What we've been up to

Kevin and I have both been busy for the past few weeks. Him with installing the fireplace insert(along with all the other work that comes with that like learning to install ceramic tiles) and me with knitting a pair of socks for him at my sock class, which is sadly, over now :(

We're just waiting on a special connector part to come in at Hubert Heating to finish installation on the insert(no that piece of sheet metal isn't going to stay there, it just makes moving the insert easier). Hopefully it'll be in by the end of this week(they'd said Tuesday, and it still isn't there) because it'd be nice to get it in, inspected and burning before it gets too much colder. Besides, we need to open the windows up for the first couple of burns to vent the smell I'm told will happen. Insert looks pretty good, eh?

It Fits!!!

Tried the sock on Kevin last night, and it fits! I was so worried that after I'd posted that I hadn't needed to use the safety line that I might've jinxed myself, but nope, fits just fine!

Made it!

I figured out the short-row(wrap and turn)heel that we were shown at sock class last night and got it to work perfectly the first time through, no need for the safety line I put in. Last night I practically started crying because I couldn't figure it out(and I blame that on hormones). Now that I've gone and said that, when I make Kevin try it on tonight, it probably won't fit. It has no holes, no gaps, and no picking up of stitches!! I love, love, love doing socks from the toe-up with the wrap and turn short row heel!

So close...

and yet so far. Our insert is not hooked up b/c the liner can't be connected to the insert without some kind of elbow adaptor. Kevin has picked up one to try from Hubert Heating and we'll see if it works. If it does, we'll probably be telling them to bill us, if not, well, we'll be looking around to see if we can find one that will.

Getting Close

Our fireplace project is nearing completion. We've got the tiles down, grouted and semi-cleaned. I think I may have to give them another wash just to get the last of the
"haze" off them. This afternoon Kevin's dad is coming to help him put the insert in the fireplace and finish up cutting/connecting the liner.

Finally Got the Handspun rinsed *pic added!

Finally got the time this afternoon to take the yarn off my spindle and set the twist. It's hanging to dry with a bit of weight on the bottom to take out a bit of the over-twist. Pics will be forthcoming.

First Toe-Up Socks

And I've got to say, I really like the look of them so far! I love the rounded toe shaping achieved by knitting them this way as opposed to top down where the toe looks pointy. This pair is for Kevin, I've gotta try it on his toe tonight to make sure it's gonna fit, though.