The Yarn for Talking Fish and some musing.

I've had a lot of positive responses to Talking Fish, which of course makes me want to do happy dances all day long, so thanks for the kind words everyone!  I think part of what people really respond to with a sideways sock is seeing the yarn striping up and down the sock instead of around and around your leg.  It's a very flattering look.  When you see some of my other sideways socks that aren't so ripply, you'll see that the vertical stripes hug the contours of your legs, and make them look, well, sexy.  It's a wonderful effect of seeing the yarn in that orientation.

So a sideways sock is a great way to show off a painted skein of sock yarn.  And the yarn I used for that picture of Talking Fish is really lovely.  The yarn is Enchanted Knoll Sock yarn, in the colorway "Sedona".  I can't say enough nice things about this yarn.  The Enchanted Knoll colors are really saturated and gorgeous and the yarn has a nice tight twist that keeps it smooth and lovely.

The sideways method of construction is not hard, in fact my test knitters who had never knit sideways socks before told me they really enjoyed it, and that it was a fast method for knitting a sock.  The only tricky parts (if you can call them tricky) to a sideways sock are that you need to know your gauge, both stitch and row gauge, and you will need to kitchener the sock up when you're done knitting.  I know a lot of people don't like the kitchener stitch, but I just think of it as knitting with a tapestry needle, and then it becomes just another type of knitting that I do.  Knitting is all about the repetition, and kitchener stitch is exactly like that!

I'm nearing the end of editing the book and getting ready to send it off to the printer.  What an amazing process it is writing a book.  I still have a few variables in the works before I will know whether it will be available by Sock Summit.  I will update here on the blog when I know for certain whether it will or will not be available by then.

Today I shot some final photos for the glossary at the back of the book.  Since my hands will be in the photos I got to go have a manicure, a luxury I haven't indulged in since my wedding!  Yikes!  I forgot just how great a manicure (and pedicure) make you feel.  It was wonderful to sit down and HAVE TO stop using my hands for a half hour.  I never realized how much I use my hands all day long.  If I'm not knitting, I'm manipulating a mouse or typing or drawing.  The thought of not using my hands makes me a little nervous, which is why I'll go out of the house with mismatched shoes but I won't go out without knitting, even if I'm going to the supermarket.  I think I live in fear that I will somehow be stranded by a giant sinkhole of doom preventing me from getting home in a timely manner and I will have to sit idle without anything to do except drum my fingers on the dashboard and wish for my knitting.  I take knitting everywhere, restaurants, appointments, and visiting with relatives.  Recently I showed up at my relatives house and didn't feel like knitting (I've been burning the candle at both ends lately and my fingers were actually tired!) my relatives remarked that it was the first time they've seen me not knitting and that it "looked good" on me (to not be knitting).  One of my other relatives also remarked recently that my knitting was just like her son with his @#%$! handheld computer game.  I realized that, to a non-knitter, my knitting can actually appear rude and it startled me.  It won't make me stop knitting, but it does make me aware that I need to remain engaged in the conversations around me rather than drifting off into happy knitting land when I'm socializing.  Do you ever get this reaction from people?

Well, if you've gotten this far, you might be wondering if you've won a pattern.

Wednesday's winner for either the Tristan & Isolde or Talking Fish pattern is Marie E!

If you are a recent winner please contact me and let me know which pattern you'd like.  I've gotten a little mixed up, so even if you sent me an email before, send another and remind me.  Thanks!  Send email to MAIL AT JANELLAIDMAN D O T C O M  (hopefully you figure this out - I'm trying to avoid spam)

Comment Contest Reminder - each day I'm giving away a downloadable version of the featured pattern. This week's featured pattern is Tristan & Isolde or Talking Fish. Leave a comment and you'll be automatically entered for the random drawing. Winners are chosen by random number generator. Each Sunday I choose one person by random number to win a copy of the book when it comes out! So keep commenting to be entered for the drawing.

Comments

[Susie]

Glad you're about finished with your editing--that means we're all that much closer to getting our books!
And I also like to have my knitting with me at all times. Your image of getting "stranded by a giant sinkhole of doom preventing me from getting home in a timely manner" is exactly right--we need to be prepared!

[Cheryl]

Had me fooled! I never even thought about a sideways construction -- something I've never done. But the results are simply lovely, especially with that particular yarn.

[Sabrina]

The Talking Fish socks are definately stunning. I've been imagining what they'd look like in goldfish colored yarn.

I take my projects with me wherever I go, too. I especially want to have them if the night of "socializing" is just going to be watching a movie together. I try make sure that if I'm supposed to be socializing that my project is something so simple that I don't have to look at it so I can stay completely engaged.

I've never had anyone tell me that my knitting or crocheting (I yarn both ways) while socializing was rude, but then again most of my friends or their wives do some kind of craft and my relatives are used to it since they've been putting up with it for the 42 years my parents have been married because Mom's doesn't like to sit idle, either.

Maybe you just need to teach your relatives to knit or hang out with more crafters. ;)

[SusanB-knits]

I never realized until you said it but yes, I guess I do drift off into knitting land while knitting. I must remember to be more sociable while knitting with others.

[Darlene]

My daughter is constantly sending text messages on her cell phone, and had the nerve to compare her busy fingers to my kntting fingers!! So I understand how you feel being compared to the gamer. Love the socks!

[jennyswonderland]

another kitchener lover here!

[MarieE]

Squueee...I think I won a Talking Fish. Very excited to do that one and I actually love kitchener stitch. It is my favorite part of a sock:)

[Alex]

That's kind of crazy that someone compared a computer game to knitting. I guess it does matter whether you remain engaged in conversation or drift away, but at the same time, I'd probably make a mental note that he/she does not get anymore handknit gifts! =)

On a totally random side note, aren't manis/pedis fun? I love that escape they give you where you're forced to just sit and enjoy time passing.

[Cathy]

I'd love to try knitting a sideways sock someday! That sounds really interesting and a technique I have not yet tried. I love learning new knitting techniques and I have no fear of kitchener stitch! I am one of the rare ones who actually likes to kitchener my sock toes closed!! (I always have to have my notes in front of me though!!) :-)

[Sue A]

I so want to win a copy of the Talking Fish pattern. I sure hope your random number picks me!

Have a nice weekend!

[colleen]

I've had people say its rude to knit while visiting, but I told them it keeps my hands from not going around their necks :)
mostly its non-crafters who really don't understand the compulsion to create and I feel sorry for them

[Sarah]

I'm a convert to sideways socks now--the grafting is fun, and lengthwise stripes are fancy!

[Elysbeth]

There is a girl at work who makes fun of the knitting, but she chews her cuticles - okay I work in a hospital providing patient care - ewh!

Mani/Pedi envy.

Glad you are in the wrapping it up stage, love the fishies.

[Judith Crowson]

I'm seeing a lot of beautiful things coming out of this book (Enchanted Sole) on Sock Knitters Anonymous and can't wait to get a copy. Thanks for all the beautiful work you do, Janel.

Judi

[Kairi]

I've yet to try knitting a sideways anything: sock, hat, cardigan, you name it... Have nothing against kitchener st though, so this sock just might make me try it!

[Joy]

Your Talking Fish pattern is lovely. I haven't tried any sideways socks yet. This may be the pattern that gets me to give them a whirl.
And thanks for the link to Enchanted Fibers. I'm a new spinner and am going to buy some of their fiber - lovely stuff.

[ikkinlala]

I do usually drift off into my own thoughts when I'm knitting. I'll nod at whatever somebody's saying, but I won't remember it later unless I'm knitting something very simple, so I try to only work on simple projects if I'm talking to people.

[Maya]

I've just stumbled across your patterns and I'm very intrigued! I can't wait to get my hands on your book.

[Corvidae]

I love getting manicures, but I haven't found the time to do it in so long ... guess I know what I'm doing this weekend! : ) Looking forward to the book!

[Katrin]

Over the years I've become pretty good at holding up conversation when I'm knitting. It is a useful skill to gain! :D

[Kimberly B.]

I understand there are actually people in this world who can watch TV without knitting, but I sure can't. I even like to have a bit of mindless knitting for when I watch shows like "Lost" that require me to pay attention, lol!
There's a professor at my school who is always knitting through staff meetings and lectures, etc. She puts it down when she asks a question, then goes right back to it!

[Suzanne]

Come here fishy, fishy.....

[Rita]

Wow, just catching up on your blog, and the Talking Fish pattern is amazing! Congratulations on another terrific design!

[Gabriele]

Love how the sock is knit sideways and the pattern definition. It's great to know the book is getting closer :-)

[Elizabeth]

I am like many others it seems and never tried a pair of sideways knit socks. I am obviously going to have to try it because these need to be made by me :D.

[Anne]

If I know I'll be knitting in public or with friends, I have mindless projects for just such occasions ~ I don't have to count, refer to a pattern or even watch my needles. Eye contact helps keep me from knitting land, but that freaks people out ~ knitting without looking seems to amaze people.

[Theresa]

Go you--great manicure

[SusanB-knits]

I would love to win a pattern of the Talking Fish! I have not knitted a sock sideways before.

[Anne]

Great - another sock yarn I'm going to have to try. Wicked enabler you!

[Lisa]

I am really intrigued by your new patterns. I really like the way you have released them weekly.

[Sharon]

I have made several of your sock patterns up and loved everyone. However, I haven't tried any of the sideways socks. I think I am going to have to broaden my horizons.

[Katie]

I finally got my hands on Eclectic sole today (it's stupidly hard to get in the UK), I love every pattern, as does my Mum, she went back and bought the 2nd copy they had!

[Kimberly]

Love talking fish... the sideways construction and colourway are great together!

[Gabriele]

Love the Enchanted Knoll color Sedona you used in the Talking Fish Pattern.

[sarah]

yay for nearing the end of editing- it's a long slog, so well done!

[SusanB-knits]

I can't wait to see what the next pattern you will be showing us.

[Laura]

I really understand the not leaving the house without knitting thing. I recently went for a haircut, and stupidly forgot my knitting, only to have her actually running late (which she *never* is) and having to occupy myself for 45 minutes with the stupid hairdressing magazines. Does it mean I watch too much reality TV that I recognized a Project Runway model in one of the hair photos? :)

Anyway, the Talking Fish socks are stunning! So is everything in the book, though, so I can't say I'm surprised. Thanks for doing such beautiful work!

[Dyepotgirl]

I love the Fishes, but then I love all your patterns. A friend of mine recently gave me a pair of Niagara Socks for my birthday. She's an extremely fast and accomplished sock knitter and averages about a pair a week! I on the other hand am the Slowest Knitter on the Planet. So every so often my friend takes pity on me and makes me fancy and funky socks. How cool is that!

I really cracked up about the whole taking your knitting everywhere thing. I learned my lesson a few years ago. I had unexpected car problems that involved my transmission and a tow truck. My husband had to come and get me because I was quite a ways from home with no way to get back since I live out in the middle of nowhere. I was stuck at my husband's office all day without anything to do but be extremely bored. To make matters, worse my husband and I had a big argument the night before and here I was, stuck in his office the whole day!(We almost never argue, and average less than one a year!) All I could think of was all the spinning I could be doing or how I could have finished the socks I that was working on. Since then I always take either a drop spindle or my knitting, usually both. I keep a knitting project, drop spindle and fiber in my SOAR spindle bag and just grab them when I grab my purse. It doesn't matter if I'm traveling 1 mile or 100, I always have my spindle bag with me! All my friends and family are so used to me working on some sort of project while we talk and catch up that now they're surprised when I'm not knitting or drop spindling LOL! I have to tell ya though, I'm with a previous commenter who said that she would make sure that the person who made negative comments didn't get any hand knit presents! I can't wait to see your new book. Keep up the good work!

[Suzanne]

Love the sideways sock. I think I might do this one first

[Diane]

I'm sure the same folks who thought your constant knitting was rude wonder how you get so much done...

There's yarn all over the house here. The locals are excited to see me knit. I cause them so much less trouble when I'm busy! Frankly, it keeps me from commenting on what they are up to, and it isn't that I wouldn't approve - just gives me my own excitement.

Obviously, you're a process person - you LOVE the knitting, and probably it's as important to you as the finished product.

Knit on, knit on, knit on.

[peachesforever]

Since you are a member of Sock Knitters Anonymous on Ravelry, you are considered a 'homegrown designer' and qualify to have any of your patterns used in the July challenge!!! I'm doing Tristan & Isolde and can't wait to cast on!!!

[Christy]

The Talking Fish look so fun!!!!

[sockmonky]

I saw talking fish on Ravelry and was stunned by such a lovely pattern!! The SKA folks pointed me to your blog, and wow, the sock is still a stunner. I shall be looking for this book when it appears!!

[Joanne S.]

I take my knitting everywhere. The other day, about 15 miles from home, I realized I had forgotten my cell phone. There was a very brief moment of panic and then I remembered I had my knitting with me and all was well.