We are having a cool, but lovely spring this year. This suits me fine. Erwin and I enjoy taking  lunch hour walks at nearby trails, and all kind of little springtime babies have been popping up over the last weeks. Unfortunately I’ve been having knee problems and we have not been walking as much as usual - but, we’ve shortened our walks and we can still get in tune with nature - a little. Physio seems to be going nowhere - I think I’ve just been too hard on this old bod.  But, I just love getting out of the office for an hour or so. That little break just seems to re-energize enough to tackle the afternoon work.

On the knitting front, I hear that RSC has shipped out the May sock kit, and some lucky people have received theirs. I won’t give it away, but apparently something to do with Fraggle Rock.  I’ve got my fingers crossed that mine will arrive soon.

Even though I’ve been knitting every day, progress has been slow since I am so caught up with knitting the Flame Wave socks from Interweave’s Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless designs book. It’s taking forever. I read on Ravelry that this pattern knits up quickly. So, I don’t know why it’s taking me an eternity. I think that the one little M1 is driving me crazy. I mean, I thought that this sock was going to go quickly, being that the needles are sz 3.75 & 3.50 mm versus the usual 2.5 I usually use. And the Cascades Fixation is a lot thicker, but it’s stretchy and doesn’t slide on the needles as well. I’ve got one sock completed and about 1/4 on the other. I’ll get a picture up soon.Good news! The Spring Foward socks recipient, and I can now name names, was Anna (my son’s girlfriend). I sent them to her for her birthday and she loves them!! I am so lucky to have such great sock and quilt recipients.  Anna phoned and was so thrilled to have gotten them, and she said that she has them on all the time. Chris then spoke to me and he told me that she wanted more! The list grows and grows….Does it get any better??

Okay, I think that we can safely say that spring has sprung! And how appropriate that I’ve just finished two pairs of  socks — one,  a pretty blue/green Fleece Artist 100% merino knit up in the “Spring Forward” pattern .  And, two, finally - and I mean FINALLY -  I got around to finishing those “bad” Jaywalker socks (read the post about the good, the bad and the ugly). Justine  put dibs on those Jaywalkers, and who else but Justine would love these…hmmm…not-to-my-liking weirdo socks. I guess that is what artsy twenty-one year old daughters are for hehehehe.

But, what a strange colour combo & unsymmetrical patterning (did I ever tell you I like symmetry?):The socks are from the same skein….how the heck did they turn out like this?

I am much happier with these Spring Forward socks knit up with Fleece Artist (AND, symmetrical):These are a pair for a someone special whose birthday is coming up. I love this lacy pattern and it was quite easy to follow. This is the first pair of semi-solid knit in a pattern that I’ve done - and I’m quite pleased with them.

I’m also happy to see some flowers finally blooming in the gardens.

Bleeding Hearts

Mini Daffodils

very invasive Violas growing where they shouldn't be

violas somewhat controlled

Primrose

If you want to keep the April 2009 Woolgirl sock club kit a surprise - look away NOW!

Sweet! The April Woolgirl sock package arrived Wednesday! And, what a package it was!What could be lurking in such a big box? Notice the black tote?Now that’s some knitting bag!

Other swag:The April kit contained:

one skein of yummy Curious Creek yarn in the colour Old Kinsale

1 pattern for socks

1 pattern for a cowl

sock club tote/knitting bag

sheep cookie

teapot stitch marker

teapot tape measure

teapot notepad & tea bag too!

handmade art notecard

a little suitcase with 2 cute little sheepNow that’s a lot of swag!

Back at the start of the year I was really torn about joining the Woolgirl sock club. I had just joined BMFA Rockin’ Sock club — and that was the first sock club for me — and I  really wasn’t sure what to expect.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the RSC is fantastic, beautiful  hand-dyed yarns and patterns by hip designers — but I’m reallying enjoying the kits that Jen from Woolgirl puts together. It’s like a box of fun everytime one arrives!

I am so happy that I decided to join the Woolgirl sock club!