The Details:
Pattern: Aquaphobia Socks by Crystal Smith
Needles: US1(2.5mm) 36" Addi Turbo circulars (dislike!)
Yarn: SweetGeorgia Yarns' Tough Love Sock (80% wool/20% nylon) in Lakeshore Drive
Gauge: 10sts/inch in the slip stitch pattern
Cast on: February 4, 2011
Bound off: March 14, 2011
Total # of stitches: 30,728 (or thereabouts)
I absolutely love this pattern, although it was a bit slow-going with all of those slipped stitches. It fit like a dream without any modifications, which was particularly nice! My favourite part is that the pattern didn't need following, at all - it's straightforward enough that you can simply read your knitting. Win.
The only complaint I had with the pattern was some rather vague toe instructions. Although, it eventually became clear that I'm just a picky knitter (and sock-wearer). I tried and frogged three toes before settling on this one, and it was definitely worth it. This is a moderately anatomically correct toe, created simply by tracing the outline of my toes on some knitter's graph paper. (Good instructions here.) I didn't go as correct as I could have - a first try let me know that I didn't want such a close fit. So the effect is rather subtle, but so much more comfortable for me than a traditional toe.
During my research on the subject of toes, I also discovered a really handy trick to make the edges of the graft much prettier. Once you're done your knitting, but before you start grafting, pass the end stitches on both ends of each needle over the stitches beside them, toward the centre of the graft. You'll end up with four less stitches to graft, but the result will be so much neater. (Rox on Ravelry describes this more accurately here and here.)
I knitted these on one of my few pairs of Addi Turbos, and was reminded that I don't really care for these needles. On the occasion that a stitch would slip off the needles, the tips were too blunt to recapture it! So I'd have to use the tip of a stitch holder or a tapestry needle. How silly. I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of some sock-sized KnitPicks Harmonies.
That small irritation aside, I had so much fun knitting these. My feet are very happy tonight.
The socks are lovely, the pattern is really nice and the yarn is a gorgeous colour. A win all round!!
ReplyDeleteI like how you have modified the toe to fit your foot perfectly, great idea.
Those are beautiful Katy! I'm so impressed - it takes ages and maximum effort for me to knit a simple scarf, and I can't imagine having the knitting skills to make those! Very nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! Korena - if you love it, just keep going and you'll be surprised how quickly you're able to acquire new skills! It was like, an "a-ha!" moment for me when I finally realized that ALL knitting is just a combination of knitting an purling. (Admittedly, some things like tension just take practice!)
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