Monday, April 17, 2006

Back To Basics

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I almost called this post Believe It Or Not, because I'm sure you're surprised to see a finished sock here so soon. I'm a little surprised myself. I've been dying to try out my new sock yarn from Sugar Bunny Boulevard, so on Friday I knitted a swatch, chose a pattern and cast on. I decided a basic ribbed sock was all that was needed to show off the pretty colors in this yarn. The first pattern I chose is not the one I ended up with though. Evidently I'm not good at measuring my gauge, even with the aid of my new Gauge Wizard. I had gauge at 6 1/2 stitches per inch on size US 2 needles (or so I thought). That was perfect for the pattern I wanted to use, so I cast on 60 stitches and began to knit. The cuff was huge! I knew something was wrong. I switched to a pattern I've used before from the 2004 issue of Knit It! magazine. It uses a cast on of 56 stitches and this was just perfect. It seems I was knitting at a gauge of 7 stiches per inch instead of 6 1/2. Not off by much, but it makes a big difference with socks. The cuff of this sock is a 1x1 rib, then the ribbing switches to k3, p1. I decided to carry the pattern down the top of the foot which is like the sock I wanted to make in the first place. I really enjoyed knitting this basic sock. It doesn't require a lot of concentration, so I can watch a baseball game and knit at the same time (very important this time of year). And, it works up quickly. Maybe I'll have a new pair of socks by the end of the week...maybe.
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Yarn: Hand Painted 100% Merino Sock Yarn
Color: Moccasin
Purchased from Sugar Bunny Boulevard

15 comments:

  1. Ohhh, the sock is posed so pretty! The sock is just plain pretty, all by itself.

    I think my problem with gauge is the half stitches. I either round up or round down it messes up everything. Glad you caught it and fixed it before you had knit the whole thing, LOL

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  2. I L-O-V-E the yarn. You are making me jealous! I may have to do some yarn shopping this afternoon! :)

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  3. I love the colors in the sock. I am spinning some 100% Merino right now but I don't have it spun small enough for sock yarn. Maybe after some more practice I will. Merino is very soft on the skin. Now finish that other sock!!

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  4. Do you really have a rock on your pretty table?? lol

    That yarn is beautiful! I feel like I've never seen it before - every handdyed and handpainted yarn looks so different from the skein when you actually start knitting with it and translate things into stitches and patterns. The variegation came out so nicely. How wonderful for you - I bet you won't wait until fall to try them out - I wouldn't! :)

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  5. Anonymous5:16 PM

    the colors in the yarn make me happy!

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  6. Anonymous7:18 PM

    Oh, I *love* that yarn! I shouldn't look at sock yarn, I already have more than I could ever knit!

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  7. After knitting my first sock pattern (the Christmas stocking) I didn't think I would ever be tempted to try this again, but after looking at all the pretty socks you are doing (and I love this one with the pretty pinks), I am ordering some sock yarn. You're going to have to get more feet to wear all these nice socks. You inspire me to take more challenges with my knitting.
    Linda B.

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  8. it looks great! and the color knits up so well! i love the ruffle at top, matches the springy theme of the colors ;)

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  9. Anonymous10:50 AM

    Hi from Austria! Your sock looks so great - you're right, the beautiful colors of the yarn don't really need a fancy pattern, basic ribbing works best with it! Very gorgeous indeed!

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  10. Hi from a Texan, by way of Louisiana, living in South Korea. I colors look delicious.

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  11. Oops! The colors look delicious.

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  12. This is really beautiful sock yarn!!! And no pooling?!? They look very comfy.

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  13. Oh! Oh! Oh! My that's a lovely sock if I ever saw one. Congratulations on finishing it. I can hardly wait to see both socks on your feet.

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  14. Anonymous4:52 PM

    I love the stack of socks! I really enjoy your photography style as well as your knitting.

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Thank you for commenting!
~Tracy

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