FO - January 2012 Socks

I finished my January 2012 socks, a little over schedule now that it's February. I really enjoyed doing the heel flap again, the socks fit perfectly, and I live how they look. Definitely a win in my opinion.

Forgot the January 2012 socks!

Today is Australia day, and I realized that January is almost over, and yet I hadn't even finished my January 2012 socks, or even finished one! So I pulled them out (it, only 1 so far) and finished the foot, Kitchener stitched the toe and took the necessary photo.

Very happy with the sock, so pretty and the short row heel really is the best fit for me. The 64 stitches also seem to be just right. Now to get the second sock cast on and hopefully the leg completed before February.

Knitting in the Park

The weather is nice today, that pleasant temperature between scorching hot and blistering cold. The sun isn't burning and the breeze is lovely. So after work I bundled up the kids and the dog, and we all walked to the park.

Sitting here in the shade with the dog while the kids play is a really nice way to spend an afternoon. The kids are playing on the equipment, and hopefully burning off their excess energy.

During lunch today I reached the first decrease round on the owls sweater and began the first row of the pattern. It's nice to have less stitches on the needles, and to work a pattern. Can't wait to see how it works out.

My sock is growing as well, I have turned the heel, picked up stitches and now am working down the gusset. I really have missed doing this heel. Definitely more interesting than the afterthought heel.

January 2012 Sock

I figure I'll probably only get one pair of socks done per month, especially if I take into account all the sweaters I intend to knit, the squares I'm crocheting, the facecloths and anything else that takes my fancy.

So I'd like to introduce you to "January 2012". The yarn is Moda Vera noir, Colorway pink mix I think. The yarn stripes with a dusty pink and a speckled blue/green/cream which I really like. All the shades are muted and this Colorway really appeals to me.

I'm halfway down the first leg, and will be doing a slip stitch heel flap and short row heel. Can 't wait!!!

Ugly, hideous socks!

I finished the socks that I said were not my colors, and I think they are hideous! On one sock the skein had a color progression error, so they barely even look fraternal. I do not like them.

I have also reached another conclusion, I do not enjoy doing afterthought heel socks either. I do like how the color progressions stay intact, but I find them boring to knit. I miss my slip stitch, short row heel. I love doing them! Plus I find they fit my feet a lot better.

I have never cared whether my socks match, to me the fit is most important, along with the enjoyment of knitting them. So for me, back to colors I prefer, and the design I like best. You may need sunglasses for these socks though!

Not My Colors

I started a new sock today, another afterthought heel, and I have chosen a yarn that is the complete opposite of what colors appeal to me. I love blue undertones in my colors, a lot of blues, greens, purples, maroons and occasionally a bit of pink. I've never been drawn to yellows, oranges or bright reds.

And that I think, is the beauty of sock yarns. You can play with colors you wouldn't normally use, or colors that do not look good on you, because in the end, they'll be on your feet.

I first discovered this with the last pair of socks I made, the pink and green were not colors I typically would wear, but I loved knitting them. And I hope it's the same for these. Either way it'll keep my project page bright!

My Daughter Is Wearing My Socks!

A lot of the socks I have made myself are too small now, either due to knitting them with only 56 stitches, my gauge being too tight, or they have accidentally made it through the washing machine and dryer.

I have discovered that when they are too tight, they itch me like crazy, and are also generally uncomfortable. So I suggested my daughter try some on and if they kinda fit she can have them as bed socks. And to her absolute delight they fit! Well almost.

The socks seem to fit really well in circumference, but still an inch or so too long in the toe. Plenty of room to grow I said. So, I will now continue knitting my bigger socks for me, and pass on all the pairs that are now too small for me. I'm just glad I found a recipient, I did not want to have to throw them away!

FO: Afterthought Heel Socks

I have finished my first afterthought heel socks, and they are very similar. I expected there to be a big difference in how they looked, much more fraternal rather than identical, but they sort of worked out the same. Almost.

They fit well, however I may add an extra 1/4 inch to the foot as they feel a little bit too short. Not enough to make them unwearable, just a tiny bit noticeable. Overall I'm very pleased with how they have turned out, and the afterthought heel is so easy!

I really enjoyed knitting these colors up as well. The dark/black sections and the gorgeous blue are certainly my colors, and I'd never really liked pale pinks or bright lime greens. And yet the combination of all of these colors made a bright, colorful and happy yarn that lifted my mood every time I picked it up. I definitely want some more of these bright colors in my future.

First afterthought heel

I have completed my first afterthought heel, although as you can see it was not done after the sock was knit. I didn't want to risk making the sock too short, so I decided to knit the heel after a few inches of the foot.

I also admit I was too impatient to wait, I wanted to see how the heel would fit. I love it! The fit is really comfortable and the sock is a lot easier to put on. I love how the stripes continue on, and even though I know the socks will be fraternal, I still look forward to knitting it.

My new favourite heel I think!

64stitch socks

I completed a new pair of socks, using 64 stitches instead of my usual 56. I was finding that on a few pairs the socks were getting tighter and one pair in particular was unwearable. I also found a few pairs popping in the ball of the foot. So I threw them away.

But this got me thinking that perhaps I was making my socks too small, with too much negative ease. So I knit a pair with more stitches, and I am pleased to say they fit really well. Snug but not constricting.

We will see how they go over time, but I am hoping they are more durable, long wearing and comfortable.

As a side note, they are knit from Moda Vera Noir sock yarn from Spotlight. Colorway is unknown, but a mix of pink, purple, orange and green. Very happy with the results.