Did you get mail??

I've gotten a few calls and an e-mail that seem to say that the BIG packages that I sent out at the beginning of January may not have reached everyone. So, I'm sending this out to let you know, if you have NOT gotten a large, WHITE envelope from me in the actual mail (not an e-mail, but real live mail), please call me as soon as you can.

Please forgive me if you didn't get the package, I'll resend after confirming your address.

Anyone up for a Sock Swap?

One of our fellow Sea Sockers has graciously offered to run a small swap -- just in case you like to get presents when you get on a ship -- presents from Knitters!

Here's the plan and I want to mention it is completely optional! If you don't wish to participate or don't have the time, it is ok.

Now on to the plan:
Abigail has offered to run this swap. I mention this only because I'm up to my little eyeballs in details (and final payments) that I can not. (If you happen to e-mail me, I will forward it on to Miss Abigail.)

The idea is to make a pair of socks for another person in the group. Your pal will not be secret, and the swap will happen sometime early in the cruise (so, hint, you need to be able to finish the pair prior to the cruise).

Anyway, if you are interested, kindly send your name, blog address (if you have one), and e-mail address to Abigail. Also include: fiber allergies, color preference and hated colors, shoe size, foot length, and ball of foot measurements.

Participation is optional and will not reflect on your workshop grades (as if we were giving grades for workshops). Please sign-up only if you can complete the item before the cruise, as I'd hate anyone to be disappointed -- and since this isn't secret (and you will meet face to face everyone in the group) you don't want be the person who showed up with one sock ---- leave that joy to me, please.

Please Proceed To The Highlighted Route

The new site is now live! You'll find it over at www.mycruiseplanner.net where all of the cruise news and information that was at our old site, along with tools to help you find the perfect cruise vacation for you as well as some fantastic specials.

If you were subscribing to either the podcast or to the news feed for the old site then you shouldn't have to do anything. We've worked some magic with the plumbing of the internets to transfer those subscriptions over for you with out a problem.

There are still a few kinks that we're working out on the new site, in particular the News page is not working if you are an Internet Explorer 7 user. We're working to resolve the problem, and hope to have it fixed soon. If you encounter any other problems on the site, give us a call or shoot as an e-mail by using the contact us form on the new site.

Classes Announced and a Decision

Wow, I can tell you from all the calls I've gotten in the last 48 hours that a few of you are over the moon excited about Sea Socks. (If by a few of you, I mean ALL of you.) Let me remind you that here is a great place to express your excitement, share your joy, and start chatting. This blog is as much for you as it is for me to share announcements.

Speaking of Announcements.

I'm all for some surprises, but I know everyone is interested in what classes are being offered. Now, I'm going to share a peak at the classes. Full details will be in your Sea Socks Guide.

There will be two Hands-On techincal classes. You will have the opportunity to take both of them, but the classes must be split up in order to give everyone the personal attention they deserve. They are:
Color Theory and Sock
Pattern Techinique (Choice)
On this one, you can choose between Two Types of Shorts Rows OR Toe Up with a Reverse Heel Flap.

Then there are three classes that are more on theory and ideas of socks:
Customizing Sock Patterns: How to make a standard sock pattern FIT.
Sock Scupture: The Anatomy of a Sock
Handpainted Yarn and the Sock: How to get the best from both

I do hope that's enough of a teaser for you. Trust me, I've heard the topics for each of these and I'm over the moon with how cool they are going to be.

Now for the decision. You see that little thing about you choosing which pattern techinque you want? Well, now is the time to pick -- sorry that this wasn't in your packets. To make this totally fair -- I'm taking class requests by e-mail ONLY (so I have the time/date stamp).

E-mail me if you want to be a part of the Two types of Short Rows Class OR the Toe-Up Reverse Heel Flap. (oh, you want to know what kind of sock goes with each of these?)
1. Two Types of Short Rows: This is a Lace style sock.
2. Toe-Up Reverse Heel Flap: This is a clog sock with a CABLED heel.

So which will it be? All e-mails should be sent directly to seasocks@REMOVETHISgmail.com (remember to remove the "REMOVETHIS" part).

Getting from the Airport to the Pier

I know this is going to sound odd, but are you flying into LA the morning the ship departs? have you thought about how you are getting from the airport to the pier --- trust me, walking is NOT an option.

Well, Royal Caribbean finally (oh, please don't get me started that this took them WAY too long) announced the pricing for one-way cruise only transfers -- da-dum: It is $26.

Call or e-mail me if you need me to add this. If you are staying at the hotel the night before, you do NOT need this.

Happy New Year!!!

And Warm Fiber Wishes to you all!

Can you believe that we are now closing in on Sea Socks Cruise? My office is filling up with boxes of items for the bags, the bags are ordered and forthcoming, Mama E is up to her elbows in yarn and dye -- seriously, we've been busy!!

I don't have much exciting news to share -- other than to say hi and go over a few housekeeping things.

So, first -- HI!!!!

Now on to the housekeeping:
1. Final payment is due on February 1st. I have spent the last week working on putting together everyone's invoices (yes, this will actually be MAILED and not E-mailed) -- and they are in the box to go out tomorrow. There is an excellent offer in the invoice from Unicorn Books and a questionnaire I need filled out --- so if you don't have an invoice (or aren't the person getting the invoice) in a week -- call me at 888-286-9827 or e-mail me and I'll get you copies out straight away.
2. I have one person who wants to join us, but needs a room mate. I'm fresh out of unmatched roommates, so I thought I'd throw it out there if anyone was willing to take a triple (it will probably lower everyone's per person rate) and add a sweet knitter to their room -- as an incentive, I have a present for the two people willing to add the third. She is seeking non-smokers -- but like the rest of the group, she's a fun loving, sock knitter --- thus she's cool. Please e-mail if you are interested.
3. Has everyone heard that there is going to be an East Coast Fall Fiber Cruise, yet? Yup. There will be a 9 day cruise (roundtrip from Baltimore) in September. This one is geared to spinners and knitters and has 3 days of classes -- Mama E and Amie G will be back as well as Marie from Brooklyn Handspun AND Kate Gilbert (you've heard of her, right?). There's a special offer for anyone booked on Sea Socks already -- but since it is exclusive to you guys, you have to call or e-mail for details.

Ok, that's all I've got. I just checked Amie's ticker on her blog -- 3 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days until we depart. I can't wait. I'm already planning my clothing (read: outfits to match my socks) and dreaming of vacationing with all my newest friends! I can not tell you how exciting it is for me to think about wandering the ship and seeing knitters all around.