Friday, March 2, 2012

Finished Object Friday

It was Thursday morning when I finished my New England socks. Really pretty, huh? Both the lacy pattern and the sorbet coloured yarn. On either side of the central diamond pattern and around the back of the top four inches of the leg there is a "lacy rib" pattern which is surprisingly stretchy. I'm always afraid with lacy sock patterns that there'll be no stretch and no give, resulting in an ill-fitting sock. Not so in this case. And once more I realize that I should never doubt Nancy Bush - she absolutely knows what she's doing when she designs socks.

I changed from a round toe as written to my usual with decreases every second row on each side - is there a name for that toe? It's my standard because I just can't abide the feel of decreases across the top of my toes or under my toes.

The heel is a bit odd as written - the slipped stitch rib pattern continues from the heel flap across the heel turn - but I decided to just go with it. Will it make the bottom of the heel sturdier? Maybe. I've worn out plenty of socks at the bottom of the heel so that seemed like a good thing to try.

The yarn is the biggest surprise in all of this. Based on what I saw in the skein I expected pink and yellow stripes - kind of like what happened on the back of the heels. Instead, for the most part, the effect when knitted is virtually semi-solid. It's a happy accident and it certainly suits the pattern nicely. The yarn is Alley Cat sock from Wandering Cat Yarns in a colourway called "Peeps", which is not unlike their stock colourway "Aurora". It's a lovely yarn to knit - very soft and non-splitty.

Upon finishing the socks I considered what to do with the leftover yarn. Seems to me these colours would suit a blue-eyed blond beautifully so Barbie doll clothes it is. Here she is "dolled up" in a sundress based on this pattern. Looks like there's still enough yarn for another sweater or two. They are quick little knits; besides Barbie dolls and clothes are always welcome donations at the local charity No-Charge Christmas Store.

As always on Fridays, check the links at Tami's Amis  - prepare to be inspired, amazed and surprised!



17 comments:

Unknown said...

Your socks are just beautiful! <3

Unknown said...

Love the socks!! And the dress is too cute. Great idea for leftovers. Wish I knew a little girl with dolls.

Josie said...

Love the dress on the Barbie! great socks too..

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the sock finish. They are truly beautiful.

The Barbie dress is very pretty. I'm sure some little girl will be very happy to have the Barbie with the very special dress.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Socks look fantastic - and of course, I'm a huge fan of knit barbie clothes!

Andria said...

I love your socks (I wish they would magically appear on my feet just now) and I love your Barbie dress. I made one, and wanted to make more but find the tiny needles a challenge!

Sandra said...

Your socks are great! I loved the color and the lace pattern!
And the barbie! Uau, very cute!
:-)

pinkundine said...

I think they're called wedge toes... But I'm not 100% sure!

They look fab, glad they're finished now :)

Sandy said...

Adorable the wear you've dressed Barbie! Love that you donate it. Could I ask, since you approve all comments that you nix the irritating captcha?

bookworm-Mary said...

Those socks are awesome! you are definitely right, the color is very pretty! I love the lace too!

Marie/Underground Crafter said...

The socks are great, but I think I'm more in love with the Barbie dress!

Stefanie said...

Fabulous socks! LOVE them. You did an excellent job.

WildflowerWool said...

The socks turned out great!

Liz said...

The socks are fantastic! The barbie dress is cute - a lot of my dolls had dresses knitted by my granny, and I think they're still up the attic at my parent's, waiting for future use, lol.

Caffeine Girl said...

The socks are beautiful.

Love the Barbie dress. I think I'll just HAVE to make one!

heather said...

That Barbie dress is awesome!! Love it!

Alittlebitsheepish said...

Super socks and a great use for sock yarn leftovers