I managed to do something that I had previously believed to be impossible: wear out a pair of Doc Martens. I suppose I have had them for 10 years, and they started life as my school shoes, which meant wearing them every school day for 3 years. I still somehow thought they’d be indestructable. I still believe the sole is, but I wore a hole in the leather upper, right where my toes bend when I walk. It’s only the right foot, but I’m sure the left isn’t too far behind.

This of course meant that I had to buy shoes! And I’m not violating the ‘no shoes in 2008′ rule on my 101 list, because there was always an ‘unless absolutely needed’ clause. I was only wearing the Docs because my other everyday shoes wore out, and I wasn’t going to buy a new pair when I had perfectly good Docs just sitting there. But now the Docs are gone, and I was left with… sandals and dress shoes.

I bought new shoes, and one stipulation was that they had to look good with handknit socks. And pants. And skirts. And good for winter and summer. And Banff. I think I got everything….

Strappy! And fun! Let’s look at that list again:

• look good with handknit socks. Check, I think!
• And pants. Yes!
• And skirts. Haven’t tried yet, but I definitely think so!
• And good for winter. This is the only possible no…. I don’t think any type of Mary-Janes are good for winter. Maybe with handknit socks though?
• and summer. Yes!
• And Banff The soles are rugged and suited for climbing a mountain (and by that I really mean a gravel path and very steep stairs) to get to work. Now I just need to get my legs in training.

I have also just updated my version of Wordpress on this blog, and the podcast blog. Everything seems to be working, better than before even!

(the shoe company is Khrio, and the style name is ‘Fiona’, which doesn’t seem to be on the website. Not surprising, because I got these on sale.)

Millicent Socks, started August 4th, 2007, finished March 22nd, 2008
Pattern: Cookie A’s Millicent Socks
Yarn: Louet Gems Pearl in ‘Grape’, just under 4 skeins
Needles: 2.25mm Addi Turbo (US 1)
Dimensions: (Edit in later, when I find my pattern)
Pattern Notes: There is a mistake in the pattern for the left foot and toe. I asked Cookie about it on Ravelry, and she confirmed. I made no changes.
Would I knit it again? Love the pattern, but I don’t need two pairs of these socks. Nor do I need to do that much 2×2 ribbing for a long, long time.

 Look at those toes!

I love that they are mirrored.

In this photo, you can see a bit of my new favourite thing, my bright pink trench coat! Birthday present from mum. It’s such a great coat on grey days.

It was cold, so I had to wear tights to walk and find my photoshoot location. I don’t have appropriate shoes with me to actually wear with these socks. I have my Docs here, but they are getting a bit rough in the heels, and I didn’t want to risk holes in my fabulous new socks.