Tuesday of Sock Week
Tuesday's sock is worked in Madelinetosh's new sock yarn, Twist Light.
This is a merino/nylon blend in a 3-ply that is silky soft and a joy to knit with. With so much going on in the yarn, I chose to knit a simple stockinette sock. Although I don't usually go for variegated yarns, I do like how color, called Care, pools. It looks like a watercolor painting. And of course, it has just enough purple to suit me.
For added durability, I knit the heel and toe with Meilenweit from Lana Grossa, a more traditional (not merino) wool sock yarn, which I assume will hold up in the places that need it most. I chose a pale heather gray that will work as an accent with many colors. I expect it will make an appearance on several of my socks in the future (Yes, I'm looking at you, Malabrigo Sock).
Sock Week
It's sock week here at handmaineknits. In the bits of free time I have found between the design projects I worked on this past winter, I have been knitting socks. Apparently, only purple socks.
Today's spotlight is on a pair of vanilla(ish) socks knit with my new favorite sock yarn, the amazing Poste Yarn Striping Sock from Simply Socks Yarn Company.
The color is called Danxia Landform. Aren't those little colorful stripes wonderful (only one of the six colors is purple). The heels are knit in a coordinating solid turquoise color also from SSYC. It almost matches the blue stripes in the sock. The leg is knit in a 3x1 ribbing, and the heel is from a Lara Neel pattern, Fork in the Road Socks. I'm still unsure about the heel construction, I will need to wear them a few times before I decide if it works for me. I have been be looking for an alternative to the afterthought heel, which has never fit me quite right.
I already have plans for the leftovers, this yarn is too good to not use up every bit. It is a superwash Corriedale/nylon blend. Not quite as soft as merino, but it feels great, and definitely seems sturdier than merino.
More tomorrow....
Socks, socks, socks
What I have been knitting lately? Socks, socks, and more socks. I've managed to finish three pairs between my two latest design projects (to be published later this year).
From left to right:
Zebra stripe socks. I have been stalking this pattern for a long time - zebra stripes, how can you not love that. I have to admit, I initially assumed that the yarn would do all of the work, but that is not entirely true. There is a very clever pattern element that creates the zebra effect. The kit is available from Knitters Brewing Company. I used less than 50 g of the zebra colorway by adding a contrasting color (tidal wave) for the toes, afterthought heels, and cuffs. There is plenty of yarn left for another pair of socks (with purple toes) or maybe some mittens.
A basic ribbed sock knit in a very cheery blue/green color of Zauberball Crazy.
Worsted weight socks based on this recipe by Susan B Anderson. I used one entire skein of Cascade 220 Quatro in the Jamaica colorway, with some bits of gray Cascade 220 Superwash for the cuffs and toes. These will be warm and cozy next winter.
Finally, the last pair was purchased on our recent vacation to Quebec City. When we stumbled upon this little shop selling knit socks, hats, and scarves made from local wool, I couldn't resist a souvenier from Canada. More about Charlevoix wool on their website.
Pairings: Acadia/Wabi Mitts
I have been searching for the perfect pattern for two skeins of The Fiber Company’s Acadia (in the granite colorway) that I have been holding on to for quite a while. I tried a few options, hats with lace and cable and various textures, none were right.
Acadia Yarn (left), Wabi Mitts by Karen Templer (right)
I think I have finally found the perfect pattern to pair with this yarn, Wabi Mitts by Karen Templer. They are a simple knitted mitt, with a contrasting purled thumb gusset. This simplicity will let this yarn’s rustic charm shine. The gauge is a little off, so I will have to add few stitches to make up for it. As long as I am modifying, I think I’ll add a little length to the cuff.
Twist Collective Winter 2013
The Winter 2013 issue of Twist Collective is up, and it is full of great designs - I’m not just saying that because one of my own, Cypri, is included in this issue (more about that later). If you are crazy for cables, like I am, you won’t be disappointed.
Hepworth by Karolina Eckerdal (left), Thorntower by Robin Melanson (center), and Tarian by Thayer Preece Parker (right)
The first design that caught my eye is Hepworth. This is the sort of cardigan I could live in, with just enough twisted stitch detail to keep the knitting interesting. Thorntower is next on my list of must-knits. I love those intricate cables and the curves of the hem and cuffs. Then there is Tarian, a textured pullover with beautifully constructed seamless set in sleeves. I really like the extra long sleeves with deep cuffs, it could keep me warm through the cold winter months. There is so much more, I could go on and on…