lostpurl

This bowl of porridge was too hot, this bowl of porridge was too cold. One pair of socks is a bit thick the other has a pattern that is driving me nuts. Both yarns are beautiful. I am probably less in love with the Merino Tencel blend. It isn't slick it feels like mercerized cotton, rather then wool. Cool and silky to the touch. But (there is always a but) I have had trouble getting gauge. And what possessed a woman who barely tolerates ribbing at the cuff to choose a pattern that is just tarted up ribbing? I knew when I finished the cuff I would never finish two socks in this pattern. Frogging is not really an option, as the yarn untwisted when frogged. Anyone want a half finished sock and pattern? I will gladly send it off to you. No kidding. Otherwise it will die in the back of my yarn closet. I am using a size 0 needle and still getting the occasional loose stitch. So it is tug at each and every stitch. But someone with better tension that me, would probably zoom right along.
The second sock which is suppose to be for my Sockapalooza exchange. I am worried about this because the yarn is a bit chubby. Even thought it is supposed to be fingering weight, I would guess it is closer to sports weight. I love the yarn, Merino, Cashmere an a bit of nylon. It just glides. But suppose my swap partner doesn't like thicker socks? I love them, but then they aren't for me. I have scoured my partners blog for hints. But nothing so far. I mean you aren't likely to see a blog post saying "I love thick socks" I would start another pair, but I am afraid I wouldn't have them done in time. I don't knit all that fast. I might have to hire Karin :-)
Both stitch patterns are from the new More Sensational Sock Patterns. I love how the pattern on the finished sock breaks up the hand dyed pooling. You can see the difference between the cuff and the foot part. On the cuff leg area the yarn looks like it is striping. On the foot part with is just ribbing you can see how the colors swirl around in thick bands. This is the Stansfield 196 pattern. You will find a very similar pattern in Barbara Walker's Second Treasury. Barbara recommends using this pattern on variegated yarns. And I can see why. If it wasn't for the thickness of the yarn, I would be very pleased with the socks.
A word about the new More Sensational Socks book. Lots of great stitch patterns. A good many of them from Barbara Walker. But they have been simplified and of course converted to pattens in the round. Also the pattern stitch pictures in the book, really don't show what the stitch pattern looks like worked up in fine yarn. They look very like they had been worked in thick yarn with tiny needles. It is a surprise to see how open and lace like they do look.
Because the yarn is so much thicker then fingering weight, I choose not to do any slip stitches on the heel flap. I used the pattern repeat without the yo. And edged it with seed stitch.


This is a better picture of the color and stitch pattern


The sock that I can't bear to finish. Give this poor lady a home. I have turned the heel and finished the gusset decreases. But whoever takes it might want to do that over to fit themselves. There is plenty of yarn