I was bad...

So, I need a longer circular needle to keep working on the pinwheel blanket, right? And if I can't find one locally in a longer length, I might need to order one from somewhere, right? Well, over the weekend I searched around and couldn't find a needle the size I wanted so resigned to ordering one sometime this week. Then, I got the Kaleidoscope Yarns newsletter. (I signed up when Michelle and I visited there a while back.) Turns out they are having a Koigu sale! So, yesterday I ordered my new needle and some yarn too. Okay, there were so many I wanted, but I managed to choose two and not spend a fortune. Not too bad, right?

This weekend I also finished the Monkey socks. These were SUCH the quick knit and lots of fun to do. The yarn is Koigu KPPPM #822, which I lovingly called "vomit". As they knitted up though, the greens were much more visible and the vomit-y yellow and gold colors weren't quite so vivid. I do love this yarn regardless of the names I called it..... Followed the pattern just as written but on a size 1 needle instead of size 2. No other changes.Yesterday I got these in the mail! I ordered three sock books from Amazon and these two arrived - one was shipped separately. More Sensational Knitted Socks looks awesome, as I love the first of these books. The only problem I see? Too many options I'll never decide!! Favorite Socks is very cool also, I see many patterns that I definitely want to start right away!

Right after finishing the Monkey socks I wanted to get a start on Pomatomus, which I've been eyeing for a long time. I wanted to make it in some sort of blue/green combo yarn and finally thought I had the right one. It is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in "Lakeview". So, started the pattern and the colors were just right - but they were pooling horribly and I knew I wouldn't be happy with the result. I put the pattern away again and instead started a new one after getting my new books. This is Retro Rib from Favorite Socks. So far so good, even though the colors are striping a bit, they are so much better than in the first attempt.

My New Love

We got something new. It is one of the best purchases I can imagine making and I am totally obsessed. I don't care how lame it sounds or what you might think, but all this is over a new appliance. Actually, a new set of appliances. That's right, we got a new washer and dryer! Long story short, our old pair were complete energy hogs (the dryer in particular) and had moved around with us so many times they were all beat up and had some issues. I present to you the new set......first comment: aren't they just awesome looking?!

We actually bought them a couple of weeks ago but they were just delivered Tuesday. Of course, I saved up laundry so we could try them out. And, Alex actually came home from work early to check out the goods. Verdict? They are fantastic! Huge capacity, very little water usage, and the washer is super low in energy use. Now, dryers are going to be energy hogs regardless, but check this out - the washer runs for 45-60 minutes depending on the cycle. Sound crazy? The spin speed is so outrageous it sounds like a jet engine. Well, really it is pretty quiet but has that type of sound. The clothes come out so barely damp that the dryer only runs about 25-30 minutes for a regular load! Amazing!

And, the boys are fascinated with the noises coming from the new shiny things. Of course, shiny things in this house soon get boxer nose prints as evidenced on the nice chrome trim...

Now, on to usual content - next finished pair of socks!Pattern: Aran Braid Socks, yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Potluck in Blues/Purples, the first knitted item from the yarns I purchased in VT. This is one of my favorite yarns to date! It is super squishy, springy, and soft. Lots of fun to knit up.

Pinwheel Baby Blanket is coming along slowly. Too much flash in this pic, but it is a minty green and will have some light yellow stripes when finished. I need to pick up a longer circular needle as I'm already running out of knitting room on this one.