Sunday, April 15, 2012

Year of Projects - Santa Fe 01



Knitting on the Road: Canada • Canal du Midi • Conwy • Dalarna • Denmark • Friday Harbor • Hiiumaa • Huron Mountain • New England • The Road to Oslo • Santa Fe Spey Valley • Christmas in Tallinn • Traveler's Stockings • Uinta Cabin • Unst • Whitby

Seems like just a few weeks ago I was knitting a stockinette sock with a colourwork cuff, and as I recall, it didn't turn out too well. The cuff wound up somewhat inflexible and too tight, whereas the vanilla stockinette sections of the sock ended up too loose and baggy. Maybe knitting the colourwork on larger needles and adding some shaping to the leg would fix it? As it turns out I'm putting those ideas to the test with this Santa Fe sock.

The pattern is written for sport weight yarn, but once again I'm knitting fingering weight sock yarn from my stash. With finer yarn on smaller needles I've cast on 70 sts rather than 50-55 as written. And I've knit the colourwork part of the cuff on larger size 1-1/2 (2.5mm) needles, switching to size 0 (2mm) needles after the cuff. In the couple of inches of leg remaining before beginning the heel, I think I'll decrease to 64 stitches. Maybe that will do the trick?

When designer Nancy Bush knit this pattern she chose colours traditional to the Navajo arts and crafts which inspired the chevron motif. But now that I've decided to go with some leftover red and blue in a medium grey field, my sock is more reminiscent of Canada Post's logo than Navajo art. Not the happiest association, but I like my colour choices nonetheless so I'm carrying on! Wish me luck.

12 comments:

Charly Harries said...

It is looking great so far, well done you! I'm awwwwful at colourwork, so it is nice just to sit back and admire the work of others!

Charly Harries said...

Looking great so far, well done! And I really like the colour choices :D

Anonymous said...

I like those colors together.

* said...

Are you very mathematical when it comes to changing weights of yarn and needle sizes, or do you knit up an individual gauge thingamabob....(I can't believe that spellchecker actually changed my incorrect spelling on such a random word!)

Good luck with your modifications, I like the look of them so far.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

I think the colours work well together

Marie/Underground Crafter said...

It looks great so far, and I hope your modifications lead to the type of fit you are hoping for. I think the colors are great (and that they are from your stash is an added bonus!).

Caffeine Girl said...

I like your colors, too. Looks like it's a winner.

WildflowerWool said...

Sounds like it should work. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

Unknown said...

I just love the red and blue in the grey, very striking.
You totally terrified me with changing the weight of the yarn and needles and sitches....oh my I still can't think of doing that but I break out in a cold sweat !

Shateen said...

that sock is looking fabulous and you are doing wonderful on your YOP list!! way to go!

Evelyn said...

I love red and gray ... your knitting looks great.

Stefanie said...

The colors go so well together. I love how the red pops. Good luck!