sock summit, the gift that keeps on giving

Back in august, there was this little thing called sock summit. I took the plunge and went for the entire 4 days. I guess it's ok to say now, but I was one of the lucky ones. I got all the classes I wanted. Maybe it was just some 50th birthday mojo, maybe just good luck and a persistent husband, I don't know. When I chose my classes, I tried to focus on things that would improve my skills as a knitter. So far, that strategy is working pretty darned well. It's given me the confidence to try things I don't think I would have.

One of the classes I took was a colorwork class with Chrissy Gardiner. She's a great teacher, very patient and helpful. I did it because I wanted to make these mittens from Jorid. The ones with the dogs.
Here they are......



















I made a couple of small changes to the pattern. Since there is no special cast-on, I used an Estonian cast-on by Nancy Bush, followed by one knit row and one purl row before beginning the pattern. This cast-on is nice and stretchy. I also modified the ears on the doggie a bit. The original dog was a boston, now it's a boxer. I think it worked pretty well, don't you? Looks just like her. The second mitten is about 1/2way done, and this one still needs a thumb, but I'm pretty happy with how they're turning out.

This week I also started the second victorian christmas sock. I also need some mindless stuff to pack around with me and do between clients. Next up, I'm eyeing some sweaters. I really, really want to do "faery ring", but the charts TOTALLY intimidate me. I think I'll have to un-chart it first.
I also need to felt the purse. It's supposed to rain later in the week, so that may be my opportunity. I went to the LYS yesterday, they had a sale on, and I showed impressive restraint. All I bought was some "parakeet colored" roving to finish the needle felting on the purse.

I've been distracted by the mittens all week. Gotta get back to that christmas knitting, too.