not buying any Knitpicks Kettle-dyed Essential Sock Yarn, or Lisa Souza Sock Merino in "Miss Violet's Pink Ribbon" (both of which are available on Ravelry via stashes: cheaper and SO tempting) because that money is sitting on my bookshelf.

Time warp!

My first experience with mobile blogging! Even after knitting all evening at trivia this past week, I felt that I had made ZERO progress. But now looking back at the picture from last time it seems that I have nothing to worry about.

Some New Progress

I have been continuing to squeeze friends, reading, and knitting into my non-working time, and this past weekend I was very successful:

This is the many-times aforementioned birthday sock, knit on Takumi US2 dpns (2.75 mm) in Knitpicks Essential. I really like the Essential so far: not very splitty, good size for a tight knitter, and the fabric has a very nice texture. It might be the heathery color, but I have noticed that this yarn doesn't have the most amazing stitch definition ever, but for the price it can't be beat.

One finished sock!

I have not done nearly as much knitting or reading as I would have liked this summer. I have, however, spent a lot of time with people who are very important to me, and I have listened to a lot of podcasts. I have also learned a lot about the job that I have long hoped to have when I grow up, and what I have learned has confirmed the initial thought--that it is what I want to do.

And there has been a bit of knitting progress: the first Pomatomus sock that I have actually finished. I started this pattern multiple times, but actually plan to end up with a full pair this time! Another will be following, as soon as I finish (and start!) a birthday present sock-pair with a September deadline.

Starbucks & Yarn questionnaire

1. Name: Lindsay W

2. Ravelry ID: socomfyhere

4. Blog address: HERE :)

5. Handmade item you desire in the swap: cup cozy

6. Starbucks item you desire (gift card, mug, beans, etc.): gift card or mug

7. Favorite Starbucks beverage/bean: Triple grande stirred non-fat iced caramel macchiato (yep, one of THOSE)

8. Favorite snack food: baked or kettle potato chips, wasabi peas, anything dark chocolate or cranberry

9. Favorite color(s): Blue, or anything highly saturated (brights, jewel tones...just not pastels!)

10. Favorite fragrance: Anything sweet or unusual. I saw "celery" scented eau de toilette and it was the coolest thing!

11. What types of things do you like to knit? Socks! Any kind of smallish thing, like hats or mitts but not gloves! Don't think I'm patient enough to do fingers.

12. Do you spin? No. Not hugely interested in learning, either.

13. Do you dye your own yarn? I've done the Kool-Aid thing, but it didn't really catch my fancy.

14. Favorite yarns: any sock yarn except Noro (too skinny!) Also I love plain hearty wools like Patons Merino or Cascade 220.

15. Favorite needles: metal dpns are great, I've recently ordered my first set of bamboo (nice and cheap via Ravelry Destash) so we'll see how that goes.

16. Do you have any allergies? Yes! Allergic to cats

17. Would you be willing to prepare an angel kit if necessary? On my tight college-student budget, I don't think it's feasible :( Sorry...

18. Do you have any special requests: nope

19. Do you have any pets: nope

20. Is your home smoking or nonsmoking: Non! It's a dorm...