All I can say to my fellow participants in Sockapal2za is I'm Sorry, because I got the absolute BEST partner in the whole swap, and you didn't! When I checked the mail after work, my parcel was there, and I was immediately excited. The customs label listed TWO pairs of socks, and CHOCOLATES. Wow! I managed to get the parcel into the living room, where I instructed Joe to sit down and watch me open my parcel. He was a good sport and sat down (I have him well trained after over 11 years of marriage). Once the envelope was open, I found this:
I later learned, from visiting my Pal's blog, that it is a Marshall Fields Bag. How cool is that? I'm such an avid shopper (and confirmed bag-a-holic) that I can only dream of visiting this department store. I think that it will make a great sock WIP bag.
Inside the bag was this:
Two great pairs of socks, postcards of Minneapolis, where my pal Renada hails from, and more from Marshall Fields, chocolates (Joe just asked if he could eat one of the boxes, I said no, selfish wife that I am)! The socks on the left are the Rib and Cable Socks from IK Fall 2005. I had planned on making these socks for myself, and here they are, made by another knitter just for me. Renada says that they are to keep my toes warm in the winter. They sure will, and they'll look great too! The socks on the right are Sockbug's Lace Scallop socks, and Renada says that they were inspired by the autumn landscape of Minnesota. This is one of my favourite sock patterns, and I will treasure these pretty socks.
And Nada, look, they fit:
(I'm so unoriginal in taking pics of the socks on my feet).
So, thanks Renada for everything. I feel so very spoiled. I've never had anyone knit socks for me, and here I am with TWO pair. You are really too generous, I am completely thrilled with these socks and will think of you when I wear them.
One question for Renada...I'd love to know what yarn you used for each pair.
I'm off to enjoy my socks, eat some chocolate, and look once again at the beautiful Minnesota scenery on the postcards. Then I'll pull out the knitting (I have a new WIP to show you soon) and watch the season premiere of Amazing Race (if I can stay up until 11). Night-night.
Those are such great gifts! The socks look wonderful. You'll love the Frango Mints... it's a Chicago classic. Enjoy the Marshall Field's name while you can... Currently there is a big bruhaha regarding changing the name to "Macy's" since it was recently purchased by them.
Posted by: Knit Chick | Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 09:24 PM
yeah, Marshall Field's is going away. i have to go get chocolate. ;) your socks are so great! it seems you did get the best sock pal.
Posted by: lynette | Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 06:58 AM
Woot! You are spoiled now, and I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Beautiful socks times TWO.
Posted by: Bliss | Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 02:34 PM
I'm so sorry Brenda, I totally forgot the labels!! The red socks are Mountain Colors Bearfoot, and the Lacy Scallop Socks are made from Lorna's Laces, the colorway is Gold Hill. But they should be called Minnesotan Autumn Landscape. I should check about getting that name changed! I'm glad you liked them!! And even happier that they fit *smile*
Posted by: Renada | Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 06:07 PM
Aren't you lucky? What a great package, and the socks are gorgeous.
Those chocolates wouldn't have been Frango Mints by any chance, would they? They are a Marshall Fields tradition, and I have missed them since we moved to Massachusetts.
Posted by: Ruth | Tuesday, October 04, 2005 at 10:19 AM