Monogamy with the Exception of Socks
I am generally a monogamous knitter. I like to begin and end a project without much interruption, it helps me maintain focus and motivation. The exception of course is socks. I always have at least one pair on the needles to fill the gap when I complete a project, to take along with me when my main project isn't portable, and as backup when knitting is acceptable but an antisocial project isn't (aka mindless knitting). I've knit 4 pairs of Climb's since designing the pattern for JOURNEY because honestly, one can never have too many pairs of hiking socks. And since Elsie and I like to hustle up the mountain (and run back down), I'm pretty hard on my hand knit socks. I've felted one pair from the friction and heat of our high impact hikes. Whoops! Hence the need for backup :)
Afterthought Heels
My friend Cate introduced me to the Afterthought Heel and I'm in love with it! After all, what's easier than knitting a tube sock? What appeals to me even more than flying through the knitting without interruption, is the ability to one day replace the heel altogether when I eventually wear it out. I'm hard on my socks and the heels are always the first to go so I'm pretty jazzed about the possibility of breathing new life into a pair of well loved, hand knit socks.
I finished this pair during our trip to Stitches West, I just need to weave in the ends.
An Exception to the Exception
About a week ago I decided that I wanted my mindless knitting to be something other than socks. I still wanted to be knitting endless stockinette in the round, just not on size 2.75 mm needles with fingering weight yarn, and well, just not socks! I've had this incredible YOTH yarn on my bookshelf since our trip to Tolt last March. The only reason it's taken me this long to cast on with it is because of the quantity--4 skeins of DK is just one shy of a sweater. I love the casual fit of the Palladio pullover and thought it might be fun to omit the lace, and make it all-over stockinette instead. I had a leftover skein of the Madtosh DK from the book sample and it occured to me that adding stripes might afford me the extra yardage necessary to complete the sweater. I've cast on and I'm really happy with it so far!
And of course it would be uncharacteristic of me if I didn't have something secret on the needles...
What's on your needles? I'd love to know!
I've had a hard time knitting since I had a hard fall, but I've picked up the haven poncho again from tempest. I think it might be just the thing to work on for the mystery kal shannon is hosting.
ReplyDeleteI love knitting socks but I'm a repeat offender second sock syndrome! I have two lonely climb socks waiting for their mates..,
Oh no Hannah!! You took a fall?! I'm so sorry to hear that!! I'm glad you've picked up your haven poncho again, that design is gorgeous. Do you magic loop your socks? You could try two at a time... Avoid second sock syndrome!
DeleteI also have a bad case of second sock syndrome, but learning to knit them two at a time helped me to pick back up on the sock bug :)
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome that you've overcome it by knitting two at a time! I'm super fortunate to not suffer from second-sock-syndrome.
DeleteI stil have to make your Climb socks, right now I do have a pair of socks on my needles that my daughter calls cheese socks, because of the creamy yarn with traces of beige and grey that seem to remind her of cheese mold, strangely enough. A Flax for my son with extra long sleeves, and a test knit to start very soon.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Cheese Mold socks!! That's very funny. Oh and I love the Flax pullover, it's so lovely! And test knits are always exciting!!
Deleteoooh, I haven't tried an afterthought heel before, but seeing your socks (and reading your very good reasons why) I think I'm going to have to try it the next time I knit a pair of socks! I love that idea.
ReplyDeleteYou have to try the afterthought heel! It's so addictive and really simplifies sock knitting in a big way!! It's just an awesome added bonus that you would be able to completely re-knit the heel if you ever needed to! Win-win!
DeleteOnly 4 pairs! I'm on my 9th pair for me and I've given a bunch for gifts. I've modified it for my kids sizes too. It's the perfect sock pattern, in my book! If I like the look of another pattern I just make the math work for the Climb pattern fit, hasn't let me down yet. Would you care to share your resource for the after thought heel?
ReplyDeleteTerri haha, yes, only 4! Remember that this is my in-between knitting so it never gets my full attention and only gets worked on in small spurts, lol. It makes me over the moon happy that you love the fit of this pattern so much, that was my goal was to share my idea of the perfect fit and the least fuss!
DeleteI'm pretty sure I used this video for the afterthought heel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wvvc1AfgpU
Happy Knitting!
You are such an amazing talent... for knitting AND writing! I am thoroughly enjoying your blog!!
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Gen, that means a lot to me <3 I'm really glad you're enjoying it.
DeleteThose colours are gorgeous - they'll make a perfect Palladio! :) I haven't ventured into sock knitting yet, but I really want to! ^_^
ReplyDeleteOh you totally need to try sock knitting! Socks make the perfect project!! I'm not sure if you have our book JOURNEY but the CLIMB socks are perfect for beginner sock knitters. They're very basic and the pattern includes an illustrated tutorial.
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