Pattern: The Keyboard Biologist's Basic Toe Up Sock*Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks Stripes in "Mulberry Stripes"
Needles: 2.5 mm Darn Pretty DPs
On my last trip into Joann Fabrics, I took Ms. Z back into the yarn section. While Joann's is not my usual locale for yarn shopping, lately I've been surprised to find some pretty decent yarn tucked in and amongst the acrylic. In something that I took to be a show of remarkable education on Ms. Z's part, she ignored most of the fuzzy acrylic stuff and got very excited when we came to a patch of self-patterning sock yarn. Since she had been good the entire trip to the store, and since the yarn was on sale, I told her that she could pick two skeins (all of the last batch of socks I made for her are now too small) and I would make her socks.
The Kroy was the first skein she grabbed at. The yarn is 75% wool, 25% nylon and is a little thicker than most sock yarn that I knit with (but not by much), so I cast on to US 1.5's instead of my usual 1's. It's not completely obvious from the picture, but these socks are almost exactly identical twins. It was nice to knit with, and I got a very nice, warm, thick fabric, perfect for baby feet. At this point, Zosia just barely wears a size 7 child's shoe, so socks for her are still a quick knit -- especially in this yarn. Because the yarn is a bit thicker, there's a bit less in a 50 g ball. I'd estimate that this little pair of socks used up about 2/3rds of the skein.
She was very excited after the first one was finished -- and then a bit disappointed that she didn't have two to try on. So I cranked the second one out as fast as I could. She got them on Thursday, and they've been on her feet more than they've been off since then.
I think the patterning in these socks is quite nice -- almost wouldn't mind having a pair myself. But the real proof will be in the washing and wearing to see how the yarn and the colors hold up.
I've started on the second pair... baby socks seem to be like potato chips for me!
* Magic cast on, 8 stitches. Increase 4 stitches every other row until 40 stitches around. Short row heel down to 8 stitches, straight stockinette leg, about an inch of K2P2 ribbing for cuff. Stretchy bind off.
I love how these turned out. I can see why Miss Z is so pleased to wear them.
I've knit many socks over the years with Kroy and I think it wears very well. DH still wears his Kroy socks that I knit more than 7 years ago.
Nice to hear! I love soft yarns, but given the work that goes into socks, I prefer to work with yarns that will last the wearer for a while!
Super cute socks for super cute feet!
Those are darling, and you've inspired me to make some more socks for my 8 year old. She's been asking, and the one pair I made for her are getting small. (And then my 4 year old will probably want some too!)
Cute!
Now I really want to make some socks for my boy. I'm inspired!
Cute socks. I need to remember that I can knit baby socks if I want to (even though I have no baby) to get the quick sock knitting fix. 40-ish stitches is so much faster than 60+!
Absoluetly! If you don't have littles to share with, I think there are many organizations that would be happy to receive them.
Those are so cute, and it even more precious knowing that they are loved.
Oooh, cute socks! I just picked up some Kroy myself and knit the first of a pair of Cat Bordhi's Woven Ridge socks (from her book "New Pathways for Knitters"). I LOVE this yarn. It knits well and it's pretty. Nice stitch definition if you use a patterned stitch. Your girl is lucky to have a Mom who knits for her!
My new theory is that self-patterning and self-striping socks knit faster than regular socks.
Great socks! I hope one day I have children who love hand knit socks and sweaters as much as Ms. Z does.
Cute! I also found Kroy on sale at Joann's--got blue that looks like Trekking the way the plies are variegated. Have to liberate some needles to start on them.