Knitting at Herbie Dog Digs

Did I mention we used to live in Portland, Oregon? We moved to Ohio roughly two years ago for a job opportunity. Imagine my dismay to hear the Sock Summit was in Portland! The agony! Knowing I could have simply taken a few vacation days, not have to travel, be in my own bed every night and go to the hottest sock gathering this year?!?! It seriously has been bumming me out. Every time I log onto Ravelry, I get more and more homesick for the Pacific Northwest. Yes - could I have booked a flight, flown across country, stayed with friends, had hubby watch the kids and attended. Of course. But who has an extra $800 laying around to get to Portland for three days?

Here's the strange part....I don't even knit socks. The farthest I have gotten is a two needle variety pattern written in the 1940's. DPN's are my worse enemy. Doesn't matter though. I am pouting about not going anyways. I feel like I am missing a great party because my Dad is not letting me go! Pout, pout, pout!

The upside for me is there are many projects to use all this yummy sock yarn on without actually knitting socks! With that being said, to celebrate opening day of the Sock Summit 2009, I am giving away two balls of Adriafil Knitcol Trends sock yarn! It's a self-striping/patterning yarn that knits up to almost a sport weight (kinda inbetween a true sock and at DK weight). I have a photo of some on the needles right now that are going to be awesome fingerless gloves for the Fall. The best part is there will be a tiny Hippo included (knit on Red Heart - Heart & Sole).

So what's the catch? Free yarn? Too good to be true, right? Nope! I just need a favor....Just post a comment, including your email so I can reach the random lucky winner, and tell me what you like about Herbie Dog Digs and what needs to change. All input is greatly appreciated (good or bad)!

Good luck to all and we will pick the lucky winner on Sunday!!!

For me, there is nothing like the start of a new project. Pattern perfectly printed on crisp white paper, brand new yarn that is still in its band. It's like paradise. So much so that I had to take a picture.

As you will see to your left, last night I decided to tackle Little Cotton Rabbit's newest creation - the sweet garden hedgehog. The pattern is available on Ravelry for 95 pence...and the best part is proceeds go to a wildlife fund in the UK. All around good thing. If you haven't bumped across Little Cotton Rabbits blog, you are in for a treat! Not only is Julie a master toy knitter, she has patterns available and you will learn about her little slice of life in dealing with a severely autistic child. Her mood is always up and I enjoy popping in a few times a week.

You can visit her here: http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/

The hedgehog is taking place wonderfully! He's going to be so cute!