We went to Massachusetts for the kids' Spring Break, we being myself, K and CJ.  DH had to stay home to work, lucky boy!

I finished these just in time for the trip.  20 Questions below.



The weather forecast said cold and cold and cold, so I packed all my hand-knit wool socks!  I nearly finished one more of a new pair on the trip - I was using Socks that Rock mediumweight for Jaywalkers, but it was turning out too big.  So I adjusted the size, and then it pooled.  I gave up after a while, and then started the negative bricks (see the sidebar for the link to the pattern).

So what was Massachusetts like?  We went to Worcester, and saw my Grammy, who is now 89 years old. 


Her health isn't what it once was, but she is still sharp as a tack.  I cannot believe how good her memory is, she remembers all sorts of stories about things that happened 50 years ago!  I can't remember what I ate for dinner last night.  What a blessing for K and CJ to know her.

We went to my cousin's for Easter.  We enjoyed the annual cracking of the cascarones.  Cousin Ryan got it badly!



We spent a few more days in Worcester, hitting the bookstore (not much else to do in Worcester on a cold day), seeing Bridge to Terabithia (recommended), having dinner with my cousin and his family, having dinner with my aunt and uncle, and so on.  And then we drove to Concord, NH, to visit my friends Marianne & Robert.  In the snow.
 


Yeah, it snowed.  It was quite lovely, although it was really wet crappy snow.  We didn't have snow boots so I didn't let the kids play in it.  Mean mommy.

On our last day we enjoyed the Boston Museum of Science with the Carrie-Claude-Cecile-Gabe crowd.  

To top off the past two weeks, somebody got her cast off today!



Back to those socks...

1. Name of Project:  A Step Ahead Socks
2. Pattern Source:  Knitters 75, Summer 2004
3. Yarn: Baywood Yarns Superwash Sock
4. Fiber: 100% superwash merino
5. Color:  Mermaid Jewels, which is not available right now - it was a limited run, but maybe they'll have it again some day.
6. Where did I get the yarn?  I dyed it myself!
7. Is it the yarn called for?  No.
8. How long did it take to knit?  I think I cast it on last October or November
9. Did I change anything?  Yes, I used 10-stitch blocks rather than the 11 called for in the pattern.  I made other adjustments accordingly but don't remember all of them. This is why I don't write patterns - my note-taking sucks.
10. What would I have done differently?  I really really really dislike the afterthought heel - it looks great but doesn't fit me as well as other heel types.  I'd try to alter the pattern to use a different heel.
11. Were the instructions clear?  Yes, the pattern is written really well.
12. What did I learn?  This was my first entrelac pattern, and my first afterthought heel.
13. Was it worth it?  Yes.
14. Would I do it again?  Probably not, unless I can figure out how to adjust the heel.
15. What seaming methods were used?  Kitchener, at the heel and toe.
16. Will I knit with the yarn again?  I had better, since it's the stuff I dye!
17. Do I think I’ll wear it?  Already have!
18. Process or Product?  Process. 
19. Do I have shoes to match? Yes, cute little mary janes.
20. Final Thoughts:  There are some great pointers about this pattern on the KnitFlix blog.  I printed out her post and carried it with the pattern.  Very helpful!