Saturday, September 12, 2009

Hat Heel Socks




In a past life, this yarn (Schaefer Yarn Company Anne) was a Clapotis, but I could never wear it because my neck was too sensitive for the fuzziness of the yarn. After looking at it for over a year, I decided to frog it and make socks instead, because the yarn was too beautiful to waste.



I knew the fuzziness of the yarn would hide fancy stitch patterns, but wasn't looking forward to plain socks. Then I looked at the Fall 09 Knitty, and found these socks. I am really curious about the construction, and like the idea that I can knit the foot top down, but then go back and knit the leg bottom up, until I run out of yarn. Ingenious idea!!



I was beginning to hit a knitting rut, where I didn't have anything I even wanted to knit. Now I am really excited to cast on. A new, cleverly constructed sock, a really beautiful yarn, and a weekend at home with no plans. :)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I have my work cut out for me today. I have only had about 6 hours of sleep in the past two nights combined, and I am planning on turning this:



and this:



into a completed pattern.



The way I usually design socks is to knit the first one while taking lots of notes, write out a pattern using these notes, and then knit the second one by following the pattern. This allows me to catch mistakes, but only have to knit one pair.




I designed these socks because the yarn reminded me of fall leaves, and I wanted to knit leaf patterned socks out of it. I have already knit the Embossed Leaves pattern, and couldn't find another leaf pattered sock I wanted. I found the Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf pattern, and decided I could use that stitch pattern, and make socks out of it.




The stitch pattern in the scarf was knit flat, and it took me some time to figure out how to knit it in the round. Once I figured that out, I was off and running.




The sock came out really nice. It was almost exactly what I had pictured in my mind. I wish the leaves stood out a little more, maybe with some plain knit or purl stitches between each leaf, but they are really pretty just as they are.