Lornas Laces how do I love thee .........
FINALLY!!!!! The black purl socks are done and this black purl is in LOVE!!!!!!! My feet are in heaven.
I was so thrilled about my completed black purl socks....I immediately cast on for another pair using the Cherry Tree super sock yarn I just bought (it IS socktoberfest..isn't it????) I am sure I'll make some headway DH will be TDY for the next 3 weeks so hopefully I'll have another completed pair when he returns!

I just received my package in the mail form my hot socks swap pal. Spinning Sue...you rock! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new sock yarn the colors are so PERFECT! Okay so the contents were as follows :
2 skeins of hipknits hand dyed superwash sock yarn in a purpely/pink colorway...oohh sooo soft and cushy!
1 sock blocker keychain
An assortment of Whittard of Chelsea teas
Last but not least some WONDERFUL lindt dark chocolate (coffee flavored....yumm) I think my sneaky husband enjoys it just as much as I do..(that's him sneaking a piece)! My boys also loved the yarn and were WAY too excited about the tea.
Thank You Sue .......You're a great pal!

I am so LATE posting these but here are my answers to the Soctoberfest Questions

When did you start making socks? I actually started my first pair of socks during sockapaloooza in January of this year.

Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I taught myself along w/ the help of many books.......
What was your first pair? My first pair were for my sockpal and I used Ann Norlings wide whale rib pattern.

How have they "held up" over time? I don't know........

What would you have done differently? I LOVED the socks and will make a pair for myself w/ the same pattern and yarn.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? I have been using Lornas Laces sock yarn and I LOVE IT!!!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? DPNS all the way!!!!

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) BOTH

How many pairs have you made? 2 pair (almost) and 1 toddler sock

Not too long ago, I had stated that I would NOT buy any more yarn until I had completed a few projects and I have shown much restraint.......remember the trip with my sister (when she bought EVERY single ball of Debbie Bliss that she could find.......) I only bought 2 things 1 skein of yarn for my completed alpaca scarf and a new set of dpns. Well, I knew this all could change once I joined the swap(s) but, I told myself I could do it...I would simply buy the yarn needed for the swap and that's it.......well, you all know how it goes. It all started w/ that darn Lornas Laces sock yarn.....I couldn't resist......then, it was the cherry tree hill supersock yarn.. and that my friends, is when I broke.....seriously,...my name is Janet and I am a fiber addict!
Enough of the confessional lest I slip about the knitpicks order..........
On Sunday evening (while watching 2 episodes of 24) I cast on for the other black purl sock ( this is my Socktoberfest sock) and have just about completed the sock.
In other news, the hot socks swap has begun and they gave us the option of not keeping the swap secret. My pal e-mailed me and asked if I wanted her to remain anonymous or not....well given the option I decided to find out and so now I know........and now I regret it a little bit. I am the absolute worst when it comes to these things.....the anticipation and excitement KILLS me. The other swaps are secret and those I can keep (another thing about me is that I REALLY like to follow the rules.... drives my pastor husband crazy). I will post more pictures of the completed sock soon.....oh, and maybe some pics of the new yarn.....

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

The basics: How long have you been knitting?
Initially, I was taught to knit at about 10 years of age....(on teeny tiny needles) so...I decided that I would rather crochet. In the cool California fall of 2004 a good Danish friend of mine convinced me to try knitting. Thus began what is now my obsession w/ all things fiber related!

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?
I have knit 2 pairs of adult sock and 1 toddler sock so, I guess I am a beginner. I still knit form the cuff down on dpns (although I 'd like to try a toe up pattern) and have yet to make any fancy socks and the thought of the magic loop intimidates me a little.....

The measurements:
I am a US shoe size 8 1/2.

While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. (fiber related)

Favorites: What colors do you love? I LOVE purples (not bright purples) deep darker ones, lavender, lilac, I have lately been drawn to autumnal colors like burnt orange, browns. greens, reds (not bright red). I also shockingly (for me) have been into pinks this year...

Do you prefer solids or variegated? BOTH

What fibers do you most love to knit with?

I am a self proclaimed yarn snob (my sister also refers to me as such) I love wool..especially soft squishy yarns... Supermerino, alpaca (I love the drape)

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? Lornas Laces, Artyarns Supermerino, Koigu, I also like to knit with Lambs pride, Alpaca with a twist....EVERYTHING!

What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? I like to knit scarves and shawls, Sweaters for babies/toddlers (fiber related)

Dislikes: Acrylic (I don't mind blends)

What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? Acrylic

What colors would you never wear? Bright neon colors....(yuck!!!)

The Tools:

Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? I typically use either bamboo, my denise int. or my pony pearls. I am faithful to my Denise Interchangeables

DPNs or Magic Loop? DPNS

Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I don't have any cool stitch markers..just your plain plastic ones

The Extras:

Do you have a wish list? If so, please share the link! No.....should I? Maybe....

Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? *S*) SWEET!!!!! Chocolate!!

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) Although I have a cat, (she's sweet but, stays away from me for the most part my DH is the love of her life!)I am allergic to them...... smoke bothers me as well!

Favorite scents? Anything fruity...passion fruit, Mango, coconut.....

Scents you can't stand? I like fruity scents. I like the body shop's Mango line....but mostly I wear Estee Lauders Beyond Paradise.

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? No, I like to read....so I have tons of books.

When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) November 4th

Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? Well......I purchased a drop spindle and some fleece @ Md S&W but, I have not used it yet! I would like to dye my own yarn though. I've read about kool aid dyeing but I am afraid the colors would end up being too bright for me!

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better...
I LOVE to read. I am a classically trained vocalist so I do enjoy classical music but, I also like jazz, r&b (especially motown), I listen to a lot of gospel lately... Love Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Isreal Houghton but also some of the contemporary praise and worship David Crowder band and Vineyard worship. We usually vacation near the beach (my husband is a surfer...and I cannot swim....funny huh!) I enjoy the warm weather and the salty sea smell, and the quaint beach town feel!