Sockin' It to Maggie

the moment you've all been waiting for.

I told you I'd post on Wednesday evening, and here it is.

You've all been wonderful, and I would love to send something like this to each and every one of you. But I can't. 'Cause there's only one. So here is the winner of the Grand Prize: yarns, needles, and all sorts of stuff designed to keep a knitter happy --

Petra!!

Woo hoo!!

Let me close with a final round of gratitude. I've known for a long time that knitters are some of the most generous souls out there. We clothe our loved ones, and pass along the wish for warmth and comfort with every finished object. Even when it's for ourselves. We often forget ourselves in the mass of UFOs. Y'all have taken time out during the busiest part of the year to pitch in for a total stranger, using some of the jewels of your stash to do so. (I know. I've seen 'em!) Many of you have enclosed notes and other gifts to make Maggie's days a bit cheerier. I've packed the boxes and smiled, and had tears in my eyes when I've heard her overwhelmed response on the phone. I've gotten to know so many new people -- and strengthened ties to those I already knew -- and I'm proud to have your acquaintance.

My fondest wishes go out to all of you during this holiday season for health and happiness. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

--Kelly

About to Turn

I took a class with Sally Melville on Saturday, which was great.  To make it even better, I worked on Sock 2 of my pair, and as of last night, I'm ready to turn the heel.  If I can keep up this pace, I'll be finished before the weekend...a little late, but considering what a slow knitter I am, I'm pleased!  I'll post a picture when I have the pair finished!

--Beverly

Finally!

Well, they're finally done!  The first sock yarn I ever bought (and never got around to using), my first attempt at toe-up socks, and my first attempt at designing my own sock pattern - I really hope they fit!  Now, if I can find one of the ball bands in this mess I call an apartment, I'll send them off...

-eidolona

Final Pair

I made another pair for Maggie.  I really like how these turned out.  However, I do realize that this will be her second pair (at least from me) of orange-y socks.  These are a beautiful rust shade with lots of other fall colors like burgundy, brick, olive, and gold.  They're really pretty in person (at least I think so)! ;)

If you'd like, you can check out more on my blog.  There are also more pics on my flickr account, too.

-ChelseaD

so this is it, y'all.

The last official week of the KAL. Wow.

It's been a great couple of months. I've gotten to know a whole bunch of some of the most generous souls on the planet. We've seen great colors, great sock styles, and some incredibly clever uses of leftovers! You've sent socks, notes, sweets, and all manner of things to a young girl you've never met -- just to make her feel a smidge better when her world's taken a really screwed up turn.

And it's worked, in its own way. Maggie's had her ups and downs medically during these last weeks, but her feet are warm and her heart is full. She sends her sincerest thanks and I'm adding mine as well.

some business:

Our last weekly drawing winner is:

Jennifer!

Goodies on the way this week. I'm headed to the post office under a heavy load, but it's all worth it. Another box is headed north with socks from Kellie, Sherry, and Heather. Thank you, ladies! Lovely work!

Total completed pairs sent to Maggie (as of today, December 1): 22! Twenty-two. That's more knitted socks than some of us *coughmecough* can finish in a couple years! Whoever suggested that we were going to bury the poor girl in socks wasn't too far off, that's for sure.

I've gotten updates from several of you for pairs in progress -- that's excellent. Take your time. They'll still be loved, worn, and enjoyed beyond all expectations.

ahem.

Oh, you'd thought I'd forgotten, did you? Heh, heh… me hyping this grand prize drawing of mine and all. No, I hadn't forgotten. I'm just not doing it today. Lots of goodies: yummy yarns, neato gadgets, etc. Check back on Wednesday evening, December 5 (US EST).

One down!

Yay!  Last night I finished the first sock for my pair!  I'm hoping I can get the second done by the end of the weekend!!

--Beverly

and they're running into the homestretch…

Last official week of sockin'! (Note I said, "official.")

I've gotten great packages this week: Kristen and Holly sent in their offerings (check 'em out over on Flickr if you haven't already), and I'm excited! They're shipping northward this week. I'm starting up a new box, too, because

[drumroll]

I finally finished my socks!

[cue crickets]

Yah, I know. It really would have sucked had I not met my own deadline, wouldn't it? For me, at least.

Zen String Serendipity Sport in Summertime Rolls
US 2 needles
Garter rib stitch as illustrated by Charlene Schurch in Sensational Knitted Socks, finished with the toe-up picot bind off from More Sensational Knitted Socks. (Hey y'all, she's scheduled to teach a class at SAFF next fall!) I thought the simple rib really worked well with the colorway.

and the weekly winnah is:

Georgiann!!

Goodies in the mail, chicklet!

oh, and…
For all of you who've let me know you're in progress: THANK YOU!

Dang, y'all.

I've been looking over the posts, and the Flickr group, and my own records, and what a couple of months it's been! Socks were incoming from Libbie and Bananie, and I'm holding shipment on a couple more that I know are enroute.

I have not spoken with Maggie's mom this week. At least, not yet. So no update there yet. Still, there's something to the old adage of "no news is good news." Keep talking with the powers that be by whatever name you might use, if you'd be so kind.

My daughter pulled this week's prize from the box -- a fantastic skein of fingering-weight yarn from The Knittery graciously donated by Bananie. I'm also including a set of her crazy stitchmarkers which, I understand, were designed expressly for this here KAL by her son. Random number generator selected:

CHELSEA

as this week's winnah! Email me your snail mail address, girlfriend, and we'll get this going your way!

Two weeks to go in the official run, and on December 1st I draw for the grand prize. Anyone who's sent their socks, or lets me know by the 30th that they're in progress and/or on the way, will be entered in the prize drawing. (So if you're not going to finish by the 30th, don't despair. Just email me and let me know!)

Finished!

My pair is done.  These might not be the prettiest pair that Maggie gets, but I hope they'll keep her feet cozy, and bring her some comfort.  I'll get them in the mail this week.  I wish I could have had the time to make several more pairs for her.  Everyone's contributions look wonderful! Best to Maggie, and Happy Holidays to everyone!  I can't seem to get a picture to post, but I'll add one to the flickr group.

maggie's socks

are done.  finis.  I even got them done before the deadline.  And yes, they are hideous - but in a good sort of way.

Specifics:
Yarn: Urban GypZ Twisted in Electric Lizzard (purchased from The Loopy Ewe, of course!) and Plymouth Jelli Beenz in Purple (purchased from It's a Stitch)
Needles: Addi Turbo US3 12" circs and US3 Bamboo DPNs
Pattern:  Knitting Pure & Simple Beginner Midweight Socks
Modifications:  I changed the ribbing from 1" to 4" and used that as the leg.  No other modifications to the pattern.

I really loved working with the Urban GypZ.  It knit up quick (partly because I used size 3 needles) and felt good in my fingers.  I loved the Addi Turbo cirs - it seemed like the socks just flew off of the needles.   I had to improvise when I got to the toe because I wasn't sure that I'd have enough of the main yarn to finish.  I dug into my stash and pulled out the Jelli Beenz in purple.  It's a good all purpose wool/acrylic blend and the purples matched up well.  I'm not sure that I'm in love with the color combination, but Kemtee said that Maggie likes her socks weird - the weirder the better.  I only hope she likes these.

And K, they should be in the mail by mid week.