Finished Mermaid Socks
At long last, 2 years after they were started, the Mermaid Socks are finally finished. I still am not sure why I stalled out after the first sock. The pattern is quite easy to work and it's kind of fun to watch the ribs swirl around under your fingers while you knit. The narrowness of these socks is deceptive -- the ribbing stretches a good deal to accomodate my size 8 feet.
I did the simplest version of the Mermaid Socks from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks, Warm Feet (the link is to her website instead of Amazon because Amazon only seems to be selling outrageously priced used copies). I chose the simple wavy cuff instead of the more elaborate garter stitch cuff. The pattern is easy to follow (but you do have to pay attention to the toe shaping instructions) and would lend itself to almost any self-striping sock yarn. In this case, I am using Regia Mini Ringel 5047 which is just a carnival of bright color. These socks will definitely be brightening up my sock drawer.
This was the bad picture I was able to snap of the socks while I was wearing them -- it was literally the last picture I took before my battery died on my camera. Not the greatest picture, but I think it at least shows how the ribbing widens out -- and, how almost by accident, these socks turned out almost identical instead of fraternal. If I'd been really clever, I would have modified the pattern for the second sock so that the ribbing slanted in the opposite direction. Perhaps, someday, if I make another pair.
This is my first finished pair for me during the Family Sock Challenge. Now I have to figure out what pair of socks I am going to tackle next.
Wow - those are stunning!
Great socks. Maybe I'll try a pair like that. Once I've gotten this "Dr Who"-style scarf done for a friend. Just hoping she doesn't want the whole 22', though she's supplied enough wool!
they're wonderful! i'd like to try that pattern sometime. i won't take the two yr. challenge though ;)
Fab socks ! :0)
Those are happy looking socks! Pretty!!
Theresa, cool socks! I love the way the striped yarn ends up looking almost like entrelac.
Those are just beautiful - I used to have that book and gave it to a friend - are you saying it's rare now? Oh no!!!!
The swirling is very unique and I love your purled heels. Great job!
Those socks are lovely - the colour really makes them. I'm going to have to dig out my copy of that book now!
Those are great socks!
Those socks look great. I love how the pattern swirls
They look beautiful!
What a clever sock pattern. I saw Jofrog Johanna making these recently and I couldn't believe how the stitch pattern changes the color repeats.
Pretty socks!
About a month ago, while traveling, I found the Neatby book at a Borders. Instead of snatching it up and buying, I thought I'd check out the online bookstores to see if I could get a better deal. Imagine my surprise (and regret) when I found only the overpriced books left in Amazon! My local bookstores don't have it, either.
I hope this popularity means that it'll be back in print sometime soon -- it really did look like a great book.
Great looking socks! I need some of your sock mojo. Yours seem to be flying off the needles lately!
The yarn is perfect for that pattern! I own the Lucy Neatby book, but have never made anything from it, but I guess I'm glad I have it now.
Those socks are gorgeous! the swirl makes the sock look like they are entrelac!
Wow, two finished pairs in a row! That always feels good, and the socks look great. I love the Mermaid socks in such bright colors, and I'm always a fan of Tiger socks - I have some tiger yarn stashed away to make a pair...someday.
Thanks for the email on the frame for your cross-stitch!
Beautiful socks!
Yeah, now I have to do them too. Now, while I'm fine with socks that don't match (I almost prefer them different) if I had socks that swirled in different directions I think I would then designate them as left and right socks and be really anal about keep them on the right feet! That difference might be too much for me. How goofy is that?
Cute socks! I'm so happy that you finished them. I saw them languishing on your sidebar for quite some time. Good for you for finishing them!
I think I remember seeing sock #1 at the last KIP I attended--2 years ago! They are great!
Beautiful socks! I love the colors and the pattern!
I think you can order the book from the Canadian version of Amazon.
http://www.amazon.ca
Wow, they're older than my neice! They look brilliant and such fun colours.