Mum's socks

Mum asked me for a pair of socks for her last birthday (her birthday was in October; the request came a fair bit earlier than that). It's now almost a year later, and I only have half a sock done. And that's been sitting idle on the needle for a couple of months now.

The trouble is, I've decided that these socks aren't right for Mum. I'm using cream Patonyle, with a pretty grey-blue for the top band, heel and toes, and they're soft and lovely. However, Mum is now living on a boat, and I feel she needs something more robust. Mum is also more fun than cream and grey.

I have some great red/multicoloured wool (not Australian, though) that would make excellent socks, and I have heaps of it, so I can make them nice a long, maybe even with a top turnover, for better staying power.

My dilemma is that I now have a substantial pile of UFOs, and a baby nephew that I haven't made anything for. On the other hand, Mum and Dave will set sail off around the world some time in the near future, so I have to make sure that I get them to her before then!

I always find that as soon as I've told myself I'm not starting anything new until I finish my UFOs, something "urgent" comes up.....

Perhaps if I get this current jumper finished - the one with the probably-too-long sleeve - I can justify starting Mum's socks.

Maybe alternating is the way to go. UFO, new project, UFO, new project - so long as none of the new projects become future UFOs!!

And if I start soon, I could get them to her by THIS birthday!