Toe Up

Finished my first pair of socks - an early birthday present for Steve who's showing that they fit. I've always wanted to make a pair of socks yet feared I wouldn't make it past the heel.  I couldn't imagine how to switch direction smoothly to transition from the straight leg to the horizontal foot of the sock. Thankfully, there are numerous books, patterns, and youtube which explain everything you need to know to make it through the transition and complete a pair. 

Making socks doesn't directly relate to recycling except if you have some excess light weight yarn from another project, you too can whip up a pair of socks.  These began from the toe then expanded for the arch onward to the heel turn which is created by using a wrap and turn technique (Cat Bordhi's wrap and turn) and ending with the cuff  - repeated rows of knit two and purl two.

Earthbound

Meant to enter this recycling idea in March instead of this evening as the Mid-Atlantic states welcome nightfall as the only relief from a heat-wave.

Many of the warehouse-membership stores (e.g., Costco, BJ's Wholesale, Sam's Club) sell produce in bulk quantities. To create specific amounts of produce, these stores often use various types of  packaging. To reduce the amount of plastic that gets discarded, we've opted to buy most of our produce elsewhere and to reuse the packaging when purchased.

The photographs show how to use a plastic container to create a mini-nursery indoors for flowers or vegetables. My husband partially filled a few of the containers with potting soil then added seedlings he had sprouted.  By closing the tops of the containers, you can create a humid environment which helps the plants get established.  As the plants grow taller, you can remove the lid. 

During the time that the plants are indoors, place the container in a spot where it will have access to sunlight or a good light source. 

Now, these containers are outdoors and a new crop of potential herbs and vegetables are being grown.