anatomy of a sock photo shoot

alice in golden leaves, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

For quite some time I had the idea in my head that the pose in this famous Edward Weston photograph would make a great pose for modeling socks. What poor Alice discovered is that one needs quite a bit of flexibility to execute the pose. I’m thinking that the woman in the original photograph (shot in 1936 by the way) must have been a dancer or some other type of contortionist to pull it off. Alice said the hardest part was laying head to thigh. No matter, I think we came a way with a great shot anyway. Alice needs only to flash her teeth and brilliant smile and she immediately brightens any photo (or room for that matter).

Just a peak into the mind of a great artist (ahem) and where my inspirations/ideas come from.

Alice's smile may even have outshone the socks. 

Yes the socks are done.

I finished them in time to enter in Sock Knitter’s Anonymous September Sockdown. Yes I admit I have a problem. I’m powerless over the knitting of socks. The very next day after finishing golden leaves, I started Nutkin but had to frog it this morning. It was coming out way too small, even for Alice. Here’s a look at the progress. Lovely aren’t they? 

The same yarn will now become Pomatomus. Cookie's socks seem to use a lot of little tiny stitches. It will still qualify as an entry for the September socksdown. I’m off to cast on now.

[Breaking News: I might make Mermaid Fingerless Mittens instead. I'll keep you posted.]

instant gratification

Calorimetry, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

Earlier in the month I felt a bit dissatisfied staring at all my unfinished projects. In looking for a quick fix and some instant gratification, I made the Calorimetry in less than 24 hours. Adorable isn’t it? Free pattern. Get it. Now.


According to the pattern, “Calorimetry is a scientific term describing the measurement of heat lost or gained.” And where do we lose the most heat? From our heads of course. The pattern appealed to me because I’m prone to wearing headbands these days as I grow my hair out and I had exactly one ball of wool of the Andes in amber heather (as well as a bowl full of shell buttons).

I cast on using size 6 needles even though the pattern called for size 8 and when I knit it again (yes, I’m planning to) I’ll probably use size 5. What I’m hearing from folks on Ravelry and throughout the world wide web is that the Calorimetry knits up BIG. Some say too big. I say it is a bit on the big side, even for me and I’ve got a very big head. The ribbing lends a built in stretch but you can always adjust with the button in the back.


Any-hoo. It’s a comfortable, quick and easy knit. Highly Recommended. Two thumbs up. Five stars.

this one's for you Max

evergreen high school, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

knit one, save one: a campaign to save millions of babies

preemie cap, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

Last Friday I went to the Knit and Crochet show at the convention center in Portland, Oregon where I browsed vendors and tried hawking my t-shirts. Among the yarn vendors, stood a quiet little booth for Knit One, Save One, a program sponsored by Save the Children. I was instantly intrigued. It wasn’t long before I had knit my first preemie cap, day before yesterday actually, and wondered to myself “Why have I never made one before?”

They’re fast. They’re easy. They use up leftover yarn. They’re for a good cause. They’re for babies. I mean what’s NOT to love about these little caps. Please get involved if you can.

The campaign requires only three things of you: 1) Knit or crochet a cap. 2) Write a letter to the president elect telling him how much you care about the needs of newborns around the world and 3) donate $10 toward a newborn care kit. The deadline is December 31. Visit the Knit One, Save One website or write me at heavydutydesign (AT) gmail (DOT) com if you have more questions.

i love magic loop

magic loop progress, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

in the loop

first magic loop socks, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

I finally broke down and bought a 40" addi turbo (size 0) and taught myself the "magic loop" method of knitting socks. Wow! I was instantly taken with this technique and wonder why I have never used it sooner. Also, why don't I have more addis? Sure they're more expensive but they are sooooooo worth it.

For the unintitiated, magic loop is a method for knitting items such as hats, socks, sleeves etc. using one long circular needle. It's much faster and more efficient than any method I have used hitherto. The socks pictured above are the embossed leaves pattern that I've knitted twice already - once in green and once in a pale pink Jitterbug. The current yarn du jour is Pagewood Farm 100% superwash merino hand dyed in a luscious color called golden (hence the name of the current pair which I'm calling "golden leaves").  Knitting anything in yellow is a first for me but I love love love this color!

As you can see, I am far from sick of socks. Quite the contrary.

limited edition t-shirts for sale

alice knitting t-shirt, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

Many styles and sizes available for as low as $12.99. Get 'em here before they sell out! Hurry! While supplies last.

I love knitting t-shirts.
I love crochet t-shirts.
ballerina star t-shirts.

happy birthday pops

opa and alice 1991, originally uploaded by alicethelma.

Today is my father's 80th birthday. As far as I know, he's never touched a computer in his life so he probably won't see this post.

All the same, I want to wish him a Happy Birthday.