Thursday, January 03, 2008

It's Just a Sock Dang-It

Okay, I'm going to try for a real post here. First of all, I totally forgot to post my finished Chevron Scarf. Between you and me, I never thought I'd actually finish such a scarf but once I started I couldn't wait to finish so I could wear it. I absolutely love it... bright colors and all!



Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Socks that Rock Mediumweight: Watermelon Tourmaline & Farmhouse
Size 5 needles
Apx: 6" x 64"

I've also been (a wee bit neurotically) working on my Christmas Eve socks. While I've managed to complete 2 unmatching socks in spite of re-doing each heel at least 3 times as I tried to master new techniques, I have only negative progress to show on the Chewy Spaghetti sock.

After enduring the various heel options I felt compelled to try, it was completely frogged. Actually, it's been frogged more times than I can count. The yarn is incredible... too incredible in fact... too incredible to settle for anything other than the perfect sock. With the color changes, perfection seems to occur with a 60 stitch cast on knit in Crosshatch Lace from More Sensational Knitted Socks. However, since it is a sportweight (a wonderful squishy sportweight with a nice tight twist), 60 stitches was a bit too big. Not way too big mind you... just a bit... just enough to not be perfect.

Now 48 stitches fits great but instead of a pleasantly flowing stream of colors, I get clumps of color. I know it's called pooling, but pooling never bothers me. I have never changed a sock pattern because of the way the colors are aligning... and had I started out with 48 stitches, I most likely would've knit on in blissful ignorance that a better possibility existed. But it does... and I know. So the last week has been spent wasting many an hour in a fruitless attempt to find the perfect pattern. Last night I finally cast on 60 stitches once again choosing to accept the peaceful balance of color over the perfect fit. I can't even begin to express the torment I have endured.

I think I need to take a break for some Minesweeper. Busy days I tell you. Busy, busy, busy.
PS... Sorry but this computer is way too slow, and my patience is way too over-extended to provide links.

8 comments:

sophanne said...

That chevron scarf looks like a yummy fruit salad with lots of blueberries. I LOVE IT!!!!!

Husband woke me up to tell me of the mountaineer win- he had tears in his eyes- I guess it was a big ending!

Anonymous said...

I love the scarf!
You have tons of patience with those socks! Maybe you should do jaywalkers?

Angelika said...

I love the bright colors in your chevron scarf. That would make me want to finish and wear it too. You are right about the balance between yarn and pattern. What's the use of having a great pattern, if the yarn is so busy you can't even see it or vice versa.

Donna Boucher said...

Love, love, love the scarf!!!!

The light green sock is so soft looking and pretty :o)

But that scarf....I want to make that....

Michelle said...

The scarf is awesome! I'm really itching to knit one before winter is over. Love the colours!

Auntie Pudentaine said...

I so envy your sock blockers! Where did you pick them up?

Nan said...

Ohhhh!! I love that scarf!! Adorable! And the socks are super cute too! I wish I could knit. I fake it with a loom! LOL

~Kristie said...

Even living in this southern CA climate, I want to make that scarf. It looks like art. Absolutely beautiful.