FO: Circle Socks

It's been a while since I've made a pair of socks.  This is an odd thing since most of my yarn stash is sock yarn.  I should probably make more socks.

They are still my go-to for travel projects.  If I have a long train journey in store and I'll be hiking around a bit then I always have a pair on the needles.  It's much easier than having a adult-sized sweater shoved in my bag while walking hill and dale.  

I made these for a guy-friend who is generous and gregarious.  He's had us over for dinner more times than I'm comfortable with before making a grand gesture of thanks.  So here they are:  a pair of socks that he can wear with his crocs while out back brewing beer.

I started a basic toe-up, two at a time sock while on the train to Exmouth last month.  When I got to the heel I tried something new:  Fleegle's No-flap-no-hassle sock.  I really liked the heel it made- smooth and flat- and once that was done, I chose a pattern to compete the cuff- the Circle Sock, modified to work with my sport-weight yarn and stitch count.   It's a simple slip-stitch pattern that adds a little bulk and texture to the cuff.

I'm modeling them here, so they are much bigger than my foot.  I used a skein of Online Supersock Murano color, and they do look a bit like Venetian glass.   Except they are wool and sock-shaped.  Even though I don't know the recipient's dressing habits intimately, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't wear handknit socks with shoes, but he does keep a cold house and a no-shoes policy, so I think these will nicely fit the bill for house socks.  Sport weight yarn is a bit thick to shove into shoes, but they make a cushy and warm house sock.  It's also very durable- the superwash wool/nylon blend means this will last a good long while.  They aren't precious at all.

WIPs

I'm trying to get a few sweaters finished up before the humidity makes me forsake them.

First up: The Hey, Teach sweater from Knitty.com. I picked this pattern based on the yardage alone...it requires a small amount, which is perfect for this:



I bought 14 skeins of Elsebeth Laavold Silky Cashmere last year when the Yarn Connection in midtown went out of business. I got a really good deal on it, and 14 skeins seemed like it would be enough to do something with. I didn't dawn on me that having only 44 yards per skein means I purchased a mere 616 yards total. 14 skeins sounded like a lot at the time.

Aside from the skimpy yardage, it's super luxurious to work with. It contains 55% Silk, 45% Cashmere and it's Aran weight, so it's thick and cushy and so soft. It's a 4-ply yarn, but it is so loosely plied that it's almost like knitting with 4 strands held together.

So I picked this pattern because I wanted something that I could squeak by on minimal yardage. I still might not be able to make this with sleeves- it might be some sort of funky button-up vest. Plus, it will still count towards my 12 sweater challenge, right?





No matter though.

I also cast on for the Wanida socks for the man who deserves them. It's from Cookie A's book "Sock Innovation", which I can't find a picture of. These are part of my A-Z Stashdown Challenge...B is for Blue Moon Fiber Arts.



I'm using a skein of BMFA Socks that Rock lightweight in "Obsidian". It's a good, manly color. I'm doing these toe-up, two at a time.



I had a good chunk done but we both decided they were too big at 72 stitches. I tinked back and now they are 64 stitches and they look much more reasonably sized. I am doing the foot plain and starting the pattern once the heel is turned. As much as I love cables and lace on a pair of socks, they can be really uncomfortable to try and fit in shoes. It's a good bet to make a plain foot and then do the ankle and cuffs more interesting if you are going to plan on wearing the socks.

The Queen of Beads socks are the most awesome socks I've ever made:


But I can not wear them with shoes since they have both cables and beads, so they make imprints in the tops of my feet. They are my designated "Spinning Socks". Plus, they are too pretty to cover up so I wear them to show them off.

I have another FO that I need to block and get ready for its closeup, plus another couple summery sweaters that I'm plugging away at, plus my handspun oatmeal, and a really cool dye job I want to show off...I'll get to all that soon.