The Knitting Experience Café

So some bloodthirsty readers out there are desperate for another kill. All I can offer you tonight is the vague report that MM (or Michelle M.) of ME has been taken out by Connie B.  The blow was softened with chocolate.  However, Michelle is unable to send a full report - including pictures - since she is traveling.  She promised pictures upon her return.

In the meantime, let's talk knitting.  I realized that I've been working away on things and not telling you about them!

There are Alec's socks.  He posed so nicely for pictures this morning.

I managed to get one of an actual sock. 

These are knit in Panda Cotton.  1 ball will make a pair for an active 6 year old. 

A week or two ago, I finished my lopi-lite vest.  LOVE IT!!!  It is so damn cute. 

Fits like a dream.  And look Ma! No sleeves! 

Just cute little cap sleeves.  I layer it over a long-sleeved shirt.  Perfect.  Takes away the chill without being too hot. And I did I mention that I didn't have to knit sleeves?

I'm on to the second sock of my Sea Glass pair. 

These are all mine. They aren't even gonna spend time as a shop sample.  Ha!  All mine. Yup.  

Amused is *almost* done.  Just the second sleeve to complete and the ends to weave.

I was going to try for wearing it at SPA, but I think it will have to wait until next week.  Too much happening in the next few days for unrealistic goal setting. 

Wanna see my newest love?

Meet baby alpaca lace from Cascade.  

You want to pet it, don't you?

It's not in the shop quite yet. UPS tells me it will be here sometime next week.  This is just the teaser skein the sales rep left with me to make me drool. I'm knitting the leaf lace shawl with it. 

I'm not the only one who has been knitting.  I have pics to share, but they will have to wait since I haven't had dinner, and promised to write up a scarf pattern for the fabulous Jill from Bounce! who is cutting my hair in the morning.  Speaking of hair, have you seen Becka's? Looks gorgeous.  That was a Jill cut.  Jill is awesome. Must get Jill the pattern. 

'night all!

While her first hit was relatively simple - just driving across a few towns - Peggy's (pegola) second victim posed a bit of a problem.  Patti was safely behind the US/Canada border.  Could Peggy get through the crossing unseen? Do we have an international assassin on our hands?

The report was submitted by Alex:

"I brought in the mail, tentatively, gingerly cradling the yellow paper envelope. I laid it in front of Patti, slowly. She looked up at me, fear in her eyes, for she knew what this envelope meant. But there was no sense in stalling. Without regard for her own safety, she scooped up the parcel and tore off the top. In a flash of cold steel and black smoke, she fell. It all happened so fast, but I somehow managed to catch a glimpse of the assailant that leaped in a swift rush of death from the envelope as it opened. This is what I saw:

A deadly ninja, clad in black, polished blades flashing.

After the haze of its smoke-bomb cleared, Patti lay, slain, on the floor. beside her, the ninja had left his grisly calling card. 

I was lucky to have escaped death that day, and I know Patti is glad that I was there to bear witness of her passing, and tell her tale to the world. I only hope that when the day of my death comes, it will be as swift and painless, and at the hands of someone so skilled. 

Patti Waters, 03/28/81-02/18/09, may she rest in peace.'

Evidently, Peggy had been in training at a super-secret ninja-knitting camp.  What skills has she been working on lately?  Who will be her next victim?

In an ironic twist of fate, just a day after Patti heard the swish of Peggy's steel needles, the US/Canadian post finally managed to get Patti's first BOTS virus to its target.  Patti was heard saying from the afterlife,  "Damn international mail system!!"

Amy (outdoorsgirl) was killed by Patti.  Reports from Missouri have filtered in:

"Bella tried her hardest to fight off the attacker but it was no use, the BOTS virus had already infected her owner. Leaving her with these beautiful hand knitted Noro socks. But her feet were warm in the after life. 

Just before death took complete hold, Amy whispered,  "I love these socks, they are awesome."

The elusive MM has come out of hiding for a very special mission - taking out the lightning fast needles of Sara (Sara6908). of OK.  The thrill of the kill was too much for MM, who celebrated in her lair. 

Seems that the Canadian post was involved in another tragic loss.  Early reports from the field suggest that Esta (estacam) was killed by Alex of Canada. The CSI team is at the scene and will file information as needed. 

The CDC just issued a warning on the deadly BOTS virus (why it has taken them this long to get involved, I do not know.)

2 more people have become infected, but are unaware of their status and are therefore a danger to their friends and family.

Only 7 players remain unaffected.  But for how long?

Isn't this how they have predicted a major catastrophe of modern time will begin? With a relatively unknown virus that appear innocently enough in one small town - say Lisbon, ME - and quickly spreads across the nation and globe? What have we started?? 

The deadly BOTS (Battle of The Soxes) virus is being sent to its victims with little care for human life on the part of their assassins. 

Wendy didn't stand a chance when Lisa set her needles upon her. Jim, her sorrowful widow, submitted this note and the following pictures.

"Dear General Chesley,

It's with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I write this e-mail to you.  I am still shocked by the scene that greeted me upon arriving at my dear wife's apartment at 7:38 pm last night.  The last time I heard from Wendy was about 6:13 pm when she picked up and opened the packages that were waiting for her at the apartment office.  She was "pushing up daisies" with a beautiful pair of socks on her feet.  Not what I envisioned for Valentine's weekend.  These socks have taken my sweetie to heaven, if only I had had stopped the assassin before seven.

A search of the area revealed a yellow envelope and poem from Lisa in MO (see attached pictures).  The CSI said they would be sending out a bulletin warning others of this deadly killer on the loose.

Wendy obviously had a romantic weekend planned with dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in Chattanooga.  The flowers I brought for her will now be used for the funeral.  I can only hope that they find her assassin quickly.  I will take solace in knowing that she will be slain in a warm pair of socks.  Look out to all who thought they may get to raid her yarn stash, her sisters are already fighting over it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jim (her loving husband)"

Valentine's Day ended sadly for another couple, this time in Maine.  David rushed to the shop to see if nurse-in-training Becka could do anything to stop the evil BOTS virus.  Unfortunately, it was already too late for him.  We could do nothing but take pictures.  

With his dying words, David requested to be buried in the socks that brought such doom.  Although Kat of OK, had infused them with BOTS, they were comfy and cozy.

Today brought yet another victim.  Mary of ME fell to Cheryl of CT early this morning. Death was swift, but the socks softened the blow and Mary rests in peace. 

Despite the reign of terror the assassins are holding over the knitting community, the knitters remain strong, and defiant in their craft. Gorgeous works of art continue to emerge and provide solace to our souls at this difficult time.

Lee brought in her husband and friends on Saturday for a little vacation-weekend shopping.  Of course, I had to get a picture of the sweater she had made for her lucky husband.  The pattern is from Men in Knits, and the yarn is Uruguay Chunky.  

Adrienne finished off another buttony hat out of Blizzard while knitting with us on Saturday. Can you believe she has yet to keep one for herself?

Luanne brought in her beautiful granddaughter to model the newly finished Amused sweater. So lovely!!

On thursday, we got to see Donna's very first lace project!!!!!  She made the leaf lace shawl out of Malabrigo sock yarn.  One skein will make a shawl this size.  I wants one.  I wants it that color - Velvet Grapes. 

We couldn't help noticing Diane's socks. Her mother made them from Noro Kureyon Sock and I just happened to be wearing a pair from the exact same colorway!

Tamsin was look fabulous in her star-crossed slouchy beret knit with Noro Kochoran.

Karen surprised me with this little gem.  I can't remember what it's called, but it makes me so very happy!

Another friend is soon to receive some of Karen's handiwork. She made a pinwheel baby blanket from Dream in Color Classy. Remember how I said she was working on a matching hat with a knitted liner? 

Perhaps my favorite moment of the weekend was when we got a phone call from Mara's very sweet boyfriend.  Seems he wanted to arrange for a Valentine's Day delivery of an armful of Malabrigo.  

That beats chocolates or flowers any day!

We've had early reports from the battlefield.  At least 3 assassins went down today.  Pictures and details have been promised. Once they have been received, Command Central will publish a full report.  Look for news in the morning.

Your Battle Commander has just returned from a lovely Knit at Night.  Thanks to all who were there! It relaxing and entertaining - just like the USO during wartime - and just what I needed.

The field has been bloody today and there is much to report.  However, I want to do justice to our brave combatants and am too tired tonight to pull it all together. So, I will keep you in suspense for an evening and will post tomorrow. 

'night all. 

The most successful assassins use all their skills and resources to take down their target.  We have not forgotten the Rogue Knitter of last year, who tried to strike fear in the heart of every player by taking out command central. 

This year, an unidentified player has decided to confuse and startle the competition. Seemingly at random, packages were found at players' doorsteps today, containing this:

Or this:

Or:

Players were momentarily thrown off their game.  What did this mean? Were they dead by candy? Who was behind it all?

My dear BOTS players, what does it all mean? What could be next?

Alas, for 7 more of our players, it is too late. 

Before I reveal their identities, I must share a truly awesome photo submitted by MM.  Remember how she almost took out Jenna's grandmother with her presentation? Well, I believe this photo explains why:

MM, I must thank you.  You have officially made knitting and this sock war extremely cool in the eyes of my 9 year old. Well done. 

While I was typing up last night's review, 2 players were in the throes of death. Shannon fell to the swift needles of Esta (estacam on Ravelry).  Did you know that Esta is a ringer? She is a sock war champion through The Day of the Dead sock war.  Watch out! Imagine if she and Caitlin met across a skein of sock yarn! 

I had a late night report from a sorrowful widower. Terry M. of MO reported the sad passing of his dear wife Peggy.

"Dear Commander Chesley

It is with a heavy heart that I report the untimely demise of my beloved wife of 35+ years. She succumbed to the deadly bots virus upon returning home this evening. Whew am I glad that her insurance policy was paid up. Private wake was held, attended by myself and her two kitties. As You may know we live in a rather remote location. The Amish neighbor is doing the honors of building the casket. 

Sincerely the new widower Terry"

This morning he added:

"Commander

In my grief last night I forgot to report Peggy's final words "Yummy Socks".

Terry"

The family was hit doubly hard as their daughter-in-law, Mindy, fell to Amy (outdoorsgirl).

About an hour later, Rori of OK was viciously attacked by socks from Wendy's (trixie423)hands. 

Perhaps Rori's family will be comforted to know that Wendy was seen taken from the battlefield with a wound to her knitting fingers.  Seems the intense speed with which she knitted led to a yarn burn across a finger.

Leah (lettuceleaf) executed Jen KC of ME in style, going so far as to provide the headstone.

Despite the amazing headstone, Jen reports that her murder was particular torturous as her killer taunted her in the days prior to the assassination.

As reported by Jen,

"Last week, the lovely LettuceLeaf sent me the following PM on Ravelry:

This Grave

contains all that was mortal

of a Young English ‘Knitter’

Who

On ‘her’ deathbed

in the bitterness of ‘her’ heart

at the Malicious Powers of ‘her’ enemies

Desired

these words to be engraven on ‘her’ Tomb Stone

Here Lies One Whose ‘Socks Did Her In’.

Then, on Monday, afternoon, a new pair of socks appeared in her projects, knit for me. I was doomed.

It was a dark and drizzly night. I knew that death might be upon me, so as I turned the corner onto my street, it was with trepidation that I looked at the mailboxes. There was no key in the large mailbox, meaning someone on our street had a package too big for their box. As I unlocked my box, I hoped against hope that the key to the big mailbox was not there. Lo! It was. Maybe my husband placed another order with Sierra Trading Post...he's an addict. But, no, there, in the big box, were two packages. One, I knew, was my end. At 7:35, I was struck dead in my kitchen. But, I have BEAUTIFUL socks that fit perfectly!

Note that the little figures on the tombstone are actually buttons!"

Well played, Leah!

It was not a good night for the Jens in our game.  Dear Jen D. (madmaineknitter) fell a swift, yet patriotic death at the hands of Terri of MO (knitparty). 

She submitted this report:

"(with apologies to Mark Twain) The news of my death is, sadly, not an exaggeration.  I have the great misfortune to note that, at 6:19 PM, I was felled with a deadly--but wonderfully patriotic--pair of socks dispatched by Terri Davis of Missouri. A cruel karmic twist, I suppose, given that I was Terri's assassin in BOTS I. To show me she recognized the irony, Terri skewered my sock with a cold metal size 6 needle.

The deadly socks were accompanied by a Livestrong bracelet, a gorgeous set of stitch markers,and the following note:

Ah, Jen, so sorry to see you go

You have been a most lovely foe

Your socks are well stuffed complete with skewers

I felt lucky to be your wrongdoer.

Love,

Terri aka Knitparty from Missouri"

Players, you have completely exhausted me tonight. The action has left me dizzy.  11 players are now dead. 9 pairs of socks are in-transit.  

Note to our dearly departed.  If you have socks-in-progress that need to be passed along to a killer, please check in with me first. Now that a number of players have fallen, I am orchestrating getting the socks directly to the next living assassin in line.

Good night all! I look forward to tomorrow's action.

It is with a heavy - yet disturbingly gleeful - heart, that I announce the first official death in the Battle of the Soxes II! 

At 12:59pm today, Deb from Maine fell to the swift hand of Peggy F. While many of our combatants seem to be relying on alternate methods of delivery, Peggy didn't trust anyone else to do the job.  She carried out the hit herself. 

Congratulations Peggy!  Watch out everyone, Peggy has her new assignment and is back at her deadly work.

With her last fiber of energy, Deb crawled to the computer to report her own demise.  Of the socks, she says,

"I loved knitting these great Marathon socks, I will rest well in my new soft Rhubarb ones. Now that I know the tricks of this pattern, I am designing another pair- for myself! Thanks, Peggy."

From our private tracking system designed by Peter,  I can see that 11 souls shall soon join her.  

Since the first kill was so swift and unexpected, the paparazzi missed the entire event and therefore, we have no pictures. 

Rather than leave you without any visuals, let's look at some fiber eye candy that arrived in the shop today.  Some Dream in Color Classy and Smooshy.

Yum.  Rest well players for who knows what tomorrow might bring...

(Oh, and a reminder... report your deaths promptly and with flourish.  Assassins and their targets are encouraged to submit crime scene photos. )

As we discovered last year, the Battle of the Soxes is a true test of endurance.  Amy used that thought as her inspiration for this year's design - The Ironman.

Each pattern repeat represents a different feat - biking, swimming, and running.  

Who will complete the challenge first and win the prize for the first kill? We'll be featuring full updates, along with pictures of the carnage, on the blog.  To the right, you'll find our new Battle of the Soxes II Action Tracker.  That's where we'll be keeping a running list of kills, socks in transit to their new assassin, and any other tidbits we find interesting.  

I hear the needles flying... who will fall today?

Surprise! We're releasing the pattern early!!  Here ya go...

Psych!

Sorry, but you gotta wait till midnight.  Hee hee.  This is gonna be fun.  I can't wait to start knitting a pair myself.  

While we wait for the magic hour of midnight, let's get caught up on this crazy week.

First, I want to thank you all so much for your caring support of Becka, myself and our family.  It has been a difficult time, but you have all made it so much easier.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Now, I'm guessing you are curious as to how our flood is coming along.  The roof is still leaking merrily away.  Drip, drip, drip provides lovely musical accompaniment to my day.

Most of the major leaks stopped by Wednesday.  Then, I heard the ping, ping of the water again.  A small spot appeared just slightly to the left of my head. 

 It grew.  And grew.  By the time KAN started, we had a dinner plate-sized ring going.  When everyone left, it was a full blown pizza pan and started to buckle. 

Isn't it pretty? That would be me trying to catch the steady stream. 

By this morning, it had slowed down significantly and the roofing guys appeared and are trying to track down the source. In the meantime this is what our counter looks like:

As a result, we had to post this little sign.

Luckily for my sanity, the past few days also brought awesome yarn.  So while the drips rained down, I got to pet this:

That would be Malabrigo sock and Chunky.  We also got worsted weight, but I neglected to take a pic. 

Amy knew I was in a state and brought immediate medication:

A whole beautiful bag of Spunky yumminess.  I literally laid my head on it.  Ahhhh....  She also brought the desperately awaited Sea Glass.  Sorry, all skeins are claimed.  If you claimed one - I'll be contacting you soon.  

And, lastly, we have the color of the month - POISON.

As of an hour ago, only one skein remained. First one to email me tonight gets it.  

We also got new books:

And restocked some favorites, including these:

New Knitting Pure and Simple patterns are here:

See that cowl sweater???? Amanda and I have both decided we must make it.  She is thinking Noro, I'm considering Spunky Summer.  I've been wanting to knit a cowl-neck sweater out of the Spunky Summer since last year.  This is perfect. 

Ok, what else?

New colors in Ranco Multi sock yarn.

Restocking Heritage Paints.

Along with many boxes of Cascade 220, 220 Tweed, 220 Heathers, 220 Superwash.  More Magnum.  And new Noro Kureyon.   

Phew!

Elsebeth Lavold's latest collection is here.

People have been knitting.  Check out Jenna's stunning Wisteria.

She used Cascade's Baby Alpaca Chunky.  It is completely fabulous. 

Karen made a Pinwheel Blanket out of Dream in Color Classy for a very lucky little baby.  Then, she came up with the brilliant idea to make a matching hat.  Last night she was working on a complimentary lining for the hat by using Maizy.  She promises to share the pattern when it is complete. 

I still need to update you on Amused.  There is much to tell, and to show.  But, I need to go do the dinner, get the kids to bed thing.  Perhaps I will compile the Amused update tomorrow while we await the first kill!