Moving On

Today's blog entry brought to you by "The Birthday Socks". Yes, given extended recuperation time, I can gladly confirm that another WIP transforms into FO.

The pattern is my own: basically top-down stockinette with seed stitch cuff, ankle and top of toe. These anklets consumed 1+ balls of Cascade Fixation in color number 2625, a deep marine blue.

I can also happily report that I now "get" short row heels, though there is something solid and secure about a heel flap that appeals (I love having options, though). The initial problem of holes on the heel to instep join was resolved, thanks to sock knitter extraordinaire, Debi! She advised me to pick up an extra stitch on each side and, voilà, no more hole. Happy! Joy!

Now, for a bit of bad news and good news. You can judge for yourself which is which. The doctor says I'm to stay home for another month, as I am apparently mending but not yet fully enough to resume normal activity. He tells me that the pain in my right shoulder is the result of "repositioning" required during surgery, whatever that means :o/

He did, however, confirm that it's OK for me to knit! Which is good because a flood in my mom's basement ruined quite a few items, including the sweater I made for her last Christmas. Thanks to a happy yarn coincidence (and a killer sale), I have a box of Scheepjes cotton / acrylic blend in burnt orange as well as a ball or two of the copper, teal and black ladder yarn I used in the original sweater.

My nefarious plan is to swatch for proper gauge (a first for me!), then knit up a new sweater, replete with simple shaping, 3/4 length sleeves and mock-cable ribbing. Let's see if I can come up with something special to finish the neckband...

Have time and yarn, will knit!