Success in our time! I love these - this cheerful color peering up at me from my toes just makes me smile. And they are warm and supremely comfortable.
They are also a little big - which only means that they will likely be house socks rather than shoe socks :) I suppose it takes a while to get these things down (well, if you have a mind like a steel sieve, it takes a while!) and I’m still working on it.
The cute shot:
I am most used to wearing cotton socks and even the socks I’ve made for myself ere now have been acrylic blends with a very small amount of wool. These are all wool and my feet are astonished at how warm they feel. Of course it’s possible that the color lends a certain psychological support to the perception of warmth, but I’m thinking that’s a good thing.
The final inspection:
Possible, pattern modifications:
1. There are an even number of leaf motif columns around the leg of the sock with the leaves offset from one column to the next. Maybe substituting plain K1, P1 ribbing for every other column would improve and snug up the leg a little.
2. The heel is just a tad wider than need be. This means (I think!) that the sock, overall, is built on too many stitches - for a size 2 US (2.5 mm) anyways. Since heel flaps are traditionally worked on half of the total number of sock stitches, I don’t think it’s a matter of the heel being too big in and of itself, but of the sock being a bit too big over all.
3. The sock is also a bit too long - but just a hair. Really, a round or two is all we’re talking about here as I realize that would also make a difference in the way the heel fits.
4. Doing these socks on a smaller needle might solve all the problems but right now it isn’t possible for me. Due to almost constantly watering eyes and somewhat reduced dexterity (both side effects of medication) a size 2 needle is about as small as I can go and still be able to see what I’m doing :) Still, the thought is tempting - that a smaller needle may cure all ills - and I will hopefully get to try out the theory some day.
The entrelac stole hasn’t been frogged - yet - but it’s probably going to be. It turns out that I’m not going to have enough yarn after all. Since this was - more or less - a practice piece anyway, I guess I can set it aside without too much angst (Oh really?!?!? Since when?) and just wait for the yarn to arrive for the triangle shawl.
Of course that means I actually have to decide what color (or colors) I want and then, you know, actually place an order :) And, of course, I’ve been thinking about other design ideas as well. Still entrelac and still a triangular shaped shawl, but different motifs in addition to - or even instead of lace. Right now, my brain is a hodge podge of notions which don’t seem to want to settle into a consolidated whole.
On the other hand, that means more swatches and more playing - and that’s not entirely a bad thing, is it?
Happy Monday!
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The socks are really pretty! As for the issues, minor as they are, some are easily overcome. Even though the heel flap is traditionally knitted on half the stitches, that’s not a hard and fast rule. For a smaller heel, work the flap on 2-4 fewer stitches; then, when working the gusset, work back to the original number of stitches, or even less if you need a slightly smaller foot circumference. I’ve done that for John’s socks before, as he has a very narrow foot.
I’m very much enjoying watching and reading about your progress with the entrelac shawl. It’s hard for me to believe that you’ve not been knitting forever. I know a lot of women who’ve been knitting all their lives and wouldn’t even think of trying to design something themselves! And then, to have that something involve lace? HA!
I’m sure you’ve been asked this, but are you familiar with the “Forest Path Stole” pattern? It’s lace entrelac, every similar to what you’re trying to do. Google on it and you’ll see lots of pictures. There’s even a knit-along.
your approach to frogging and swatching should be recorded for posterity- you actually do it cheerfully- i, on the other hand, literally develop a ‘twitch’ at the thought of either- of course your readers reap the harvest of your efforts, so we can eventually repeat your designs in a lemming-like way (how’s that for mixed metaphors- i must have majored in either those or oxy-morons in college!)
love those cheerful socks- the pattern is neat and the color is wonderful- those should certainly brighten up a gloomy day- i think i see purple ones like those in dana’s future (see above remark about lemmings!)
stay happy-
Ev - Thanks for your very kind comments! Honestly, I derive so much satisfaction from knitting and farting around with my own ideas, I can’t believe I waited so long to get started!
Ryan - I do know about the Forest Path; I even have the pattern for it :) It remains one of the most incredible examples of entrelac I’ve ever seen. But I really have no desire to make that shawl for myself - though I would make it for, say, Myria is she felt she couldn’t live without it :)
I am not, however, above liberating the concept to fool around with :)
Barb - Leaves and Vines - as is - might be a good pattern for Dana as it is a very relaxed fit and might accomodate cankles well :)
I’m beginning to realize that frogging isn’t necessarily a death sentence - or even a bad thing. It’s not like the yarn can’t be used again (well, most yarns, anyway) and, generally, I’ve learned something in the process!
What beautiful socks! I’m so eager to see how you do with the triangular entrelac shawl. I’m giddy with anticipation I tell you! *heehee*
Robbyn
I’m not seeing photos just dreaded red Xs 
no fair… this has happened before ... they sound so goooooooood I wanna see!
Opal - Thanks - you’re encouragement is appreciated! I’m still swatching and adapting stitch patterns with a couple of specific ideas in mind. Playing around is half the fun, don’t you think?
Susan - I’m really sorry to hear that you’re having picture-viewing problems again. Everything seems to be in order on this end though.
Is there someone besides you using the computer who might be changing settings to their own preferences? You might also try closing and then re-opening your browser (or even rebooting the system) in case there’s a memory glitch of some kind - you know - just to clear the cache?
The socks are lovely….what a gorgeous color too.They do look like they passed the final inspection 
Maureen - Thanks :) They passed the happy foot test too! Lucky me… 
