It looks like the summer is over…
The Pembrokeshire Pathways socks came off the needles last night at 11:31pm, Mountain Daylight Time. The last finished pair of socks for my Summer of Socks KAL.
You can’t really see it in the picture, but there’s a TON of little tiny cables on that sock, as well as lots of lacy bits. I loved working with the yarn, but it became apparent towards the end that I might not have enough to finish. I have no idea how many yards I have left, but it doesn’t look like much. I’m wondering if the other skeins I bought in the black & white colourway will actually make socks for Robin.
Don’t get me wrong…the feel of the yarn is absolutely WONDERFUL. I loved the texture. I’m just unsure of the yardage.
The Pattern itself? A few difficulties were had in the heel section…Reducing by one stitch (k2tog near the beginning) helped on the heel flap. All the tiny cables weren’t necessarily difficult, but they were tedious, and meant that my cable needle going missing was a real concern. The toe was a little odd as well, since it reduces differently than a usual toe. I’m used to reducing by 2 stitches every 2 rows, not reducing by 4 stitches every few rows.
I may knit these again, depending on how the yarn talks to me (I’m starting to sound like my Dad…”I might carve this again, depending on how the stone talks to me”). If I do, I’ll remember to reduce 1 stitch on the heel flap & do the toes however I please.
The socks fit me, but they’re going to be a Yule present for a very special lady in the family who has sat on the sidelines while others got socks.
One thing I’m noticing…it’s EASY to find sock patterns for women. There’s a TON of lace and cable socks! What does everyone out there do for their menfolk? Seriously! Other than Jaywalkers and the minimalist cable sock that The Harlot posted recently? I’ve got menfolk to knit for, and I’m getting bored with rows and rows of stockinette…
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:21 am
Knitting for men just sucks in general. It’s all boringplain, with the occasional ghastly thrown in.
I have three brothers, and I’m starting to feel the Christmas despair. I usually just make them plain or ribbed socks. Or something with a tasteful cable. I think my guys would find even Jaywalkers too girly.
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I haven’t knit socks for any of the other gents in my life. I think I now know why (besides, that would mean having to explain why there are manly coloured sock yarns in the house that don’t necessarily make Socks for Robin, and that could get ugly, lol!).
I saw a pair of socks online called “Vinnland”, which I think might make good GuySocks. I may have to give them a try.
The trick with Jaywalkers is to use a very dark striping yarn, like the Sideshow Husband yarn that I picked up from Lime & Violet / Dyeing Arts. If they can’t see the bumps that make the stripes ziggy-zaggy, then they probably won’t care. Robin seems to like his socks, even if the heel doesn’t seem to fit 100% correctly (in his estimation)
I’m so glad that I don’t have three brothers…I have ONE brother. And brothers-in-law as required (one real, one “adopted”). I have determined that unless it’s a very special occasion….no socks for them. I’m having enough trouble making Special Socks for The Mothers. The jury is still out as to whether The Sisters-in-Law will be getting socks.
I suppose I’m going to have to start Christmas Knitting soon, but I’m trying to avoid it this year. Got one pair of MumSocks done already, with another pair on the needles that my go to one of The Mothers when done
Maybe that’s an idea for the Harlot…with so many years of making JoeSocks, perhaps a Harlot’s Guide to Men’s Socks would be a good idea?