Ms. Knit Sox: Executing Stitches, One Stitch at a Time...:

Pattern: Gentleman's Fancy Sock (Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush)

Yarn: Fleece Artist, Nova Scotia colorway
Yarn Source: The Loopy Ewe
Needles: 2 US0 24" Addi Turbos
Modifications: I followed the pattern, as directed except I knit it from the toe up - which required increase rather than decrease rounds. See also my previous entry regarding "Math Errors." I knit the second sock using the correct allocation of stitches on each needle. There really is not much of a notable difference, so I'm pleased. Also, I used a US3 for the bind-off.
Date Completed: June 15, 2007
Comments: A very easy pattern to memorize. If I had to knit it again, I would make the length much shorter. I wanted to knit the entire pattern as an experiment to see if I might actually like the longer length. And, I wanted to see how much yarn I had left over. Its fine, but I prefer the shorter length of my other socks. I would also cut the ribbing at the top to about 1.5 inches as I seem to like the look of that rather than 2 inches. And, yes, it does make a difference to me.

Otherwise, I've completed the toe of the second 3 x 3 cable/seed stitch pattern - can't wait to jump back into that. I thought the Monkey sock would be my next sock, but I bought some yummy Colinette Jitterbug at my LYS in Velvet Olive and really, really want to knit with it next. And, I'm still trying to determine which yarn will be "perfect" for my Monkeys - I thought I had something picked out, but decided it may be a little dark. I think something lighter might look better. Yes, it almost always takes me forever to match a yarn and pattern... That's just me.

In book news, I finished The Count of Monte Cristo. I cannot say enough good things about this book. I listened to 51 hours of audio and it captivated my attention from start to finish! Romance, action, adventure, revenge - it has it all! It was definitely worth adding it to my "must read classics." Classics are classics for a reason. In general, writers today just do not push me beyond limits to think about things in ways the classic authors do. It saddens me greatly. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a time and place for what I consider "fluff" novels (I read them too), but more deep, meaningful novels are what its really all about for me. It feeds my mind. Gives me something to ponder and reflect upon. I need that challenge in my life.

Which brings me to the next FB (finished book). The Six Wives of Henry VIII. This was real life during that time period. Alison Weir's style makes the book easy to get through. Entertaining? Definitely. It made me think about religion then vs. now. Religious tolerance or lack thereof. Ambition. Politics. What has changed since then? What hasn't? Just a few of the things I thought about as I was reading... Now, its on to French aristocracy...