Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sam Socks

I think it's fitting to post this last post about Sam on what would have been his 7th birthday today.
We brought him home yesterday. It was quite a surprise how professional all this was handled. We did not choose the urn. It came in a dark blue box, and with a Sympathy note, as well as a Certificate of Cremation. Needless to say, I was sad, am sad, but Biko is doing her best to distract me.

Sam-May 2009-2

I finished the pair of socks I started while sitting with Sam on his last two days.

Sam socks-4

pattern: Hopper Socks by Priscilla Meredith of Knitbuddies
yarn: Trekking XXL # 107
needles: 2 mm DP
start-finish: May 20-28

Sam Socks

I've always liked this stitch pattern and was delighted to find this sock pattern. I'm surprised they fit so well. Usually I knit my socks with 64 stitches on the leg, and 60 stitches for the foot. This pattern starts out with 72 stitches, but decreases down to 56 stitches at the ankle. I tried to knit the heel given in the pattern, but it did not fit as well as I'd liked, so I ripped it out and made my tried and true old German square heel. I could have made the heel flap longer, but did not want to rip it out again. It's O.K. but I had only 3 stitches either side to decrease for the gusset. I worked the sole on 30 stitches, and the instep on 29 stitches. It worked out quite well.
I like the Trekking colorway very much, it reminds me of strawberries with their leaves attached, or water melon, either are yummy.

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24 comments:

Marianne said...

Dear Monika,

I have been away from Blogland until this afternoon...and found the story of your sad week. I know how you are feeling because I was in your place 4 years ago with my beloved Rottie, ZsaZsa. I too, chose the path you did. What I wanted to share with you here, aside from my love and prayers, is the story of ZsaZsa's ashes: we buried them in that garden bed where she was never allowed to lay! It is now her place, and only her place... :-) She too, was only seven years old when she was in so much pain we needed to make that horrific call. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I cannot even fathom that Sam was not even 7! my white german shepherd, Timber will be 10 in November. I blink because that doesn't even seem right to me. Anyway, continued well wishes coming your way, I always always love to see what they were up to and continue to be excited about Biko's adventures.

Anonymous said...

The socks are simply lovely.

I am so glad Sam's cremation was handled with such dignity. My vet handles it in a similar matter and it is comforting.

Walden said...

I think the sock color you chose looks great with that pattern. I'm glad your vet is working with you so well.

Sharon said...

The urn for Sam is very tasteful and it was very thoughtful of the vet to send a card.

The socks are lovely and the color is very cheerful. There's nothing like a pair of socks for some fast knitting.

momsue84 said...

Beautiful socks for a beautiful boy. Still thinking of you all the time. I wish we had done this for Wolfie, but will for Milo. Happy birthday in Heaven to Sam.

Knatolee said...

Monika, Sam was far too young. :( Well, dogs never live long enough, in my opinion. But his urn is just beautiful!I hope the passage of time eases your pain, but I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved dog. Many hugs to you.

And as always, I am in awe of your knitting!

Angelika said...

This is a nice an tasteful end for Sam. Like this you know he is still there and always in good memory. I'm not so sure about all the holes in those socks, but I like the pattern as a scarf. :)

Marianne said...

Some things are worth feeling sad about, in this case, not a 'thing' at all and yes, I'm sure Biko is doing her best to cheer you up, very sweet of her. You just know she's missing Sam too.
Love the socks, they're such happy colours.

Shirley, in PA said...

It's comforting to know your vet handled the end of Sam's life with care and as much comfort as possible. The urn is beautiful, and I hope it gives you peace. Love the colors of your socks. Shirley, in PA

Robin said...

The color and the texture of the urn are very nice. I love the little pawprint tag. You have seem to have a very special vet. The socks are really pretty - pattern and color.

hannah said...

Nice to read they handled it professional. Of course you are sad....

I like the socks very much. Nice pattern and colors.

Agnes said...

I read the stories of Sam ... and inevitably, I cried. I am just glad to read that despite the sadness and loss, you seem to be holding up well. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Oh I wish Sam could have stayed around for his 7th birthday! I feel so bad for what you are going through. The urn is beautiful - I had a bunny cremated and the urn was more plain. I really like the paw print button.

Keep hanging in there and give Biko a big kiss from me!

Beverly said...

You have a wonderful and considerate vet. They did a beautiful preparation for Sam.

This shade of Trekking reminds me of watermelon and looks great in this pattern. I downloaded the pattern before I finished reading your post and will start it on the legs of a pair of socks I'm currently knitting.

Anonymous said...

pretty socks....
margie in maryland

Renata S. P. said...

Hi Monika!
You'll miss Sam, and we too, but life goes on. Keep carrying him inside your heart.
About the socks, they are awsome! I really like this colorful socks =D

Best Wishes,

Renata

sgeddes said...

I love your new socks. Very nice pattern and color combination.

It is so sad when a special friend leaves. I am greatful to hear that your vet has handled everything so well for you. I'm sure you all miss Sam and will hopefully be able to comfort each other.

shannon said...

a beautiful way to remember an amazing creature...

much love my friend.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

They DO look like strawberries! Lovely socks to bring you warmth and comfort.

It is a blessing when the vet's office handles things so professionally. That's a nice urn and Sam will always be at home with you now.

I hope you don't feel so sad for too long.

Kitty Kitty said...

Dear Monika...

I am so sorry about Sam... It is never easy to loose our 4 footed friends. :(

Your socks are absolutely beautiful. They looks so good on. :) I am so happy they worked out. Thank you so much for making them.

Ann said...

Lovely socks & the colors do remind me of water melons!

2paw said...

Dear Monika, The Labrador send their tail waggy love. I am thinking of you at this difficult time. I love your Sam socks. Lots of pats to Biko who must be missing him too.

hakucho said...

I know I am really late in catching up on my blog reading...I'm so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. Hugs!!