The Many Moods of the Mudslide Socks
Right now, as I type this, it is 1 degree farenheit in Chicago. Send in the polar bears and the penguins it is officially cold here. So it's a good thing that I finished up John's newest pair of socks.
General specs:
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Mudslide'
Needles: US Size 3.0 (3.25 mm) Chiaogoo* Needles
Gauge: 6 stitches/inch
These socks were knit toe up so that I could make the most out of the yarn.. I did my "standard" wedge toe, a short row heel and the rest was pretty much straight up stockinette. These socks are taller than most of the socks I've made for John -- 12" from base of the heel to top of the cuff, and are meant to fit a man's size 10.5 (somewhat narrow) foot I did a conventional bind-off, but in order to make sure the tops weren't too tight, I bound off on US 7 (4.5 mm needles) after 2.5" of K2P2 ribbing. I had about 31g (1 ounce) left over of the 200g (7 ounces) I started with, so I think it's clear that one skein of this sock can make a respectable pair of socks for most men. All told, these socks took less than a week to make. Practically instant gratification from a knitting perspective.
John is happy with these socks. The stripey-ness is just about at the edge of his tolerance for striping/pooling but he likes the browns and he really likes how thick, warm, and soft the socks are. In fact, I received the coveted, You could make me another pair of sock out of this yarn. statement that makes everything worthwhile. John tells me that because of their weight and warmth, these socks are only good for late fall, winter and early spring. They will definitely be ideal for his Monday morning commute downtown.
What's next for John? Either another pair of thick socks or a double knit headband... I haven't quite decided what would be best suited to the weather and my mood.
* BTW these needles are destined to be some of my new favorite sock knitting needles. They are a wooden needle (I'm not entirely sure what they are made out of -- it's a light wood) and they have a smooth, but not too smooth surface that really has the right amount of grip for keeping the stitches on the needles but not so much grip that the stitches don't slide well. Also, the size of the needle is laser etched into the needle. Most double points, by the time I've knit a pair of socks, the sizing information has worn off. But for these, after this pair of socks, the numbering is still completely clear. Even better, these needles are completely cheap! I found them at the Fold and I think they are less than $5/set. And they come in those very handy 6" lengths!
Excellent socks!
Nice pictures. The feet look very happy and comfortable.
Great man socks!!
I just checked the Fold website and they only carry Addis now. Rats!
Oh those are lovely!
Drop me a line when you have a minute so we can talk again about our little project. We actually are going to finally have some normal weather which means I can dye!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Great Socks, and those coveted words are wonderful to hear. I'm still looking for the project to elicit them. Perhaps socks are the way to go.
Fabulous socks! Simple, yet effective. I just finished (and blogged) your Whiskers and Paw Prints socks and had a blast knitting them. So clever!
Lovely socks - John can be rightly proud to wear those.
1 degree F - given that 32 F is 0 C I'm guessing it makes it freeeeeezing in Chicago - right? :)
Does John have any problem getting his feet in his shoes with this weight yarn? Just wondering.
it is very very cold in NYC today as well! nothing like warm hand knit socks, leg warmers, fingerless mitts, hat and neck warmer to keep ya' warm... (its me today, inside...)
they look super cozy!
Those chiaogoo needles are nice at first but I have found that over time they tend to get rougher, the tips get splintery and they have a nasty tendency to split apart lengthwise after you've bent them enough times. I know you are one who really bends your sock needles (as I do) I'm curious to see if you have the same problems with them that I had. (I hope you don't!) That price is hard to beat but for me they end up being "disposable" because I wear them out after about 2 pairs of socks.
If you haven't tried them, try Brittany Birch dpns. I have a couple of pairs in a short length and then I also have a couple of pairs of REALLY short ones (I think they're 5 inches) which I LOVE. They are much sturdier than the other wooden needles I've used and they are just the right balance of smooth enough v. not too slippery.
Great socks! They bear a striking resemblance to some socks I made for DH out of Lorna's Laces yarn. They striped and pooled in exactly the same way. My husband, like yours, likes the striping but finds it to be just on the "edge" of his tolerance for colorfulness. We both have very conservative guys, it appears!
love the socks... and got a great fabulous chuckle at the photo titles - clever you!
Isn't it just the best when they say - "I'd like another pair like this "!