Sock Top Texture
A while back I got the chance to go to a Japanese bookstore with Bonne Marie. This was my first voyage into such an arena, and I found it very intriguing, even though the bookstore was a mere fraction of its normal size due to renovations. I didn't buy much except a book labelled "Knitting Patterns Book 300" (ISBN 4-529-041727) and it's been a great source of inspiration. Some pattern stitches are relatively common or are just variations on a common theme. Others are new to me, somewhat bizarre or both. Given my love of stripey sock yarn, I was hoping to find some that would bias in interesting ways, and there are definitely a few that fit that bill that I will try when I am workin on something that I can focus on. The stitch that I ended up with for this sock has a six stitch and 6 row repeat, making it a pretty easy pattern to commit to memory and work up on the leg of a sock (if you have the book, it is pattern #134). It has, to me anyway, an interesting combination of eyelets and angles. It actually reminds me of little trees -- which seems rather appropriate for a spring colored sock.
Now I just need to decide what type of ribbing to put on the top of it to finish it off. 1x1? 2x2? It probably doesn't matter, but since the pattern is rather loose and open, I'd like to have something with a little pull and traction to make sure the sock stays up when I put it on.
What a cool stitch pattern! For what my 2-cents is worth, I'd top it off with twisted 1X1 rib - it pulls in enough, but will mimic the ridges of the leg pattern. (I think...)
Ha! I just picked up "Knitting Patterns Book 500" about a week ago. The Japanese bookstore is fun, and I think that stitch pattern makes for a nice sock!
Would a 2(k)x1(p) ribbing place the purls above the eyelets and the center of the treetops? If so, I think that would be a good option.
The sock looks like little green sprouts coming up of the earth! I usually use a k1tbl, p1 rib for socks as I find that to be the most elastic and comfortable, and it also doesn't end up being floppy and baggy after wash and wear.
How pretty! How about a 4 x 2 rib seeing as it is a stitch repeat? You could centre the two purl stitches in the "valley" where the yo's are.
Gorgeous! That stitch pattern's definitely a winner, and perfect with the spring color! I'm a fan of twisted rib myself: I like the tidy look of it and it's nice and firm.
That looks really pretty. Hrm, there is a Japanese bookstore in Manhattan I went to very briefly. Maybe I should go back.
Great combo of pattern and yarn. That pattern reminds me of Grumperina's Shifting Sands, but with some yarn overs.
India
The sock continues to look great and the pattern is interesting. Thank you for the inspiration/knowledge of Japanese knitting books. Now I'll be researching where to find them. *g*
I love that stitch pattern! I would go for a 2x2 rib and then a picot bindoff to go with your pattern. :)
OOOH! It's so springy and beautiful!
I agree with Loribird - 1 x 1 twisted ribbing. It's so pretty!
So loving this!
Can't find source for said book that doens't involve shipping from Japan, and paying in yen w/o info on the U.S.D equavalents :-(
Don't suppose you would email me that stitch pattern ??
or publish the sock?
covet covet covet...
the sock looks really really nice! and the 1x1 ribbing the previous commenters mentioned sounds really nice! can't wait to see the FO! nice going!
I was thinking 4x2--just like Janine already said!
So pretty...I love the pattern and the way the subtle color shifts just shimmer. we just got a Japanese dollar store (dollar-fifty store, actually) in our mall, but I think I'd have to go to Vancouver or Seattle for a bookstore. Hmmm...road trip!
I cast my vote with Janine. I was going to suggest the very same thing.
Lovely little sock.
I love the color and I love the pattern. I am clueless as to a ribbing suggestion though.
I go away for a mere two weeks, and then scroll quickly through my bloglines to see...You're expecting! Congratulations! That is so great - I am very happy for you. I also appreciate how candid you were about your past difficulties, and am crossing my fingers for you and Baby Keyboard Biologist through the rest of the pregnancy!
p.s. I also wanted to tell you how courageous it is of you to talk so openly about your struggles and that it is very helpful to hear about it. Again, congrats to you and your hubby on expecting! :o)
Whichever way you go with the ribbing (1x1, 4x2) I like the suggestion to ktbl as that maintains a certain angularity with the twisted stitch.
Beautiful sock and yarn!
Look at how incredibly spring-y that is! I'd try for a ribbing that merges seamlessly into the pattern. Looking at the structure of it, maybe two Ks and four purls, or vice versa?
Beautiful! Nice use of stitch pattern. I have a few of those from my last trip to NYC.
I go with loribird's comment, using the twisted rib. Cookie A (knitters anonymous blog and knitty sock pattern contributor) uses it in most her socks. I like it alot, it raises the rib a tad, enough to make a nice subtle design element.
let us know how the book works for you - I'm curious.
ps-folks might try yes asia online books to buy the book.
That's a beautiful sock leg pattern. Definitely springy. I got bit by the Japanese pattern craze from looking at some of the amazing things people were blogging about. I'm having a great time looking at all the different patterns in the books I've picked up. Nothing actually on the needles yet though.
what a gorgeous lace pattern on that sock. love it.
and your quilt is out of this world!!
I love that stitch pattern. It matches the sock yarn beautifully. I would go with 1x1 rib.
It came it came!! My NKK ball winder that I ordered months ago finally arrived. I learned about it first on your blog (I think) and I wanted to thank you for the recommendation because I LOVE it :)
Crazy--I just spun yarn for socks in almost those same colors! I was looking for something spring-y :)
I LOVE that knit pattern. Those socks are going to be just gorgeous when they're done. Where is that book store? If it's in Chicago I may have to stop by when I'm there next. I live in Ann Arbor.
How many stitches arcoss is the pattern repeat? An uneven rib centered to match the pattern might be pretty.
For example, if it's two purls between a seven-stitch pattern, you could do something like
p2 K1 P1 K3 P1, K1
That would cling, but would also be interesting and keep some complexity.