Question 17 0707

Time for this month's...

I am becoming obsessed with knitting socks (it comes in waves), so my question this month is -

What is your favourite sock pattern
[pair or singleton if you have Single Sock Syndrome (SSS)]
you have ever knit or crocheted?

My favourite is the first (I believe) pair of socks I ever knit. I was frightened because I had heard that turning a heel was very hard. They are called Socks in heavier weight wool (sounded perfect for the beginner) from Gifts and Accessories by Beehive, Book 90. This book was orginally owned by my Great Grandmother. Making things from this book makes me feel closer to my roots. Fortunately these socks are so well loved that they had worn out in a few places. I am currently remaking the feet and enjoying the memories! (See the picture on the right; C - the 3rd pair from the left top corner.)

Pattern a Day Contest

Here is another contest to consider for your patterns - the Pattern a Day Calendars.

The contest rules are:

1. Entries must be received by December 15, 2007, 10:00 pm EST.
2. Entries must include an image and the completed form.
3. Entries must not include images that infringe upon someone else's copyright, trademark, or license.
4. To be eligible to win a prize, the participant must be over the age of 18 and must not, in any way, be affiliated with Accord Publishing or Ripley Designs, Inc.

And there is prize money to be won too! You can submit as many patterns as you like.

Another good reason to submit; you get a free copy of the calendar that you submit your pattern too (selected for publication or not!). Submit to both and get TWO calendars!

TOFUtsies Socks

Here we have a completed pair of socks made with TOFUtsies (toe-foot-sies) yarn in No. 719, Best Foot Forward.

Content: 50% Superwash Wool, 25% SOYSILK brand fiber, 22.5%, Cotton, 2.5% Chitin (made from shrimp and crab shells!)

Tension: 8 sts = 1"

Needles: 2.75 mm (US 2)

425 m / 100 g ball (makes a pair of socks with lots to spare)

Care: machine wash and dry

Pattern: Priscilla's Dream Socks (click for the PDF)

Also found in Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave (ISBN: 1596680326)

I came across the TOFUtsies in one of my favourite LYS Wool n'Things. Gisèle had a knitted sock sample and I couldn't believe how soft and supple it felt. Of course I had to buy a ball and make a pair.

I enjoyed the knitting experience but there are few things I will do differently in the future.

• My tension was the same as the label, however, I think that this yarn would be better on slightly smaller needles for a sturdier end result.
• I followed the pattern's yo technique for the short row heel and toe - next time I will try the Knit Encroachment and Purl Encroachment stitches for the short rows for a tidier, sturdier miter.
• I bound off using the zig-zag technique from the pattern. I found it difficult to complete this bind-off neatly. The limited elasticity of the yarn contributed to this problem, but I am not too fond the resultant ridge. I redid the right toe because I was so unhappy with the result (the picture is of my first attempt). Next time I will definitely graft the toe to the foot (Kitchener Stitch).

I also wonder how this yarn will wear. Only time will tell.

(I have a number of other projects completed or nearly done, so check back later this week for more updates.)