Sam Knits: February 2006

'Simple' Ribbed Socks

The pattern really is pretty simple, and I've decided to actually follow the pattern this time too. Except for not doing a gauge swatch. And only making ankle socks, because the rib pattern used got a little tedious and well, boring. Oh, and since I didn't check gauge, they're not going to fit me. Maybe somebody with daintier feet? The pattern as written should make a women's size 8-9 sock, but the same pattern as knitted by me gives me about a 5, no bigger than a 6. And I really hate that, because I love, love, love this yarn. I might have enough left to make one of the men's patterns and only do ankle socks with those, and I think they'd fit okay. Anyway, I'm still lovin' the KnitPicks Simple Stripes, and I'm enjoying the patterns from my Vintage Socks book too. Making up your own patterns is fun, but the habit I have of not checking gauge seems to cause more problems than it's worth. Not that using a pattern makes that problem go away, but it helps if you have the pattern writer to blame instead of just cursing yourself as you rip out row after carefully planned row.

Okay, so I'm well down the road to finishing one of these stripey socks, and I finally finished ONE Black Sock. No picture. It's a black sock, use your imagination.

Assembly Required

I started one of the patterns from the Vintage Sock book. I like it, but sometimes I need something that doesn't require me to pay such close attention. (still haven't found the perfect knitting-while-driving project) So the black ones are still hanging around the knitbag. Just in case I need to be bored. And I set myself a dead-line to finish the black ones.

The Knit Picks Simple Stripes is perfect for some of the less fussy patterns, it makes plain ribbing more interesting to knit. I didn't realize how bad that turned out. The colors are kind of a sherbet orange, maize yellow, and a light turquoise-ish. It uses a k6,p1,k2,p1 rib pattern below16 rows of 2x2 rib on the cuff. This one's going to take a while. I may need to re-think black sock's planned finish date.

Decisions, decisions

Okay, what do you do when your favorite two sets of size 1 dpns are currently held hostage by a terribly boring unfinished black sock? I guess the practical thing to do would be hurry and finish those so you can move on to more exciting yarn and new patterns. Screw practical! I want pretty, stripey, colorful yummy yarn! I was given permission from the man of the house to purchase myself a couple more sets of US #1 dpns, but the only place I can sometimes get them around here is Hobby Lobby which is closed on Sundays. I really want bamboo anyway, and they don't have those. I may give in and place an order for some, but I'll still have to suffer the wait, and you know, I'm not so sure how long those delicate #1 bamboos would last around here anyway.

I thought I might distract myself with a new pattern book. And just what did I get that may motivate me to finish the black socks and liberate my #1's? Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I should really be ashamed of my lack of self control, I'm not, but I should be. I'm happy. It's cold outside and I have hot chocolate, a movie for the Tot and a whole chapter on toe and heel techniques to entertain me. If Black Sock behaves itself, I might let it sit next to me while I read. I might even knit a few rows on it if the mood strikes.

Cold feet Anyone?

Crocs:

Croc socks:

Croc sock fixins:

Okay, I know I still haven't learned proper lighting techniques, blah, blah, blah. But aren't these the neatest shoes?! (thanks Mom!) They weight nothing and come in cool colors-you probably couldn't tell, but these are hot pink. And great timing too, because I got bit by the sock bug again. I just got those skeins of Knit Picks Simple Stripes in the mail yesterday. The finished sock is Lion Brand and the pattern came with the socks. They also have it on the website http://ww.lionbrand.com. The lionbrand socks are going pretty fast, which is good, because I can hardly wait to get into my Knit Picks. I can wear my LB socks with my new crocs while I knit up the other socks. I'll have a whole new sock wardrobe!

Oh, and I think my next major purchse will be a better camera.