An FO, and a Contest!

Scroll down to find out how to do some good for others while getting a chance to win some Malabrigo.

But first an FO:

Pattern:  Priscilla's Dream Socks by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts
Source:  Interweave Knits Fall 2000, and published in Favorite Socks (also available online)
Materials:  Malabrigo Sock, color 801 Boticelli Red, and Knitpicks circulars US 1 and US 2

I can't say enough good things about this yarn and this pattern.
   First the Malabrigo Sock yarn:  This was the first pair of socks I've knit with Malabrigo.  Like all the other Malabrigo yarns, it is extremely soft.  While knitting, it seemed even more fine than other sock yarn, more like a lace yarn.  Yet, it was easy to knit with and seemed to hold up well when I had to undo and reknit a couple of mistakes.  I picked up this skein (and more) at K2TOG, in Albany, CA.  They had just received a shipment from Malabrigo, so I was able to view a good sampling of the colors available.  Just as the softness of the Sock yarn is true to what you are used to if you've knit with Malabrigo worsted, so are the beautiful, saturated colors.  The color didn't bleed at all when I washed the socks, and they blocked nicely.
   The pattern:  If you like to knit socks, but haven't knit Priscilla's Dream Socks yet, I recommend that you try it.  Priscilla Gibson-Roberts studied sock designs and techniques from all over the world, and then came up with this pattern, with short-row heels and toes, as the best fitting socks she could create.  She also created a chart of numbers to plug into the pattern, based on foot circumference and yarn gauge, so you can follow her pattern for your foot, and whatever yarn you want to use, and end up with a perfectly fitting pair of socks.

After finishing my latest pair of socks, I was ready to get online and buy more Malabrigo Sock yarn.  But for the last couple of days I have been watching the news about the earthquake in Haiti.  Instead of buying yarn, I am going to donate some money to organizations that are working on the relief effort.  Here are just a couple of choices if you are interested in joining me:
American Red Cross International Response Fund:  There are incredible needs just for food, water, and shelter.  The American Red Cross partners with the Haitian Red Cross, and will work to provide for these basic needs.
Doctors Without Borders:  Overwhelming numbers of people need immediate medical attention.  Doctors Without Borders is bringing in medical staff and supplies, as well as setting up a field hospital.
Heifer International:  This organization is not a traditional first responder, but they already work in Haiti, and will help people rebuild their lives following the disaster relief.

The Contest: 
Donate to the Haiti earthquake relief effort and get a chance to win some Malabrigo yarn.  It's as simple as that!
Step 1:  Donate to one of the above organizations by next Friday, January 22nd.
Step 2:  Leave me a comment letting me know which organization received your donation.  You do not have to say the amount.  If you already donated before seeing this contest, and/or if you have a different favorite charity that is also working in Haiti, you can let me know about that too, and I will include you in the contest.
Step 3:  I will need to be able to contact you if you win.  If you do not want to provide any contact info. along with your comment, send an email to affiknitty@yahoo.com with your email address as well.  [Edited to add:  You don't have to email me until I announce the winners.  Please check back Sunday, January 24th to find out if you've won.]

After the deadline has passed, I will use a random number generator to pick 3 winners, and send away 3 prizes:
1)  One skein of Malabrigo Sock yarn in color 810 Cordovan.  (One skein is a generous 440yds., enough for a pair of socks.)
2)  Two skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in color 247 Whales Road, enough for a beautiful scarf.
3)  Two skeins of Malabrigo Chunky in color 23 Pagoda.  Here is Ravelry link to a list of patterns that can be made with just 208 yards of bulky yarn.

Thank you for reading and participating!