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Time to Bring Out the Socks

Chicky and I are on the road again.

This weekend, we’re in Atlanta, which cannot go by the nickname “Hotlanta” cause it’s FREEZING!

When we left home (i.e. Florida) at 6:30am, it was 50 degrees.  My phone has a weather application, and I checked it as we traveled.

When we hit Dothan an hour and a half later, it was 47 degrees.  Say what?  Isn’t it supposed to warm up as the day progresses?

We hit Eufaula awhile later, and it was still hovering around 49 degrees.

Lovely.

We got out to eat in Columbus, Georgia, and the wind was blowing.  And it was COLD.  We didn’t dawdle.

We arrived in Atlanta around 1pm, and I’m telling you…it felt colder than an hour before.  Chicky lives for cool weather, but she commented that while yesterday’s weather was nice (the temperature was just starting to fall), today was plain old cold.

Brrr…

Now, let’s talk about the hotel.

It’s the Courtyard Marriot in East Point, GA (Atlanta Airport West), and it’s FABULOUS!  Oh my gosh!  When we walked into our room, here’s what we saw…

The little details, such as plants, lighting, and TV/desk areas change a hotel room from passable to uber-comfy…

A nice bathroom is bonus…

Look at the shower!  I LOVE the little seat area.  It’s great for setting your shampoo bottles on!

Before we headed out to the field, we saw that we had time to relax, so I kicked off my shoes.

Notice anything?

Yep…a hand-knit pair of sock…of course…

These are the Hawaiian Leis Socks I finished in February.  I blogged about the details here.

The little bit of lace makes the socks just a little thicker than your ordinary vanilla pattern socks, adding a warmth that I wanted for today.  The yarn is super-soft.

When people see me knitting socks, they usually say one of two things:

1)  Why are you making socks, when you could buy them cheaper?  Well, because this way they fit ME perfectly, and they are much nicer than regular socks.  Plus, they are different from any you can buy.

2)  Do you really think you’re going to use all the socks you make?  You live in Florida.  Um, we get cold in Florida too.  In fact, Floridians get cold when the temperature drops to 75 degrees.

For tomorrow, I’ll be wearing my Pippi Longstockings socks.

Good thing too.  We have to be at the soccer field at 8am.  Brrr…

I’m ready for Spring.

Tinkering With the Toes

I am currently working on the Hawaiian Leis Socks (this is a Ravelry link) from the 2008 Pattern a Day Calendar.

Here’s a picture of my progress so far…

Hawaiian Leis Socks

Hawaiian Leis Socks

As I near the point where I begin decreasing for the toes, I’m pondering a question that has been in the back of my mind ever since I knit my second pair of socks…how to customize the toes.

First, a close-up of mine:

AuburnChicks Ugly Toes

AuburnChick's Ugly Toes

I feel the need to apologize for the graphic nature of the above photo.  I’m not blind to the fact that I am not exactly a foot model.  However, I felt it was necessary to include it given my question.

Now, as many of you know, sock decreases typically happen on both sides; however, if you take a close look (gag) at the above photo, you’ll notice that my big toe goes straight up and does not curve inward.

To get my socks to fit optimally, shouldn’t I be decreasing only on one side?

Yes, I realize that this might require some planning on my part…something I’m not very good at; however, what’s the point in knitting socks for myself if I can’t get the best fit?  I mean, I can walk into any clothing store and buy a pair of pointy toe socks.

Because my feet are a bit wider than many, I’m also thinking that I should do the kitchener stitch much sooner than most patterns recommend.  I mean, do my feet look eight stitches across?  I think not.

I know that yarn stretches, but c’mon!  My feet are BIG!

Ok…so these are my ponderings on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Do  I have too much time on my hands?

Probably.

We all need days like this, though.  Time to ponder such heavy issues.

I’m looking forward to your comments.  Please be kind about the toes.  I’m sensitive.

😀