Skew Socks Success

Skew Socks (AKA: Jerri's Crazy Socks)

It took me quite awhile to finish up sock #1, but I got sock #2 done in about a week.  

I really recommend this sock pattern. It was challenging but fascinating. If you download the pattern, you can read more about the designer. I always wonder about the folks who create such ingenious designs!  The designer of the Skew pattern is a mathematician. 

The pattern is free on Knitty. The pattern link is HERE.  Also, you might get a kick out of seeing this pattern knit up in a variety of yarns.  As I was finishing sock #2, I was already thinking about other yarns in my stash which might look great in this design. I've already cast on another pair. If you'd like to see this pattern knit up in different yarns, click HERE.  You'll find over 5,000 pairs!  The designer says the pattern looks great in hand dyed yarns, but I love how self- striping yarn shows off the diagonal stripes.  

Happy Knitting!

Jerri's Crazy Socks

These socks are affectionately known as "Jerri's Crazy Socks" at my local yarn shop. They ARE really crazy. The construction and shaping are incredibly creative!  Jerri is the instructor at the shop who teaches folks how to work up these socks. 

This sock has been on my needles for probably two months?!?  I am not sure. But since I am focusing on finishing WIPs right now, this is the next project I want to focus on. I finished up sock #1 this weekend. It fits pretty darn well. 

It's hard to describe this pattern but I'll try to break it down. 

There is a right sock and a left sock. The pattern calls for knitting on two circular needles but I am using one 40 inch long circular needle (2.25 mm).  Each sock starts at the big toe and the socks grow on the diagional. When the sock is long enough for the foot, a gusset is formed; it kind of reminds me of how a thumb gusset is created in mittens. Several stitch markers must be used to keep track of the increases for the heel shaping. At one point in the heel shaping, some stitches are placed on double pointed needles and grafted together. The grafted area is at the side of the heel on the outside of the foot. The leg portion is made from a series of short rows. The pattern is like a puzzle with one surprise after another: super creative, somewhat challenging, and so much FUN!

Above and below, you can see the heel gusset being formed. 

Above. The pattern calls for right leaning and left leaning increases which were new skills for me (different from "make 1" increases).  The increases look nice and tidy along the inside of the foot. I love the look!

Above and below:  Yay!  One sock is done. 

I took a class to learn how to make these socks, but the pattern is free on Knitty. Here is the link:

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTskew.php

More Socks for Zach

I am focusing on finishing WIPs and it feels good. This is a pair of socks I started for Zach in August before he took off for college. He just came home over Mother's Day weekend for summer break and I still had not finished these!  

Now they are done. Yippee!

The yarn is Plymouth Diversity. The color  way is Stormy Sky. I took these photos at my knit shop today. The backdrop is the tablecloth on the table where we sit and knit. It's cheerful and bright!

B & B Socks

B&B Socks

Yay!  It feels good to finish something. I've been working on these socks for about a month and I am glad to have them done so that I can focus on something else.  As always, I have too many projects on the needles.  As you can see from the yarn label, this yarn contains some silver bling-y threads, but you can't really see that in the photos. 

The B&B in this pattern title refer to the basket weave and the braided cable design elements.  The braided cable runs from the cuff to the toes along the front of the leg and the top of the foot.  It was a bit labor intensive and you have to keep track of the rows closely of course, but well worth the effort.  As I was knitting these socks, I kept thinking how my friend Mrs. W would love the colors in this yarn so these socks will be a gift for her.

Now I am focusing my attention on some socks I am making for my baby boy. I started them in August when he was about to leave for college. He is back for the summer after completing his first year of college, so I really need to finish these socks!  They will be done soon.  In the mean time, I will try to not cast on any more new projects. 

De-stashing

Here's Marilyn (AKA "My Knitting Guru"). She's an amazing knitter.  I am lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with her at my local yarn shop, The Yarn Shop at Words of Life. 

I've been feeling overwhelmed by my stash of yarn. It felt as if the floor space in my craft room kept getting smaller, like the walls were closing in. I went through all of my yarn a few weeks back and brought some yarn down to the shop to donate. Some of the yarn was worsted weight acrylic yarn and I knew I'd never use it.  Many folks at the shop are knitting for our local Humane Society and I knew some one would grab it for a little cat blanket. 

I also had this yarn called "Nancy" and I've been struggling to find a pattern for it. After several failed attempts and/or false starts, I admitted defeat. 

I offered the yarn to Marilyn and she said she'd love to knit something with it. I saw her about a week later and she had whipped up this great asymmetrical sweater. And doesn't she look just fabulous in it?  I think it really suits her. 

And Done

Ampersand Socks 

I hiked 9 1/2 miles over the past two days. My feet are tired. I put my feet up this afternoon and finished these socks. It does feel good to finish something.

The wavy design adds a little interest to the look of the socks and it is a little more interesting to knit, as compared to plain old Vanilla Socks. 

I changed the pattern to work these up two at a time from the toe up. I used a Fleegle Heel. The socks are not the best fitting pair I have made but I love these squishy warm socks to wear around the house.

The yarn is Bernat Sox Multi in the "camouflage" colorway. The yarn is from my Mom's stash. Thanks, Mom!!!!

Here is the pattern link on Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ampersand