Self-striping madness

We have some help over here lately which enabled us to make some self-strping sock yarn. This is one side of the superwash Zebrato. It knits up really quick,.. if i keep working at it during all free time (when the hands are not doing anything else, like driving :D).It is a 2x2 rib st.


SW Zebrato II 

This is one side of the non-superwash one in plain stokinette.

Zebrato II 

I dun know why i love stripes, but i do and it was wonderful the way the stripes turn out. Happy Socknitting!

Waterfall Rib Sock and Hostess Notes

This is my latest pair from SKS:

Made with Trekking 106 on size 0s using the Waterfall Rib pattern on page 48. I love these socks. The pattern is very stretchy and comfortable.

Now for the hostess notes. I'm sorry for neglecting the blog lately, but sick dogs and sick kids sort of got in the way the past couple of weeks. I've now added a few overdue names to the sidebar. Please check and make sure I didn't mix up your links and that I spelled your name correctly and that I actually did put your name there. (Just drop me a note if I got something wrong.) Welcome to all the new members and I'll try to be better!

Twin Ribs Finished

At long last (at least it seems that way, I did start these socks in March, but have done some other projects in the interim), I have finished the second Twin Rib sock I'm making for my Mom in Sockotta (by Plymouth, which is 45% Cotton, 40% Superwash Wool, 15% Nylon.) This is colorway #8, a tweedy mix of blues and white. I made the 66 stitch sock which I'm hoping will fit my Mom's size 8 feet--they are a bit snug on my size 9's, so I think the fit will work. Here's a closeup of the Twin Rib texture.

Oriel progress

Oriel - foot finished just the calf to go

More photos can be seen on my blog.

My Husband Thinks They're Ugly

But that's OK, because they aren't for him anyway.

The first is the Openwork Rib pattern from SKS, but I did it toe-up on 56 stitches with this sock form. It's in Claudia's Handpainted Chocolate Cherry yarn. The color is so bright, it's hard to see the pattern, but it was so easy to memorize and it looks really cool stretched out on the foot.

I really need to block these socks, but I'm afraid I'll mess them up. Does anyone have any tips for a first time blocker? I was going to try to make these homemade blockers and do it tonight.




The second is an Exile on Lonely Sock Island, because the garter stitch in the round on 4 dpns was a real drag. I'm dreading it. But I do love the Welt Fantastic pattern and I love the Heirloom Jigsaw yarn.

I really wanted to keep these for myself, but they're too small. So I'm going to gift them to someone with a smaller foot. Again, these also need to be blocked.

Has anyone else who has made one of the chevron-style socks had their forethought heel come out incredibly pointy? It looks fine on the foot, but I'm embarrassed to take a picture of it laying flat because it looks nipply. Any thoughts out there on that?

Happy socking!

Oriel

My Knitting World Cup project is Oriel from Sensational Knitted Socks .


Oriel

Susoolu taught me the Turkish Cast On & has been very supportive in my many attempts. I have now got the hang of reading the chart & am moving along nicely with it. My one concern is the heel but I'll deal with that when I get there....

btw - the 3rd stitch marker was caught on my life line so is hanging there until I've finished this repeat of the pattern which won't be for long.

Chevron Socks

Just a little progress photo....I'm using Lana Grossa Meilenweit Colortweed, and let me tell you, it's not colorfast. It's rubbing off on my fingers something fierce, especially the dark pine green section. These will need some soaking in the vinegar when they're finished. This is my first attempt at an afterthought heel. I had no idea what I was doing but just did what the pattern said and it worked (imagine that!). I think I still like heel flaps the best but I still need to give short row heels another chance before I decide. These are being knit to trade for another set of hand-forged bronze dpn's...(you can see my current set in the photo).

New member and Garter Rib Socks

Hi everyone! I'm a new member to the KAL, thanks so much for having me. I've just completed my first pair of socks from the book. I knitted the Garter Rib pattern in toddler size. They were done with Wool of the Andes, US#5 Addi circulars, 1s2c method. These will go to Children in Common for charity. I've really enjoyed the book so far. I like knitting up the patterns in worsted weight, toddler size first -- gives me a great idea of how they will look. It's fast and some child will have warm toes!

Sherie
WhimsyKnits <-- my knitting blog

Cotton double moss

I finished these a while ago, but finally got batteries for my camera. The yarn was 75% cotton, 25% nylon, but it is behaving like 100% cotton. In other words, it stretches out and then stays that way! Good thing I don't mind them slouchy. I think I will stick to the yarns that are cotton and WOOL and nylon or poly. I think I don't have any more of the mixture I used here anyway.

AJ in AZ 

Here's the set of Twin Ribs I just finished for my DH. He only wants dull dull colors. The yarn is Plymouth Sockotta, and I ribbed the instep because he likes them snug there.

My first SKS sock

Well here it is, the first sock I've made from the SKS book. It's nothing fancy, just the class sock. What's exciting about it for me is the fact that I knit it using a new technique for me! I made it using 2 circular needles. Previously, I've only made socks using either 4 or 5 dpns. What a change to use 2 circulars. I didn't have to worry about the dpn slipping out onto the floor!!!! It also seemed to go along much faster. I made the sock using some leftover sock yarn on size 2 needles. It's the perfect size for an infant, but won't be of much use unless I decide to knit another so that it'll be a pair. I'll have to add doing that to the project list. Right now, I've started a sock on 2 circulars following the pattern for baby cable rib. If only I had more time to knit though! Lately, life has been so busy between work and the kids that when I finally do have the time to sit down in the evening, I find myself falling asleep.

Twin Rib first sock done

Well, after several months of on-again-off-again knitting on the Twin Rib sock for my mom, I have the first sock done. This was my first Magic Loop sock, and I wasn't brave enough to do two at a time. So the second sock has been cast on and started. The yarn is Plymouth Sockotta, a Cotton/Wool/Nylon blend that is machine washable. I hear that it softens up after washing, which is a 'good thing' since it feels string-like right now.

Also, I've fiddled around with PaintShop Pro and made a knit along button for us, since Alison asked.

Green Garter Ribs finished in record time!

Hi folks

I'm so happy because I finished my second-ever pair of socks, SKS Garter Ribs in Regia 6 ply Crazy Colors Jungle.

The first pair (Nordic Garter Ribs, shown below) took about 5-6 weeks to complete, but these were finished in about 10 days!

Unlike the Nordic socks, which were over-sized, these fit my teenage son perfectly. I knit these socks on 72 sts and 3mm needles, switching to 2.75mm needles for the heel flap.

Now I just need to decide what to make next ...

Happy socking, everyone!

Rachel :-)

Baby Cables and Bless Her Cotton Socks

Hi Sensational Knitters,

I continue to love this book! I finished my Baby Cable socks a couple weeks ago and forgot to post the completed pictures. I knit these by using the 2 Circs 2 Socks method so the cuffs are exactly the same size as is the length. However, I'm not sure I really enjoyed messing with the two strands of yarn so I may go back to one sock at a time.

This might be my last pair of WOOL socks for the summer. With the warm weather upon us, knitting with cotton seems more appealing PLUS I always want immediate gratification by wearing my project that very day of completion..LOL

I set up a summer cotton sock swap called BLESS HER COTTON SOCKS to motivate me to knit from my cotton stash. If any of you are interested in participating just click on the link and it will direct you to the site.

Off to decide which pattern I will knit next from our fabulous book....

Waffle socks

I've been a slow sock knitter lately, but just finished my first pair from SKS. I used Socks that Rock in the "Pebble Beach" colorway for this pair, knit on two size 0 circulars with 72 stitches.



I used the waffle stitch pattern from page 38 in the book. Here's what it looks like closeup.



Thought I'd also show what I did to improve the usefuless of this book.



Yup, my copy is now spiral bound. I took it to Kinko's and they converted it for $5. As much as I think I'll used this volume, I think it's worth the cost!

Hostess Notes

No, nobody's done anything wrong. Well, me. This is just a friendly reminder that I am human. I've tried to put all names and blog links if you have one up on the sidebar, but if I've forgotten you or if your info has changed (i.e., started a blog of your own), please drop an email to the addy in the sidebar. I know I have forgotten somebody because there are twenty-two names on the sidebar and there are twenty-three addresses on the invitation list (that's after I left myself out). So, please help me out here and forgive me for not putting you on the list.

And if any of you are blog button savvy, feel free to create and post a button and I'll put them into the sidebar.

As for me, I've been hooked on self-striping stockinette socks lately, but as soon as I finish the pair I'm currently working on, I'll be doing something from SKS with some pastel Trekking. I was thinking either the Waterfall Rib on page 48 or Lace Rib from page 43. I hope to have them started by the weekend. (Though with two new spindles coming tomorrow, that may not happen.)

Happy Sock Knitting!

FO: Nordic Garter Rib Socks

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all your nice comments, I thought you'd like to see the socks I finished over the weekend.

I am pleased with them but I must admit they have turned out rather large. I was over-generous estimating the size. So my bf is proudly wearing them but they are very baggy.

My teenage son, who has smaller feet, was so disgruntled that the socks turned out not to be for him, that I have had to start an almost identical pair of socks to fit him.

The new socks are a size smaller, on 72 sts instead of 80, but otherwise I'm using the same garter rib pattern. The yarn is Regia self striping Crazy Colors again, but this time in green.

I think on the green pair I will also switch to a smaller needle size when I do the heel flap, as it is definitely oversized on the red&blue pair shown here.

More photos to come!

Happy sock knitting everyone

Rachel

Purled Ladder, Openwork Rib, Etc., Etc.

There are so many great stitch patterns in this book, it's hard to know where to start!

I just wanted to introduce myself as a new member and say hey. My name is Ginny, and I'm a sock addict. I've finished two pairs now and have two more pairs on the (double-pointed) needles. I have to admit, three of the four pairs are actually toe-up from this pattern, but I've used the stitch patterns from SKS.

There are the Purled Ladder Patons Classic Wool socks for hubby:

There are the Elongated Corded Rib "Happy Feet" Lorna's Laces Rainbow socks for my stepmom:

There are the Openwork Rib "Chocolate Covered Cherry" socks for my sister (one done, one to go):

And there are the Welt Fantastic striped socks for ME (unless they turn out too small): (Picture upcoming.)

The chevron socks are the first that I have attempted top-down, with my first provisional cast-on and first Kitchener stitch (at the heel). Love the provisional cast-on, hated the Kitchener stitch. I'm going to get the lovely ladies at my LYS to help me when it comes to grafting the toe closed.

I'm also terribly afraid they are going to be too small for my size 10-wider-after-pregnancy foot. Which would serve me right for not checking my gauge before I started with this yarn. Ah well. The self-striping yarn is quite addictive. It's hard not to squeeze in a couple more rows before bed to see the next stripe start.

Happy socking!

Hi from a new member

Hi everyone

This is my first attempt at posting to a blog, so please forgive me if I get it wrong.

I'm a keen British knitter, new to socks and having a lovely time making my very first pair from SKS.

I'm making the garter rib socks (does everyone start with those?!) in Regia Crazy Colors Nordic. I'll try to attach a picture to this message.

Great to meet everyone, and so nice to have some company on my adventures in socking! Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Rachel

Garter Border Heel

Hi Sensational Knitters!

Have any of you tryed this garter border heel yet? I'm knitting it right now on my Baby Cables Sock and this is a first for me. I was wondering how it wears. I've never seen it on any other socks before.

Rebecca
http://socks-for-mum.blogspot.com

Baby Cables Progress Picture

I love this book! Out of all the "sock books" I have, this one is simply the best! In fact, I am going to use it next month to teach five friends to knit socks. I think I will use the sample class sock to teach them.

Here is a progress picture of my "Baby Cable" socks. I'm knitting them on Addi Turbo's 2.5mm using Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn. Love the yarn and the pattern. When finished, these will be the first item in my Christmas Gift Box. I have decided to go ahead and start on Christmas gifts so that I'm not swamped in November and December. There were numerous gifts that never got finished last season (grimace) and I don't want to make that mistake this year!

Baby Cables

I finished a pair of the Baby Cables. I knit these in Austermann Step. I chose not to carry the pattern down onto the foot because the yarn splits so bad and I was tired of fighting with it. I do like the look of the sock and the feel of the yarn going through your hands while knitting, but doubt that I will buy it again.
I am still working on the 4 Stitch Reticulated pattern. They have been put on the back burner while I finish up some UFO's that have been put off for way too long. Hopefully I will get back to them soon.
Monica
http://worksforyarn.blogspot.com/

Double moss are finished!

ANd I am wearing them! The Fortissima Cotton Colori is supremely cool and comfortable, since there is only cotton and nylon(?) in it, no wool, but I can already tell that they are going to be pretty saggy. Luckily I don't care too much about that. I have other summer sock yarns but all have some wool content. So I will have to see how different they are to wear.
I am starting a 6-stitch rib pair for DH and haven't decided on the leg pattern yet, since I am still working on the ribbing, 2 socks on 2 circs. THen I will do a Chevron pattern for myself. Soon, honest.
AJ

Another Garter Rib

The Garter Rib in 'Silver Forest' is done! One side was knitted using DPNs, another was started on DPNs, then switched over to a 40" circular. This is knitted toe-up, short row heel on 60% of sts, slightly fluted bind off using needles 2 size larger for ease.

Garter Rib 

Heel...

heel 

New to the blog into

Hi, My name is Sue C and I live in Connecticut. I started knitting socks about a year ago. I had been teaching my neighbor how to knit and she wanted the challenge of learning to knit socks and use dp needles. I had never done either and said "let's go for it!" The first sock I knit was from the label of Magic Stripes yarn and gave the socks to my oldest daughter. She loves them. Since then, I have knit several different socks. I got this SKS book just before the holidays, but haven't knit any of the socks as yet. I just keep drooling over the various patterns and choices. I have pictures, but need to get DSL to upload them as it takes forever to upload on dial-up. My hubby said the phone company called yesterday and left a message that DSL is now available in our area so I'll be checking out the pricing of it this week!!!! I would love to know what is everyones favorite method of knitting socks? toe up or cuff down and with what needles, dpn or circular? Looking forward to being a member of this blog group! Once I get DSL, I'll hopefully create a blog of my own and I'll post pics of the socks I've knitted. Happy Knitting!

Mother's Day socks completed

Mothers Day Garter Rib Socks

Pattern: Garter Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Opal Sugar Almond Magic Yarn from Get Knitted
2.5mm addi turbos
Started: 26th March 2006
Finished: 26th April 2006

DD gave me the yarn for Mothers Day and apart from going wrong on the second sock when I was ill these socks have gone really smoothly. They're the first pair that I've knitted from Sensational Knitted Socks & I fully intend to use the book again soon.

Another first for me is that the stripes match up! I tried to get my first pair to match but a stripe was missing & then I ran out of yarn so it didn't happen.


Mothers Day Garter Rib Socks

Chevron socks

I finished these about a week ago, but I just haven't gotten around to posting them.

The pattern is The pattern is the Chevron pattern on page 73. The yarn is Trekking and I used size 0 needles. You can see a close-up of the pattern here.

I haven't been very good about commenting lately, but everyone is doing such beautiful work! I'm definitely on a sock jag. (Although I have very recently discovered self-striping, so it may be a while before I make something else out of SKS:)

Laburnum

completed....yay!

Lab 

Here is the beginning of Garter Rib. Sock knitting is fun!

Sil F 

4-Stitch Ribbing section

Here are a couple of patterns I have already tried. The top is double moss on 2 sz 1 US bamboo circs, Fortissima Cotton Colori. I have cast on the second sock and then got sidetracked. The story of my life.
The bottom socks are DH's, and they are garter rib, 2 sz 1.5 US metal circs, standard wool sock yarn that I can't remember, with heels and toes of Knit Picks Essentials. The insteps of both are in K1P1 ribbing, as we both like our socks to fit snugly on the foot. I also have another pair on needles for myself that are crossover rib from the same sectio. They have been so much fun that I haven't been motivated to advance into the book.
Buuuttt, seeing pictures on this KAL of the socks the REST of you are knitting is truly inspiring! As soon as I finish the first one of my Vintage Socks KAL, I am going to try a more difficult pattern for this KAL. Wish me luck! I have been knitting socks for several years but haven't ever really tried anything past easy until recently. And now, as usual, I am going overboard.

AJ in AZ 

Four stitch reticulated pattern

Hi all,
I started one of the Four-stitch reticulated patterns last night. I thought I would post a progress photo. I am really enjoying this sock, it is fun to wait and see what the next color is going to look like. I had to put it down though because I was so tired and beginning to make mistakes. I am knitting it in Fortissima and Trekking XXL and so far I love it! I can't wait to finish it, unfortunately it is getting too warm to wear them so it will be fall before I can try them out... after they are finished, of course.

I hope everyone has a great day. It is beautiful here in South Central Indiana today.... a great break from all the rain and storms.
Monica
http://worksforyarn.blogspot.com

More socks

I wanted to say welcome to all the new members. If I haven't put your name in the sidebar yet or you need me to change something, just drop me an email. I tend to miss things sometimes, so don't be afraid to speak up. Now on to socks:

You can see more accurate colors and close-up of the pattern much better if you click here. It's the Chevron pattern on page 73 and I'm using Trekking color 78. Gorgeous purple with lots of jewel tone specks. I'm not sure how I like the "forethought" heel as I'm a bit partial to heel flaps, but I like the color circles on the heel.

Trish asked if the top of my mosaic socks fit ok. They do. I also used the 84 stitches, but on size 0 needles, so they are actually a little tight when I'm putting them over the foot, but they fit really well on the leg.

New member

Thanks so much for letting me join you. I will try to get photos of the socks I have already made from the book this weekend to post. At the moment I am working on the Crossover Rib, page 37, in a blue/green variegation from Elann.com 's Sock It To Me Collection Colori.

AJ in AZ

Stansfield #10

I finished my socks using the Stansfield #10 pattern. They are knit in Cherry Tree Hill Potluck sock yarn. This is a nice pattern, with enough variety in each round to not get bored with it and it makes a lovely fabric.
Stats:
Leg: 66 stitches
Foot: 68 stitches
Needles: size 1 US dpn
Pattern carried down the instep

May i ...

ask questions, please?

What is it about heel flaps construction that irks sockknitters who do not like them?

When doing short row heels, do you work the heel on 50% or 60% of the total sts? I did mine at 50% and it looks unusually shallow but doesn't feel too bad on the feet.

Thank you in advance.

On the socks front, one side is done..

one side down 

Kiss it goodbye...

It's too small....I swatched at 8 stitches per inch and when I checked my gauge on the foot I was closer to 9 stitches. It's not like I can't get it on my foot, and it would be wearable, but it's not comfy and it really distorts the pattern, so I'm ripping it out. I wanted to show first though because it's really a pretty rib, and the yarn is beautiful.