S is for socks, slippers, and so far so good among other things

So far so good on the computer/broadband front! Even tho I still await the replacement hard drive there's just too much stuff to catch up on (like the ABC Along for one) so I'm forging ahead! Thanks for all the support and empathy for the fact that I live in the Computa Triangle (hee!) Best comment from the last entry? Dorothy who asked if I had seen Jimmy Hoffa! Thanks for the best giggle in a long time D!

I've been meaning to ask this for a long time and in my many absences it's fallen by the wayside for too long so here goes...

Why don't bloggers make pictures able to embiggen?

Now my eyesight is pretty good but often when I surf around Knitbloglandia I see such pretty sights that I want to take a closer look. I click on the picture and nothing happens and I gotta wonder WHY? Is it hard with some blogging services to do? More expensive for those that don't use free blogging services? My plea to fellow knit bloggers, please enable embiggen capabilities cause isn't seeing all the juicy stuff on everyone else's blog one of the reasons we visit? Aside from the humor, companionship, friendship of course :)

Now for some long awaited knitting content!

First up we have Rob's Twined Rib Redux with a lil sprout to donate to CIC

Specs:

Adult sock: Rob's Twined Rib (free pattern on side bar >>) using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Cedar and Camouflage, size #2 (2.75 mm) Crystal Palace bamboo DPN

Mods to pattern: changed from flap heel to yo short row heel with mini flap and gusset and used a standard wedge toe instead of the star toe used in the original pattern.

Child's sock: 2 x 2 rib, toe up, using the Turkish Cast-On. YO short row heel.

I adore this soft, richly colored yarn cause it makes the coziest, quick, handsome socks and the pattern is fun and easy!

Next, the Lotus Blossom tank makes her actual debut:


This is one and a half pattern repeats post frog pond visit. As many of you complimented when I posted her as the mystery birthday contest project, I LOVE how this yarn is working up in this pattern! It's Needful Yarn's Kelly in colorway #100. It's a soft, cabled cotton acrylic blend that knits up beautifully with fabulous stitch definition, comes in lovely colorways (and in solids too, called Kim) stands up well to frogging *blush* and is totally cheap with good yardage!!

I'm very happy with this pattern so far altho I'm planning lots of mods but I'll share those when I have more progress to show!

Now I bring you the felted slipper parade! First we have FK Dad's in Admiral and Turquoise Elann Peruvian Highland wool:


The over felted pair that became Brittany's on the left and FK Mom's on the right, both in Grape Harvest and Antique Violet Elann Peruvian Highland wool. (I ran out for Mom's soles)


And here's the bottom of Dad's showing of the Fiber Trend Suede Slipper bottoms which are on all three pairs:


I like how these slippers came out altho I found the felting a bit tricky. It was very hard to get just the right size and work out all the unwanted lumps and bumps which matter much more in a slipper than a felted bag.

The construction of these clogs is completely brilliant and a quick, fun knit that makes up a sturdy attractive slipper. My only complaint was that the suede bottoms were VERY hard to sew on and made me feel like my hands were bleeding while I did it! I'm not kidding, it was so painful to do I almost cried! If I ever make these again, I will get the paint on stuff for slipper bottoms and give the sew on ones a miss! Otherwise I heartily recommend this pattern!

Here it is, October so what does that mean here at Chez FKD? Why it's


of course!!
Lolly has been kind enough to coordinate this fabulous event again this year!

Here's my first entry:


It's a cashmere merino blend sport/DK weight footie of my own design. I figure it was only proper for cashmere to kick off the Socktoberfest festivities and this is some very nice yarn! It's supposed to be a gift but it's so soft and such a lovely green, it's gonna be hard to give away, especially since Pumpkin's already in love with it!

Whew! What a post, so much catching up! One last note....I've mentioned that I have no LYS so I do all my shopping thru Internet vendors. My favorites have a special place on my side bar and when I find a vendor that makes me happy I want to share it with my fellow knitters!

If you want amazing, exemplary customer service, a real attention to detail, a great selection and prices, fast service and a professional who does everything with a vitual smile on her face head over to The Loopy Ewe and give Sherri a shout and you wont be sorry! She's simply GREAT!! She offers discounts, free shipping over $50 and lovely little gifts in appreciation of her customers and makes you feel like your business is her #1 priority unlike some other Net vendors! Plus she's got Claudia's Handpaint, woot! Go on, show Sherri the love!

It's cooling off, the humidity is down, (AND NO "H"'s, WOO HOO!!) the sun is shining and the P-Man can't get enough of the glorious Florida weather!

He's glad to be back and hope your week is full of sunshine and lots of knitting!