02 August 2017

Undecided But Not Unraveled

A lot of the time when I finish a pair of socks I've been knitting for a while, I already have an idea of what I want to knit next - pattern, yarn, or both.  But this time - zippo.  Lots of things floating around in my head, but nothing that I have really been dying to make.

Thinking about it, I remembered that I did want to make myself a pair of Social Security Number Socks.**  I'd made a pair years ago as a Christmas gift for The Tim, and he still has them (though he deserves a newer, not-as-worn-out pair!), and I'd always thought I'd make a pair for me, but forgot completely until recently.

So, I think that may be my next project.  Of course this begs the question: What colors will I use?  I want to use Encore yarn, since they are around-the-house socks, and Encore wears well while also not feeling like icky acrylic.  I have a lot of Encore, both because I've used it for knits that were gifts like baby stuff, or gifts for people that I know can't be bothered to handwash anything.  I like Encore for that reason, but also because it does not require a huge investment of funds.  I have some that I bought on super sale when Rosie's closed, as well as odds and ends that are leftover from projects in the past.  What I'm saying is, I have a lot of color choices.  Which of course, means there is a lot of indecision happening before I even cast on ...

Currently, these are the choices.


However, since I can't cast on right away, due to an arthritis flare-up, it could all change by the time I actually do anything. Or not. Indecision, thy name is Bridget ...

As far as reading, I recently started this book.


It's been on my to-read list for a while, and my turn finally came up on the library's hold list.  Right now, I'm not sure if I like it or not.  I know a lot of people who have read it and loved it, but I'm reserving judgement until I have read a bit more.

I'm also listening to this, and really enjoying it:


I've liked Al Franken since he was on "Saturday Night Live."  He is reading the audiobook, and it's both funny and truly interesting.  I'm not very far into yet, since I haven't have a lot of chances to listen for any length of time.  But so far, so good!

Today, I'm joining Kat and everyone else this week for Unraveled  Wednesday, and am looking forward to hearing about what others are making and reading.

**Social Security Number Socks - I heard about these years ago on the Knitlist (anyone remember that??).  There are really no hard and fast rules, but the basics are that you determine each unique number of your own or someone else's SS#, and choose a corresponding color.  Then you knit stripey socks based on it.  The ones I knit for The Tim were plain stockinette socks, but you can be as creative as you like.

Example:  If your SS#s is 456-78-9012, you would start by knitting the color that you've matched up with the number 4 for four rows; the color for number 5 for five rows, etc.  For zeros, you can do a different stitch, or improvise however you like.  When I knit them for The Tim, I used black for the zero in his number.  

Anyway, that's the basic premise, it's up to the knitter to make it their own.

When I made the pair for The Tim, someone said, "Well, that just makes it easy for someone to steal your Social Security Number!"  Personally, if anyone wants to get down to my socks, count the rows, and figure it all out, and I haven't noticed, it seems to me that there are bigger problems happening ... ;-)

14 comments:

Bonny said...

Indecision or careful consideration? :-) I like to call it the latter when I do it.

karen said...

oh I do hope your flare up is over sooner than later. I had those. Love the array of yarns, I'm drawn to the neutrals - but then I'm kind of bland that way!

Kym said...

Like you, most times I start thinking about what I'm going to knit next . . . when I'm not even half-done with what I'm currently knitting. But every once in a while? I just hit a wall! Socks are always a good idea then -- dependable, reliable, entertaining socks!

AsKatKnits said...

I am intrigued by the knitting idea behind SS# socks! How fun! I had not heard of this at all! I have Lab Girl on my "to read" list, but I have not started it yet either. I look forward to your review!

Tired Teacher said...

I love Encore for baby sweaters and gifts because of its easy care. New moms don't have time to fuss with hand washing knits.

The SSN socks sound interesting. You could easily roll a die and have the same effect and totally unique socks.

Nance said...

Oh, I always like the way grey and yellow look together.

I'm terribly indecisive lately; it's a bit of a holdover from the Vitamin D deficiency/brain fog thing. It's unlike me, and I hate it. It's also a byproduct of stress for me, and there has been a lot of it lately here. Sigh.

You and I need to find a way to RELAX without the FINDING part adding to our stress. Let me know if you hit on anything.

Araignee said...

Social Security socks! How clever. I have Al Franken's book on my Audible wishlist. I love his voice. He could read the phone book and I'd buy it.

Unknown said...

The someone who said, "Well, that just makes it easy for someone to steal your Social Security Number!" was a Class A worrier. How on earth would someone know which colors you arbitrarily assigned to which number. I don't consider myself a violent person, but if someone was close enough to my feet to count rows of color, I would be tempted to kick them.

Not that you asked, but I liked the green.

Jeannie Gray Knits said...

Social Security socks - what a fantastic idea! I'm thinking of using phone numbers for a few pair for friends & office mates who might find it a bit invasive if I asked for their SS#.

Vera said...

I'd never heard of SS socks before - but a fun idea. I may have to try that, but I need more solid color yarn. Surprise - there's an excuse to shop!

I started reading Lab Girl, but just didn't care for it. It seemed to drag too much for me.

Hope your flare up simmers down to zilch so that you can cast on.

KSD said...

I"m reading Al Franken's book; it's wonderful so far!

The next time I get in the mood for some FrankenSocks, I'll use the Social Security Number formula --- terrific idea.

Juliann in WA said...

Lab Girl is in my TBR pile too

Anonymous said...

I guess as long as you don't have any repeating in order numbers .. SS# socks could be interesting.

Of course, you could do Driver's License #, Cell phone # ....the possiblities are endless.

elns said...

I'm going to have to queue for that audiobook, that might be what I need. You had me at funny and interesting. I'll take even a bit of that if I can't finish it.