I decided on the ankle socks. I'm using this pattern (pattern number 6) with Cascade Fixation Spray in Harlequin. I started out with US 3 dpns and 56 stitches but that was ripped just past Rockford. I'm now using 48 stitches and US 2 dpns. The yarn is very stretchy and this combination seems to fit over my foot without too much extra fabric.
Our trip to the Chicago-area was worth the time and effort. We attended the Ordination of Deacons held at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange......since the ceiling of Holy Family Cathedral fell in several weeks ago. *yikes* This was the first Mass I've ever attended and I found it to be quite interesting. The Archbishop of Chicago was there, too, to add to the special nature of the event. According to DH, it was about twice as long as a typical one. A friend and former (two-levels up) supervisor (now retired) was ordained as a Deacon yesterday. Definitely a career-change, don't you think? I think it is an interesting path to take, especially for a guy in his late 50s.
Since I've been thinking of potential new careers I may want to take up in about five years or so, his achievement has altered some of my internal stereotypes of what paths are open to me (or anyone). Not that I'm thinking of the church as a career now, but this new career of his is *so* different than the one he held with my employer. It makes me realize that I should expand my horizons. He's was so happy yesterday....I'm so glad for him and that DH and I were able to witness the ceremony.
As you can see in the first photo, the irises are in full bloom. I have two more patches of irises just like those. So, I'll say it again, I would love to share some rhizomes with you (and you and you and you) later this summer. I have to divide these irises and I have no idea where to put them all. Please email me or leave a comment if you would like some for your garden.
I'm so excited about the irises. My Siberian Irises look like they will bloom this week.
Actually, there is a trend amongst the Deaconage towards ordination as a second career. Some of these men teach at my son's school and they bring a great perspective because they had successful careers before their vocations. I have a good friend who is a retired teacher but is slowly working on certification in pastoral counseling at the seminary. She plans to work in a hospital setting.
Posted by: joan | Monday, May 26, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Have you worked with Fixation before? I have some in my stash, but have not made socks from it. I like the black and white.
Posted by: kay | Monday, May 26, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Lovely footies! I'm glad you tested gauge with the Fixation... now I can follow your lead when I'm ready to return to mine!
The irises are so pretty! I have a stand of deep purple Siberians (I think that's the variety anyway) in a sheltered spot that have almost bloomed out, and a bunch more facing the opposite way that should bloom this week. My tall bearded irises (in purple and yellow/burgundy) generally bloom in early June. I'm so excited for the possible addition of some white ones!
Interesting that you grew up in Wisconsin and never attended a Catholic mass before now. I was raised Protestant, but what with various weddings and baptisms, and then of course teaching in a Catholic school, I was quite familiar with the drill. (Funny story: my mother-in-law, a Jewish lady from Long Island, was a librarian in a Catholic school here for years. She used to go to school mass and the nuns loved having her sit right up front with them. Cute!)
Posted by: Nora | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 05:56 AM
I have never knitted with the Fixation. Good to know about the gauge thingy if I get a chance to work with it. It's a smallish enough project to travel with but should hopefully hold you over for a couple of weeks until the start of SOS. I find that people who basically take on a drastically different second career after their first, is because their second one is where their passion truly lies within them.
Posted by: Deborah | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 06:15 AM
I've never used fixation either. Hmmm. I smell a trend here!
What are you going to be when you grow up? The girls have narrowed it down for me. :D
Posted by: Stacey (just Stacey) | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 09:57 AM
The Harlequin socks look nice with those irises in the background. Love the black/white combo of the Cascade Fixation (I 've never knit weith that yarn) but please know that I am afraid of mimes. Don't dress up like a mime when you finish these socks! :)
Posted by: Kim | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
I can't wait to hear how things go with the Fixation. I'm with Joan and Nora.
Oh, and thanks, but no thanks on the irises. I've served my time and then some.
XO
Posted by: Cookie | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM