just maryse

Oh Jamie, my Jamie!

Phew! Just under the wire.  I think so anyway.  What you ask?  Well the Sock Revived Design contest.  The extended submission deadline was just a few minutes ago, but I think I made it.

If not, doesn't matter, I'm still going to show you this crazy assed sock I've made along with the pattern.  Because I'm a giver.

Anyway, as you may know, I've been rather obsessed with the Outlander series of books , and it seems that that obsession inspired a sock fit for a Laird.  Or a Sassenach. 

The crowned stags figure in the Fraser Clan Crest (the clan of the very sexy male protagonist) and the strawberry, which I've incorporated into the toe of the sock, has some symbolism in the story.  The Fraser clan is also originally from France, and the word for strawberry in french is "fraise" and a strawberry plant is called a "fraisier."  See how that works?

I have to say, the strawberry really is my favorite part.

Anyway, if you're interested, I've posted the pattern here.  And here on Ravelry.

May Flowers!

in 2008, maritza and i "hosted" the first macro may month.   i put hosted in quotes because really we didn't do anything except for create a flickr group and then encourage people to go out and take macros.  we did it again in 2009.  and now for the 3rd year in a row, we're doing it again!  i know!  we are fantastic people!!!! 

anyway, i really like shooting macros.  i like the tiny details they uncover and how a macro shot can make the most mundane object seem fantastic.  it's almost like looking into a microscope.  i still remember the thrill i got when i first looked into a microscope's objective and saw wee beasties.  heh.

no wee beasties here though.  something more traditional for the first day.

i shot these using a macro lens.  the earlier iteration of this  Nikon 105mm f/2.8G   (i think.  i know i did not spend that kind of coin for mine.  no frickin' way.)   another great nikon macro lens is the smaller Nikon 60mm f/2.8G .  i don't remember why i went with the bigger lens, maybe it's because the 105mm also makes a great portrait lens, but i haven't regretted it. 

if you'd like to play along and don't want to get a macro lens, you can use close-up filters for your SLR.  i wrote a post about them a couple of years ago. (disclaimer:  if i'm off about the technical information, please don't drag me over the coals.  i did the best i could at the time.  thanks.).  i use them still because my macro lens is gigantic and weighs 800 lbs. finally, most P&S and many smaller DSLRs have a little flower icon on them.  check your manual if you can't find it.  anyway, you can use that setting in a pinch for the same effect.

anyway, all this to say, come and play!  we aren't exclusive.