Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Work-in-Progress Wednesday



This sock pattern - Spring Shoots - has very unusual construction. The foot is knit as a closed tube, and then a row is cut open at the midline of the ankle to add an "afterthought leg". It's Cat Bordhi's idea, and you can find out more in her Houdini Socks pattern from the Twist Collective.

I've never tried it before so I was excited to see it as part of the Socktopus KAL on Ravelry. Frankly the idea of cutting into my knitting scares me - so much can go wrong. But it's actually pretty easy when you follow the step-by-step directions.

The first step is to knit a closed tube for the foot of the sock. At the point where the midline of your ankle will fall string a lifeline through the instep stitches. Then knit two rounds and string another one. The knit row between the two lifelines is where you cut. Before you get your scissors out, grab some smaller needles and use the lifelines to pick up the stitches on each side including a couple of stitches on either side of the lifeline to really anchor the cut ends.

Then snip a stitch near the centre of the instep stitches and unravel that row from one end of the lifelines to the other. Hint: a light coloured working yarn and a dark coloured waste yarn for the lifelines makes it a lot easier to see what you're doing. Once you've unravelled, then you can rearrange the stitches and start knitting the leg. It looks odd at first, but it works. My sock fits just fine and look at the cool "star heel" I've got!

It's always fun to learn a new technique but I doubt this is something I'll do regularly. After all, I don't really see an advantage to this construction method compared to a traditionally constructed sock. One big disadvantage is that it creates six ends to weave in per sock rather than two.

That's my show and tell for today. Lot's more to see over at Tami's Amis for Work-in-Progress Wednesday! That's where I'm headed now; want to come along and see for yourself?

21 comments:

Maria said...

Fascinating! I'd never have thought to knit a sock like that!

Unknown said...

Wow! Glad you tried this so I don't have to ;)

I love the way Cat Bordhi's mind works. She is so inventive.

Caffeine Girl said...

To me, any procedure that involves cutting into knitting is terrifying. But I'm not surprised that you can handle it.

I just got Socktopus from the library. What a great book. I'm trying to decide what to knit first -- though I will not be knitting the whole book!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Mom and I were looking at that pattern, and it's one of the reasons we decided not to do it - just didn't see the value in it vs a regular sock... but I love the colour you chose - so cheerful!

Leah said...

Wild! The socks look cool - well done for being fearless.

Elisabeth Andrée said...

You always choose beautiful patterns, these are again wonderful socks. Love the colour of your yarn.

Christina - a Babys Smile Knits said...

wow, what a neat construction! Love the colour of these socks, so bright and cheerful.

Anonymous said...

I read with horror that post lol, cut the stitches !! Oh myyyyy word. I'm all for learning new techniques but I think I'm a long way from that one, I had heart palpitations reading it but it does look amazing and I love the colour your using !

Renee Anne said...

Yeah, the idea of cutting into my knitting scares me, too. That's probably why I haven't even considered steeking anything.

Unknown said...

Oh my! these look amazing and terrifying in equal measure!
They look gorgeous and the colour choice is fab!

bookworm-Mary said...

Learning new things can be bunches f fun! Though I'm pretty sure I will never get so adventurous with socks.

Janet said...

Very interesting design. Thanks for the description and pictures. Not sure I'll ever be brave enough to try . . . well, maybe. :-)

Marianita la Arañita said...

Lovely socks!!!
I think they are way over my skills, but You Rock!!!

Marie/Underground Crafter said...

That looks interesting, but I agree, overly complex. I do love the pairing of the yarn color with the stitch pattern, though.

Frieda said...

Love the sock , but you still couldn't convince me to cut my knitting . Typically me , if it can go wrong , it will . I have added the book to my wish list , there are a few patterns that I would knit . Thank you for being an enabler again ;-)

Unknown said...

I knew it had to work, but couldn't visualize it in my mind. Lovely pattern.

Unknown said...

I love the colour of your socks, beautiful!
x
Natalie
Marigolds' Loft

Spinster Beth said...

I've heard of the afterthought heel, and don't quite understand the purpose. But then again, my favorite part of sock knitting is turning the heel!

Babajeza said...

These socks look very interesting. :-) And the yarn is just beautiful.

Stefanie said...

Interestng. I wonder why this construction was thought of. the marigold color is terrific.

Handmade by Stefanie said...

Love the socks! It's definitely a neat concept, but I agree, it's not something I would regularly do when making socks. I admire your prolific sock-knitting AND your willingness to experiment!