Sunday, July 13, 2014

Year of Projects 4: Rumpled 01



SOCKTOPUS :  Farmer McGregor • Rumpled! • Om Shanti

KNIT. SOCK. LOVE. : BFF • Clandestine • Cusp • German Stockings • Gothic Spire • Hedera • In and Out • Lissajous • Marilinda • Mona • Monkey • Pointelle • Rhombus • Sake • Stalagmite • Stricken • Thelonious • Twisted Flower • Wedge

This is one of those patterns that looks a lot harder than it is. Although the pattern spans 24 rounds, it's easy enough to memorize - one eyelet row is followed by three almost plain rounds, repeat those four rounds twice more, and then shift half a repeat and do it again. And if you can read your knitting, it's dead simple to see where you've left off in case you're picking it up and putting it down. All in all that makes the perfect sock pattern for travel knitting or interrupted knitting between file downloads at work. One word of warning though: don't attempt the K3togs with delicate needles. I'm using steel needles - carbon fiber would also work - but bamboo needles would be risky. SNAP!

The yarn is Sokkusu O, a yarn which was originally offered for sale by Socktopus, but is now dyed on the same base by Whimzy. It's one of the sponsored yarns in the Socktopus KAL. By using this yarn I am supporting one of the sponsors, and as well, I increase my chances in the KAL prize draws. Win, win!

Franz Eugene Khöler
Khöler's Medizanal-Pflantzen 123
This image is in the public domain
because its copyright has expired
The colourway is "Madder". I first learned of madder red dye through Nancy Bush sock patterns; she uses yarns dyed madder red quite regularly. The dye is prepared from the ground roots of plants from the Rubiaceae family and has been in use for centuries. Traces of the dye have been found in fabric samples from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Cool, huh?

I'm making these socks for a friend for whom I knit red socks every December. She'll love to hear the history of the yarn dye; she's always asking for the back story about the yarn and the pattern. And look at that ... nothing last minute about this gift. If I finish the second sock this week then I'm a full five months early. If only I was this organized and timely with all my plans.

One more thing; a lot of people have been asking if I only knit socks. Well no, I don't knit socks exclusively; in fact I just ordered some yarn for a baby blanket and have been queuing patterns for knitted toys and felted slippers. But I do mostly knit socks. Looking back in through my Ravelry project pages 25 of the last 40 projects were socks. Seems I also mostly blog about socks ....  er, when I blog at all.

16 comments:

Maria said...

Those socks are GORGEOUS! They remind me a bit of the Facade socks. Those sock have k3tog as well, and I knit them on 2.25mm bamboo needles... I did fear for their lives from time to time! Think I need to stock up on more 2.25mm needles when I go to the US next month - can't get them in Denmark!

Leftycrafter said...

I love the fact that you knit so many socks. What wonderful gifts they make. I am impressed that you friend wants to know about the yarn, dye and pattern when she receives her socks. That is a true friend and someone that knows what goes into making socks.

Leftycrafter said...

I am happy that you knit mostly socks. what great gifts they make. And to have a friend that wants to know the history of the sock pattern and anything you can tell her about the fiber. That is a true friend that appreciates all the work that goes into the making of socks.

Anonymous said...

I love those socks, such a pretty pattern with interest all through it. You know I keep coming back to the book you've planned for this year, I just love them all so I'm really really looking forward to seeing them.

Nicole said...

Nothing wrong with posting about socks :-P. I've been in a sock knitting slump the past month with a pair in my WIP bag still so you keep knitting them, it'll get me re-motivated!

Lucy Bowen said...

You are making fantastic progress on these and to be a present too - hurrah. I love the story about the dye, great to be able to tell your friend.

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

How interesting is that? I used to dye my own wool for applique and rug hooking but I've not tried natural dyes and I'd like to. Now, I just have to find me a "madder" plant or at least one that's a bit angry! LOL! Sorry...I love the sock and especially a pattern that can be memorized. Thank you for the warning about the wooden needles as that's all I have except my circulars are metal. At what point do you use 5 needles? All my patterns call for 4 so I was curious. Congrats on being "ahead of the game".

Anonymous said...

I really like the colour of those socks... I think it's fab that so many people seem to knit socks... socks terrify me, but thats a different story!!

Unknown said...

The socks are lovely; a super pattern, and a gorgeous colour.

Anonymous said...

They look REALLY complicated! LOL Very pretty too.

You can blog about socks all you like. You KNOW I'll enjoy it. ;-)

Unknown said...

If my husband ever gives me a hard time again about how many socks I've knit, I'm going to show him your project page!

Fantastic story on the dye and it sounds like your friend will love learning about it. :)

Gwenyth Love said...

Such a gorgeous sock! Lovely work!

Stefanie said...

What a brilliant color this plant root gives. That's amazing.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Love that shade of red!

Iris said...

Beautiful socks, and I love that red, so vibrant!

kathy b said...

King TUT socks? cool. I love your sock addiction
I go through phases too