Somebody Sock Me
I'm just squeaking it out for a Monday post. Last night I was knee deep in pointers and memory allocation for my programming class, and after a wonderful weekend with my parents, I just didn't have time to blog about my knitting exploits.
When I get on a roll with something these days, it seems like I just can't stop. Over the weekend I finished up my Opal Southwestern socks in 3705.
Opal 3705 Socks with Afterthought Heel
These socks provided me with an adventure in afterthought heels. I do think that this heel style is rapidly going to become my heel of choice. When I don't have to remember heel turning information it's pretty easy to sit in class or on the train and just crank through the project.
Recently, Melissa (of Loose Ends) also tried out the afterthought heel. She was a good deal more scientific about it and got beautiful results. Her post is definitely a worthwhile read.
Probably the only thing I would do differently for these socks is that I would knit about 1-2" less from the heel waste yarn to the end of the toe. I'm going to measure a pair of socks with a standard Dutch heel to get the exact measurement I need to worry about for myself. These socks came out a tad too long in the toes to be considered an absolute success, but not too long to make me motivated enough to rip the toes back and repeat. It might not look like it, but I almost couldn't get thes socks on. I knit these socks very tightly knowing that the fabric would loosen up when washed. So the little bit of extra in the toes helps give them a more comfortable fit overall (at least for me).
But, of course, I couldn't finish one pair of socks without starting another...
Meilenweit Cotton Multi-Jacquard 405
I really like this yarn. Not so much to knit with, but the feel of it after it is knit up. This Meilenweit Cotton Multi-Jacquard is a blend of 45% cotton, 42% wool and 12% polyamide. I'm pretty taken with the color, too. I think this yarn is going to make for great summer socks. I'm doing my "standard" sock -- cast on 64 stitches, K2P2 rib for an inch and a half and then knit in the round until the heel, pick a heel, knit to the toe. Nothing fancy. But I did decide to try something new with these socks -- sock knitting on one big circular needle.
I really didn't think I would like the one needle, thing, but it's actually turning out to be very easy and very convenient -- and I don't have a second needle flopping around, so I think it will be great for when I go to my programming class tomorrow night!
I like the colors of both yarns shown in this post. Haven't tried the one needle method yet. I like how the repetition of making socks gets me thinking more about their structure and different approaches to making them.
I love both socks. The green ones are different and are nice for summer. The cotton will be helpful, too. I'm addicted to socks too.
Thanks for letting me vicariously experience different sorts of sock-making. Me? Wholly unmotivated to deviate from Standard Sock Procedure.
Nice socks. I love the colour of the summer ones. I'm not crazy about the magic loop either (I find that I have a line of tight stitches at the "joins"--like the opposite of ladders). I think I'm a dpn girl at heart.
Good luck with all the work--we're slogging along together eh?
Check out the Twisted Sisters Sock book. I recall that there is an explanation in it on how to determine where to put the waste yarn for an afterthought heel.
I'm not a sock knitter, but I know a great sock when I see one :-) Beautiful jewel-tones in both yarns.
Just a "thought" about the "afterthought"..or ATH as I call it. My foot requires a total of 9 3/4" to 10" of sock. So I knit until I have 7" and then start the toe decreases...This means that I allow approximately 1 1/2 " for EACH of the toe and the heel. (I do them exactly the same)
You beat me to the finish line - I am 20 rows from the Kitchenering on my Opal 42s.
I can't wait to try this afterthought heel! You must let us know how that heel ridge wears - do you feel it?
I'm a dork - I also meant to say:
THEY ARE DAMN BEAUTIFUL, woman...
Thanks for all the pointers on the afterthought heel measurements. I'm going to go dig out my Twisted Sisters book see what they have to say.
I'm not sure why I find myself trying out all these sock things. Usually I like to pick one standard operating procedure and go with it so that I can become fast. I guess I just haven't found that sock SOP yet.
I've decided to try an afterthought heel with the Meilenweit -- only this time I am going to try decreasing a different way to see if I can diminish that side seam a little bit.
Hello,
This is completely unrelated to your post, but I wanted you to know that I have looked EVERYWHERE on the web for a good description of the "yarn forward" technique and I was completely impressed by your pictorial instructions. They helped me out so much. When I finished, I was like, "Wait...it WORKED!"
Thanks!!
I love how the striping pattern works with this heel. Your explanation of this technique is wonderful...thanks!
the socks look great ;)
I'm anxious to see your Phil'Onde sweater!
Congrats on the Masters! I'm still taking make up courses in comp sci and math so I can apply for a Masters. What is it with computers and knitting? I can hardly wait until I get to play around with pointers ;)