Worsted Weight Socks

I got a pair of tiny 9" knitting needles in size 8, so I went looking for patterns that I could use them with. I decided that a pair of socks was just the thing. I found one pattern which had me cast on 40 stitches and had a heel flap heel. I started at the top and knit the leg and it seemed like it might be too big. I tried it on and wasn't sure, so I worked the heel and part of the foot. I then tried it on again and it was definitely too big.

My original attempt

I also didn't like the look of the heel flap, so I did a search for a short row heel sock made with worsted weight yarn. I didn't find anything that I liked, so I decided to figure out my own pattern. In the process of looking for a sock pattern, I learned about Shadow/Twin Stitch Short Rows for heels from this video:

This is what I did for my socks:

1. Cast On 32.

2. K1 P1 for 8 rows (~1") 

3. Knit even for 20 rows (until top of sock measures ~5 1/2")

4. Knit 7, make Twin Stitch Knit (TSK). Switch to new needle and slide TSK       onto it. Turn
5. Purl 14, Twin Stitch Purl (TSP). turn
6. * K to 1 before TSK, make TSK, turn, Purl to 1 before TSP, make TSP, turn *
7. Repeat * to * until there are 5 Twin Stitches on each side and 6 regular stitches in the middle.
8. < K to TS, Knit TS as 1 stitch, make next TS into a Triplet (same as a Twin Stitch, only now there are 3 loops), Turn. Purl to TS, Purl TS as 1 stitch, make next TS into Triplet. Turn >
9. Repeat < > until there is 1 TS on each end. Switch back to 9" needle. Slide TS back onto it.
10. Knit 7 stitches, Place Marker. Continue knitting around back to marker, treating TS as 1 stitch.
11. Knit even for 20 rows (~6" from back of heel)
12. Remove marker. Knit 8. Switch to magic loop needle (I lost one of the 9" needles).
13. K1, SSK, K 10, K2tog, K1, Pull loop to move to back of sock. K1, SSK, K to 3 from end, K2tog, K1
14. (K1, SSK, K to 3 from end, K2tog, K1) Repeat on both sides of sock
15. Knit even
16. Repeat rows 14 and 15 until there are 4 stitches left on each side. Kitchener stitch to bind off.

One somehow ended up longer than the other!

These socks fit better than the ones I had started with, but were still a little big, so I started with 28 stitches and they fit just right, except I'm not 100% satisfied with the toe. I may alter the pattern to fix that, so stay tuned.

1. Cast On 28.

2. K1 P1 for 8 rows (~1") 

3. Knit even for 20 rows (until top of sock measures ~5 1/2")

4. Knit 6, make Twin Stitch Knit (TSK). Switch to new needle and slide TSK  onto it. Turn
5. Purl 12, Twin Stitch Purl (TSP). turn
6. * K to 1 before TSK, make TSK, turn, Purl to 1 before TSP, make TSP, turn *
7. Repeat * to * until there are 5 Twin Stitches on each side and 4 regular stitches in the middle.
8. < K to TS, Knit TS as 1 stitch, make next TS into a Triplet (same as a Twin Stitch, only now there are 3 loops), Turn. Purl to TS, Purl TS as 1 stitch, make next TS into Triplet. Turn >
9. Repeat < > until there is 1 TS on each end. Switch back to 9" needle. Slide TS back onto it.
10. Knit 6 stitches, Place Marker. Continue knitting around back to marker, treating TS as 1 stitch.
11. Knit even for 25 rows (~6" from back of heel)
12. Remove marker. Knit 7. Switch to magic loop needle.
13. K1, SSK, K 8, K2tog, K1, Pull loop to move to back of sock. K1, SSK, K to 3 from end, K2tog, K1
14. (K1, SSK, K to 3 from end, K2tog, K1) Repeat on both sides of sock
15. Knit even
16. Repeat rows 14 and 15 until there are 4 stitches left on each side. Kitchener stitch to bind off.

"This Homeward Journey" by Misty M. Beller --Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Title: This Homeward Journey

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: January 1, 2019

After her husband’s death, Rachel Gray is finally free from the turmoil his addictions caused. She wants nothing more than a new life with her twelve-year-old son. If she can reach her brother in the wilderness of the Canadian territories, they’ll have help to start over in peace. She knows better than to put her life in the hands of another man, but she never expected the Montana mountains to be so treacherous. When two brothers invite her to join their small group traveling to the same area, she refuses. After she and her son narrowly escape a bear attack, she’s forced to admit they need the safety of numbers in this untamed land. If the men prove dangerous, she can always leave with her son and strike out alone again.

Seth Grant has made some bad choices in his life, but God healed him from the addiction that mired him in his sins. Now, he’s determined to live the life God called him to, starting with a journey northward to see the Canadian mountain both his brother and sister have fallen in love with. When he discovers the woman and boy who plan to travel the same mountain trail, he can’t fathom why she refuses to join in the safety of their larger group. Though her decision seems unwise, he has no other choice but to pray God provides her protection.

Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to the Seth—until a secret from his past proves he’s not at all the man she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all.

My Thoughts

"This Homeward Journey" is the 5th book in the Heart of the Mountains series, but it could be read as a stand alone as characters from other books only make minor appearances. I enjoyed reading the book and found it well written and well paced. After so many books set in the same area, you would think that Misty M. Beller would run out of things for the characters to encounter. While some of the hardships are similar, she does a good job of finding new twists for them to go through. I liked Seth and Samuel and their interactions with each other and with Rachel and Andy. I look forward to reading Samuel's story next.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post from Misty

Why Christian Historical Romance?

I don’t know about you, but my life can get crazy…busy…chaotic. Historical fiction gives me a haven, allowing me to immerse in a simpler time and place. Add in remote mountain settings—log cabins and horses and snow…what could be better? Sometimes I wish God had let me live a couple centuries ago, but then I remind myself He knew exactly what He was doing. I don’t do well without a shower every day. 😊 And He even lets me go back to that simpler time through stories!

If you’re reading this, you probably enjoy immersing yourself in a good book, too. Story can be such a powerful thing! Becoming an intimate part of the characters’ lives, feeling their struggles—the desperation, the elation, the emotions, the love.

I enjoy reading and writing Christian fiction because it provides a place where I don’t always have to be concerned about inappropriate language or too-graphic love scenes. It’s a “safe zone” where my imagination can escape, living out exciting times and experiencing God-orchestrated happily-ever-afters—without having to clean-up at the end of the day. Can you relate?

I’m excited to share my latest Christian Historical Romance story with you, and hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it!

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, December 29

Through the Fire Blogs, December 29

Carpe Diem, December 30

Splashes of Joy, December 30

A Baker’s Perspective, December 31

Mary Hake, December 31

Pause for Tales, January 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 1

Simple Harvest Reads, January 2 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 2

Among the Reads, January 3

For The Love of Books, January 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 4

Connect in Fiction, January 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace. January 6

Bibliophile Reviews, January 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 7

Inspiration Clothesline, January 7

Creating Romance, January 8

Texas Book-aholic, January 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Janices book reviews, January 9

Wishful Endings, January 10

Cafinated Reads, January 10

Bigreadersite, January 11

Blossoms and Blessings, January 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9bc/this-homeward-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

"This Homeward Journey" is available in paperback:

• Series: Heart of the Mountains (Book 5)
• Paperback: 305 pages
• Publisher: Misty M. Beller Books (December 28, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0999701274
• ISBN-13: 978-0999701270
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5007 KB
• Print Length: 232 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Misty M. Beller Books, Inc.; 1 edition (January 1, 2019)
• Publication Date: January 1, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07HZ1C46V

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Healer" by Kay L. Moody --Book Review by Emily

About the Book  

Cairo 2121. The city is failing.

To save it, all they need is a list.

A list that has the names needed to take down the slave cartel that targets orphans. A list that’s impossible to find.

In an unfamiliar city, Imara attempts to secure the list, but her efforts are thwarted again and again by a man who grips Cairo with terror and control.

She joins a security team, hoping to save Cairo and her new boyfriend’s business all at the same time. With the team’s numbers dwindling more each day, they prepare for an upcoming event to attract new recruits to help them hunt down the list and stop the terror for good.

But then, their efforts get hijacked by an old threat and their problems multiply. Now, Imara faces a man who enslaves orphans and a woman who craves revenge. As the fight progresses, she’s forced to make an impossible choice:

Fix the mistakes of her past… or save the city?

Healer is the 2nd book in the Truth Seer Trilogy.

Emily's Thoughts

Healer was a well written book. It followed Truth Seer well and confirmed something I suspected from Truth Seer. I read it so much that I finished it the morning I started it. As with Truth Seer, all the futuristic stuff was a little confusing.

"Healer" is available in paperback:

• Series: Truth Seer Trilogy (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Independently published (January 2, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1792918283
• ISBN-13: 978-1792918285
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1771 KB
• Print Length: 248 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Marten Press (January 7, 2019)
• Publication Date: January 7, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07MDQBN5Q

We got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are our own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for the review. 

"Truth Seer" by Kay L. Moody -- Book Review by Emily

Emily has agreed to review some YA books so you will see her reviews periodically. If I read the book also, I will post my own review.

About the Book   

A world of lies. A cell of terrorists.

When her sister is taken hostage, only the power to see the truth can set both of them free.

Egypt 2121. Imara thinks she has life all figured out.

She doesn’t.

She sees emotions in color and knows when people are lying. But seeing the truth has made her cynical and afraid to trust others. She’s haunted by the memories of her past and wants nothing more than to forget them forever.

Abe is hopeful and reckless. He has no special power, but never lets that hold him back. He wants to make his mark on the world and save everyone he can along the way.

When a terrorist faction appears and kidnaps a group of hostages, Imara and Abe are thrust into an adventure they aren’t prepared to meet. With the lives of the hostages at stake, they’ll do anything it takes to accomplish their goal.

Even if it means digging up the past.

Intrigue, adventure, and deadly catacombs all woven into a thrilling tale. If you like futuristic settings and flawed heroes, you’ll love the fascinating world of Truth Seer.

Emily's Thoughts

Truth Seer is a wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much. It was a little confusing, as we had no idea what was the deal with hilas and other futuristic stuff. But the book was very exciting and I stayed up past midnight reading it. I thought the book was well written.

"Truth Seer" is available in paperback:

• Series: Truth Seer Trilogy (Book 1)
• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: Independently published (June 30, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1983210315
• ISBN-13: 978-1983210310
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2182 KB
• Print Length: 340 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Marten Press (July 2, 2018)
• Publication Date: July 2, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07DVBGS8P

We got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are our own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for the review.

"Until I Met You" by Kimberly Rose Johnson --Book Review

About the Book


Graphic designer, Brandi Prescott hopes to work her way to the top at the Seattle ad agency where she’s employed. She’s dedicated and distraction-free since she’s taking a hiatus from men to focus on her relationship with the Lord and get to know herself without the influence of another person.

Software engineer Ian Parker is in a good place. He loves his job, his social life and the direction his life is going. At least that is the case until one fateful rainy morning when he meets a woman who changes everything. The only problem is, she won’t go out with him because she made a pledge to not date for six months. 

Brandi’s six-month pledge ends on Christmas. Will Ian wait or will his scheming to get to know her destroy what might have been?


My Thoughts

This is a prequel to the "Brides of Seattle" series and we get to meet Brandi and Ian as well as Ray and Katie who are in the first book in the series "The Reluctant Groom". I enjoyed reading the story and found it to be well written. I liked Brandi's desire to grow in her relationship with God and put Him first in her life. I look forward to reading more books in this series.



"Until I Met You" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2705 KB
• Print Length: 72 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (December 31, 2018)
• Publication Date: December 31, 2018
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07MB87ZR6

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"The Sleuth's Dilemma" by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Book Review

About the Book
Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn. Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen.

As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about. 

Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both?

My Thoughts

"The Sleuth's Dilemma" is the 2nd book in the Librarian Sleuth series. It would be best to read the first book before reading this one as some of the story line starts in the first book and is expanded upon in this book. I enjoyed getting to see characters that we met in the first book and getting to know some of them even better. Although I did have my suspicions of who was behind the incidents against Anna that turned out to be true, I still enjoyed trying to unravel what was going on and who was doing it. Usually when there are two options of guys for the heroine to love, I have a definite favorite. This time, I wasn't sure who I wanted her to end up with. I think in the end she makes the right decision. I found the book to be well written and flowed well. I look forward to reading more about the librarian sleuth.

About the Author  

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/


"The Sleuth's Dilemma" is available in Kindle edition: 

• File Size: 3615 KB
• Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (February 1, 2019)
• Publication Date: February 1, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07MHDQ8TR

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

2018 Book List

Here are the books I've read this year:

January:
"Unstuck" by Chris DuPre
"Porch Swing Girl" by Taylor Bennett
"A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand
"A Song Unheard" by Roseanna M. White
"The Lacemaker" by Laura Frantz
"Rescue Me" by Susan May Warren
"A Matter of Trust" by Susan May Warren
"If Ever I Would Leave You" by Susan May Warren
"Longbow" by Wayne Grant (MG, read aloud to kids)
"Troubled Waters" by Susan May Warren
"Their Daring Hearts" by Sharlene MacLaren
"Liza's Second Chance" by Molly Jebber

February:
"No Small Storm" by Anne Mateer
"This Treacherous Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Love by the Numbers" by Laura V. Hilton
"21 Days of Love" compiled by Kathy Ide
"Phoebe's Light" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"The Sea Before Us" by Sarah Sundin
"The Reluctant Groom" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"The Essence of Joy" by Lynn U. Watson

March:
"The Innkeeper's Daughter" by Michelle Griep
"For Love & Honor" by Jody Hedlund
"Becoming Mom Strong" by Heidi St. John
"A Loyal Heart" by Jody Hedlund
"Grace Restored" by Toni Shiloh
"Mermaid's Song" by Darlene Franklin

April:
"The Forgotten Girl" by Heather Chapman
"Warbow" by Wayne Grant (MG, read aloud to the kids)
"Sea Rose Lane" by Irene Hannon
"Sandpiper Cove" by Irene Hannon
"Sons of Thunder" by Susan May Warren
"21 Days of Joy" Compiled by Kathy Ide
"Pelican Point" by Irene Hannon

May:
"The Spirit of Christmas" by Lauraine Henderson
"The Amish Teacher's Gift" by Rachel J. Good
"Together Forever" by Jody Hedlund
"Wildfire" by Gayla K. Hiss
"This Wilderness Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Quest for Leviathan" by Amanda Tero
"The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep
"Points Worth" by D.C. Marino

June:
"A Caffeine Conundrum" by Angela Ruth Strong
"Tremors of Doubt" by Lael Harrelson
"Resurrection of Hope" by Tamara Lynn Kraft
"To Claim Her Heart" by Jodie Wolfe
"Dare You" by Carol Moncado
"The Love Letter" by Rachel Hauck
"Good Enough for a Princess" by Carol Moncado
"Fatal Recall" by Carol J. Post
"Enduring Love" by Toni Shiloh
"Along Came a Prince" by Carol Moncado
"The Sleuth's Miscalculation" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"If Only it Were Yesterday" by A.M. Heath

July:
"Minding the Light" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"Just Let Go" by Courtney Walsh
"Made Like Martha" by Katie M. Reid
"Firestorm" by Laura V. Hilton
"Plain Everyday Heroes" by Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, & Thomas Nye
"This Freedom Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Finding Christmas Joy" by Amanda Tero
"The Firefighter's Twins" by Heidi
"The Widow's Plight" by Mary Davis

August:
"A Promise Forged" by Cara Putman
"The Hope Jar" by Wanda Brunsteter
"Ties that Blind" by Chautona Havig
"Chasing Embers" by Rachel Skatvold
"Make Haste Slowly" by Amy K. Rognlie
"Where There's a Will" by Amy K. Rognlie
"The Ransomed Crown" by Wayne Grant (MG, read to the kids)

September:
"Lethal Legacy" by Carol J. Post
"Yesterday's Christmas" by A.M. Heath
"Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids" by Sandy Silverthorne
"A Worthy Rebel" by Jody Hedlund
"Surround Me" by Margarette Gray
"Shadows from the Past" by Ashley Dawn
"The Girl on the Tombstone" by Betty Ruth Weatherby

October:
"Her Hope Discovered" by Cynthia Herron
"A Tale of Two Hearts" by Michelle Griep
"When Your Kid is Hurting" by Kevin Leman
"This Courageous Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"The Sleuth's Dilemma" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"Love's Christmas Blessings" by Laura V. Hilton and Rachel J. Good
"The Light Before Day" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

November:
"Simply Smitten" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"A Sparkle of Silver" by Liz Johnson
"An Hour Unspent" by Roseanna M. White
"Comfort & Joy" by Alana Terry, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, & Chautona Havig
"The Amish Midwife's Secret" by Rachel J. Good

December:
"A Bodyguard for Christmas" by Carol J. Post
"I Know the Plans" by Melissa Wardwell
"In the Shadow of Croft Towers" by Abigail Wilson
"Dead Sea Rising" by Jerry B. Jenkins