Zippy Zinnias aka Twisted Flower

What can I say about this lovely pattern that hasn't been said already? Are the socks lovely? Oh, yes! Is it amazing how the twists and cables create this intricate design that seems to weave itself throughout the leg and down into the foot? Yes, yes!! Am I glad that I finally wove it that last end today? Definitely!

I started Zippy Zinnias back on July 2nd with a planned completion dates on July 31st. I was still deep in the gardening and something about digging, pulling weeds and planting doesn't agree with my right hand. I couldn't hold a needle for more than 5 minutes. Hand pain plus numerous twists and cable proved too much. When Loopy Ewe announced that the Q3 challenge would be to push yourself and knit socks that would kick out your bum, I knew that I had already picked the perfect pattern. Well, I got them done in time for the deadline of October 1st. WHEW!

Pattern: Twisted Flowers by Cookie A.
Yarn: J. Knits Superwash Me in Indiana
Needles: Crystal Palace 0s
Cable Needle: A sanded-down toothpick.

Here's a bonus. These socks are part of the Loopy Ewe Seasonal Sock Club. The pattern, "Pheasant Run", is by Lisa Parker of Wildhorse Farms. The yarn is Claudia's Hand-Painted which is absolutely delicious. Gotta love that Louet base!!

Autumn is creeping in

How can someone pick between two seasons? Spring? Fall? They both represent good changes.

If spring is the season of new, I guess fall would be the season of old. But I don't see it. Yes the leaves are turning, the grass stops growing, our plants suddenly wilt after a hard frost. But it's not from oldness. I see fall into winter as the season of renewal. It's time for people, plants, and animals to take a breather, slow down, relax a little, and gather strength for the next spring and summer.

Take time to read a book, visit a museum, take in a play or a musical, visit with family.

Of course, I associate fall with cleaning. Call it a habit from childhood days when my grandmother always did fall and spring cleaning. My fall cleaning consists of cleaning all windows, getting the garage ready for winter, carpet cleaning, kitchen cabinet scouring, and if really motivated, wall cleaning. I'm not one of those types that stays on top of these on a weekly, let alone, a monthly basis.

And fall has its good qualities. Large bonfires, friends sitting around a campfire, crispness of chilled autumn air, pulling out sweatshirts for warm snuggles, opening windows again for that fresh breeze blowing in a bedroom, cats sitting in open windows, bowls of chili and bean soup complete with cornbread and butter, working outside and enjoying it, and lots of knitting to catch up on.