Silver Fox Sox

These Lacy Cable Socks by Veronik Avery are from the book Knitting 24/7. They are knitted from Madeline Tosh sock color Silver fox.

These socks are a good fit. They aren't terribly snug up top, but due to the structure the stitch provides they don't slouch too much. I wear a 6.5-7 shoe, and I knitted the pattern as written. I've machine washed these guys a few times now, and they are holding up. While I love they way these came out. This wasn't a project I could knit while doing something else, and I had to keep the pattern with me through both socks. I will probably go with something more mindless next time.

Cousin Kai's Kanoko Pants

Kanoko Pants by Yumiko Sakura & Cute Noggin Baby Hat by Heather Anderson both are knit with Lion's Brand Cotton Ease in Taupe. I really like this fiber for baby's Machine wash and dryable, and not too heavy.

Such a cutie! These pants are my first attempt at baby clothes. I really had no frame of reference for fit. I was a little worried b/c they looked super small as I was knitting them, but apparently children start out very small ;) This was a pretty quick project, and was perfect for a project size between blanket and just a hat. I went ahead and knitted the 9-18 mos thinking if he were small he would grow into them, and if he were big they would fit early. He's about 3 mos in this picture and they are just a little big. perfect!

My hands smell like bacon

Why? Because I just finished my first batch of bacon infused vodka!!

I got this idea from a tasty Bloody Mary I had while in Austin for the SXSW Interactive Conference. The process is relatively simple and after some research and my husband's insistence it would not make me ill, I decided to try it.

I followed instructions on Instructables.com, and used Titos Vodka. I started with a half pound of peppered bacon and a half of a bottle of vodka, and let the bacon steep in the vodka for 2-3 hours before putting it in the freezer.

I plan to use it for Bloddy Marys mainly, but found this company that actually sells bacon infused vodka, and they have what look like some very tasty recipes for bacon vodka. My favorite is called the Elvis Presley...

Leisl

PHOTOS BY KATIE WAMSLEY

This Leisl, by Ysolda Teague, is knit with Manos Wool Classica. The pattern is written so the knitter can achieve different effects and variations depending on the yarn and options she chooses. My gauge is 4.5 sts/in. I followed the green sample in the pattern, 3/4" sleeves and boat neck.

Project notes:

I knitted the 34” so I’d have some ease. Though I got gauge, or so I thought, it ended up being a 32”. I chose the boat neck option of this pattern, but I don't really consider this a 'boat neck' it’s about an inch lager around than my crew neck t-shirts. Despite these things I still love it. The pattern is easy to follow, It was a quick knit for a cardigan, it fits well, and I've already gotten some good use out of it.

I ended up knitting the button holes, but I think it looks better with my buttons if I button into the lace on the other side of the button band.

Manos holds up surprisingly well for a single-ply yarn. I've always admired it in the store, and I enjoyed working with it.

These slippers are made for walkin'

PHOTOS BY KATIE WAMSLEY

Growing up my father was always concerned about whether we needed socks on our feet. It wasn't until I moved to San Francisco that I began to appreciate the need for efficient foot coverage, and my fathers wise concerns. This Christmas I decided to return the favor.

Enter Lorna Miser, of Lorna's Laces. The Suede bottoms can be purchased with the pattern for 'Suede Soled Slippers', from Somerset Designs, and are lined with a synthetic wool.

I used 3 skeins of Twice Tweed from Elsebeth Lavold, a recycled blend of wool, cotton and polyamide. The yarn isn't particularly soft to work with, but I wanted something that might have some structure, and wouldn't be too warm for Texas.

The only adjustment I made was to continue the rib pattern down the heel. To attach the upper to the suede piece I used a whip stitch and strands of my Twice Tweed split in half.