A Couple of New Beginnings

Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I had figured out a cast-on for toe-up socks, using Wendy's book? Well, I pulled some yarn out of my stash, and gave it a try with some actual sock yarn. I decided to try the Basic Toe-Up Sock with Gusset Heel pattern in the book, and so far, so good:

By now I've made a little more progress, but I'm pleased with how well they are going. This is Socka Color yarn, in a colorway called "Daisy Dot." I bought it when I first learned to knit socks, so it has been mellowing in the stash now for probably about ten years ...

Proving that eventually, I do get around to using yarn I have bought.

I can't remember if I mentioned that as a birthday gift last year, The Tim bought me a new sewing machine. Well, he did, and it's perfect for me - not a real basic model, but not full of bells and whistles that I'll likely never use. Long ago in a distant galaxy, my sister Nancy taught me some basic sewing skills, but I decided that it would be worth taking some actual lessons, particularly since it had been so long since I'd sewn anything using a machine. The [relatively] new fabric store near my house, Spool, was offering Beginner Sewing classes, so I signed up.

The project for the class was a Reversible Grocery Tote. Everyone chose their fabrics and we got started. Here is an in-progress shot of the fabrics I chose, in the beginning stages of becoming handles:

I'll unveil the completed bag in a future post. But the class was well worthwhile, I learned a lot of things that I didn't know before. And to be honest, I would have never, ever attempted anything reversible on my own, so now I feel like I've learned something extra. Laura (the owner), is a wonderful teacher, and explained things really well, then let us take our time. If you live in the area and would like to learn to sew (or want to see some pretty fabrics!), I'd encourage you to visit Spool.

Unrelated to knitting or sewing, I walked up to our neighborhood CVS this afternoon for something, and was on my way home. I got near Rittenhouse Square, and saw a couple with a very cute, small, fuzzy white dog. So of course, I had to ask them what kind of dog it was, could I pet it, etc. They were telling me about funny things the dog does, and other such details that people usually tell you about their pets. When I stood up to go, and say thanks to them for letting me pet the dog, I realized that it was Cole Hamels and his wife!! How cool is that? I've always thought he was nice enough looking, but I have to say that in person, he is really great-looking! And a whole lot taller than I thought he would be. I didn't say anything, 'cause they had been so friendly, I didn't want to suddenly become A Fan.

But it sure was fun!