Brigadier 88 (our Cranking Machine's name)

Yesterday, while at the market, we had the pleasant surprise of MrB's son and his GF drop in to pay us a visit. While he was there to show off his new camera and brush up on his photography skills he took this photo of our Circular Sock Machine, Brigadier 88.  88 and MrB were hard at work, demonstrating the unique art of sock- making to the The Historic Farmers' Market customers and passersby.

There are not too many people who do pass by and don't turn their head to take a closer glimpse or ask questions! The best part is that both MrB and Brigadier 88 like all the attention!

Our Market Schedule!

Since the conception of Socks Made  On 88 I have been trying hard to educate our customers on the type of appearance schedule, we have:  basically we go to the market, twice a month from September to April.  In this time frame, the Saturdays we attend are usually the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, with exceptions in September and December.

We realize with the type of product we have, we do have an off season too!  Therefore, we go to the market once a month in the months of May, June, July and August.  This works for us and we believe it works for our customers as well.  In those off months it is very interesting to interact with tourists visiting Halifax and area.  And it is a nice bonus when a docking cruise ship lands on a Saturday we are there, as many of them attend the Keith's Brewery tours. May Mother's Day Weekend, and June World Wide Knit in Public Day which both always fall on 2nd Saturdays of the those months.  July and August you will see us at The Historic Farmers' Market on the 4th Saturdays of the month.

I am using this post as a reminder that we are not a vendor at the market that comes to the market each and every week.  We need flexibility and MrB needs ample time to make the production so that our rack is always looking full with selections of all sizes and varieties that we carry.

Our full yearly schedule is up on our website.  Before each attendance, a day or two before the market date, it will be updated of the exact location of our display.   You may see us in the Upper Courtyard, or you may see us in the Lower Courtyard too, as in the fall till after Christmas that is where we frequented this year.

January seems to be the time in which some vendors like to take a break and some farmers have left for the winter.  I think we may be in the Upper Courtyard now for a bit, but always best to seek us out or check the website.  But if you happen to forget to do that, the market now has a new information table.  Go there and ask where we are located and when our next attendance will be, as they should be able to assist to.  

So this is what our Market Schedule looks like up until Mother's Day weekend:

February 14, 2015
February 28, 2015
March 14, 2015
March 28, 2015
April 11, 2015
April 25, 2015
May 9, 2015

As it appears this time around, there does happen to be a 3 week gap between yesterday's attendance and the next one of Feb 14/15.
This does happen occasionally when there are 5 Saturdays in month before sometimes.  That is why I do not say that we attend every 2nd week!

See you at the Market February 14th, on Valentine's Day! 

Thanks to all our market customers today!

MrB and I just always like to say, Thank you!

Saturday, look for our bright neon green and yellow sign at the Market!

We will be in the Upper Courtyard!  If you are familiar with the Upper Courtyard we will be across from where Amanda  (The Humble Burdock Farm) was set up for her last season, and by Highland Farms,kiddie-corner from the Spice Man towards the hallway of one of the main entrances from Lower Water St. Thanks!  Come stop by!

Market again soon!

Although I do not know our exact location yet of where we will be setting up for Saturday, do look for us at the market as we will be there!  I will be able update the location later today or sometime tomorrow.  That information will be here, on our Facebook Page and over at our website also under the Market button. Always 3 places to look and sometimes even on twitter too!  We feel it's very important to make sure our customers are aware of our location, dates at the market etc. and  to educate them also of where to look and access the information they need.  If all else fails, though, please email MrB or myself at:  sockson88@gmail.com

Bonnie Karma Hat!

Well, most of you, if you have read any of my blog posts from the months of June in past years, leading up to or even after, will be familiar with Good Karma Farm.  We go there each year for a crank-in.  And, Me, MsB goes there to dye!  This yarn from Good Karma Farm is their Sport Sock Yarn, which is 60% wool and 40% alpaca.  I dyed this hank thinking it would make a good pair of extremely colourful socks.  MrB did not get it cranked out for socks for me.Oh and BTW, I call the yarn, Bonnie (which means Good) Karma~ Bonnie Karma!  Recently MrB has been cranking Adult Reversible Hats and so I asked him to take on this hank of yarn as a special project hat for me.  He did do so, and here are the photos of the hat from beginning to end in stages.  And I must toot my own horn, I love the way the colourway of dyeing turned out!  I think I am getting better at dyeing and can't wait to try my luck again this June! Every time I go to Good Karma Farm  I dye and go to dye-heaven! :-)

 

Snow = Socks

This morning I took the dogs out for their morning pee.  After having snow overnight, the trees looked so beautiful.  So I took the dogs in and thought, I need a picture of some socks in a tree.  MrB had cranked out a few pairs yesterday, so this was the opportune time to grab them.  I had kitchenered them and washed them and dried them yesterday also. I was lucky to get one picture as the batteries in my camera died after taking this shot.  I was hoping it turned out good as I wanted to come back indoors,check it out and add batteries for the next time. Since I am an aim and shot kind of picture-taker and do have lots of luck on my side, the photo turned out just right for my liking!  I looked at the pic and immediately thought, yes, snow = socks!  Now, there may be some of you dreaming of going south and the beach.  These colourways are 3 of the new Beach Series.  There are Beach Orchid, Gemstones, and Sandbox.

See you at the market again Saturday, January 24, 2015, (7am-1pm), Brewery Square!

Brewery Square, Historic Farmers Market Sat, Jan10/15

This Saturday, only, at the market, you will find us in the Spice Man's space/spot in the Upper Courtyard.

Hugs for your head!

Do you like this side best,

or do you like this side best?

  

 Our socks are Hugs for your feet and our hats are Hugs for your head!  These Adult Reversible Hats will be at the Historic Farmers' Market, Brewery Square, Saturday, January 10, 2015, 7am-1pm.  Since it has been very chilly and frosty here lately, I am sure YOU are going to want that special colourful hat to keep your head warm this winter!

It's not puzzling!

If you want some colourful cozy warm socks, just come see us at the Historic Farmers' Market, Brewery Square, Halifax NS.  We will be there this Saturday, January 10, 2015 (7am -1pm)  or email us at sockson88@gmail.com for more details.  We will also be at the market in January again, Saturday, Jan 24, 2015. Our socks are Hugs for your feet and great to wear when going skating, skiing or any other outdoor winter activities!

Socks Made On 88 and this Blog is 3 Years Old Today, January 3 !!! (2012-2015)

Happy Birthday posted with two of the first sock pairs made, drying on line in basement!

Happy New Year ~ 2015