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!

Manly Mits

Oh dear I have been remiss in updating my blog with my latest knitting and life escapades. I'm going to try and do several knitting posts to get it up to date over the next week or two...

I’m back to my good ‘ole blue colors…

I did some altering because I liked the yarn and I liked the pattern I got with gauge, but I had about 4 more stitches per inch than the pattern called for. I just scaled the pattern up with some handy math and the gloves turned out fantastic!

I really enjoy how they turned out, too. They were super-warm this winter.

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.