Well, the second socks are finished, and the next pair (for the Trek Along With Me) are cast on. My desire for a compelling pattern conflicted with the desire for something to knit up from my head, so I’m doing the Simple Socks from Cat Bordhi’s book with an XO cable running down the side.

This is also my first time doing socks with the Magic Loop method. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Financially, it makes sense… about half the price of two needles. However, it just doesn’t seem as fast as two circulars. The needles I got are not Addi-Turbo’s, a change that may be influencing my speed.

I went with bamboo #1s from the brand I learned on (no link, you have to go research that yourself). The joins are NOT good. It’s a challenge resetting the stitches each half round. I had to cast on three times, finally resorting to casting on with the #2 Addi-Turbo and transferring back to the #1s. I considered returning the needles, even though ImagiKnit doesn’t accept returns, because I felt mislead. I clearly discussed my Magic Loop sock goals with one of the employees and (I hope) had she known how difficult the joins make working this, no human in their right mind would recommend this brand. Now, I’m a few inches into the cuff and things seem to be settling into a rhythm.

I’m flying off to Nashville, TN tomorrow for Bonnaroo Music Festival for work. I plan to come home with these Trekking XXL socks finished. Should you see a male knitter with a shaved head, say “hi” and ask him if he’s me. Yes, I’ll take pictures.

Before I left for work this morning, I finished the knitting of my second pair of socks second sock. All that remains is grafting and then I can get started on my Trekking. I’m going to swatch out a few cable patterns to see it would look to have a big old aran-esque knot down the sides. I want something a smidge more challenging than a simple 3/1 rib.

As always, suggestions are welcome…

Lisa, Ms. Bird in the Hand, posted images of her art show (including one I snapped of her and knitter extraordinaire Jess Hutch).

Here are my images from Friday night’s show:

It was a lovely night… and I may soon have a few pieces so I can remember it forever on my own wall!

Just got home from Lisa’s show at Edo Salon (on the corner of Haight and Steiner). If you’re in SF, I demand you go. She’s an inspiration, a friend and an amazing swimmer. I was supposed to sell the buttons she/we made, but spent more time chatting, photographing and staring at her intricate and elegant work. I’ll post photos later. Pieces were selling left and right, wine was sipped to whatever the DJ was playing, and Lisa glowed in the center of the packed room.

I did a little glowing myself—or was that blushing? Who should walk into the show but Jess Hutch, creator of the bunny pattern I just knit, the robots that all the Internet kids love, and Knitty’s kitty Kate.

Granted, I know Lisa interviewed Jess for Whip up. I had asked her if Jess might come, and recognized those cat-eyed glasses from the moment she came in. Jess, sorry to be a bit of a blog stalker. Normally, I have more interesting things to say than, “I just knit your bunny! You’re famous!” Ask Lisa, I’m so much cooler than that. I as so embarassed by my own behavior that I didn’t get a picture of her, although Lisa did ask me to snap one of the two of them on her camera. SF is a small enough town; I trust I’ll meet Ms. Hutchinson again and redeem myself.

Pictures soon. I’m hanging out with Lisa again tomorrow night, along with at least one co-worker. The Ditty Bops are playing at Slims just around the corner. For never having heard of the band a mere 30 hours ago, I’m thoroughly obsessed with their swinging retro, ragtime, cabaret/vaudeville pop. My work sponsors them and I saw their Bikes & Bikinis calendar before listening to the latest CD. You can find a few videos on YouTube (where you should check out the sketch comedy of Pretty Thingsss, gender-bending sketch comedy made by one of the Ditty Bops). Run along and read their bike blog about pedalling across the country, gig-to-gig.

Thanks to Paul, I’ve found out about the Trek Along with Me sock KAL (my first) that involves being outdoors with your knitting and knitting something to be used outdoors. I like socks. I like outdoors. Why not?

I don’t know how I feel about the “joiner” mentality of a KAL (this is my first), but I like the structure and deadline, and, heck, I was going to knit my Trekking XXL yarn this summer anyway. Now I just have a reason to do it outside. I’ll get a US#1 circular this weekend to begin. Any manly pattern recommendations? Something beyond a simple rib, perhaps with cabling?

Don’t worry toy fans. I’m not giving up on you… there are many more beasties to be made!