Sunday, May 25, 2014

Year of Projects 3: Kandahar 02

SOCKTOPUS: Totally Vanilla • Kandahar • V Junkie • Kwalla • Farmer McGregor • Shur'tugal • 2luvcrew • Vorticity • Rumpled! • Crowley • Om Shanti • Mince Pie Mayhem • Hundred Acre Wood • De Stijl • Fiori di Zucca • Caretta Caretta • Spring Shoots

With one sock done and the second half way down the leg, this Kandahar pattern is really taking no time at all. It's a very striking pattern and there is a lot I like about it. For one, it's reasonably stretchy. And it's got lots of visual interest, especially that toe section!

But there are things I don't like about it. Eyelets. There are lots of eyelets. Lots of eyelets = lots of holes, and that's something I don't like. If I did this pattern again I'd replace the YOs with M1s to fill those holes. Thick, warm socks with lots of holes make no sense to me.

Also, the pattern is worked as a 16 round pattern repeat, and you can't just stop anywhere before starting the heel or toe. So working in the medium size with 3 repeats on the foot, the socks work up to fit about size 7-8 women's feet. Working one repeat less would make it much too small even for my friend's size 5 feet. One additional repeat would make it much too large for my size 11 feet. If you don't have medium width and medium length feet, then you're pretty much out of luck!

To fix this and still have the instep pattern flow correctly into the toe pattern, you'd need to start the instep in an entirely different row. And if you did that you'd have to change the heel set up because that flows from the leg pattern. It'd be pretty much a re-engineering of the pattern ... and how would you know how much to add or shorten unless you'd already knit it once? Grrrr!

So once they're done, these socks are definitely going onto the gift pile. 



9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a wonderful looking pattern and your flying in the knitting of them up but what a pain in the sizing, these wouldn't be a pattern for me as I've a small foot. I'm not sure I understand holes in warm socks either.

Renee Anne said...

I think my solution (for my feet) would be to do two repeats and then just go stockinette until I was ready for the toe...but that's me and my US 9 feet :)

Lucy Bowen said...

I get what you mean about thick socks with lots of holes being a bit silly, but they do look lovely!

Frieda said...

What a gorgeous pattern , love your sock ! I'm not a fan of eyelets in sock patterns either , but sometimes in moderation works well for spring or early autumn socks . For winter I want warm feet , no eyelets ...

Anonymous said...

They sure are beautiful! But, then, I'm a big fan of lacy socks.

Stefanie said...

I like that swirling up and around. Reminds me of Roman architecture.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

It is a very cool pattern

Kim said...

I agree! It is striking. And Amazing. And Gorgeous. :)
xoxoxo

Sam I Am...... said...

It is a great sock but I have a size 10 foot so I understand. It's too bad because it is really a great looking sock. I do not care for lacey socks at all either. It's a shame because I love that sock too and your yarn is gorgeous.