01 November 2014

dia de los Muertos ~ Melissa

O May I join the choir invisible 
Of those immortal dead who live again 
In minds made better by their presence: live 
In pulses stirr’d to generosity, 
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable aims that end with self, 
In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, 
And with their mild persistence urge man’s search 
To vaster issues.
George Eliot :: 'The Choir Invisible' 
 
(here's a link if you'd like to read the poem from beginning to end ~ it's worth reading ... I especially like the last part)
 
 
Today marks the annual Day of the Dead celebration, where those who have passed are enticed to come back and visit by those left behind.  It's one of my favorite things about the Mexican culture.
 
 
  On one of our walking treks the last time my husband and I went to Puerto Vallarta, outside of the touristy section we discovered an art gallery that had incredible pieces celebrating this tradition.  Jason was enamored with a particular piece and after returning home, I contacted the gallery and had something shipped back to the states.
 
 
  I had it framed and gave it to him for Christmas.  I can easily say this was the most thought out and well received (he was thrilled!) gift I have ever given him.  I know he still loves and appreciates it.
 

The artist did an intricate carving, used it to stamp these incredibly sliver-thin pieces of bark with the image and then hand painted the print.  We now have an amazing piece of folk art with vacation memories attached to it.
 

I finished my monthly sock challenge socks ~ the final toe was kitchenered while waiting for trick-or-treaters last night.  Hooray ~ I feel a huge sense of accomplishment since I've met my goal for two months in a row!  I also was lucky enough to receive an email from Liesl @ Buckaloo View this morning letting me know I had won her first drawing...a $25 etsy gift certificate.  I will be shopping for hand dyed sock yarn this weekend :) (thanks so much, Liesl!!).  If you've purchased yarn on etsy in the past and have a favorite, let me know!
 

I broke my very first knitting needle making these socks.  I'm actually surprised I haven't broken these toothpick sized sticks before and I've decided to invest in a metal pair of dp's just for sock knitting.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Do you have a favorite set?  I'd love any thoughts (pro & con) on any manufacturers you've tried before I make up my mind.
 

Luckily, the socks I've chosen to knit for November are worsted weight and use heavier needles.  If I manage to snap a US6 double-point when knitting these, I'll know I need to learn to knit just a little looser!
 
Hope this weekend finds everyone well and relaxing with family and friends.  My husband decided it's his turn to cook and has spaghetti sauce brewing in the crock pot ~ I'm a very lucky girl!
 
Be well ~ Melissa

ravelry links :
October Sock Challenge
November Sock Challenge

16 comments:

  1. Love the socks! I enjoy the Hiya Hiya metal DPNs. They're very affordable and have a nice touch. I also like that they are one piece, not like the metal- tipped carbon fiber set I own. No matter what people say, any needle that has a join is bound to catch a little bit as you try to slide the stitches over the needle.

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    1. thanks, Will ~ great info! I've seen those metal-tipped sets and wondered ~ I don't need a hitch in my giddy-up every time I get to the end of a needle so I think I'll steer clear of those.

      Perfect input...I'll let you know what I end up with!

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  2. That little acorn, squeeeee!!!! I love your socks, they are so beautiful! The yarn, color, and pattern work so well together. That Hazel Knits is yummy!!

    I absolutely love the Dia de los Muertos art you have, the detail is amazing!

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    1. the acorn was made for me by a ravelry friend, Karen (swanski), years ago ~ isn't it cool??

      I do love Hazel Knits ~ she's local too (just had a trunk show nearby but I missed it)

      thanks about the artwork ~ buying it was a leap of faith...I had to send a cashier's check to Mexico and hope I saw something in return...not only did it show up fairly quickly but it was packaged so well (it's a fairly large piece and I wasn't sure how it was going to fair on it's journey north) ~ it's really interesting to look at up close!

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  3. I have been using Addi Turbo Sock Rockets for my socks. I like 32" US 0. I tend to do them in magic loop so they work for me. Oh those spooky pics perfect for Halloween! We we going to attend our cousin's party tonight. They spend close to two months setting up for a two night event. We backed out because I am pretty sure my kids would have been freaked out! Thankfully all the local televisions go so we at least get to watch the footage. You did awesome with the gift. I thought sneaking home with a huge white robe on my honeymoon and saving it until Christmas was a big deal! You totally won the traveling gift getting contest.

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    1. that party sounds beyond fantastic!!! I love Halloween...

      I love your robe honeymoon gift ~ I have no idea how you could sneak something like that home without being found out!

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  4. I love the Hiya Hiya needles, too. I love the block print. Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

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  5. I love the Karbonz DPNs, the size 1.5s have become my go-to needles for socks. The tips are just the right balance between my sharp lace tips and my slightly more blunt Addis.

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    1. thanks for the tip & for taking the time to comment :)

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  6. wow, I've never broke a needle but I knit usually on metal ones....I have none to recommend, I inherited my mother's old sets. Gorgeous socks!!

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  7. This was such a fun post to read! I love the etching, and can just picture the two of you in Puerto Vallarto, finding it and falling in love with it. Love from Minnesota, Kelly Lightbeam

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    1. it was the first time we've been to Mexico alone without other couples/family

      completely different trip and we had so much fun (we're reallllly laid back vacationers!!)

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  8. I love your October socks! They are really beautiful. I'm excited to see your November socks too. That's a pattern I'd love to try.

    I recently bought some self-striping yarn from Quaere Fiber on Etsy that I'm looking forward to knitting with.

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  9. You probably already know this Melissa, but ...if you call knit picks they should replace your needle. They replaced one for me free. I use hiya hiya and bought metal sock needles from Michaels. I find them very long, but haven't used them enough yet to get use to them.
    Great socks!

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