My Pomatomus socks and I had a long history. I bought 4 skeins of Trekking XXL and cast on just before going to Africa. I made some progress on the flights and while in Tanzania, and then took the sock on safari. It even got its photo with all of the Big 5 animals - Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. Then I finished up the first sock in California.
I cast on the second and took it to Alaska. I finished the ribbing and leg in Fairbanks, and then the heelflap in Anchorage. I picked up the stitches around the heelflap and started the gusset on the flight from Anchorage to Seattle. I was set to spend the next 5 hours on my way back to DC finishing as much of the foot as possible, in order to have a new FO this week. And that's where this story takes a tragic turn. Gentle readers, you may wish to stop reading now and remember the Pomatomus socks in happier times.
You see, I flew Alaska Airlines Flight 2. It goes from Anchorage to DC via Seattle. I had the same seat assignment for both legs of the flight. When we landed in Seattle, the flight attendants told the continuing passengers that we could leave our things on board, and place a "seat occupied" card on our seat. I grabbed my purse, and stuffed my knitting in the seat back pocket, and then put out the "seat occupied" card. (Anyone having a sense of impending doom yet?) I walked around the airport, bought a magazine, a coffee, and some snacks for the flight. Then they called for us to reboard.
(can you see where this is going?)
I got back to my seat, pulled out my Arwen cardigan so I could have an alternate project to work on, and then reached for my sock.
It wasn't there.
I checked the pocket of my seat, the seats next to me, and the floor, but there was no sign of my knitting bag. I asked the flight attendant, and she contacted the folks in the jetway, who contacted the folks who cleaned the plane. Nothing. Nobody saw it, nobody knew anything about it.
When I got to DC, I reported it to baggage services, who filled out the form to make the report of a left on board item. Then I called the Left On Board number for SEA-TAC to report a missing item, and they filled out a form for me.
Two days later, nothing.
I think it's time to say goodbye. First Pomatomus sock, second sock in progress, knitting needles, Kacha Kacha counter, crochet hook and knitting bag all gone. I can't really imagine that someone would think the bag was trash, but I also can't imagine that anyone would really want to steal it - there's just no real value.
I came very close to crying on the plane - only how crazy I would look to the other passengers stopped me. These socks had some pretty significant sentimental value, having traveled the world with me, but I guess they just needed to travel on their own now.
Here's the last photo I have of them, happy in front of Mt. Denali:
There's a mountain behind all those clouds...
But in the spirit of getting back on the horse, I sorted through my sock yarn (way to lift my sprits!) and cast on for a new pair. The Pomatomus is a bit too fresh of a wound, but Monkey socks perfectly fit the bill.
Monkey Monkey Monkey!
This is Tess' Designer Super Sock & Baby, bought last year at Maryland Sheep & Wool. In the skein, it was overwhelmingly pink... knit up, the purple is strong. They're going quickly - just cast on last night, and I'm already 3 repeats in (one more since the photo this afternoon!). Hopefully I'll have a new pair of socks to share soon!
Posted by Sarah at May 13, 2007 10:14 PM | in: Works in Progress | PermalinkI am so sorry!! That's just heartbreaking. Monkey socks are a good cure though - but beware! They're addictive (and SUPER fast!)
Posted by: Cara on May 13, 2007 11:13 PMSorry about the missing socks.
I like your new one's though.
But where's the Moose????
Oh, that's a horrible, horrible story. Baffling what might have happened to them. Certainly no one would ever think that a bag with knitting still on the needles was trash! That's just not right. I'm sorry for your loss. The Monkey socks are looking good, though!
Posted by: Janelle on May 14, 2007 01:55 AMOH NO! That's such a sad story. I can totally see them hitching rides on other planes now. Imagine the socks in Europe, Asia, or even the North Pole! :)
Posted by: Erin on May 14, 2007 02:10 AMit's a mystery - I wonder where they are and what they're doing. And if they think of you at all .... maybe it will be like that gnome story and you will start receiving pictures .....
Posted by: ann on May 14, 2007 08:32 AMYour socks were just too worldly to be finished and end up as just socks to be worn... I'm sorry that you lost them but happy that you have found a new sock to love! See you this weekend!
Posted by: Jenna on May 14, 2007 08:42 AMI am really sorry to read this - definitely a heart breaker. I remember your posts about the sock very well - I remember your trip and how you connected the sock to that part. Hope the monkey socks cheer you.
Posted by: Terry on May 14, 2007 08:50 AMThe socks found their travelling feet...they want to see more of the world.
the monkey socks are lookin great
Definately made me think of putting an IF LOST:sent to: card in my knitting bag...
Posted by: heather on May 14, 2007 09:11 AMOh NO!!! My heart hurts for you - ouch! I'm so sorry. I'd guess that some well-meaning person thought it was trash and "cleaned" your seat for you. Oh bother! Glad you've got the monkey socks to keep you company now...
Posted by: natalie on May 14, 2007 10:07 AMI would have gone ahead and cried. I am so sorry. The Monkeys are beautiful, though!
Posted by: Ginny on May 14, 2007 03:18 PMThat's like the saddest thing I've ever heard! Seriously... I'm tearing up over here.
Posted by: Amy on May 14, 2007 03:34 PM