Last night I cast on Spey Valley, but when I messed up my first attempt at a Vikkel braid I put my knitting aside after ripping out and knitting back to the row before. This morning, with better light and a clear head, I tried again. Success! Look how cool that is - the stitches form a lateral braid that rings the sock.
Nancy Bush says that vikkel is an Estonian word used to describe knitting patterns made with stitches that cross over each other as a result of knitting the stitches out of order. It's a bit time consuming, but well worth the time spent for this very attractive result. And I suspect the sturdy, non-splitty nature of this Wollmeise yarn is making the crossing of these tiny stitches easier than it might otherwise be.
Since the beginning of July of last year I've been knitting the patterns in Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road as part of my Year of Projects. In the Ravelry group of the same name the moderators are gauging interest in a second Year of Projects. My first instinct was opposed - I think I'm starting to feel somewhat "socked-out" - but after starting these socks I'm reconsidering. Maybe next year I should look at Nancy Bush's Folk Knitting In Estonia? It's a nice mix of socks, gloves and mitts with all sorts of interesting stitch patterns and colourwork charts!
6 comments:
Oooh, I love how that looks :) Really effective and pretty
A very pretty new skill, and the yarn you are using is a gorgeous colour
I admire your stick-to-it-ness. I'd never be able to stick to a goal like that!
Oh it looks great so far! It feels so good to learn a new skill. Also, as adults you're supposed to try to learn 10 new skills a year. (I read that in a magazine once). Knitting is a great outlet for that!
I LOVE that braid. Very cool
Loving how that sock is looking. I'm off to investigate that pattern some more!
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