I've reached an all-time high number of listings in my shop, so I've decided to slow down a bit on my tabi production.  I really want to beef up the number of traditional-toed socks before cool weather sets in, since they did so well last year, despite the limited colors available, and I was pretty stressed in getting them made.  I placed my order for the new yarn last week, so I've got awhile before I'm able to dig in on that.

While I wait, I've decided to work on some of my personal projects.  Things are pretty slow in etsy-land, so I figured it'd be a good thing to take advantage of.  I really want to crank out at least two sweaters before it gets cool, and have about six Chrismukkah stockings that I'd like to finish.

Knitting really causes a special kind of seasonal madness.  In June, the pressure starts to get warm woolies ready for The Season, so orders of wool, alpaca, etc. start arriving.  Thick sweaters, thrummed mittens, and warm slippers start production in the heat of the summer.  If you're not planning or already working by July, a little bit of a panic starts setting in.  By the end of August, you'd better have a nice bit of product stocked up, or the pinch is really on.  

And I'm a willing participant.  Below is the first repeat of the cabled cuff for a lovely, classic stocking.  I plan on making six of these, and I'm getting a head start!

Originally posted in my 1000markets blog.

One of the things I love most about crafting is being able to share my creations. Knowing that the creations I sell end up in homes where individuals love and treasure handmade is something that brings me great joy. An even greater joy is being able to knit for my family and loved ones, especially when they're experiencing trials in their lives.

My recent project was a pair of traditional toed socks for a dear friend of mine who'll be going in for her second brain surgery over the next few weeks. It might seem strange to be gifting someone a thick, cushy pair of woolen socks in the middle of June, but hospitals are always so cold and those socks they provide are horrible and rough.

Handmade socks, to me, are hugs for your feet. When you slide on a pair of hand knit socks, there's a warmth there that storebought socks don't have. I hope, after my friend wakes up, she'll be able to look down at her feet, rub them together a little, and smile, knowing that I've been thinking of her and sending her all of the healthy, healing energies I can.

Meet Jane's socks. :)