And the winner is. . .

I attended the New England Sheep and Wool Festival last month in West Springfield, MA.  This is the second year they've held it there and it was so much fun.  I like it even better than Rhinebeck.  It's just the right size and there are tons of wonderful vendors there.  One of the vendors was the Discontinued Brand Name Yarns (DBNY) booth.  I signed up for their free emails and free patterns.  You should definitely check them out as they literally have hundreds of free patterns for all yarn weights.  Oh and did I mention that they also have fantastic deals on brand name yarns?  For Black Friday they had a special event whereby one lucky shopper would receive all their purchases for the weekend free!  They put a special card in with one order and, as you might have guessed, I won it!!  I had spotted a sale on my beloved Tofutsies and so I snapped up four skeins at less than half price. If only I had known I was the winner, I would have picked up lots more!  LOL!!  You do have to keep a sharp eye out if you want a bargain, as their inventory does move out quickly!  Still, I'm just thrilled, especially since I felt so guilty buying something for myself this time of year.  (Well, only a little guilty!)

On the knitting front, the blanket is continuing to grow.  I've finished another row, but already I'm starting to think about another project.  I did cast on for some baby socks, but only because I might need a quick portable project. (yeah, right!)  I'm really trying to keep my focus on the blanket and get it done before it becomes a chore!  In the meantime, I'll show you some socks I finished up over the past few weeks.  You do want to look at something, right?

These green ones are the Lightly Textured pattern from Kathleen Taylor's Big Book of Socks. They're done in Tofutsies (what else) and I did an eye of partridge heel, just for a change.

This pattern is the Purl Bump pattern also from Kathleen's BBOS and again in Tofutsies.

Jack has decided that he likes rainbow yarn the best, so I made this pair out of Regia Ringle.  It's a fun pattern from Adrienne Fong called "Send in the Clowns."  I changed it up, just a little, to fit his small feet.  Lots of interesting stitches to keep you from being bored.

This is a little pair that I sneaked in for our little "Suzie" (not her name, but it's what we use until she makes an appearance and properly introduces herself!)  This is a free pattern on Ravelry called " Textured Tootsies.  Again with the Tofutsies! 

Since I'm talking about socks, I thought I would also share a couple of my sock "toys" with you as well.  These are my new stitch markers from Jeanette Jed on Etsy.  As I said before, I just love her markers.  They're so easy to use, lightweight and fairly inexpensive, especially, if you have to keep replacing the lost ones!  This new set is perfect for socks when you get to the decreases for the gussett.  Usually, I can just tell which row I'm on, but every once and awhile, if I'm watching something exciting on tv, or more likely . . .day dreaming, I tend to forget to do the decreases.  These are so easy to use and are a good reminder to pay attention!

She also sells this little set, although I find myself using the other ones most of the time! 

Now where was I?  Okay, two more for show and tell.  This pair I knit with Loops & Threads Luxury Sock yarn.  I picked it up at Michael's and thought I would just try it.  I have to say that I hated the colorway and I was ready to just pitch the whole project, but Mickey said he really liked it, so I decided to finish them up.  The pattern is called "Gluttony" and it's from the book Sock Club.  I really enjoyed the pattern, even if the yarn didn't thrill me, and I'm sure I'll knit it again.

Lastly, here are another pair of rainbow socks for Jack.  This pair is knit with Knit Picks Felici in the "Rainbow" colorway. (how appropriate!)  The pattern is called Fundamental Top Down Socks by Figheadh Yarnworks.  This was another fun pattern, although I did have to pay attention. 

So much for socks (for now) and for procrastinating.  I guess I better get back to the blanket.  I do like knitting it, I do like knitting it, I do like knitting it. . .