Snezhan Socks

Haha! That title almost sounds like a sneeze!

Today is my birthday. I'm 65 and officially a Senior person. I've signed up for Medicare, though my card hasn't come yet. Sweet Hubby took me out for dinner to Applebee's, and my daughter has made a cake! I didn't have to make it myself. It's been a good day. 

The sun actually came out. All the weather reports were saying cloudy with rain/snow and the sun came out. It feels like mother nature has given me a birthday present. I went out and enjoyed it for a bit. It felt so warm on my skin. It's clear tonight and I can see the stars.

Yesterday I went to knitting at the library and the gals had brought a cake and a card. I was so surprised! I felt so appreciative and loved I almost cried. The cake was really good. Home made Apple Spice cake with Cream Cheese frosting. Yum!

I have finally finished the socks! Hurray!

Pattern: Snezhan Socks by Alena Malevitch

Size: Large

Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Heritage Sock

Content: 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, Fingering weight
Color: Turquoise and Dusky Coral

Needles: ChiaoGoo circular size 2

Started: September 12, 2023
Finished: January 26, 2024

Comments: These socks were a serious challenge for me! I've done slip stitch socks before. In fact, I even wrote a slip stitch sock pattern for a friend some few years ago. So I was not expecting a challenge.

I had a very hard time with getting even tension this time. Especially on the needle changes. I kept getting ladders there no matter how tight I pulled the yarn. I never really solved the problem, but when I washed the socks, it went away. Everything evened out on its own.

There are actually two types of slip stitches in these socks. There's this one which combines both slip stitch and traveling stitches techniques. 

As you can see, the slipped stitches travel over a purl back ground and it's very 3-dimensional. It's a pretty cool looking fabric.

The sole has just plain slip stitch in stockinet. I like how the zigzag matches the traveling stitch pattern.

These socks have the sole gusset too, which is my favorite.

After finishing the socks I got busy working on the hat I didn't get done in time for Christmas. For the most part, it's done now. I finished the knitting over the weekend. I'm just waiting for a fur pompom I ordered to put on it. The pompom should be here tomorrow.

We are getting a new furnace tomorrow. Last week I had the furnace guy come for the regular maintenance check up I get every year. I mentioned to him the problem we had with the furnace not being able to keep up with the cold during our recent January very-cold spell. We discussed the condition of the furnace, the fact it was too small for the house, and it's 31 years old and getting close to failing. We arranged to have one of their sales guys stop by a couple days later. 

The sales guy was pretty good at his job. Gave us a good deal on a more powerful new furnace that will work better with our heat pump. We decided to finance it. I had the deal put in my name cuz my credit rating is super excellent. The financing is for 10 years, but I plan to pay it off in 5. There is no penalty for doing that. It is going to be installed tomorrow morning. I am excited!

So, what's my next knitting project? I'll talk about that tomorrow.

Live long and prosper. \\//