A Word About Bootsocks.

I have a feeling that "boot socks" mean different things to different people. To me, they are not just "socks that look good with boots". They are a working sock! A boot sock should be a little roomy so that you can fit a sock liner in. If you've never worn boot socks with a sock liner....oh my goodness, your feet are missing out. A liner is a very fine sock made of cotton, or sometimes silk. It wicks the moisture away from your foot and then your woolly boot sock will absorb it. So your feet stay warm and dry! The liner also provides the friction cushion, so that any rubbing is between the boot sock and the liner...not your foot. So blisters are uncommon with liners and boot socks. So that's why when I write a "boot sock" pattern they will be a little roomy. I'm thinking that just going down 1/2 size on the needles would probably remove the need for a liner if you don't want to use them. But try it, just once! When you're out in the cold, with your boots on and a lot of walking to do. It is amazing how well boot socks and liners work together and how much more comfy feet can be!

27 Knots Boot Socks

Subway Boot Socks

Fiddlehead Reversible Boot Socks

These patterns available here: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/moira-engel

Three Cheers for Fall!

I'm the first to admit that I am not a lover of sun, sand and summer. I wilt noticeably and spend a lot of time hiding indoors. Fall, winter and spring are my seasons. Not just because I knit either. It’s just something about me. Those first few colored leaves send me into a giddy joy that lasts straight through until June. Fall is my new year! I feel inspired to start new things, make my resolutions and get moving again.
This fall has been particularly busy. I’ve been fortunate to have been working with Three Irish Girls Yarn. It’s my first experience with their yarn and boy, do I love it! The stitch definition and drape of their “Kells” merino is amazing. It even smells pretty! My design “Arya Sweater” went live with their “Eunice’s’ Choice Club” for October. My bootsock design “Walkin’ in the Free World” was their “Sock Club” choice for September. I’ll be releasing both these patterns in my Ravelry Store in December.

I’ve also started work on a wrap…I’m not really a shawl person. I like having the long, wide wrap that you can wind around your head and shoulders. Here’s a sneak peek!

It’s turning into a bit of a career because I have to keep putting it aside to work on something with a deadline looming. I really love it though, I think it’s so pretty…or will be if I ever finish it!




My dilemma is a sweater that I shall call “Indecision”.

I bounce back and forth between loving it and feeling it’s not quite right. Maybe it’s the colors….I wanted a subtle change but perhaps I should have gone bold! It’s certainly not the yarn; I worked it in “Dream in Color” Classy. Super soft and delicious yarn, so I want to do it justice. The pattern is written, the photos are taken and I still can’t decide. More deliberation is required and some honest critique! This is really the first time this has happened to me, so I’ll try to glean some wisdom from it.

Other than knitting, I’m finding a challenge in my last offspring in High School. With 15 years between children…really, it happens… the whole school thing is kind of dragging out. So, as a homework support person, I find myself learning Math 10 again. Third time round you think it would be getting easier! I love math, it’s kind of like magic! I honestly find thinking hard for a few hours makes me more tired than exercise, too bad it doesn’t burn the same calories. I pray that there’s still hope my brain will rally and it just hasn’t gotten too old.