Sunday, April 01, 2007

Traveller's Stockings!












It's Sunday morning, it's grey outside, even raining on and off. My arms hurt, so I think it's time to do a little blogging. I just realized, that I've crossed the border of 200 posts a while ago. Unbelievable! I remember getting the urge to create my own blog, after reading so many. By the way, did I mention my blogiversary is coming up on April 7th? So, there's a little celebration in order, don't you think? I can't believe that I stuck with it for a year now! I know, once I'm interested in something, I'm in it 100%, but usually it doesn't last (forever). I think, what kept me going was the response one gets from the readers out there. I honestly can say, that I made some friends, which I've never met, but still have the feeling we know each other very well. Of course it's a very different friendship, but it's an indication of our time. And this one is NOT a bad one!
There will be a contest, not sure you can call it that really. I will be picking one winner out of all of those who leave a comment between now and April 7th. I'll have to think about the prize. I'll let you know.
Since finishing the Noro blanket, there has been knitting going on. Mostly sock knitting. They are most satisfying and relaxing. The lace vest is still on hold. I've ordered the right addi turbo lace circs for it. I don't want to knit it and discover it doesn't fit. So I rather wait for the right tools.
I finished the Traveller's stockings, as you can see. Here are the specifics:
yarn: Knit Picks Essential, 75% superwash wool 25% nylon, 2 balls (got a bit worried with the first sock, because there where only a few yards left) This yarn looks a little flat, no shine or anything to it, and you can feel that it's superwash. But on the other hand, I'm sure it will last longer than a 100% (merino)wool would.
needle: 2.25mm Bamboo DP (nest time I would use 2mm)
pattern: "Knitting on the Road" by Nancy Bush
modifications: I substituted the yarn. She used Koigu, and I don't knit socks with Koigu anymore. I used 2.25mm needles, instead of 2mm, because I was afraid they would turn out too tight (now they are on the loose side). I used a different toe. Since I know now how to graft the toes together, I will never use the - pull remaining sts together tight - ever!
The part where you had to concentrate the most was obviously the cuff. Isn't it beautiful? Well don't look too closely, there are lots of mistakes, but who would look that closely anyway? Some mistakes I ripped back for, some i didn't. The socks are a bit loose around the ankles, but I need the 80 sts you have to cast on for the calf part. I also decreased down to 64 sts for the foot. But other than that, it was wonderful to work these stockings. The pictures in the book don't do these socks (actually any of the socks in the book) justice. I'm sure I will knit a few more socks out of this book.
By the way, no apples where hurt during the process of taking pictures - only eaten afterwards! ;o)

28 comments:

Larry said...

You must be the world's fastest knitter. It takes me weeks to finish a pair of socks, at least two if I'm in a hurry. You're right about the photos in that book. I had no idea there was a cable that went all the way down the foot. Your photos are great! I just got some Addi Naturals, their bamboo circulars, and I think I love them.

Violiknit said...

Those socks look gorgeous! I love the cuff and that cool strip of pattern that goes down the whole length of the foot. Those apples look good too... Happy upcoming Blogiversary!

Knitted Zebra said...

Love the socks and the photography! I love having other items of interest in the photos. Glad to know no apples were harmed, just eaten! Will be eager to read your review on your Addi lace needles when they arrive. I am working on my first lace piece and am mulling over a set of those. Hugs to Sam and Biko from Samson, Gabi and Sasha.

meg said...

Great photos! Those socks turned out beautiful.

I second Larry. You are one fast knitter, Monika.

Cindy, aka Maxfun said...

Nice! And I hear you about the toe stuff. The socks I just finished for the test knitting project had the "pull stitches together" toe and I hate it. Kitchener isn't that hard once you get the hang of it and it's such a better toe! I almost changed it on the socks I did, then realized (a) they weren't for me anyway, and (b) I better just follow the instructions.

I think I might have to get that Nancy Bush book. :)

Heike said...

Hallo Monika,
Donnerschlag! Die Socken sind ja sowas von schnell fertig geworden und sie sind auch noch soooo schön! So viele Fehler können da aber bestimmt nicht drin sein... Besonders gut gefällt mir auch mal wieder die Präsentation. Die Äpfel sehen toll zu dem grünen Garn aus - super Idee.

Viele Grüsse von Heike

Anonymous said...

They are BEAUTIFUL - It is such an elegant sock pattern! (and your photography is so pretty with the apples)
I think you probably made a smart move knitting with the 2.25 mm - I used 2.00 and had bigger yarn and they are on the tight side. The only socks I've knit with KP Essential are the Austrian Diamonds and I haven't worn them yet, so I can't give you a forcast into the future as far as durability.

Cecie said...

wow, das sieht klasse aus! und dann die bilder mit den roten äpfeln - ich mag diesen rot/grün-kontrast, wie ihn auch rhabarber hat. was gibts als nächstes auf die nadeln?

viele grüsse & eine tolle woche!

Michelle said...

Isn't it strange that a few words left by a total stanger can feel so good? I'm so glad that I started a blog too...it's nice to belong to a community like this! Great socks, btw!

sgeddes said...

Congratulations on one year!

The socks are lovely. I really like them photographed with the apples. I think I may have to get that book.

Anonymous said...

The socks are so gorgeous and the apples are the perfect accompaniment.

Anonymous said...

Ich sag' ja - dieses Wochenende ist grün ;-)

Schöne Socken hast Du da gestrickt!

Liebe Grüße

Tina

Anonymous said...

Well of course I'll comment. Again you've done a really neat job with the photos; using the apples for colour contrast is excellent.
Gillian

Kathleen said...

Beautiful Socks, as my Mother always told me, "only God is perfect". So everything I knit has at least 1 mistake.
http://.tincantextiles.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I too made a pair of traveler's Socks and gave them to someone as a gift. icertainly hope she is wearing them. Your's look fabulous and the blanket...well words can't describe....congratualtions on all your acheivements...including a year's worth of blogging.....cg

Kat said...

Very nice modeling, and the socks are great too! I'm itching to make some socks again and I'm thinking about that book. Beautiful knitting!!

Debi said...

Beautiful socks Monika!

My two year anniversary is Apr. 10th :)

Anonymous said...

I can't believe how quickly you whip out your projects - perhaps you're knitting in your sleep? ;) Anyways, I absolutely adore these socks, they look so elegant in this subtle colour, and the pattern rocks big time! Very beautiful! And hey, happy upcoming blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

Great socks. I'm on my second pair. The pattern is really quite quick to recalln once you've done it it, so the next ones should really fly off your 2mms!

hakucho said...

Once again beautiful socks!! Very nice pattern... super wash wool sounds like the way to go...easy care too, and after all that work they shouldn't wear out so fast...that's very good :)

happy knitting :)

Kris B said...

Very nice socks and I love the way you have displayed them.

Anonymous said...

Happy (almost) blogiversary! I was recently inspired to start my own after enjoying reading everyone elses as well. Love the traveler socks. I think I've finally psyched myself up enough to try my first pair of socks. Bought the DPNs and some yarn over the weekend. Hopefully I can get the hang of it without too much trouble.

Anonymous said...

Socks look wonderful! I love to see other pictures of the socks I've seen in books. The socks always look better in action.

Beverly said...

Thanks for the sock pics from different angles. I agree that this book has some of the worst sock photos ever. I've used it for the sock info in the beginning.

Your socks look great and anyone who wants to check out that well can knit them.

Carol said...

Oooh! I like thos socks!

tammy said...

Lovely socks!

Strickfimmel said...

Klasse, Deine neuen Socken. Wann hast Du die den gestrickt? Irgendwie muss ich das wohl nicht bekommen haben. Die Idee, die Socken mit den Äpfeln zu fotographieren, ist auch mal was anderes. Ist ein prima Farbkontrast.

Shirley said...

Happy uncoming blogiversary! I like the traveller's stockings too.