Here are the socks that I started on the train to Seattle, and worked on intermittently while waiting in lines and whenever I had a few spare moments. It’s amazing how those little minutes here and there really add up!
I was up to the gusset increases when I got back. Since then I’ve finished the gussets and I’m in the middle of turning the first heel.
This is STR in colorway County Clare. The pattern on the top of the instep is a simple K2tog/yo/k6 pattern that moves one stitch to the right every round.
No, those are not my regular trusty Inox Greys. Those are a pair of the new Knitpicks needles – the “classic” circular needles (i.e. ones with fixed cable joins).
What do I think about these needles? Hmmm… The jury is still out. I love the cables. The cables are just simply awesome and I can’t say enough about them. And the joins are very good. Certainly the points are sharp. And the length is good. I didn’t find the length at all annoying going through the gusset increases. But there’s just something… I find myself splitting the yarn a lot, which is not usual for me. And sometimes there something on the tip that snags, although I can’t find any rough spots. They’re not as “fast” as an Addi. But faster than wood. I don’t know. These are a size US#1 (2.5 mm). I might try a size 0 (2.0 mm) and see if my hands can take it or if my fingers get too sore. Certainly the price is right for that kind of experiment. I will report back.
BTW, when I ordered these from the Knitpicks site, I received an email saying that orders were very backlogged and thanks for my patience. But I still received them within a week – in time to take to Victoria with me. (I took the Inox Greys also, just in case.)
Lori Rode – my new shoes were made by Ecco. I got them at The Walking Company store at Washington Square. If you haven’t shopped there, I really recommend them. They’ve got a ton of comfortable shoes of all styles.
Stephanie – How are the socks coming? Did you get that heel turned?
Deb – There’s a Lush here now? That’s dangerous!
Mmmmmm … those colours are nice. I * may * have to look into getting some of that 🙂
1Remark from Dave — Monday, 8/14/2006 @ 5:59 PM
Thanks for the tip on the shoes. My mom has had great luck with Ecco shoes, but I haven’t tried that brand yet. Perhaps they’ll be my next shoes. Great socks, too.
2Remark from Lori Rode — Tuesday, 8/15/2006 @ 1:50 PM
Those socks look lovely. I like the pattern a lot. It’s hard to find a pattern looking great with variegated yarn.
3Remark from Monika — Tuesday, 8/15/2006 @ 2:59 PM
Dave, I don’t know if you could tell from this site that I sort of like blue and green? 🙄 This yarn is even better in person. It’s all my favorite colors rolled into one!
4Remark from Judy — Tuesday, 8/15/2006 @ 4:14 PM
Thanks, Lori Rode and Monika!
I’ve been really happy with the way this is knitting up, too. There is a tiny bit of dark-green pooling right on top of gusset that’s not showing in this picture. But it’s not large, and it’s my favorite color, so I’m OK with it. Since I will be using the same pattern on the ankle, I expect it to look much like the foot looks.
Of course, with hand-painted yarn it’s hard to tell what’s really going to happen.
5Remark from Judy — Tuesday, 8/15/2006 @ 4:18 PM
Your socks always look so beautiful. I want to try STR. Do you use the light-weight, or mid-weight? 🙂
6Remark from Rhonda — Tuesday, 8/15/2006 @ 8:56 PM
Hi, Rhonda. I use both. This particular pair of socks is the light-weight. I’m more apt to use the light because I’m usually making socks for daily wear and it’s not that cold here in Portland. If I lived in a cold climate or wanted a good pair of boot socks, then the medium weight would be just the trick.
7Remark from Judy — Wednesday, 8/16/2006 @ 6:20 AM
Oh dear, I think I am in danger of becoming a sock addict. It just seems like magic. I twist a stitch here, knit a couple of stitches together there and now I have a little cup to hold my heel. I gently pick up the heel to send it home with the rest of the foot and next thing I know I have a warm place for my toes. It’s magic. I am enchanted.
Okay, so it’s just one little baby sock and the toe looks like someone cut it out with pinking shears, but it is MY sock and I love it!
It also makes me really appreciate all the wonderful socks I see here. Current example included.
8Remark from Stephanie in Vancouver, WA — Wednesday, 8/16/2006 @ 7:49 AM
this is a cool pattern for your socks, and I like your color-way. I’ll have to try STR soon.
9Remark from hpny knits — Thursday, 8/17/2006 @ 5:51 PM
I totally have to try this pattern. Thanks for sharing! They look wonderful! /nic
10Remark from Nic — Thursday, 8/17/2006 @ 6:36 PM
BEAUTIFUL!!
11Remark from ~Kristie — Tuesday, 8/22/2006 @ 12:16 AM