Sockapaloooza Completed
Pattern: Embossed Leaves from Winter 05 IK
Yarn: Schaefer Yarns Anne
Needles: US 2 Brittany Birch DPNs
Modifications: I made several modifications to this pattern. For starters, the pattern description claims the socks have a tubular cast on, but the instructions call for a strange cast on that isn't flexible at all. I decided to use a regular long tail cast on. The heel instructions called for cutting the yarn after turning the heel and reattaching, which I didn't do either. It just seemed silly. I also had to rework the toe decreases, as the pattern was dependent on a foot length that wasn't right for my pal. I only put the decorative purl stitches on the top of the toe, so there wouldn't be bumps under her foot.
Overall impressions: I loved the yarn. It was very soft on the skein, and even softer after a washing. (the socks are pictured on my feet pre-blocking, as my pal's feet are slightly smaller than mine and I didn't want to stretch them out after blocking to her size) I was slightly frustrated by the pattern, but am happy with the finished product. If I knit these again for myself, there are even more things I would change. I'm glad to be done well in time to get them sent out on Tuesday. All that's left to do is pick up a San Diego postcard and some nice tissue paper to wrap them in.
Comments
Very pretty. There are so many nice sock patterns out there. I almost feel like abandoning my boring stockinette sock (first sock ever) and jump right into the cool patterns. Good job!
Posted by: Melissa | April 27, 2006 04:56 AM
I'm knitting these now myself and love the 'pattern' part of the pattern so far. The next time I knit them I also plan on modifying and thanks for the cast-on advice. I also think I'm going to add a couple of stitches to the side (purls).
Nice job!
Posted by: witchypoo | April 27, 2006 06:52 AM
That cast on is listed in the Knitter's Handbook as a tubular cast on. Miyon and I both tried it once for our Jaywalkers, then promptly ditched it for a regular yarn over tubular cast on. We never got far enough to see if it was flexible or not, we just got twisty messes. :)
Posted by: Kris | April 27, 2006 07:35 AM
Thanks for all your ideas on modification. The tubular cast-on seemed really different from the other one I know. Also, I've seen the "use a new strand when starting the heel" direction before, which supposedly makes the corners neater, but I've never found that to be the case. I still want to knit these socks, so I'm glad you posted the modifications that worked for you!
Posted by: sophie | April 27, 2006 08:32 AM
Those are so pretty. I really like that yarn.
Posted by: Becki | April 27, 2006 09:10 AM
They are lovely.
Posted by: Marisa | April 27, 2006 01:52 PM
First, the socks are wonderful. I have made two pairs of that pattern and came to some of the same conclusions you did. I used a regular long tail cast on. I did not break the yarn and reattach after turning the heel. I also shortened the foot (although that was pretty easy and expeceted. I have tiny feet.) I like the pattern overall but it's pretty fiddly. And some of the stuff they want you to do just doesn't make sense. You know? Anyway, they look great.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 2, 2006 08:41 AM
Awesome blog. Peace out until next time TabathaOster
Posted by: TabathaOster | May 18, 2006 09:42 AM