Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Chevron socks
Here they are! Finally, I took pictures of them today. I used the 2 circular method with Parade yarn by Knitpicks. I'm not overly fond of the before afterthought heel method though I like the bull's eye pattern it makes by doing it.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Two Pairs of Socks
My first sock pattern that I knitted from the SKS book was the Basket Weave Rib socks. I used Sunshine Yarns sock yarn in the colour Reef. There are more sock photos on my blog: http://fraggleknits.blogspot.com/
Saturday, December 02, 2006
blog button
Friday, December 01, 2006
Elongated Corded Rib Socks Done!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Ribbed Lace Socks
Chevron-arific!
More details are on the blog, if you scroll down a couple posts past the baby hat FO. I hope they'll bring me luck on Saturday!
I'm sorry I haven't been commenting as much on everyone's blogs (hi, Carrie and Susan!) but I hope to after the first of the year when the application process cools down and the holidays are over. Then it will just be knitting and baking the "bun" in the oven (due March 10).
I would like to thank Alison for her helpful comments on working the forethought heels on the chevron-type socks. I followed her advice and decreased every other row (per the pattern) for half of the heel, and then I decreased every row. Bingo -- no nipply heels! This pair turned out much better than the Welt Fantastic pair I made.
Did I mention lately how much I love SKS? My sister just took up knitting, and wants to start making socks, so I think I might get this book for her for Christmas.
I hope everyone has a good holiday season!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Waterfall Rib
Here is a picture of the socks I made for my daughter on the trip to Montreal back in October. Actually, I started them then and had to finish them once home. The yarn is Bernat Sox Hot Orange. I used the 2 circular method and the waterfall rib pattern. I would have liked to make the cuff longer, but she likes ankle socks. She's happy with them and that's what counts!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Sock Answers
I mainly knit socks because they are quick(er) to knit, they are easy to fit and they don't take a lot of yarn/money to make a nice gift for myself or others. But I still wear a lot of store socks.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
I never met a sock yarn I didn't like.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
Astrid's Dutch Obsessions. Great prices, great selection. Even with shipping to USA the prices are very good. I have chosen the cheapest/longest shipping and found the yarn arrived a lot sooner than I thought it would. About 4 weeks. If you subscribe to her e-mail list she will tell you all about her sales.
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
Hands-down that would be Ridged Feather. I think I have made 4 or 5 sets of that now, and can't seem to do anything else lately.
Hope you USA folks have a terrific Thanksgiving. I am very thankful to be able to share my knitting with you, and I love reading about and seeing your beautiful socks!
Peace!
Susan
ZenKnit
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Sock Answers
Several years ago I was shopping in Target, and was puttering around the hoisery section looking for some warm chunky socks. While looking, I thought, "Hey, I can knit, why don't I make some?" and then immediately thought, "My god, spend all that time knitting just for a pair of socks???" and totally dismissed the idea. I never did find any delicious chunky socks, and wound up buying a set of thin boring socks that had holes a month later. That very evening I was at our knitter's circle, and the hostess showed us 2 pairs of hand-knit socks. I had never seen such fabulous socks. I was wowed. I was hooked. The next day I ran to the LYS, bought yarn, a pattern, and double points. Within a few weeks I had finished that pair and bought circular needles, and within a few months I had made socks for the whole family, more pairs for me, and started collecting a formidible stash of sock yarn that continues to grow. I love my homemade socks. They feel RIGHT on my feet, while other socks just feel tolerable. They are beautiful to look at and give me joy. I also like the portability of knitting socks. I can stuff the yarn into my pockets and knit on the socks as I travel, or whenever I have a few spare seconds. That's one thing I like in particular about the circular needles, they are much more durable as a project than double points, which always fell out.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
I like anything that stripes. I'm always in search of better stripes. I have knitted more regia than anything else, possibly because it's affordable. Second to Regia would be Cascade Fixation. I had a Fixation fix a few years ago, but haven't knit it for a while. I really need to try Socks that Rock, I keep reading about it.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've ordered a lot from TheKnitter.com. The prices are very reasonable, the service excellent, and I'm a sucker for free shipping. I also have ordered from knitpicks.com.
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I really love how the basket rib weave knits up. I also like the mosaic socks, though I have yet to make a pair that really pleases me.
Valerie
http://knitikas.blogspot.com
Monica's Chevron Socks
I have finally finished the socks I was making for my sister. I used the Chevron pattern with 77 stitches, they are knit in Opal Dreamcatcher (I don't remember the color#, sorry). I was trying to make them identical but there seems to have been a glitch in the dyeing process, so they aren't. They do match on the legs though. I like them and I hope Monica will too.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Socktacular!
Why knit a sweater or bake a cake? I think it's the same principle. You have to enjoy the process. Overall, I am a product knitter. I knit in order to produce an item, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the process. Aside from that, it's all about the fabulous yarn and the excellent custom-fit!
What is your favorite sock yarn?
My favorite sock yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. LOVE this stuff. The density and texture are outstanding. It's superwash and wears well. The colors are intense and creative. Love love love! (A close runner-up is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Nice twist, great colors, wears well).
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
Tough question, since my favorite yarn (Socks that Rock) can only be bought online at www.bluemoonfiberarts.com I feel like I could never do without them:), however, for overall selection, price, and customer service I would have to go with www.simplysockyarn.com . And for Lorna's Laces, hands down, it's all about www.yarn-store.com . Even though Simply Sock Yarn stocks it too, they don't have the realtime stock meter of each colorway! I love that. Also, Angelika (of yarn-store.com) ships exceptionally fast. I'll order on a Friday and have it on Monday! (She just added two new exclusive colorways...I couldn't resist green apple:)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
So far my favorite pattern has been the basket weave rib. It's simple and looks fantastic. It works well with mostly solid yarn or hand-dyed.
Sock questions
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
For me knitting is more about process than product. Socks, like hats, are great fun to knit because compared to other knitted items they are quick to make, involve virtually no seaming and there is huge pleasure & satisfaction in seeing a complete, three-dimensional object 'grow' off the needles.
What is your favorite sock yarn?
There are so many but I might nominate a lovely cashmere blend that I had from Posh Yarn in the UK. The red dye comes off on my fingers but the yarn is so soft and luscious to work with.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store?
I've had quite a lot of things from Angel Yarns at http://www.angelyarns.com/ - very good for the Opal yarn range as well as their own hand-dyed, and I've already mentioned Posh Yarns for luxury blends: http://www.poshyarn.co.uk/
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I haven't made that many but I am slowly completing a pair of toe-up Beaded Rib socks (there's a nice photo in SKS, it's in the five-stitch-pattern section). I was on a steep learning curve with the provisional cast-on & hundreds of stitch markers on the heel and toe, but the beaded rib stitch pattern is lovely - not that hard to execute and looks really elaborate. I am nearly finished making these socks and I will proudly post a photo when they're done.
Rachel
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sock Answers
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store? For the challenge of it. Something about the construction makes it so much more interesting than other knitting. And until I received my first pair of socks (in the Sock Wars contest), I had no idea about how wonderful handknit socks feel. They are Cleckheaton yarn in a wool/silk blend. Now I am a true believer. The rest of the socks I make may just be for me.
What is your favorite sock yarn? I like Lorna's Laces. I'm knitting with Lana Grossa right now, and the one finished sock is really soft and comfy. Claudia's Handpainted is also very nice.
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? I've only ordered online from Knit Happens, which is one of my LYSes. I ordered Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Black Purl. But I actually saw someone knit up a Clapotis from the same yarn and colorway, so that sock yarn might not actually go into socks. (Horrors!)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS? I'm digging the chevron pattern in the Lana Grossa grey/black/white stripe right now, but I'm pretty much over striping yarn, so I'm going to move on from there. I love the Elongated Corded Rib, and may make another one of those. But I also have envied the Harebell Lace and Oriel patterns I've seen on the blog, so those are up next.
Looking forward to seeing everyone else's answers!
One Elongated Corded Rib Sock Down
Now it's on to Sock #2!
More on my blog
Deb
I'm new
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Sock Questions
Why make socks when you can buy them in bulk at the store?
What is your favorite sock yarn?
What is your favorite online sock yarn store? (I'll add the answers here to the sidebar, so everyone can find them.)
What is your favorite pattern from SKS?
I look forward to seeing your answers!
Hostess note:
Stariel, I need your email address in order to send an invitation to you. You can email me at the address in the sidebar. Thanks!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Elongated Corded Rib
Friday, November 10, 2006
More Sensational Knitted Socks
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Intro
Hello socksters!
I've been reading the blog for a while, and have been waiting to finish my most recent pair of socks before posting. These socks pictured were made toe-up from Big Print remnants I found in my stash. I didn't use a pattern from the SKS book, but I did use the yarn-over cable stitch found in there. I knit toe-up until I ran out of the yarn, and then knit a fairly chunky cuff to make the socks tall enough.
I am also in the middle of a pair of socks using Trekker yarn, a gift for my husband. These, too, I'm using my own pattern, but utilizing the basket-rib stitch from the book. This is a gorgeous stitch! I'll be sure to post pictures when they're done.
I knit one pair of socks using a pattern directly out of SKS. It was after struggling through errors in the version I have that I found this blog, because I was googling looking for support. I was glad to see the errata linked here!
These socks were knit from Knit Picks' Essential, using the mosaic sock pattern in SKS, and the crusader's check stitch. They're very fun to wear!
Nice to be a part of this blog. I loooove seeing every body's pictures. What a great collection of gorgeous socks!
Valerie
http://knitikas.blogspot.com
Another Newbie
I just joined and am thrilled to be here! I am making my second pair of socks from this wonderful book. I used it to learn how to knit socks, and am now a member of the Socks That Rock Club who makes socks on a regular basis.
My current pair from this book are "Elongated Corded Rib," which I am making with Socks that Rock Peaseblossom. They are looking lovely already, and it's a nice, easy, rhythmic pattern.
Looking forward to seeing everyone's socks!
Deb
http://rather-be.blogspot.com/
Just Joined
Hostess Notes
I just glanced at the archives and realized I've had the KAL blog going for nearly a year and I also realized I haven't been the best hostess, but I am vowing to change that. I have been looking at everyone's socks even if I haven't been commenting. A lot of really great socks you guys have been making! I have just finished some long overdue maintenance, meaning I've added people's names to the sidebar. If I missed you or if your information or blog is wrong, please let me know. If you asked for an invite and have not received one, please let me know because occasionally things do get lost or put in the wrong email folder.
I thought to get things started back on the blog, I'd come up with a few sock related questions for you. I'll do that sometime in the next few days, so if you have a question you'd like me to add to the list, just let me know either in the comments for this post or in an email. Thanks for being patient with me. I'm forgetful and I get easily overwhelmed with things.
Your Hostess,
Alison
Monday, October 23, 2006
My First Sock Triumph!
It is finished, and I am so anxious to cast on for the second sock I can hardly see straight. What a rush! Thanks to everyone who helped in this crazy process, including my Secret Pal 9 and Charlene from Sensational Knitted Socks. Sock knitting is SOOOO worth it! I will pose with them on once I have a pair. (I couldn't seem to take a picture with the sock on without making my ankle look extremely fat. I will get help with The First Pair of Socks in Use photo shoot.) Will I be able to sleep tonight? Probably not! More knitting? Bring it on! And yea to Socktoberfest!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
How Fantastic!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
New & Needing Help!
Hi! I'm brand new to this KAL, and am so impressed with the socks I am seeing! I am presently working on my first sock ever, using the garter rib pattern. Things have been going fairly well until tonight. I am using 2 circulars. I am to the Foot point on page 36 where she tells me to rearrange stitches so that instep stitches are on needle 1 and sole stitches are on needle 2. How is this done? My working yarn is in the middle of my sole stitches at this point! Help!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Oriel Race
It's a race, and I'm sorry to say Oriel is not winning... I like the pattern a lot so far (I have only completed 1 1/2 pattern repeats) but I chose to use Knitpicks Essential for the Oriel... and Lorna's Laces for the CFSs. So needless to say, the CFSs are winning...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
All Quiet on the SKS Front?
I'm using Lana Grossa Meilenweit and using the chevron pattern from the book. I did change to a ribbed cuff, since I wasn't crazy about the garter stitch cuff on the Welt Fantastics.
Getting close to the first heel, and I want to get them done for Socktoberfest. Anyone else participating?
I've decided to apply for law school, so I've been calling these my Law School Socks. Unfortunately as I'm studying for the LSAT, I'm learning I really should only do stockinette projects while trying to read.
How about a question for the group? Are there patterns in Sensational Knitted Socks that you have your eye on? Ones that are on your "Want to Knit" List? Any already on the needles? Share your progress shots.
Friday, September 29, 2006
SKS Socks of Doom
Not sure how many of you are in YarnMonkey's Sock Wars, but I kept knitting the Rib of Doom thinking, "This looks really, really familiar."
As it turns out, it's one of the six-stitch patterns, Twin Rib, in SKS.
I made mine with Rowan Cashsoft Baby DK in Blue Boy. I finally got gauge with US7s. They are very loose, but I think they'll fit my victim. (They're not really two different sizes. I think it was the camera angle my husband was shooting from.)
It's been a fun game, and I think these are the fastest socks I've ever knit. I'm not dead yet (to quote Monty Python) but my doom should get to me this next week.
Fun!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Just the Basics
Another pair from the book. I used Lorna's Laces colorway Black Watch. Just the basic 2 x 2 rib cast on of 56 stitches. Knit from the top down. Pattern in the four stitch section.
These are a gift but I would like to keep them for myself:D More details at my blog.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Two New Pairs
I really like the basketweave, however I'm not sure I'll knit Harebell again - I found it very fiddly. I also couldn't figure out how it is supposed to be knitted over 66 stitches - I know Carrie has done it but I couldn't see how to work rows 6 and 12 of the pattern if doing 5 1/2 rpts across the instep. In the end I did it on 60 stitches and started at row seven on the second sock to make them symmetrical.
I really like the lace rib - I might try that next.
Ciao, Diane :-)
(* edited with much better pic)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Hi and I'm almost done!
And I have a question -- has anyone made any of the patterns that start with a YO at the beginning of the needle? I tried the Corded Rib (4 stitch pattern, I think that was the name) and the second row of the pattern started a needle with a YO. I was pretty sure I could fudge it for myself but not for my pal so I switched to the Garter Rib. Any suggestions?
Monday, September 18, 2006
Again, Again!
I made the Waffle Rib socks out of SKS and started another pair of Ridged Feather (my third set). More details on my blog, ZenKnit.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A Theme
Well, not really. It's another Welt Fantastic pair!
I did not grow a third foot. It's the ever curious, always helpful, never shod, Slim!
In a case of great minds thinking alike, Carrie and I made the exact same modifications to the pattern. I also dig the forethought heel because of the cool bulls-eye pattern it makes, but really still don't like the Kitchener stitch. This was my first pair of top-down socks, however, and my first 4 (FOUR!) opportunities to graft, so hopefully I'll continue to get better at it.
Cartoons are a knitting mom's best friend.
More photos and more news over at my blog. I'm gearing up for Sock Wars, so my SKS knitting may be on hold for a little while, but I am hoping to do a Beaded Rib pattern next on a pair of socks for my dad.
Happy knitting!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Welt Fantastic
Another Welt Fantastic! Here are the specs:
Yarn: Knit Picks Sock Garden in Pansy, 220yds/skein, 1.5 skeins
Needles: 5 US size 1 dpns
Gauge: 6.5 stitches and 11 rows in stockinette
This yarn didn't knit up in a gauge suitable for both my foot and the pattern, so I increased the number of stitches in the welt pattern to 15 (from 11) for a total cast-on of 60. I did 5 pattern repeats each for the leg and the foot. There were some other modifications from the pattern, since the stitch count did not match the pattern as written, but I am a lousy note-taker and couldn't tell you then if I wanted to. (After the heel I decreased until there were 24 stitches for the bottom of the foot.)
I didn't have the same problem as a couple of the other members of this group with pointy heels, but then the pattern was modified a bit from the original proportions. I do like the forthought heel enough, but I think I am a heel flap girl. Doing kitchener stitch twice in one sock is a bit much for me!
More photos on my blog and in my forthcoming Flickr gallery.
Yee haw, on to the next pattern...
Cheers!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Hello SKS knitters!
Happy sock knitting to all!
Diane
Greetings Sock Knitters!
These were done in Trekking XXL using size 1 (and size 0 for the heel) needles. It is the garter rib pattern. I wanted to choose a simple pattern so as not to compete with the varigated yarn. These were so much fun to make - I will definitely do them again!
These were done in some Baby Ull from Dalegarn that I had lying around. I call them my "Casino Socks" because it was 7 repeats for the leg, 7 for the heel, and then...8 for the foot. Just like when I go to the casino, the slots always come up 7-7-8, and thus no jackpot for me! These were a quick knit on size 1 needles. The pattern is the diamond rib from the 8-stitch pattern section!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Socks of Many Colors
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Woven Stitch
Woven Stitch socks made with two balls of ??? knitted with size ??? needles in ??? days. Size 7 1/2 feet. :) Yes, I'm sorry to say I have no idea what the specs are for these socks, but I must say that I love them. Love love love! They are soft and warm and a bit larger in gauge than I usually knit, I think. And I really like the colors even though I usually do not use variagated yarns. They are very similar to the Basketweave Rib that several other people have posted about, but with a smaller unit (2x2). I also really like the garter stitch border to the heel flap. Here's a closeup of the pattern:
Can you see it? You don't need your eyes checked - the photo is in fact slightly blurry. But, a new camera has just arrived, so beautiful clear photos are in the cards!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Ribbed Lace, Chain Rib and Elongated Corded RibSocks
First, here are the Ribbed Lace Socks in Trekking XXL (Colorway 100). I knit these one at a time on 2 circulars (2.00 mm Addi Turbo).
Here is one of the Chain Link Socks that I knit for my DH in early March 2006. I used the Cedar colorway in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on 2.50 mm Addi Turbo circulars.
I did not enjoy knitting the pattern that came with my Rockin' Sock Club kit in July, so I used the Elongated Corded Rib pattern with the STR Peaseblossom colorway on 2.50 mm Addi Turbo circulars. The pooling is a bit weird, but that's what you get with handpainted yarns. I love them anyway!
I really do love the SKS book, and I am now working on another pair of SKS socks for my DSIL's birthday in December.
Happy Knitting!
Deb in Atlanta
Friday, August 18, 2006
Harebell Lace
I have been a member of this group since April and I am embarrassed to say that I have nothing posted to date. This is about the change! I have so far completed 3 pairs of socks from that beloved book, Sensational Knitted Socks. Here is the most recent pair:
The Harebell Lace pattern! These socks were knitted with Merinomix 50 Madil (50% fine merino/50% pac dralon) 3 skeins, 136yds/skein, using 5 US size 00 needles. My gauge was 9 stitches and 11 rows per inch and I cast on 66 stitches for a US size 8 woman's shoe. (I know that many people will think that is an insane gauge and needle size to knit at, but I love the refined look of small stitches.) More photos and info is on my blog - please visit! These took me quite a while to finish, but I love love love them!
By the way, I was looking at some old posts and realized that I may be the mystery list member that is not included on the sidebar. My blog is up and running now, so please add me. I am so glad to be here. :)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Elongated Corded Rib
Another Basket Weave Rib
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Welt Fantastic with Modifications
More details on ZenKnit
Peace!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Inspiration
AJ in AZ
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Ridged Feather - one down, one to go
I modified the pattern from 11 sts to 8 stitches, which worked, but I had to fiddle with the centering of the pattern down the foot, etc. I did the forethought heel and it worked, but it was too much juggling with the provisional cast on and joining into the round, especially with small needles. For the 2nd sock I plan on doing the afterthought heel, then I will be able to compare techniques.
It is my best fitting sock so far.
Feel free to visit ZenKnit for more details.
Peace!
Basket Weave Rib
Pattern: Basket Weave Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns by Dani in Shamrock
Needle: KnitPicks size 1 dpns
Start Date: July 8, 2006
Finish Date: July 17, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Openwork Rib
Pattern is the openwork rib and the yarn is the always lovely Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Bittersweet. More details on my blog. I really love these socks and the book!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Bluebell Rib
Hi Everyone,
I just signed up for this knitalong, but I've already knit a couple patterns from the book.
Here are the Bluebell Rib socks I knit in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock mediumweight. The color is Fairgrounds (it's from the Rockin' sock club). The pattern seems to have come out upside down from how it is pictured in the book, but I love these socks still!
I'll post the other socks I just finished and some others I'm working on now once I get some pictures taken. It's been fun seeing all the neat socks everyone is knitting from this terrific book.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Chevron In Opal
It's been so long since I posted a sock from this book. Here is a sock I've started for my sister. We usually keep it a secret till we exchange socks but she showed me my sock today (her own design, I feel so special), so I showed her hers. I'm knitting the Chevron pattern in Opal Dreamcatcher. Can't remember the color # right now, but it is looking lovely. And I love the way the yarn matches my couch! How freaky is that!! Must keep knitting, I'm on a deadline.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Willow Buds the Whimpy Way
Yes, there are willow buds in there - right at the top after the ribbing. More on my blog at ZenKnit.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Advice needed
I've started the Chevron pattern for self-striping socks and need to do the heel. This is my first experience using a provisional caston. I made the inplace afterthought heel, but had an awful time releasing the provisional caston and picking up the stitches so that I could continue on with the rest of the foot. I ended up frogging the heel, and thankfully, was able to save the loops so I didn't end up having to frog the whole sock! Now my dilema.....do I dare try to do this heel again or try something different for the heel? What would you all suggest???? If I should do a different heelflap/heel what would you suggest??? I'm feeling as though if I should try the same heel again and fail, that I'll want to frog the whole sock. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!