Monday, January 01, 2007

Anastasia Socks

My last finished object for 2006 was finished just under the wire!


Project Info
Pattern: Anastasia Socks by Pepperknit (pattern available on her blog)
Yarn: Koigu KPPM P606
Needles: addi TURBO -US# 1/ 2.5 mm
Date Started: August 16, 2006
Date Finished: December 31, 2006 (11:35 pm!)

I really liked knitting these socks, although you wouldn't know it by the amount of time they laid around waiting to be finished. It was an easy to follow pattern and worked well with variegated yarn.

The original pattern called for two rows of eyelets spiraling around the sock - but I recharted to add a third row.

These were my first toe up socks! It was very nice not to have to seam the toe closed. I used a long tail cast on to cast on to two needles at once. Very easy to use. It did leave a small ridge at the toe, so next time I will try a Figure 8.

The pattern also called for a short row heel - but I used a heel flap. I was nervous about short rows. But since then I've done short rows in another project and will try that on a heel soon. I used Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn cast off. It was very easy to do and is supposed to be stretchy. It is a little tight going over my heel; otherwise the socks fit pretty good. I don't know yet if there is a better method for binding off the tops of socks. Any suggestions?

The only fiddley part of the project was working the pattern up the sock leg. Because the pattern spiraled I occasionally had to shift my stitches around the needles. But the pattern is simple enough that once you've done a few rows you don't need to refer to it anymore.

If you are looking for a pattern for your variegated yarn - this is great! Many thanks to Pepperknit for sharing! I'll definitely put this on my to do list again.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooh, pretty! Believe it or not, I was just looking at that pattern today. I can see some Anastasia socks in my future. I hope they turn out as nice as yours.

Anonymous said...

The thrill it gives me to see my socks knitted up by other people never ceases to amaze me! I love your modification, to have three spirals. Like I say in the pattern, modify at will. I did the EZ sewn castoff, as it's the only stretchy method I've learned :)

Zonda said...

Awesome job! Even added another spiral! Go you! Phew! I bet you're so glad they are done! :) Enjoy them!

Sadly, mine have to be frogged down and reknit in a smaller needle. I don't think they are supposed to fall off your legs ;)

Zonda said...

BTW! your first photo is excellent! How cool! :)

kemtee said...

I think they're lovely. It gives me hope that I can finish my own pair sometime soon!

Bezzie said...

I've always loved that pattern but have shied away at the toe-up.
Love your sock/pedestal pose there--very cool!

Anonymous said...

Pretty socks! What a way to close out 2006. And very impressive artistry in the first photo.

Anonymous said...

Those socks are stunning! Absolutely beautiful.

Love the photography, too :)

Monika said...

Uuh! I'm soooo jealous! I haven't knit socks in a while. They look great, I like the color.

Anonymous said...

Socks are wonderful and the photo pose is exceptional. You have really mastered the artistry of knitting. I'm very impressed. Can't wait to see what 2007 brings....

Anonymous said...

That's the coolest pic I've seen so far! Congrats on the photo and the gorgeous socks!

Ang

turtlegirl76 said...

Nice! I love that you added a third spiral. And the heel flap!

I recommend the Magic Cast-on from Knitty for toe-ups and the sewn bind off is what I use as well. It is very stretchy and so far, the best looking.

Jessica said...

Love the socks. The spirals are great. The footless sock in the first pic though is kind of freaking me out! ;)

Anonymous said...

Your photgraphy is gorgeous!!! I love to look at your picturees! Your socks Rock...oops I mean your socks Koigu! I can't wait to knit these, thanks for sharing.