I've been chugging along on the garter rib socks whenever I get a few minutes to spare and they are coming along nicely...I think another inch or so then I'll start the regular ribbing at the cuff.

You can kind of see the change in stripe sequence where I changed needle size. I usually go up a size an inch or so into the leg of the sock. It is my personal pet peeve when ribs/patterns aren't evenly stretched down the sock so I change needle sizes to make myself happy...

I've also been doing a little spinning....still working on that Celebration from Spunky Eclectic. I get a double helping of each month's yarn because I like to have enough to complete a (somewhat) substantial project with the yarn I make. Of course, I haven't actually knit with my handspun....but I'm about to change that.

I've been swatching...and I'm in love.

This is a little design I've had in my head while I've been spinning up this yarn. Its super simple but I think it highlights the handspun's long color changes quite nicely (and also disguises the few thick and thin spots in the yarn).

I still haven't decided on the final design. Either a v-neck pullover or a zipped cardigan. Either way, it will have deep corrugated ribbing at the bottom and at the cuffs. The other yarn is Rowan Yorkshire Aran Tweed, which I like ok. I have a skein of Debbie Bliss tweed I might also swatch up if the mood strikes.

Theres also a little project I've been working up...dyeing some of my own yarns. I get a lot of inspiration from munchkin's kiddo books. They are full of such amazing color combinations--here is my first skein:

The colors come from the Dr. Seuss books and the base yarn is a really soft Merino-Tencel Blend (from Paradise Fibers). I can't wait to start knitting it up!

I also caved and signed up for the Sumptuous Sock Yarn Club by Zen Yarn Garden. I just couldnt resist the potential of silk and cashmere sock yarn. yum!