Friday, June 27, 2008

Handspun Friday - The Sock Edition

I knew it would happen sooner or later and I wouldn't have a new skein of yarn to share on Friday. But I made it all the way to the end of June with a new skein each week. I figured this week I'd show you something I knit with one of those skeins.

I love how these socks turned out. They are soft, thick, and squishy. I used my first 3-ply yarn to knit these and I plan on several more pairs. The yarn was great to knit with and the resulting socks are great. I could be a little bit biased though because of all the work that went into this pair. This pair is being sent to my mom as a thank you for the sewing lesson. My next pair will be for me.

As far as pattern goes, I did what I normally do. I found a stitch pattern I liked and incorporated it into my usual sock formula with toe up with a short row heel and toe. I don't change that basic part too much because it is easy and fits my foot well. I know problem people have with short row heels is little holes all along the diagonal line. I don't have that problem, but each side of the sock does look different. The photo on the left is the side that the wraps are picked up on the purl side and the right photo shows the wraps that are picked up on the knit side.

The toes I work end up looking the same with two slightly different sides - but I never really notice while I'm wearing the sock. I don't think either side is objectionable. It is just a little odd that they are different. The method I use is double wrapping when I turn at an already wrapped stitch and picking up both wraps. I don't know really who to credit with the method. When I was trying to figure the whole concept out, I ended up reading several different sets of instructions and setting everything down and giving it a try and this is how it turned out.

I don't have a square to post from this project. I used every bit of the yarn for the socks. So I decided to close the post with a picture of the fiber and the yarn. That way you can see all stages of this project. Hopefully I'll have some new handspun ready for next Friday.

Project Info
Stitch Pattern: Openwork Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch
Yarn: My own handspun; superwash merino wool; 324 yards/4oz; dyed by Pigeon Roof Studios
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 2 (3 mm)
Gauge: 7 stitches per inch in stockinette
Stitches Around: 64
Notes: toe up on 2 circular needles; short row toe and heel

12 comments:

Dave said...

Very nice!! And thank you for posting the fibre and yarn as well. As a non-spinner, I find it interesting to compare the different stages.

Stacey said...

those are great!!! I love seeing fiber to yarn to finished product!

Monika said...

Yeah! They turned out great. I love all stages of this project. They are very special, and a very nice "Thank you" for mom.

Annalea said...

Those are just lovely. I've got a pair of socks started with that same stitch pattern; isn't it fun? I love the colorway of this project. Can't wait 'til Flickr gets itself straightened out so I can see the fiber and yarn . . .

Bezzie said...

I think I'm most impressed that you got 324 yds out of 4 oz. Someday I'll be that good!

Zonda said...

Oh wow!! Those are awesome!! Great job on them! Thanks for posting the fiber and handspun as well. Cool to see how it all started!

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Just gorgeous!!! Those socks are so pretty and how cool that they are knit from your handspun!

And how bout that...its taken this long to have a first no fiber Friday...you are incredible!! Keep it up :)

turtlegirl76 said...

AMAZING! I'm so jealous. You have an FO in your own handspun! I need to knit something with mine. I've only done "the hat". Socks are on the list. Yours look fabulous. Great use of the yardage!

Jennie said...

Love them!! So pretty!!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait till the socks get here! Not that I can wear them because it's 92 outside. They really are so nice and squishy!!
I thank you so much. You are not only a good spinner and knitter - you are a great daughter. I loved our week together and looking forward to another one soon....

Anonymous said...

Awesome! You have one luckiy mother; although I don't really understand what 92 degree weather has to do with whether she can where them or not ;-)

Emily said...

Gorgeous!