If at first you don’t succeed - try again :)
The first issue was one of size and the original pattern was worked in rounds of 70 stitches. There were five shells. I reduced the pattern to four shells and increased the width of each shell by two stitches. So instead of five pattern repeats of 14 stitches (70 stitches total) I have four pattern repeats of 16 stitches for 64 stitches total. This is about perfect. In addition to tailoring the stitch number a little better, the four pattern repeats make things very simple to work on four DPNs, working around with the fifth needle. The five pattern repeat, while do-able, was very awkward.
I am using the same size needles (European size 1s, 2.5mm), but they are bamboo double points instead of a metal circular (haven’t dropped a stitch yet!) and have tried a different yarn. This is Socka in a nice, autumn-color variegate.
New needles, new yarn, new sock
The yarn works beautifully in this pattern as the stitch pattern shows nicely without obscuring the colors. In fact it’s almost a classic “diagonal pattern showing off a variegated yarn”. I love the way this looks - nice and clear with no muddiness or visual confusion.
The second point was the dimple created by the shell pattern when it was started.
Dimpled shells
I can’t think how this might be solved except for starting the pattern at the top instead of doing a couple of inches of ribbing first. I think I prefer to have the ribbing there and have decided I can live with the dimples. They will straighten out a bit when the socks are worn, but not entirely. I’ve decided it’s a feature :)
Next are the eyelets. I decided not to use a yarnover. Instead I picked up the running thread between the needles, inserting the needles from front to back and placing the acquired loop back on the left-hand needle. For an M1, you would knit this loop through the back to that it wouldn’t make a hole. Because I want a hole here, I knit it normally. It really works nicely. The “M1” eyelets are a bit smaller that yarnover eyelets would be, but they are nice looking and not the least bit sloppy.
Here an eyelet, there an eyelet…
I’m working the ribbing normally without twisting the knit stitches. It is a bit loose but I believe between the washing and the wearing, that will work itself out. There are five rib stitches (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) between each pattern repeat.
Ribbing
I’m now thinking about what kind of heel and toe I want to use and how I want to orient the shells for the top of the foot. When I figure it out, you all will be the first to know :) But I think I have my razor shell socks!
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oh, what a difference a yarn makes!! those are going to be nice- love the colors- just looking at those makes me think that fall can’t be too far away (oh, who am i kidding? around here we don’t ‘see’ autumn until around the middle or end of november some years- but i can wish)-
i’ll bet you are seeing socks in your sleep lately!
stay happy-
Love ‘em! Really like the ribbing and that yarn is awesome. I can’t wait to see how they knit up.
I put a picture up of my razor sock on my blog - it’s in the entry with ranty panties and if you click on “cam’s sock” it’ll take you to a picture of the sock. There’s also a stitch detail picture.
Mmm, love that yarn!
Barb - No, not dreaming about them - not yet anyway! The Socka is really nice yarn, springy and substantial and really nice to work with! But it is interesting to see just how much difference changing the yarn made :)
Rainy - I see your socks are toe up - did you get dimples too, when you’d finished the toe and started the razor shell pattern? What fun colors!
Laura - The colors really are nifty and the yarn itself (Socka) is great to work with. This was a gift and I just know when I look it up to check price and availability, I’m going to have a serious case of sticker shock!
Way to go! You’re right, the yarn definitely changes everything…love the way they are turning out!
Lisa - Thanks :) It is altogether pleasant to see something you’ve put thought and time into begin to come together!
Oh yeah this combination works so much better. I really like the colors. I can see the stitch pattern so clearly now. It seems more calm. The other was busy busy.
Yay! It’s getting closer to cooler weather, your tootsies will relish these socks.
Aarlene - I was thinking about that earlier today. I’ll be flying in November and the airport always makes you take your shoes off (cause you might be smugglng bad stuff on board!) I thought I would wear my clogs and these socks :)
