A bit late or a bit early with my update for this week – take your pick. Last week was a rough one. My elderly cat suffered a stroke on Tuesday mid-morning and while the vet said “maybe she’ll regain some function”, it was obvious that she wasn’t improving, so Thursday I made the difficult decision to have her put down. She wasn’t able to stand up on her own and she could only sit up if I supported her. We luckily have a great vet in our area who does house calls, so Emma and I sat in the sun in her favorite napping spot and then she was able to go quietly and relatively stress-free here at home. She was the most personable, quirky little personality and had been my constant companion for 16 years, so her loss is greatly felt here not only by the humans, but also her dog BFF.
Here’s what I’ve been working on this week, craft-wise, however.
3 Leaves Socks: I’ve finished sock #1 and have cast-on for sock #2. These are gorgeously patterned with twisted stitches in three leaf motifs up the front of the leg and on the top of the foot. While I am enjoying working on these and they will be beautiful when finished, I’m still not sold on toe-up socks. I do think Judy’s Magic Cast-on is brilliant and I would use it again if faced with the prospect of another toe-up pair, but I won’t be rushing to do more of those. I’m using West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply in Pacific, which is showing off the patterning beautifully, I think.
I’ve also been working away on my second Musselburgh Hat, which I’m knitting for my husband. He requested a deep turn-up brim, so I’m knitting this a bit longer than the pattern indicates, but I have finished the exterior (which is Sweet Sparrow Yarns’ Owl base – SW merino/yak/nylon in the Changeling colorway) and started the super-soft lining in a contrast color (Wooly Wonka Fibers Aerten Sock, which has cashmere in it and will be extra warm). It’s been my appointment/travel/waiting room knit this week and is the perfect mindless project when I’ve needed it.
I have also been keeping up with my Quiet Voices advent box from Suburban Stitcher. I really love these nontraditional, soft neutrals Dianne dyed up for this year. I’m using the sock yarn doubled (so a DK weight) and am getting 2 blanket squares out of a single miniskein with virtually no leftovers. I currently have 26 blocks made and am on my way to 50 total. I did decide on a simple joining technique for them and I’ll add a lace border in a neutral/undyed cream yarn when I’m done.
Last, but not least, I have been putting stitches into my A Long Winter’s Nap project. The chart is from Heaven and Earth Designs and it’s a full coverage cross-stitch piece. I just hit the 40% mark on it this week and it’ll be my project for most of the month. I plan to work on it until Christmas Day and then I will switch to something else…. likely a new start on a project in memory of Emma.
That’s it for me this week. Hard to believe we are only 10 days out from Christmas already!
Knit One, Spin Too 
I’m so sorry for your kitty. I still miss mine after 3+ years. Luckily I have another kitty. Our snowbirding makes it hard to have a pet since they aren’t allowed in our Florida rental (but I think I can “hide” a cat). Hubby “hates” pets so he’s not particularly supportive of my need for a pet. Love that 3 leaf pattern for your socks.
I’m glad you’re able to take your cat with you! My DH wasn’t really a cat fan but he wound up loving Emma, who was a lot like a dog in many ways, so I appreciate that she was able to change his mind!
Deepest condolences on the loss of Emma. She looks very much like my old barn cat, who was much loved and greatly missed after he left us at seventeen. I think a new project in memory of your sweet girl is a great idea, and I’ll look forward to seeing it.
Thank you. It’s always hard losing a beloved friend.
I am so sorry about the loss of your kitty.
My sympathies about your cat. It’s never easy to lose a furry friend, though it sounds like she had a good, full life.
This all looks great! I love the sock especially. I personally am a big fan of toe-up socks, but to each their own. 😉
She did have a good life and considering she started in a garbage bag in a dumpster in January in Utah, I’d say she got a promotion from the start. 🙂 That’s the great thing about knitting – choose your own adventure!
Oh goodness! That’s quite a way to get a cat. She was very lucky to get such a good promotion!
My heart aches for you with the loss of Emma. The yarn fir those so ks really dies show off the pattern quite well. I, also, am not a fan of toe up socks. But, like you, do them when the pattern demands it. The Advent yarn is dreamy. The pastels really do look nice and will make a gorgeous blanket. You current xs is going to be a show stopper again.
Thanks, Marsha! I just never feel like toe-up fit me as well but since these are gifts anyway, perhaps the recipient (who isn’t a knitter) won’t really be able to tell there’s a difference.
I’m so sorry. Hugs!
Thanks, Alissa!
Sending a cyber hug your way as you deal with missing your kitty companion. Your blanket squares look amazing. I love the soft hues and look forward to seeing it put altogether. Take Care
Thank you for your kind words and virtual hug!
I’m so sorry about your kittie.
Your projects are lovely and your stiching is fantastic.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m so sorry to hear about Emma, what a fun and loving life she had to the end. Initially I wasn’t really able to see the colour differences on your Instagram posts of the squares but seeing them all laid out the colours are much clearer and they look beautiful. The sock is very pretty pattern too. I should be more adventurous with my socks.
Thank you for your kind words. I completely appreciate the value and relaxing knitting that plain socks brings, but I do like slightly more complex ones every now and again.