Nicaraguan Socks

Eeeek. It's been FOREVER since I actually finished these socks and I never updated or uploaded my pictures to share with the world. Shame on me.

I started these socks when I was on my way to Nicaragua. Then I put them down to work on my thesis. Then teaching ensued. Finally I finished the last one. I love wearing them.

Janelle’s recommendation for the twisted rib is a perfect pattern for socks. This was also the first sock pattern I basically made myself out of my head. It was a toe up construction. It was a great learning process. I know that I will definitely make several modifications with the next pattern. I'm also quit interested in learning how to shape my socks.

P.S. - My friend Janelle just made her first sock pattern. Try it out. I can't wait to knit up my own pair!

Finished a Pair of Socks

So I finally finished this pair of socks that was kind of being drug out from before I arrived here. These were knitted with Knitpicks 'Felici' Yarn with the Arugula colorway. It's 75% Merino Wool and 25% Nylon Acrylic. It was really nice to knit with.

I used a toe-up pattern and I did a 4x4 rib. I decided to vary it by ever 2 rows doing 4K, 4P, and then alternating with 4K, 1P, 1K, 1P. I like the effect. This was my first toe up sock. I think I will do more like this because they look a bit more professional to me--only my opinion.

I would encourage anyone making these to look at Cat Bordhi's YouTube Videos for wrapped stitches. They really made it easy to learn this technique. I believe her patterns call for single wrapped stitched, but mine called for double wrapped stitches.

I used the Knitty Pattern pattern for Universal Toe Up Socks, and it was very easy to follow. However I made some changes. I used Judy Becker's magic cast on--Cat Bordhi demonstrates on YouTube--and I multiplied the the circumference number by .85 instead of .9. All this did was made the sock a bit more snug, reducing the final circumference by 15% instead of 10%. I like how it turned out and I will do it again.

So I was really proud to wear this socks because I finished them. I wore them to my meeting yesterday morning with my Independent Study advisor and accidently stepped in a puddle while walking home. You can see how dirty my brand new sock got. Erg...was frustrating.

My host mother wanted these socks. It was too bad they didn't fit her--since they were created for my feet. I will make her a pair before I leave.

Meanwhile...I want more of this yarn...its really cool.