What is it about winter and sock-knitting?

As the days get cooler, I'm enjoying curling up with good books (Uncle Silas and Man and Wife currently in progress). My passion for sock-knitting also ramps up when it's a little chilly out.

There are two pairs on my needles right now, both Christmas gifts for the DH. He chose the pattern and yarn for one pair, but the other is a surprise. I'm using Rebecca Mercier's Rhythm Man pattern, and voila! A little rhythm for the soul man!

His yarn selection for the other pair has surprised me: I would never have expected him to choose a cashmere blend! Meanwhile, both patterns call for short-row heels, but I think they'll be too loose for DH's feet. In fact, I knitted the called-for heel on the first cashmere sock and then frogged it in favor of eye-of-partridge construction. Although I haven't taken a recent photo, I hope the first shot will convey something of the yarn's luscious quality.

Although I have several other Christmas socks on my list, I have finished the Son's Pair No. 1. As mentioned, the dye gave me fits while the socks were in progress; but I'm very happy with the finished product. He'll just have to live with the blue and green variegation!