A Lil Something for My Pal

Whoever she may be.

I already finished her socks and I started looking for gifts to add in her package. Then it hit me! Why not make her something else? I've been wanting to learn how to sew for a long time, (the last time I did any machine sewing was in 7th grade), and I found the perfect fabric when my mom and I went to the fabric shop.

It's a DPN needle case, sans the ribbon. I haven't found the right ribbon for the closure. But I think I've done a darn good job considering it was my first sewing project in years! I hope she likes it!

On target!

I ordered yarn for my secret monkey pal. Actually, I ordered two for her. I found a hand-painted yarn in a colorway of Banana with Chocolate Syrup that was too "in-tune" with our theme to pass up. Not wanting to offend her with my sense of humor, I also picked out a Trekking Pro Natura wool and bamboo blend in a suitable color, I hope! Her blog revealed that she likes wooden needles, as well as circulars, so I snagged a couple of the new Knit Picks Harmony fixed circulars. They look beautiful, so I got some for me, too. Finally, I think I've figured out how to send an anonymous e-mail so that I can contact her. Poor little thing has probably been crying herself to sleep at night, thinking she has been neglected. Fear not, Monkey Pal! Fun stuff is headed your way!

Monkeys!

Weird. This didn't go thru last time. Anyway..

I think I found the perfect yarn, so I'll be casting on this weekend! yeah monkeys!

monkey see, monkey swap

I see all these beautiful monkey socks and despite my best searches through my stash, I've had trouble finding the luscious fall colors that I want to use. So I went over to the Loopy Ewe and found the perfect thing. If you are my swap partner, no peeping! Remember, we are pretending that you don't know it's me. Of course, while I was there some yarn jumped into my cart. Cough. Well it was at an introductory price and it seemed a shame to pay for shipping for just one skein of yarn. If you snoop around on their website, you'll find it. Hint: The company is in New England.

I've also purchased one of the monkey items. The others are going to take some tracking down.

Do you realize, this is going to be my fourth pair of monkey socks? I'm going to have change something up! How funny that the monkey socks turned out to be a bit addictive.

More Monkeys

Boy, the Monkeys are really on parade today! I love seeing all of the other in progress (and the finished) Monkeys. There are now a lot of new yarns and colors I want to try!

Dear Pal,

I really hope you like these Monkeys. I'm into the foot on the second one and they're coming along nicely. They're fraternal rather than identical, but I think they're really pretty.

I'm going to go shopping this afternoon for some more Monkey items and I'm waiting on some to arrive in the mail. I hope to get your package out to you in the next couple of weeks!

Your Monkeys have traveled out of town with me, they've been to two different knitting nights at the yarn store I work at, and they've been oohed and ahhed over by several of our customers.

It's been fun making them for you!

Sneak Peek!

Here is a little peek for my pal,the colors a bit off but thats ok.Will keep it a surprise

Monkey Sock Progress

So here is the progress on my first sock. I have a total of 3 repeats completed. It is moving along very well. The label is a bit blurry, but I am using Panda Cotton by Crystal Palace it is a mix of Cotton, Bamboo, and Elastic Nylon. It feels real nice. The color scheme, which is Picnic, (Pink, Purple, Lime and a very light Orange)is a bit more vibrant than what you see in the picture. I really like the way this is turning out and will have to get some more of this to make myself a pair. I can't wait to get them done, so I can send them off to my Monkey Pal. I already have one of her gifts and have plans for several more. You know how it is when your looking for 'just' the right thing. Still looking, but I have ideas.

First Sock Done!

Well, I have my first Monkey sock knit and enjoyed every minute of it! What a fun pattern! I am using Wollmeise in the Spice Market colorway. The photo doesn't really do the colors justice.. they are very pretty. It's my first time working with this yarn and it's very yummy!

Now to cast on #2!

Finally!

After a long wait, I can finally begin the Monkey socks for my pal :D I ordered the yarn before I was assigned a partner and they just arrived yesterday afternoon. So I took my dyes and did my first dye job ever, and the skein turned out....gorgeous!
Now I have a big dilemma: don't know if I send the skeins to her or use them to knit the socks...

I haven't been just waiting, though. Since I couldn't knit the socks, I went ahead and did some gifts for my parnter - hope she likes them.

Now, let me get back to work.

What do you all think

Now let me first say that my question does not apply to my partners socks. I have them going and I should have them all finished by Friday. OK so I am going on a trip this weekend to Salt Lake City to attend a fiber fair. My friend is teaching a class and I am going long for the ride and a bit of shopping. OK a lot of shopping. Anyway I was thinking of taking along a ball of Jitterbug to make myself a pair of monkey socks. Well there is only 293 or so yards. So my question to you all is... Has anyone made the monkeys with jitterbug and how may repeats did you do. I was thinking if I only did 4 instead of the 6 I should have enough for my foot. I don't really mind if the cuff is a bit shorter. I do wear a size 6 1/2 to a 7 shoe. What do you all think. Thanks

Monkeying Along

I'm making progress on the first sock. Mr. Monkey approves of the Trekking in the 'Wickede' colorway. I worked on this sock a bit as I commuted on the Metro this past week. It has enjoyed getting out of the house and seeing the sights.

Now I need to find some appropriate monkey-ish accessories with which to spoil my swap partner.

One Monkey Done

Except for the Kitchenering, that is. One Monkey to go....and probably a bit more MonkeyShopping. I would like to find one more giftie, especially if I am not able to hand-make two things I want to include.

I had wondered if our MonkeyHostess could possible also be the Hogwarts Sock Swap Two hostess....but I hadn't thought anyone was ambitious enough to run two major swaps at once. Clearly, I underestimated the redoubtable Rebecca! I admire her fortitude.

Monkey Socks at the Ballpark!

Yesterday was Stitch N Pitch at Comerica Park. Here is my monkey sock enjoying the game.
The Tigers lost, but a fun time was had by all.

Thank you Secret Pal

To my Secret Pal -

I just want the entire Monkey Sock community to know that you all are fantastic, but I think if it were not for my secret pal, I would have gone "bananas" this weekend.

My daughter was severely cut at school and had to be hospitalized. My secret pal emailed me throughout the weekend checking up on me and she kept me sane!! The good news is my baby girl has stabilized and will be home tonight! And Secret Pal - I will NEVER forget you!! THANK YOU!!

Hugs from our whole family!!

(maybe NOW I can have a peace of mind to actually knit... I don't think I want to send my pal just a bunch of yarn! lol!)

What a Great Ape

This is just a preview of things to come. Actually the second sock will be finished tomorrow. Swap materials have been purchased, pattern and yarn received. Only have to make a bag for the socks. Can't wait until the box leaves for a location east of where I'm located.