And I just finished the Turtle Tracks Socks for the most recent Sock Club package.  Here’s a photo of the finished sock, and the pattern will be available in October.

I’ve been running around like crazy getting ready for next week.  The Stitches Market is next week!  Every year, the folks who put out Knitters Magazine hold Stitches, a market and learning convention of knitters.  For the last few years it’s been in Baltimore, which is very convenient for me.  I’ll be in booth 449 all next weekend, so stop in and say hi!

Also, I’m going to be hosting my good friend, Hannah Fettig at my booth for a book-signing.  She’ll be autographing copies of Closely Knit on Friday, November 8 at 1:00 pm in my booth, 449.  If you haven’t seen it, this book is awesome.  Full of great ideas for gifts to make for loved ones.  Or other relatives you may not feel so strongly about.  But mostly loved ones.

And there has been actual knitting.  I’m working on this beautiful shrug from my pal, Stefanie’s new book, Glam Knits.  And it’s actually in my yarn!  Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted, in Logan Circle for the book sample.  I’m knitting mine in Sheridan Circle.  Hopefully soon this blob of knitting

will become this gorgeous piece of knitwear

I have a LOOOOONG way to go. Speaking of Stef and Glam Knits, she’s going to be at Knit Happens in Alexandria for a book signing tomorrow night.  All you local folk should check it out!

I also managed to get out the first installment of the Walking Tour of DC Sock Club, including a pattern that I designed.  I think everyone has their yarn, so I can post the pic of the sock all knit up.  I really had fun with the pattern and it’s SO simple.  Once the sock club is over, I’ll make it available to the masses.

That’s it for now.  No wonder I missed October…I think I’ve been busy!

Fave stop of the day wasn’t actually at the market.  I had brunch at Asylum, and this was on the menu:

The Obama-Let.  It gave me a little thrill with my eggs and mimosa.

Also, due to popular demand, I’ve scheduled another dye workshop.  Info and sign up form are here.

And finally, signups for the Walking Tour of DC are officially closed.  To all participants, I hope you like your first shipment!

First, a tree fell on my new house.  Seriously.  There was a freak storm (some people are saying it was a tornado) that brought down a bunch of trees in my neighborhood.  Luckily, no one was hurt and there was no real damage.  Poor little Honey was home by herself and the tree hit the house right at the studio.  She was cowering in the corner when we got home.  Gratuitous tree pic below.  There are more on Flickr

Second, I have had this awesome yarn for weeks(!) and haven’t had a chance to blog it.  Priscilla, who took very good care of me while I was in Columbus, told the wonderful Mia that I wanted to get my hands on some Wollmeise.  Mia and I have similar tastes in colors, so she popped these pretties in the mail to me. Mia, you rock! Mmmm…Wollmeise.

Third, the Prince William Purlers.  Last Monday night I headed out to Manassas, VA for the monthly meeting of the Prince William Purlers.  This knitting guild gave me such a warm welcome and were so interested in the work of NFC and my inspiration.  I had lots of fun hanging out and I hope that everyone enjoys the yarn!  Thanks ladies!

Fourth, the Sock Club.  I went back and forth about it in my head and with a few knitters, and I’ve decided to do it.  This sock club is a bit different than the last one.  It’ll last for a whole year, but yarn packages will only come every other month.  Each package will include enough yarn for a pair of socks, a pattern, and goodies. The price for the club is $30/month ($180 for the full year) and each member will be billed at the beginning of each month that a package is shipped. If at any time someone is unhappy, that person can opt out of future shipments and not be charged for them.

The theme is a Walking Tour of DC.  Basically, the colors, yarns, and patterns will be inspired by people, places, and things I see while walking around DC.  One month might be inspired by a night at the monuments, and another by FilmFest DC.  I’m hoping the sock club will help me stay in touch with my DC roots.  The city is such a source of inspiration for me, and I don’t want to lose touch with that.  I have a very limited number of spots, so if you’re interested, head on over here and sign up!

And finally, a bit of a personal update.  My brother, William, has been in Nigeria since May and he’s finally coming home tomorrow!  We’re all very excited because while in Nigeria, he’s had malaria twice and lost more than 20 pounds.  So we want him back in the States where we can feed and coddle him until we’re all reassured.

Also, I’ve recently been travelling to Philadelphia to visit my grandfather in the hospital and skilled nursing facility where he’s been.  A couple of weeks ago, when we had a series of HOT days, he suffered a heat stroke and was taken to the emergency room.  While he was there, they discovered he had pneumonia too.  So, he’s been bounced back and forth from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility where he’s doing rehabilitation therapy (re-learning to do regular stuff like going up stairs).  We hope he’ll be released this week too and I’ll be going back to Philly to get him and bring him back to stay with my Mom.

So, if I haven’t been on Ravelry or checking emails as frequently as usual, I’m sure you all understand!