It is the little things that bring joy....

I am easily pleased. I was approaching the end of the ribbing on Carl's black sock when PKDD set in. I just came across this expression and I think it is perfect. Thank you Helen for passing it along. The suspense is killing you I know. So here you go....Post Knitting Disappointment Disorder. OMG that is so perfect. I have been unhappy in the extreme with the cast off on my toe up socks. Disappointment in this final step,(pun intended) ergo, no joy in sock ville. I tried everything I knew.

Increasing stitches, casting off with a larger needle, EZ's sewn cast off. Hauling 4 yards of yarn through every stitch twice was a drag. All to no avail. When all else failed I googled "cast off toe up socks" and "eh voila."

Wendy of "www.wendyknitsdotnet" came to my rescue with a "variation of a Russian bind off" This is the best cast off ...ever.... hands down!. I am totally chuffed .

I render the directions here. Remember I knit with 5 needles adjust accordingly if you are a circular knitter. I was using a knit 2 purl 1 rib. The directions reflect this, also adjust according to your rib.

Knit the first stitch on needle 1. Slip this stitch onto needle 4. makes a nicer join at the end.

Knit 1 purl 1 slip the left needle through the two stitches (on the right needle) as if to purl and now purl these 2 stitches together.

Knit 1, now knit this stitch with the previous purl 2 tog.

Knit 1, now knit this stitch with the previous knit 2 tog.

Purl 1, now purl this stitch with the previous knit 2 tog.

Keep on going. Knit or purl as the stitches present themselves.

It is the nicest finish an wonderful and stretchy. For anyone with a high instep this is invaluable.

Now, on the " I will knit this next" list: a tale of woe and confession.

Once upon a time (20 years ago) I began to knit son #1 a true "Alice Starmore inspired" fair isle vest. It was a beautiful pattern comprised of traditional motifs by yours truly, see above.

Life intruded and I didn't finish it until about 4 years later. Yup you guessed it. The vest shrunk in the knitting basket, funny how that happens. I finished said vest and entered into a fall fair and took a red ribbon ( in Canada firsts are red!) Then I sold the vest! This apparently added insult to injury.

I thought perhaps he had "grown out" of the idea. But I was informed yesterday this is not so and I am being held accountable. He doesn't want to hear about the wool in my stash or my ideas he wants me to ante up the goods and no more procrastination.

Son #2 had a wonderful time stirring up the pot by reminding #1 of the 2 sweaters I have knit him since then. In my defence I did knit (whilst wearing sun glasses) #1 a fluorescent orange jacket to wear hunting, so no one would shoot him and although it is appreciated it does not assuage his need for the fair isle.
So, let me see, I have to finish Jackie's shawl, the other black sock, Molly's socks and my left foot....
So I think I should be able to cast on the fair isle when I get back from my holiday. The Knitter's Fair is the Saturday after I get back I will shop for wool then.....or I could look online..Hmmmm?????