Saturday I met my friend LT at the mall. I’m not really a mall-rat sort of person, but I definitely like to shop! We had only a few simple goals in mind:
1) LT needed a coat.
2) I needed some new shoes.
3) There’s a Cheesecake Factory there.
Have you ever been to Cheesecake Factory, gentle reader? OHMYGOD It’s not just the desserts that are to die for. The food is amazing, too. And they have all of my favorite comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Chicken & Dumplings.
And then there’s the cheesecake.
Of course there was a long line there. But they are of the enlightened school of restaurants that gives you a pager so you don’t have to sit right there waiting. LT and I went down the mall to The Walking Company because I can always find shoes there. I picked out several styles to try on, and the salesman went to the back to get them.
I’ve bought shoes from this particular salesman before, and let me tell you, he is an excellent sales person. He not only cares that the shoes fit your feet correctly, but he has good suggestions about what will fit. He knows his shoes. He knows how to joke around a bit to put the customer at ease. And he’s the kind of sales person that is always trying to “sell up.”
Sales Guy came out with a pile of shoes for me to try on. And I brought these, he said, handing me a pair of thick, black socks. These are great socks and all of our customers love them. They’ll be great for winter.
I already have great socks on, I said.
LT said to Sales Guy You will not win this battle.
What kind of socks do you have? Sales Guy asked. I could see him preparing to debate.
Ones I knit myself, I answered, kicking off my clogs. I was wearing my Waffles With Brown Sugar socks — probably the brightest pair that I own.
Sales Guy’s eyes got bigger, but his face registered defeat. Well, OK! he said. The thick, black socks disappeared discretely.
Don’t my socks look great with my new shoes? 😀
I also had a great time looking at sweaters and figuring out how to knit them while LT looked for a coat. There are some really cute sweaters out this year, but none looked all that tough to knit. Hmmmmmmm
And, OK… I’ll admit it. Not much sock knitting was accomplished this weekend. But I have a good excuse! I spent a lot of time getting ready for the next sock class, which starts in a little over a week. And I tried to get caught up on a few things around the house, like laundry and bills. And I swatched for a sweater.
I know what you’re thinking, gentle reader. Doesn’t she have enough projects going already? Well… one might think so. But, hey… the yarn called.
Actually, the yarn did call. It’s Trendsetter Yarns Fatigues in color #13 – Khaki. It’s kind of a strange yarn, but it knits up nicely. I’ve been eying it for a long time, ever since it came in, thinking it would be great for a casual sweater if I could find just the right pattern. Well, I found the pattern — the basket weave henley sweater from The Purl Stitch. The yarn has been discontinued – I guess other knitters couldn’t figure out what to do with it, either – so I thought I should strike while I could still get the stuff.
So I swatched. So sue me.
#1 Son called yesterday from Florida. Today they are headed for Georgia. He does get around, eh?
Yes, the socks DO look great! “What kind of socks do you have?” – what a question! At least the salesguy was smart enough to clam up after your retort! But, I LOVE the shoes – what brand are they, and are they comfy? I want a pair!
1Trish
Remark from My Merino Mantra — Monday, 10/30/2006 @ 5:59 PM
I love when people notice my socks and mine are wild!!!!!
2Remark from Old Knitter — Monday, 10/30/2006 @ 6:46 PM
Good for you! And the shoes ARE great with those socks. What kind are they?
3BTW I’m knitting your Tangled Up in Blue socks and I LOVE the pattern! Thanks so much!
Remark from Willa Jean — Tuesday, 10/31/2006 @ 9:46 AM
The shoes are made by Dansko and they are very comfortable. I highly recommend them!
Willa Jean, I’m glad you’re enjoying the pattern! 😀
4Remark from Judy — Tuesday, 10/31/2006 @ 2:14 PM
Those are a perfect pair of shoes to show of your gorgeous socks!
5Remark from ~Kristie — Thursday, 11/2/2006 @ 1:51 PM