It's never wrong to enjoy a knit-challenge. I'm just impressed you didn't go the whiskey route (which is sometimes all that enables one to power through such challenges). The right side of the leaf in that last photo looks positively leaf-like! No amoebas at all.

"(Do you think there's something wrong with me for enjoying a knit-challenge so much?)"

Nonsense. As you inscribed my copy of KNITTING RULES, "obsession is normal."

There is nothing wrong with you, and you are smarter then me. I would have be drunk and crying trying to sew that leaf in the whole.

First?

I'm knitting my first sock this year! I hope I'll have the fortitude to knit the matching sock as well.

You're an inspiration!

Very mature indeed!

My answer would be that if anyone was close enough to my toes to see how much the leaf-amoeba sucks, they deserve that toe in the eye.

This is also my answer to the ongoing "laddering-despite-all-stitch-yanking" issue.

Those socks are going rock.

Do I see a dropped stitch? ... just kidding...
:-)

Nope, nothing wrong at all. It's the people who don't enjoy challenges who I worry about. After all, challenges are usually the only way to learn anything new.

It's only an obsession to the muggles. For the rest of us it's a perfectly normal way to lose a week.

Nope. We need challenge in our lives to keep things interesting.

These leaves are the new crack. "YH Crack." You should market it.

Wow, you must be maturing if you decided against the alcohol.

I was thinking looking at the picture that you might be happier with the results if you sewed it on through the purl bumps on the bottom, so it would look like the leaf was on top of the sock.

You're spending a lot of time trying to justify the "normalcy" of this project. Methinks the lady doth protest too much...

"Wow, you must be maturing if you decided against the alcohol."

LOL, either that or she didn't have any decent red wine in the house.

I don't know that there's anything "wrong" with you...it's more of a 24 (168?) hour flu than something persistent, you know? I love the leaf + amoeba hole so far, btw. Feel free to employ my favourite unbecoming bit of language (motherf*&^er or even em-eff-er). I'll get to knit and drink vicariously through you that way. :)

Wouldn't it be easier to just make the sock and then sew a leaf on? Maybe not authentic but it might keep you off the strong stuff
Sue K.

Does it make me a bad knitter that I enjoy hearing when others are having "issues" with patterns?
It makes me feel so much better about the scarf that I am hiding until I can take it to knit group so they can fix me!

Holy Toe, Batman! That looks awesome.

I think it would be really bad if you had gotten all of that nice yarn then decided the challenge was too overwhelming and scrapped the whole thing. Enjoy the challenge, you've probably conquered most of the other worldly knitting challenges, so you need something new and different to keep it interesting, anyway.

I'm thinking that you must be holding your thumb over the part that isn't "going well," because it looks quite lovely to me, especially the way the edge of the hole creates a defining outline for the leaf.

Enjoy your challenge and the triumph of getting it right as well. And then raise a glass of strong drink in salute!

The end result will be worth the incredible endurance you are showing in pursuing this project. Remember it is your "art form" not just knitting (at least that's how I justify it)

I figure as long as nobody dies, it's all good. And I'm not sure it is language unbecoming a knitter. I mean, it's pretty much a case of learn to knit, reach new heights in emphatic and profane language. And all your efforts will be worth it, because those socks are going to look SO stinking cool.

(Tangent: In ... March of last year, faced with an ocean of slush to wade through, you solicited recommendations for boots to keep feet warm and dry. Based on those comments, I bought boots which are living up to every single extravagant claim. So thank you, because without your post I'd never have known that these boots existed and my winter would be far less happy.)

Ooh I think it looks lovely!!! And you're not crazy at all. =)

Not so good on the patience most days, so I'd head straight for the strong language. And maybe a shot of a little something strong to go with it.

OK, now I need to know about the boots. I must have missed that post. (I'm new on the block). Can you fill me in?

thanks! I wouldn't wear those socks with boots, though - they're way too spiffy.

Keep thinking of how amazing that sock will look on your foot when it's done. You are definitely up to the challenge. I myself am wondering if I should rip back my first short-row heel (first pair of toe-up socks! Heel seems less cushy than cuff-down socks ...) or if I should just forge on, as it's what the pattern says. If I were to rip back, that's a lot of teeny stitches to put back on my tiny circs. Should have put in a lifeline before that dratted heel ...
Also, the leaf hole thing will keep your mind off missing Joe.
~ Dar

Honestly, that ameoba-shaped hole looks just like a leaf-shaped hole to me. Methinks you were just up way to late last night working on it. Something like the 1 am I was up because I just wanted to get that spinning finished up so that I could ply tonight. Must. go. take. zzzzzz.

Of course it isn't a problem that you like knitting challenges so much. If you can get through this without resorting to alcohol and sailor-talk then I may just have to upgrade you from my hero to God!

Cursing definitely helps, but not as much as yoga . . . .

I'm beginning to think these socks are the Everest of knitwear. Why did they climb Everest? Same reason people want to knit the impossible knit.

If you begin to get lightheaded, we'll send someone with oxygen directly.

I personally think it looks great so far. My mind was already blown by the whole concept of "knitting a leaf-shaped hole". Say what?!!

Besides, if it all doesn't come out looking exactly like the picture, we quilters just call it a "design option".

Nope. Nothing wrong with you at all. And extra points for all of us that you have sucked into this particular pattern vortex.

It looks okay so far. Remember that blocking can fix almost anything wool does.

I think a knitting challenge is awesome...it's how you learn new things and how you keep your skills from getting stagnant. Me? I think I'd rather poke myself in the eye with my DPN's than try and knit a grape leaf shaped hole and then sew a leaf back into it. However, I know I will drool over your socks anyway when you post finished pictures.

I have found that ADD and OCD are assets to knitters, unlike in the rest of the world. So obsess away! I'm still trying to count successfully to higher than 2.

clearly this project is destined to be many a knitter's olympic 2008 project.

I love a challenge. I'm the type that just jump in - if you don't do it, how are you going to know if you can or not? This crazy sock is on my challenge list.

Enjoy.

Seems about right based on last time Joe was out of town so long. Didn't you redo the entire bedroom from floor to ceiling in a week? This leaf/sock thing totally fits the theme of crazy sh*t to do while Joe's away.

BTW, you haven't run out of Screech, have you?

I think those leaves are cool all by themselves. It might take me a while but, I know I could make a lamp out of them. I've been told you can make a lamp out of anything. By the way, I'm still knitting a blanket for my granddaughter that's now 8 months old. We just found out her mom is expecting again so I have more time. I might be done in time for #2. Did I mention this blanket is the easier pattern the nice lady at the yarn store could provide? At this time in my life being 60 is all the challenge I can handle. I knit instead of drink...

I feel the same way about my husband. The moderating effect, I mean. He's a brick.

Completely random, but I've been wondering this for a while now: why, when I click "remember personal info" every single time, does this blog (and only this blog) not remember me? Is it me? Or the blog? Should I bring it flowers?

De-lurking to say I love, love, love your blog and read it obsessively. I'm always slightly befuddled when I show your books to people and they (Muggles) don't see what is so hysterically funny. Anyway, good luck with the socks! I agree re: the Everest comment. Why knit them? Because they're there.

I think that you are enjoying this insane challenge so much I REALLY want to go buy this kit. And I think it's great that Jennifer has to fire up her dye pots because of you ;-)

OK, now I'm starting to worry about you a little. Having a leaf-shaped hole look more like an amoeba was pretty normal, but having so much trouble sewing the leaf into it... that part shouldn't be so hard. I did pin the pointy bits into place, I think, to make sure they were aligned right, and other than that it wasn't such a big deal. Finicky and fiddly, yes - a massive struggle, no. Oh wait - there's a picture. Sheesh, that looks fine!

(BTW in case anyone is interested, I have put up a post on my blog that addresses some of the issues I've seen raised here - questions like why the leaf is sewn IN instead of ON, how the leaves behave after washing, etc. etc. Oh, and plans for a standalone version of the leaf pattern, too....)

No crazier than I am to be trying to do 56 repeats of an edging which takes me fifteen minutes per repeat when my attention is on it before I go to bed to night. (That syntax should give you a notion of my chances. Only ambition is keeping me from strong drink -- come nine o'clock all bets are off.)

By comparison, you're Sir Isaac Newton.

I thought of you this morning when I got up and realized our furnace wasn't working either.

My husband fixed it, but it was damn cold in here for a few hours while he "tinkered".

Apparently he doesn't have the Fonz touch.

Damn.

Agree with Paula! It is fun to watch you do this but would most likely leave me in a puddle on the couch. Can't wait to see the finished project.

One plus for going the "strong drink" route is that after a few the hole would no longer look amoeba like but the perfect leaf shape you want! It is amazing how much better my knitting looks after a drink.

I love the leaves - and I'm impressed by your perseverance!! Those are beautiful socks!

I am inspired. I am halfway through the heel flap of my very first sock. I am so excited. I can't believe I waitted so long to try a sock. It has me so jazzed I just ran out abd bought wool for a cabled sweater for my son and a long sweater jacket for my daughter. I think I willl have to put all my other life responsibilities on hold and run away and knt for a month or two!!!!

I think a sock called "Vintage" BEGS for alcohol... ie it's telling you red wine is de rigeur for getting the toe done :)

Of course there's nothing wrong with you. Thomas Edison once said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." That's how I approach my knitting challenges, that and a healthy dose of ignorance about what I've gotten myself into usually helps!

About the furnace...our furnace did that a few years ago. It would get cold, Husband would whack it and it would turn on. It turns out that it was shutting off because of carbon monoxide. You might want to get that checked.

Oh, and I love the leaves.

Those leaves are slowing becoming appealing. I'm in stockinette H E double hockey sticks on every single project on the needles. Just think of how cheap those socks are for your entertainment dollar!

Yes, I do think you are a few grapes short of a bunch, but don't go changin', we like you just the way you are!

You know, don't you, how many knitters you give hope to out there every time something is difficult for you, but you keep going, and then in the end you show us something that is just a masterpiece, just exquisite. You make others aspire to doing great knitting too. (I can't wait to see those when they're finished!)

Or, on rare occasion, you frog it. And we get to laugh in relief that someone else is human, that it's not just us.

Nonsense! It's perfectly normal for one to want to challenge one's self. For example, some of us want to knit beautiful and challenging socks, while others of us want to enroll in two graduate degree programs at one time. . . . see, it's all a matter of personal challenge in order to grow, learn, and stay vibrant. Perfectly normal, nothing odd about it at all. (just don't tell anyone. . . they tend to get pale and panicky over what they don't understand--or worse they go all, "you can't do that" on you)

Of course there's something wrong with you - but that's why I love you in the first place. Now, I hate to seem judgey or anything but - uhm - stop with the ripping - Just move on from here with a 'this is art' approach and have some fun. Of course, don't expect me not to laugh at you, too, when you are spotted walking around with a wonky leaf hanging off a sock. Not that yours is wonky - just the sick and twisted images that occupy my otherwise vacated mind....see, you're not so bad - you could surely be worse than having something be 'wrong' with you - you could be like me!

Your "not so great" is muy better than my "going great" ;) And it's normal to want to challenge one's self. Congrats on your new maturity!

On the plus side, all this time you'll need for leaf related activities this week should quash any thoughts you may have had of surprise renovations while Joe's away. This is good.

I don't think that there's any language that's unbecoming a knitter. At times the two must go hand in hand. Needles not included.

Ummm, is there something wrong with you.....ummmm....well I wouldn't be knitting those leaves, but I love that you are. I hope you don't stop because then I may have to start them, and I really can't take up drinking....it would cut into my fiber budget.

There's everything RIGHT with enjoying a knit-challenge. The only thing that seems to be missing is money down on a bet.

I certainly do admire your tenacity with those leaves . I ""thought "" I was mature but I'm not mature enough to tackle those. Good luck we are waiting and watching. Obcess all you like it's part of being a knitter

"I have told the kids to be extra nice to me while Joe is away, since it's really only his presence that keeps me from killing them some days." This truism explains so much in our family, and made me laugh out loud.

As for the sock challenge, while I respect your choice to follow the pattern, I believe that as the Yarn Harlot you have the unmitigated right to modify said pattern to meet your wanton knitting ways.

'Domestic Fonz'... O.M.G. Yes. Yes, you are.

Thanks, I really needed that laugh today. Now to clean off my monitor...

If faced with an amoeba toe hole in a sock, I would have done what any normal person would have done and colored around it with a Sharpie and made it the mouth of a sock puppet. Along with drinking, it would have been quite fanciful.

I think you showed remarkable restraint.

These socks will look so awesome with Birkinstocks! They're going to be so beautiful I would want to show them off as much as possible.

I realize this is probably a stupid question but why couldn't you just knit a normal toe up sock and sew the leaf over it. Not only would no one know and I of course would never tell anyone but it would give you two layers to prevent wearing out the toes.

Anyway I really enjoy your blog and own all your books and am looking forward to the new one.

I think it's fabulous that you are enjoying this knit challenge. If knitting were not at times challenging, then I would have ditched this art long ago. There are times when I really appreciate the mindless knit, but for the most part, I like to challenge myself with interesting patterns and new techniques.

#9 is my favorite. I love it! Why don't the muggles understand the greatness of a knitting challenge? Happy leaves!

Ayyyyyyyy!

Nothing wrong with you at all - you are keeping your brain elasticized - and that is only good!

I don't see why you're so worried about how not-good the sewing in and hole are; they look pretty darn impressive to me. As for the strong language, my personal favorite is the not-so-strong "drat", which always makes me feel old lady-ish and makes me laugh, and also reminds me not to curse too badly in front of children or my parents. Use it if you wish. And have some wine for me once you've finished up that leaf (drat this restrictive drinking age!...)

I too am really drawn by the leaves and the knit challenge, but I can't picture wearing the socks. I can however picture them on really fancy blockers, hung on the wall like the art they are.

Hmmmmm. You *may* possibly be a little deranged, but that's normal for a knitter, isn't it? :)

Honestly, it looks okay to me in the picture. I see the sewn-in part of the leaf, and the point that's waiting to be sewn in, and the hole where it's going to go--yup, it looks good. I think you're doing great. I'm just kind of glad it's you doing it and not me. And one more thing. This has probably already been suggested, but couldn't you just knit the sock regular-like and then sew the leaves on afterward (no hole to worry about)?

Dude. It's a knitted leaf sewn into a sock. It's going to stretch and shape (or misshape) no matter what you do. In fact, if you notice, the photos of the model socks on the website look a bit amoeba-like too. It's entirely possible that the effect of "It's a leaf, not a single-celled-organism on my toe," is created by the crown of leaves at the cuff. Plus, part of it is covered with embroidery.
Go easy on yourself, and then knit that really cool heel already!!! (Dying to see it!)

I like a knitting challenge but this sounds more like knitting torture. Sewing those little leaves into amoeba-shaped holes would drive me crazy! This sounds like way too much work without gratification to me. Hello trash-can. Why not knit the socks without the amoeba holes and simply sew the little leaves on afterwards? Less of a challenge perhaps, but it just might preserve what's left of your sanity.

Very mature indeed!

Joe may be able to work wonders on the furnace with his pliers, but you made the furnace work quicker than he did and with only your bare hands -- Superwoman!

you are deranged. that is all.

I am guessing the entire leaf needs to be sewn in, and several rounds of the foot need to be done before the leaf part will look as you want it to look. Just as you have to have faith in the blocking process before lace looks amazing, the leaf probably needs far more knitting around it before it too looks amazing. And, I am sure, when you are done, it will look amazing.

Good job on the thermostat.

Maybe the next time you experience household superpowers, you should thump the girls' laundry piles in frustration and see if they wash themselves?

Also, if the strong language and patience doesn't work, I definitely recommend a lemon-drop martini with some pomegranate juice added. Just saying.

"Wow, you must be maturing if you decided against the alcohol."

If that's maturity, then I'd rather be immature. It helps with the knitting challenges. hehe :-)

#2 and #9... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Thank you, thank you so very much... you just have no idea how much I needed that.....

In no. 1, instead of "Good times," you should have said "Happy days."

Bwahahahahahaha!!

I'm sensing a loss of the unconditional love for the socks here ;-)

I looked at her site and kits when you posted the link and the socks are lovely but....no. Not that I'd have dived in for this much challenge to start with, but when I read that the Yarn Harlot is doing all this ripping and re-doing and imbibing of special incentives, well....I think I can find other challenges for myself and continue to enjoy this one vicariously :-)

Stop ripping... it looks beautiful!

I have come to the conclusion after reading all the blog and comments that the designer did this just to test you. She wanted to hear what you had to say after trying to fit the leaf into the mind-boggling amoeba hole. Notice she only did the one?! Anyone else would have just sewed on one to the toe. Why is it even there? It won't show! Even in birks part of your leaf will be covered so it's all for naught! I think you passed the test. Now have a big drink - and thumb your nose!

Every knitter needs a challenge! It's the way we grow and learn something about our knitting and ourselves. It's also a reason to drink alcohol by yourself and nobody will worry too much.

You can conquer this sock! I know you can.

Deb in PA

Hey, Amy, this blog doesn't remember me either. I've been worried I've got BO! Tres cool socks, Harlot, leaf/amoeba and all. I don't think you're crazy to love a challenge. How else do we make it through motherhood? I'm coming to the toe decreases of my first-ever sock and I'm so jazzed I can't stand myself.

I think #10 is key. Noticing the maturity is a very mature thing, and in addition to being a mature thing it is a smart thing because it reinforces the Behavior We Want. I wish I had learned that in trying to Mold My Children, but sadly I learned it from Trying To Grow Up.

I hope you noticed the comment about the carbon monoxide and the furnace. Just sayin...

I don't think your obsession is any more wrong than the fact that, despite your struggle, I still really want these socks.

The entire leaf sock looks more like Italian art than a sock and you know how long those Italians took with their art. Although I'd have to wonder how comfortable a sewn in leaf would be on my foot. I'd have to frame those socks instead of wear them.

A knitting challenge should always be enjoyed - although after this one, I think you will be legitimate in saying that you can knit damn near ANYTHING!

Sadly, I would have long since given up, put the cute little leaves away to be applique'd onto something else in about 7 years (when I could stand the sight of them again), cracked a beer, pulled out a skein of sock yarn and tried to de-stress from it all. Maturity (read that - Old Age) tells us when to step away from stuff.

But why the leaf-shaped hole? Intarsia (if you're into that) seems easier, and requires less liquor. Is it just the knittery challengeness of it? The wee leaves are cute and everything, but...ugh.

Nope....better to VENT and enjoy FRUSTRATION..err by that I mean a CHALLENGE with knitting then other people/things!! ;-)

Did you try thumping a) the sock; or b) your head?

Canada is a strange place. Seems you can wear wool socks and sandals at the same time? Well, anyway, that's what I'd do if I had the knitterly ability to sew those little leafy things into amoeba-shaped holes. What's more, I'd be calling everyones' attention to my leaf-adorned toes!

keep on purlin'

I vote for the drink! Your Vintages will be lovely :)

"I figured that the only thing worse than knitting a terrible amoeba toe hole and then sewing in a leaf like ass was knitting an amoeba toe hole and sewing in a leaf like ass and then waking up with a hangover."

Man, if I had a nickel for every time I've said THAT...

Have (even more) fun, Stephanie!

I think you'd better have some of that leftover Yuletide 'rum like' stuff that went in the nog (I know you told us, but I cannot remember what it was...I saw 45 kids in my clinic today and wrastled with an alleged system upgrade. Feh! A pox upon all system patches. My brain needs to go knit on some more STR sock to regroup)

Ben Franklin and so many others have said everything in moderation. A little strong drink in moderation and a litte more strong-unknitterly-like language (maybe in a little less moderation) are certainly warranted.

I am currently struggling valiantly through My First Sock and I can tell you right now, there will be no Lisa Grossman Vintage Socks in MY future. Frankly, I think you may have fallen off the deep end, my dear. Or maybe Lisa did.

Here's to good choices (followed by whatever actions usually accompany a toast).

What doesn't kill us LEAFS us stronger!

(I slay me.)

I think the fact that you wrote a phrase as wonderfully absurd as 'sewing a leaf like ass' must excuse you for any unseemly enjoyment of this much pain.

Yes, but I live in a glass house.

Would it be cheating to make a normal toe and then applique the leaf to it?

(All right, already! It was just a question.)

I refer to those ugly words that escape my lips during times of deep knitting distress my 'special stitcher's vocabulary'.

Looks good to me, reminds me of one of those projects that once it's in and your getting farther in your project it just falls into place.

I adore your leaves, but have to admit your commentary is making me reconsider knitting-and possible felting- 5 wreaths' worth of holly leaves and berries to replace the plastic ones which adorned the branches of my parents' lovely ceramic lamp, which now resides over my dining room table. Then again, I do have ten months... Gewurtztraminer, anyone?

It's kinda like those jig saw puzzle "missing" pieces. You swear the manufacturer left out certain ones, because the ones you have just don't fit. Then, at the end, the misfits actually fit!!! don't rip it out yet. Just let it be. It will fit.

No Steph we don't think you are crazy...or at least any crazier than any of us other inmates in the asylum. As I told my sister (whose blog you recently cited) "You're not crazy, you are a knitter. There's a cure for crazy". Have a good one!

If this was about anything other than knitting, the rest of the world would be supremely supportive of your decision to keep trying. But knitting has unhappy baggage that we have to deal with.

Only if you think there's something wrong with me because I can't get the phrase "whole hole" out of my head now.

Stephanie, I read your blog on a regular basis and to do that I type in "yarn harlot" and usually click on the first info spot that comes up. However, for two days now I have had to www.yarnharlot.com, which gets me to you, as the other references on the page are history and not the current page. Don't know if that is a problem or not. I am definitly not a geek, cause I cannot seem to work around the other pages to get to the current blog other than the www thing.

Love the socks! May some of the other readers will have an idea or maybe its my??? computer?? Claudia

I suggest the application of firm blocking to the finished toe, then strong drink, then language unbecoming a knitter. (Because the language is so much stronger- around here anyway!- after the blocking and the strong drink. Really. Ask my husband!)

No, "Happy Days," not "Good Times."

(rim shot) Thankyew!

Point #1: I have to wonder about all the posts suggesting that you just sew the leaf ON the toe instead of inlaying it. Must be their first reading at Chez Harlot. (ROFL)
Point #2: Have you seen the Tsarina's post about how many orders she has received for this kit, pre- and post-Harlot?!!! How does it feel to be a more powerful sales force than Oprah with a new book!

Hell with it. Go for the drink. That way the intense humor of the situation will immediately become apparent, although you won't really be able to put your finger on just what's funny...it's funny!

Hmm... not bad to enjoy it. But it might be best if you put it down until Joe returns... I hate to see what happens to the children if the knitting has you wanting strong drink... they might put you over the edge!

The one and only time I ever heard my ever proper paternal grandmother swear was at her knitting. If I recall correctly it had something to do with a sleeve and an armhole. Even my uncle (her youngest son) was surprised to hear those words come out of her mouth.

Seems like merging leaves into socks would be at least as difficult and trying as merging sleeves into armholes.

Knit challenges are good - though sometimes a little 'plain' sock knittign to really appreciate how much you are really enjoying the challenge might be a good break.

Thematically speaking, given that you are knitting grape leaves, I think the strong drink should be wine....

I used to have a poster of the Fonz in my room when I was little. I was in love! You are doing great on the leaves. My head threatens to explode when I take on a hefty knitting challenge.. so I tend to stear clear of them.

Don't think of it as an amoeba -- think of it as a leaf-shaped amoeba. Besides, obsession about knitting is perfectly normal, and even if it's not, it's always good to keep a healthy level of insanity.

Oh, and if continues to stress you out, I would suggest simply knitting the sock whichever way works, knit the other one the exact same way, and call it your own personal take on the pattern. No muggle is ever going to know the difference.

Welcome aboard the Titanic. May I arrange the deck chairs to your liking? We ike to keep the knitters in one general area, cuts down on the compaints from the normal passengers about the foul cursing.

The leaves are neat. I agree a stiff drink might make that toe look better. lol.
Cant wait to see how those socks come out.

I see the lure of the challenge.. but by this point I think I would be just knitting up a regular toe and appliqueing (sp?) the darn leaf on!!!
YOW!

I think it's kinda like hiking: you've got this massive weight on your back, your muscles are burning, you're hot and short of breath, and you think "What in the name of Gord am I doing *here*?" Then you end up standing on top of something, you see something incredible, and your breath is taken away and you think "Wow. Just wow. I can't believe I did this. I rock."

Of course, with hiking, then you have to get down.

Tip to try. For seaming together, try this. It will result in a "seam" on the inside, but the outside will look great. Yarn on darning needle, maybe in the leaf color. Go under a "V" closest to the leaf edge. Pick a corresponding "V" across from it on the sock, go back and forth, grafting the leaf to the sock. Let me know how it turns out.

I think the leaf in the sock is looking good and has good potential. I don't think I would be able to manage it.

Anyone familiar with the phrase "teaching your grandmother to suck eggs?"

I love the leaves! Those socks are going to be gorgeous. By the way, I have made two of the Unoriginal hats with a third one waiting while I knit up a scarf to match one of them. I hope it's ok if I used the chart to make my own pattern so it looks like a set. Hope to be finished by the end of the week (if not sooner) I hope to post the scarf pattern on my blog, if that is permissible.

I had a heat problem last winter and after 15 visits from the repairman, I bought a new thermostat at the advice of a friend, which fixed the problem. It seems that my friend had trouble with a "mercury" thermostat too. The only problem now is the thermestat needs to be programed for every hour of the day every day of the week.

The prospect of sewing in the toe leaf is the only thing keeping me from ordering one of those adorable sock kits right this very minute. Good luck! You can do it.

Usually your projects inspire me to at least consider them, but you are on your own with this one, dear Harlot.

I would have had to have been under the influence of a whole lotta strong drink to even try that kind of challenge. You're much braver than I.

Dude... just knit a sock and get out the glue gun. Then theres lots of time to go to the hardware store and look at paint chip samples.( you know to surprise Joe)

No, but this notion of maturity is quite disconcerting... ;)

The Glenlivet, or perhaps the MacTarnahan, ummmm, leaves what leaves?

I disagree with you on #8 -- I think it's going very well indeed!

Ah, who else is in this challenge?? And I think maybe you went to bed less out of "maturity" and more out of"there wasn't any wine/beer in the house"?????
Can't blame you-sewing that leaf in looks like pure torture. Couldn't you just forget the hole and applique the lear on the top??? Would anyone know?

Better is the enemy of done.

I might say yes, but then I've agreed to spend the next eight weeks knitting 2 kilometers of black yarn into rectangles. At least you have colour! And non-rectilinear angles!

I think your sewing looks great -- far better than you give yourself credit for!

I would have totally started in with the chocolate butter cookies I just baked. Oh, and I pre-ordered the bookbookbookbookbook!

Will there be screech consumed soon?

It looks great--glad you're "enjoying" it. I'm enjoying reading about it, and the leaves are very cute. Sometimes it's easier with the hubby gone. You can get the kids take-out or heat up microwave dinners (which they are all excited about unlike the well-balanced meals that you usually slave over) and, voila, more knitting time!

You could just work on the gansey...

Ummmm....why not just knit the sock and then sew ON the leaf???? I would think the leaf seams would be most uncomforatble, worn next to the skin - and who is going to see a leaf on the toe anyway - says she, the Philistine.

Doesn't that toe look a little big?

(ducking and running)

Although I am really looking forward to trying to knit this sock, I fear that if it is testing your skills to the limit, that it will overwhelm mine completely.

This in no way deters me from hopping to the door in eager anticipation every time I hear the mail truck stop outside.

Dude. You rock.
I am humbled by your perseverance and maturity. I have managed to totally cock up my shawl...in garter stitch. I have a startling ability to completely mess up the simplest of knitting, so I bow to your utterly superior in every way mad skillz. I also used language unbecoming to a knitter (my Dad's a sailor, whaddya gonna do?) and have also decided to take the offending item to the frog pond and give it a good dipping. Strong drink may well be involved. You have my sympathy.

WOW - what a project! Will the socks be worn - or hung on the wall as proof of completion?

i don't think the new hole looks very amoeba-like at all

I'm new to your blog these last couple of months, and I think that you must be having a great impact on my life because last night I dreamed about your leaves. Scary.
Your leaves are beautiful! Happy knitting!

Wow...the leaves are still adorable but thinking about sewing them into amoeba shaped holes gives me the heebie jeebies. I get frustrated over tangled yarn (and lose an hour trying to get it under control). I imagine there would be some choice wordage if I was knitting these bad boys. Think how awesome they will look when they get done though. And hopefully warm too since the furnace keeps going out.

What could be wrong with enjoying a knitting challenge? Go with it! :) Besides, it looks like it's working in the photo. :)

AY!
Have you tried thumping the toe/leaf?
Hey, it worked on the furnace!

I think it's boo-tee-ful!! I would've impaled myself on my dpn's already. You're my hero.

Ummm Step,

One or two things here... I think you should very slowly, very gently step away from the sock for a bit.. Have that drink. Read something, anything but obsess about the sock... It worrys me when the designer says she is worried about you.. While we all are waiting for the completed project, there is a certain amount of concern about the mental state of someone who has torn the toe apart a few times only to be OCD about it, and of course the fact that you have to do it twice...

perhaps there is some other yarn you could play with a bit, hows that sweater coming?

Re thumping the thermostat.

In an old Doctor Who ep (Tom Baker era I think), some bit of kit isn't working. "Earth technology" says the Doctor, & thumps it; it works.....

My heating was broken over the weekend, but we don't get as cold here (UK) as you. Fixed now thankfully. Hope yours stays fixed too.

Maybe the leaf and the hole (but not Presbytera) are trying to say that it's time for a knitting retreat.

Even after the "judicious application of patience and language unbecoming a knitter" (very clever turn of phrase there, girlfriend.) I had to show up, (late) last night to a baby shower for the newest member of our knitting group without the baby booties because I screwed up on them. (Seriously, who can't knit a pair of baby booties? *raises hand* Clearly, I am out of practice.) And when I announced that I had screwed up knitting the booties, the whole group collectively said, "Good, glad I'm not the only one who does."
P.S. Inky slays me too. There's just something about a pun that does me in, everytime. Seriously who laughs at puns? *Again raises hand*

I think it is way Cool to quote my 16 year old. It is very impressive, cecilia

Uh, Steph? I think you need to back away from the leaves and sock, now. Carefully place the knitting in a drawer (preferably in a room you don't visit too often, like one of the girls' rooms), then go away and knit something else.

There's challenges, and then there's uh, obsessing just a bit. And we all want a calm and happy Harlot!

Anita (wayyy up in the comments) is right. Ignorance is wonderful when it comes to knitting. So many items I made this past year was "too advanced" for my experience. I didn't know it when I started the project, and everything turned out just fine. Turned out slowly, but turned out fine, nonetheless. If Lisa can make this sock, so can I and so can you! Right?! Who's with me?! Yea, for Lisa, Yea for the Harlot, Yea for us all that have a passion for yarniness!

Stephanie, I just wanted to congratulate you on all the wonderful projects you knit and the great blog you have here.

I wish I had half the knitting time you have. I also have children and I wonder how you manage all your projects.

I wanted to ask permission to add a link to your blog from my blogging site. Thanks.

Kim

What you did to the thermostat is called an "impact adjustment." I used to use it all the time when I worked on computers.

It's also good for easing frustration. :)

If it were me knitting that poor sock, I'd've pitched a freakin' hissy fit, suffered through a migraine (Don't laugh, mine hurt like a sunuva*****, and I've apperently taken to puking up every 45 minutes to an hour or so with the ****ers.), and hid 'em, only to have Mom find 'em and force me to start up on 'em again cause she likes 'em. She'd do that too... She still wants me to learn how t'knit socks... I'd sooner crochet 'em!!!

At first I wanted to laugh ... you know how we want to laugh at the trials & tribulations of those who are better knitters than ourselves, right? But I couldn't do it. Nope. I saw the last picture and a shiver run down my spine. Not even a chuckle came out. The horror was too much.

But ... no alcohol? Who are you kidding ;-) sure you had some. There's a bottle in your hand right now.

I had a similar problem with my furnace right before Christmas. We've had nary a problem with it since the house was built seven years' ago. Then it stopped working the day after I'd spent most of our cash reserve on Christmas presents (I know, stupid). I spent the whole day kicking myself while we waited for the repairman. Luckily, we ended up with a really nice guy who only charged us for the $50 service call and told my husband how to fix the loose wire.

Just saw the Patons booklet with the Must Have Cardigan at Joann's Fabrics this week. It was on sale for 30% off.