Monday, July 30, 2007

Four Day Socks and a Spare Square

Four days, so far that is my record for knitting a pair of socks. Granted, it was a very simple pattern, but I do have a complete pair of socks and that's what counts. It really felt good to finish a project that quickly, especially a pair of socks. The nice thing is that the self striping yarn makes the socks look a little more involved than they really were.

This is the first time I used a short row heel. I need to work on getting the wraps finished better so the heel looks a little neater. But overall, I have to give the short rows a great big HOORAY! They were actually very easy to complete. Plus, I just really like the way a short row heel looks.

I usually knit my socks toe-up with gusset increases and a heel flap. This time I omitted the gusset increases and use a short row heel. I think leaving out all those increase rows really saved some time - at least it did in my mind. I have read that a sock with a short row heel and no gusset increases can be a little tight to pull on over the heel. I didn't have that problem with this pair.

I have several pairs worth of striping yarn stashed away. Those stashed skeins will be great for trying out new construction techniques combined with very simple ribbing patterns. I think the next technique to try out is a short row toe.

I also used some of the leftover yarn to knit a square for my Hip to be Square Afghan. The square is unblocked as of now, I'll wait until I get several to pull out the blocking board.

I still have enough yarn for one more square. I'm able to get a sock and square from each of the 50 gram skeins. This square weighs in at a whopping 12 grams. I need to start swapping for leftover sock yarn to make more squares.

I've got a total of six squares knit up so far. I figure I need at least 30-35 squares to make a small baby sized blanket, so I've got a ways to go before anything happens with the squares.

Project Info
Yarn: Regia Design Line by Kaffe Fassett
color: 4251 - storm
skein 50 grams / 210 meters - 2 skeins used
Needles: addi TURBO Lace - US# 1 (2.5 mm)
Stitch Pattern: 4x2 ribbing
Date Started: July 25,
Date Finished: July 29, 2007
Notes: short row heel, toe-up on two circular needles, long tail cast on over two needles (10 stitches per needle), 60 stitches per round
Date Started: July 25, 2007
Date Finished: July 29, 2007

17 comments:

dobarah said...

Congratulations on your great toe up sock! I use the short row heels with my toe ups also...I just love them! I will have to try the long tail cast on, but until then the 8 cast on. There are just so many tricks to try, so I had best get back to knitting!

Meghann said...

Love the socks! I personally prefer a gusset heel, but I have VERY high arches, so I think that is why.

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Those look great!! I had that same little problem for my first short row heels. 4 days! Fabulous!

Zonda said...

Love those sock! Yay for quick knitted ones too. Nice square too! I'll keep an eye out for leftovers, any particular amounts needed?

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

That is my exact recipe for socks as well, minus the 4 x 2 rib (which looks fantastic)!

Anonymous said...

The socks look great, and gosh, that's some fast knitting. :) I need to give toe-up and short rows a try since I'm still being cautious and sticking with the basics.

Oh and I've said it before, but I've been eying those blockers. Just too cute!

Sue J. said...

Excellent socks and speed. I wish I could complete something that fast. Congratulations on another awesome FO.

Anonymous said...

The socks look great. Really fast knitting especially with trying a new technique. Love the square too.

Where did you get the sock blockers? Very cute

Dave said...

Those socks look wonderful -- great colours, and wow, four days! It takes me that long just to decide what to cast on next. :-)

The Kelly Green Rogue said...

The socks looks great! hmmmm maybe I should take up sock knitting.

Monika said...

Congratulations on finishing so fast! The socks look great! I like simple sometimes too. I've never hearf fo Regia/Kaffee Fassett yarn, never seen it before. You've got the best yarn stashed away!!! ;o)

Batty said...

Very cute socks, and you got the stripes to match exactly!

Bezzie said...

Ooo! Very cool to see that KF yarn knit up too!

Hey, 4 days is 4 days. Simple pattern or not, that's a feat! (ha ha, no pun intended!)

LadyLinoleum said...

That's impressive! You go with your sock knitting prowess. Hey, the socks are quite lovely too!

Anonymous said...

The socks look great. If you think these are rather simple do you think this is the pattern I should use for my first one?? I'm about ready to start a new project.
Way to go on the quick turn around time...Another project complete... the list keeps growing....

Stacie said...

man, that is fast!!! i love the short row toe and heel... i have been using the universal sock pattern on knitty to knit up all kinds of socks, and it's easy to change size and gauge too. i love the blanket idea too, such pretty squares. i have a similar taste in colors, the more, the merrier!

Stacey said...

what a quick knit!!!! I have some Regia in that same colorway, and I'm glad to see it knits up so great!