Sunday, September 14, 2014

Year of Projects 4: Marilinda 02

SOCKTOPUS :  Farmer McGregor • 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

As I knit the first few inches of these Marilinda socks in Dye-Version stretch bamboo sock yarn I was worried that the yarn was too busy for the pattern. Unless I'm knitting in a solid colour, I almost always think that. I guess it's all about the pattern for me with sock knitting - that's why I typically buy tonal yarns. The only thing to do is to knit a few more inches, try the sock on and then decide. More repeats can reinforce the details of a pattern, and, as every lace knitter knows, stretching the fabric open can make the pattern pop too.

I'm sure you'll agree, now that we can see the finished socks, that those initial fears were groundless. The pattern and yarn are just fine together!

Now about this pattern: it's a bit surprising because it might be one of the very few Cookie A. patterns I've ever encountered with almost no knitting through the back loop. That was a pleasant change of pace. I don't mind some knitting through the back loop occasionally but not whole patterns of it, please!

It's always a nice touch when the cuff ribbing flows into the main leg pattern. In this case there's a transition chart, and the main pattern slowly emerges from the ribbing. Awesome! And the heel has it's own chart too, where the pattern slowly dissolves back into ribbing. More awesome!

One more nice thing? A plain stockinette wedge toe. Although it would be awesome knitting fun to knit another pattern chart for the toe; if I'm to wear them an unpatterned toe is preferable. I can't stand the feeling of decreases across the tops of my toes or under the pads of them. Sorry, that's just the way it is. I've been known to rip back patterned toes and reknit them to plain stockinette.

Now, I'd better get moving with Om Shanti. I need to get them finished and posted in the KAL thread on Ravelry before the end of September. Not to worry - they're knit on 2.75mm needles. That should take no time at all! Contrast that to this Fox Paws pattern .... Wandering Cat is trying to tempt me into a KAL with this pattern. That'd pretty much wreak havoc with Christmas knitting plans, wouldn't it?!


16 comments:

Maria said...

Ooooh, I love these! They are just GORGEOUS! The more I see, the more I know I just HAVE to get my hands on Knit, Sock Love!

So pretty, and the yarn is a perfect match :)

Caffeine Girl said...

Wow! Those are stunning. I love the way Cookie's cuffs transition into the pattern.

Unknown said...

Love these! They are really nice socks. I get the same way too early on in projects that if there is any texturing/lace to the pattern, then I begin to worry that any yarn with any color variation would be too busy. You definitely didn't have anything to worry about with this one. Beautiful work!

Anonymous said...

I love the yarn and the pattern... those socks are cute and your feet are rockin them x

Gracey is not my name.... said...

It's a beautiful pattern though...it would take me at least a year to finish something like that....the socks came out lovely..and yes I can't have those stitches near my toes either...

Christine said...

Lovely socks!
The more I think of it... The more I think that making year five YoP all about socks is just what the doctor ordered. You are an inspiration ;)

Anonymous said...

Marilinda look fantastic in that yarn and your right all your worries were for nothing, I love them. Om Shanti look good, looking forward to seeing your yarn choice for those. Oh my that Fox Paws is only gorgeous, yes totally wreck Christmas knitting but it's gorgeous I'm not sure I could resist.

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

They turned out wonderful! I never knew about all those nuances in sock knitting until I started reading your posts.
I LOVE the fox shawl/scarf but yes,,,,there would be no Christmas.
The Om Shanti is very different from anything I've seen before...lots of texture in that one it looks like. I like your friends blog.

Stefanie said...

These socks are absolutely lovely! The heel and instep is so pretty. Man, you are quick, lady.

Stefanie said...

Sorry, posting again as I don't think my first comment went through. These socks are absolutely lovely. I especially the look of the heels and insteps. Those areas have a bit of feminine mystique about them.

Stefanie said...

Ack! I can't tell if my comments are going through as I don't see that usual message about you needing to moderate it. Hopefully third time's a charm.
These socks are absolutely wonderful. I especially like the heel and instep area. It has a feminine mystique about it.

Anonymous said...

Those initial fears WERE groundless. Those socks are BEAUTIFUL!

WildflowerWool said...

Beautiful socks as always!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Love the sock! I'm afraid Cookie is responsible for all the ktbl in my patterns.... I love how they look!

Iris said...

Oh, they are stunning! Beautiful!

Delusional Knitter said...

BEAUTIFUL! I think the color and pattern really compliment each other. I love Cookie A. patterns, but have to agree, I don't knit many because of all the ktbl!!! I think I have this book you were working through, I'll have to give this one a try.