I'm Back

I am afraid life got in the way of the blog for a bit, but I'm back.

I wish I were like Crazy Aunt Purl - blogging would make good therapy.

But it doesn't help much with pain. Especially pain that shoots down the right arm. I ignored it until it became somewhat unbearable. I thought it was some kind of repetitive stress thing, but NO...it was SHINGLES. That's right - the old chicken pox virus that apparently lives on in our spinal columns for years and strikes again when you least expect it. It initially presents in the form of a pox like rash, but I am full of all kinds of skin stuff so another rash did not trigger anything suspicious. Then pain comes and it feels like a toothache in your nerve endings. It was awful. It is better now. I am back.

First things first - MY SOCKPAL SOCKS ARRIVED!

(Those pet hairs on the toes are thanks to the matching pets, who are blowing their coats big time right now)

They are a lovely pink/purple variegated merino using Sockbug's "Lava Flow" pattern. Thank you thank you thank you, Abby (reluctantmango) for my new favorite socks. They fit so well, that I just ripped back a pair I was making myself because these remind me that I have a tendency to make my socks too short and these are PERFECTO!

In other Sockapaloooza news, Suzanne got my sock package as well so my first swap worked really well.

There has been some knitting going on between the pain (and sometimes during...it didn't make it any worse). The Louisa Harding Glisten wrap became a large scarf - that stuff is so hard to knit, plus it becomes totally coiled and has to be unspun once every two rows. I followed Alison's advice and kept a rubber band around the ball. I can't believe she made an entire sweater from this stuff. I will add it to FO's later this week.

I also have CeCe done up to the beginning of the v-neck. I am using Calmer and am loving the feel and the drape. This is the perfect summer sweater for me since I have lots of sleeveless things and never want to show my arms.

Finally, I have a baby who needs a gift so I have started the Moderne Baby Blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting with Nashua Cilantro yarn - it is a thing of beauty and I promise photos shortly.

Comments

[suzanne]

SHINGLES! Oh, I am so sorry. That is not right. My MIL had that and it was awful--and she NEVER complains and cycles to work every day.

I love my socks! and I love those lavaflow ones too. The Moderne baby blanket will be AMAZING. one of my yarn buds is making an adult sized one--a knitting marathon! baby blankets are like half marathons, or 1 10k.

So glad you can knit again!

[Marianne]

I just wanted to let you know that I've added your knitting blog to the sidebar of links that i have on my own fiber blog. I hope you don't mind. If you do, please let me know and I'll remove you.

Thanks for blogging!

http://fiberfetish.wordpress.com

[reluctantMANGO]

I'm glad to see that the socks fit you so well (and that I'm not the only one dealing with pets blowing their coats). Can't wait to see pics of your Cece, it's in my knitting queue this summer too.

[Terri]

This is my first visit to your blog, and I like your style. Your knitting is pretty cool too, I love the look of your socks and the way you chose to change colors. Happy knitting!

[Debbie]

Oh, how is the modern baby blanket going? I'd eyed it but have 3 ladies pregnant so many working on the baby bibs and one kimono

[Debbie]

So sorry to hear about the Shingles. That is a very painful thing to have.

[linda@yarnzilla]

Hi, Kim! So sorry to hear about your shingles -- how painful that must've been! The socks you received in the exchange are fabulous!! We miss seeing you at the shop -- stop in when you get a chance! -- Linda @ Yarnzilla

[lottabreyer]

Hi K! Where are you? Missing your posts -I hope everything is ok!

[Lisa S]

Oy, Shingles. You are too young for this nonsense. Ugh. I guess that all of us who had The Pox are living on the faultline at all times with this disease. Feel better soon.

The black and colorful socks are fabulous. Just so's ya know...black is a total PITA to dye and the fraternal twins in a dyebath can be just that...fraternal. The socks look great.

Just an FYI, I got bounces today when I responded to your email and so here I will tell you that yes, you can have that shrug pattern. Just email me and we will make it happen for you. :o)

[Jenny]

Having had many a patient (and a mother-in-law) who've suffered with shingles, I can say it SUCKS the BIG ONE. SO sorry. Hope you are truly on the mend. ;-)

[Li_B]

I just finished my second bout of shingles on my left arm. The dr says if you can get in within 48 hrs or so, of the first sign there is medication. I don't know how I missed it the second time. Thank goodness it wasn't as bad, but took just as long to get over.

Found your blog when looking for others who have done the Vintage Velvet scarf. Mine is looking pretty short. Does it shrink much in felting?

Li

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