Two and a half
That’s how many pairs of socks I knit while writing/testing this pattern! You’ve already seen the green and gray pair I knit for my Hogwarts secret pal last year. Here’s a better picture of the stitch pattern that I didn’t show you at that time. Amelia’s socks were size Medium.
I used the leftovers (Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in Pewter) to test the Wide size. What you don’t see in this picture is that I ran out of yarn. No surprise there, since I didn’t have an entire skein to work with. Only the toe needed to be completed, so I had my Mom try them on, and they fit very well. more »
Spring Sock Drama
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Can you believe these socks were knit from the same skein? more »
Slytherin Socks
It took a long time but I finally finished the socks for Amelia, my Hogwarts Sock Swap TWO pal. We had exchanged emails at the beginning of the swap where she indicated that, because she received a pair of Gryffindor socks in the previous swap, she was open to receiving a pair of socks in another house’s colors.
Based on her feedback and comments, I decided to knit a pair in Slytherin House colors. My original plan was to knit a pair of Nagini socks. However, I got the feeling Amelia was interested in knitting that pattern herself someday, so I decided to design something new for her.
I still need to work out a few last details (and pick a name!), but I plan to have the pattern available next year. My holiday and charity knitting have me busy until the end of this year.
Napoli
Here’s a pair of socks for November! They were started in October, but I kept getting distracted by other things.
I was a bit disappointed to find out that the rib pattern in this version is the same as the one used in the Yarrow version (see this post for my completed Yarrows) from the same book. The cuffs, heels, and toes are different, so that more than made up for it.
Red Ribs and Cables
These are my first pair of socks completed in about two months. I didn’t think I would be happy with a sock break, but it really helped! In fact, I’ve already started a new pair, this time for gift-giving later this year. Still in the works are the socks for my Hogwarts Sock Swap TWO pal; I must get back to those soon!
The pattern I used is from Sockamania Club KAL; it’s a nice combination of wide ribbing and cables. It was pure luck that these characteristics matched my sock pal’s preferences perfectly. These also qualify for the Socks in the Cities KAL. (I met the hostess, Sarah W, last weekend at The Yarnery, fun!)
This is actually my first time using cables in socks. I don’t think I did too badly. Since this cable is on a stockinette background, it doesn’t pop as much as it would on a purl background. I rather like this subtle effect, which fits the pattern name well.
In these last two pictures, the hint of purple in the reds is more apparent than in other pictures. Oh, and these socks were knit toe-up.
I had extra motivation to finish these quickly so I could mail them off to their new owner overseas without much delay. Fingers crossed, I hope they fit!
Three old ladies knit the socks of death
Today’s post title is courtesy of Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief. I thought this chapter heading was too cute not to use. (The book is first in a series about a boy’s modern-day adventures with the Olympian gods, demigods, creatures, and monsters. If you are familiar with Greek and Roman mythology, it’s easy to guess the three knitters are a recreation of the Fates or moirae.)
Did you notice? I’ve been on a sock break lately. In late August or early September, I suddenly wanted to knit something different. But I didn’t go cold turkey; I’ve been stealthily working on a sock design for my Hogwarts SS2 pal, Amelia.
It’s been a slow process. It took me a while to get a chart draft worked out to my satisfaction, and then even longer to knit it and see what worked—or didn’t. Finally, I think I have gotten it sorted out.
Here’s a preview:
There’s no color for two reasons. It’ll be a surprise to Amelia as to which House colors these are. (She is in Gryffindor, but is open to other house colors since she received Gryffindor colors in the first term.)
I also removed the color because I’m interested in your name suggestions and didn’t want any color influence. I do have a favorite name in mind, but want your fresh perspective. (I haven’t decided yet whether to submit this design to a magazine, or to self-publish.)
Meanwhile, while trying to boost my socknitting mojo, I signed up for Socks in the Cities KAL, and volunteered to be a Sockapalooooza Savior.
After a few false starts, I decided to knit the newest Sockamania Club KAL pattern for my pal. The colorway I’m using is “The Berry Brigade” from Spunky Eclectic. The purplish tinge has, thus far, been impossible for me to capture in a photo, but I’m loving the red.
Spiralling Surprise
I haven’t been a good blogger/commentator lately; I really appreciate all your comments on my recent posts. I haven’t had time to write up any posts for a while because Grandma was here visiting. Less computer time also means more knitting!
Quick Ravelry aside: Casey has just added an “image slurper” which is being tested now by some users. It takes the URL of a picture and resizes/crops it for use on Ravelry; the pictures show up with a ©[User] caption. I’m so excited for this option because I generally host my pictures here instead of Flickr or Picasa. Ravelry is also getting new servers this week; after the switch (and related testing), they plan to speed up the invites. Good news for those still on the waiting list!
I didn’t even blog about these socks when they were wee socks in progress because they went so quickly!
Mutant Zebras
The pictures turned out much better than I expected!
Here’s a close-up of the textured rib used in the entrelac.
