Monkey Socks

Long ago, I received my amazing Sockapalooza 4 socks from a very prompt and gifted Nelda the Knitting Nurse.

Monkey Mosaic

In a word, they are perfect. The colorway couldn't be more my style. They are impeccably knit. They are a very hot pattern that I haven't had a chance to try yet. Nelda also sent a tub of Knitter's Little Helper hand balm from Blue Sky Alpaca. As a nurse, I think Nelda has some insight into how much I would appreciate this. We have to wash our hands (with water and/or harsh chemicals) about a million times a day. The balm is much needed, and it smells heavenly.
The yarn is Pagewood Farm Hand-dyed sock yarn from San Pedro California. The colorway is Bird of Paradise, and it is superwash (my only Sockapalooza request). When I was visiting family in the Midwest my mom picked up the socks and said, "Where did you get these!?!" I told her, and she couldn't believe that a stranger (kind-of) had picked such a perfect color for me and that hand-knit socks could look so finished and professional.

Thank you so much Nelda. You obviously put a lot of thought and care into these, and I treasure them!

Quickie

Ruby's back, due to popular demand. I'm so sorry to have abandoned my loyal readers, who clearly depend on me alone for entertainment, for lo these many months. Each year of this blog so far I have pledged to post every month, and (similar to my flossing New Year's Resolution) I fall off the wagon every time. I do pledge to floss more than once a month, though.

So, here's a quickie, as a little warm up.

My cuñadito (dearest brother-in-law) wanted (nay, demanded) an iPod cozy for his new tune-monger. THEN demanded that it not be too "girly." Okay.


iPod Cozy

Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened. Ask and ye shall receive. Such is the way of Ruby.*

My reward?

My charming cuñadito:



is learning from my brother:



how to be a dork:



Specs:
Pattern: Pirate Chart from Hello Yarn. I basically just measured the iPod, measured my gauge and fit the chart accordingly. I didn't think too hard about it, and it worked out. My BIL has added velcro or something as a closure.
Yarn: Unknown, from the stash.
Needles: Un-remembered DPNs.

*Ok, I never said when Ruby would deliver. Keep that in mind if you have requested, say, knitted guitar straps or other such nonsense.

Disclaimer: Today's post brought to you by a post-call haze.