Lucky Me

That was an unexpected hiatus. First there was no light for pictures and once I had pictures my work-life exploded and I've been struggling to get it under control. I have pictures of my finish Clapotis to show off (I'm wearing it right now and it's delicious!) but I decided to blog about something even more exciting (more exciting than a Malabrigo Clapotis? How is that possible?!?).

Way back in December I got a very exciting email. It was from the Yarn Harlot letting me know that I'd won one of the karmic balancing gifts from her blog for supporting Knitters Without Borders (she's still got lots of gifts to give away so go donate if you haven't already!). I would have been thrilled to have won anything but this was more than I ever could have imagined. I won a year's membership in the Rockin' Sock Club, the Socks that Rock club! I could not believe my good fortune and actually didn't believe it until last week when my first package arrived.


Here it is, lying all innocently on my kitchen table (full disclosure: I actually opened it on the streetcar with Heather but we weren't able to get pictures so I recreated the experience when I got home)

(Wow, this picture is dark. That's what I get for taking pictures in my kitchen. I promise there are better shots of the yarn coming up.) The package contained a beaded sock pattern (Queen of Beads) by Sivia Harding, a gorgeous skein of STR Lightweight, matching beads, an adorable mini-skein, a key chain and a button.

Here are some better pics of the yarn. I discovered that the light in my bathroom is more conducive to pictures of yarn. (Click to embiggen)


I got a little artistic while trying to capture the subtle beauty of the beads. Definitely click to see the larger version of this one.
I wanted to do this sock club thing right so I decided to knit the Queen of Beads pattern, beads and all. However, I always have to be different so I did it toe-up. I started this weekend and am about halfway to the heel as of right now. Pictures to follow on WIP Wednesday!