Do you love the Monkey or do you love me?*

Time to start something new, whether to mark the beginning of my summer or because of time spent recently at Ravelry. (If you haven't heard of Ravelry yet, frecklegirl Jess explains the site here.) Last night at 10 p.m., I chose a skein of Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 -- from my four-skein stash of precious sock yarns -- that I bought about two years ago at The Needle Emporium (before F.A. had actual colourways). I then enlisted Bill's help in winding the skein into a ball, since he's so talented that he is able to hold a skein and watch a hockey game. (Go, Sens, go!)

Then, to choose a pattern. I wanted something textured, and interesting, but not cabled or holey. I picked Tropicana and cast on, but my fingers were aching after only one round of increases (of a total 66 sts., I'd have to knit into the front and back of 36 sts. every 4 rounds!!), and that just didn't bode well. Too bad -- I think it's a great-looking sock.

Next, I felt the pull of the wonderful world of Cookie A., and settled on Monkey. I cast on and knit the twisted ribbing and three pattern repeats.


There are many, many versions of these socks online, and I always liked them but never loved them -- until seeing them blocked by Gleek. Yep, blocking is magic. This stitch pattern just looks weird and puffy when left alone; it needs to be stretched out, and then it's awesome. (Vanessa pointed this out, too -- check out the difference.)

* You don't have to choose. It's just a George Michael song.