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
With Rumpled off the needles, and with a few weeks to go before the start date for the next pattern in the Socktopus KAL, I decided to cast on something from Knit. Sock. Love. Although I was initially drawn to Marilinda and Rhombus, it was Mona that seemed the best match for this YvieKnits yarn from my stash purchased in early May at The Gathering in Port Hope.Somehow I picked a pattern eerily similar to Rumpled: same twisted rib cuff, same twisted rib heel, even the 18 stitch pattern is similar. Seriously, these two patterns are so alike that the greatest challenge was to stay focussed on the Mona pattern and not accidentally reknit Rumpled. No surprise that these Mona socks flew off the needles in no time - just like the Rumpled Socks did.
There's a purl ridge across the top of the toes; that's a little detail I really like. The line of purl bumps makes a nice finish to the instep patterning. And the toe is plain stockinette which I prefer over anything simply for comfort. After reviewing other Raveler's projects I decided to knit 2-1/2 repeats on the leg before starting the heel, but now that they're done I'm sorry I didn't knit another repeat. This finished pair weighs in at 75 grams so I would have had enough yarn for the extra repeat. Not sorry enough to rip them out and redo them though.
The yarn is okay but honestly I'm disappointed with the dye job. It's a mix of teal blues and mallard greens that looked lovely in the skein but once knit it reads like an unevenly dyed solid colour. Can't complain about the yarn base - it's nicely twisted and it knits up beautifully - but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy more. I've already pulled out a skein of a merino/cashmere/nylon blend for the next pair of socks, so onward and upward.
A couple of weeks ago someone asked how many DPNs I use. For this sock I cast on with four needles - three needles holding stitches and a fourth working needle. This is how I learned to knit on DPNs and I still find it the most comfortable. But as soon as I got to the leg with its four pattern repeats I shifted to five needles - four needles holding stitches and a fifth working needle. Having each pattern repeat on its own needle makes it easier to keep track and avoids the need for stitch markers. Additionally, having the stitches arranged on four needles makes it easier to fold flat and tuck in my knitting bag when I'm on the go. As usual, after the heel turn I switched back to four needles - one for the instep stitches, one for each side of the sole and a working needle. I just find that easier for remembering where my round starts. So I guess the answer to how many DPNs is "it depends". There is no right answer so do whatever feels most comfortable.
With a few days left in August, and a few days left before the next pattern in the Socktopus KAL starts, my plan is to start Gothic Spire socks from Knit. Sock. Love. Those look more complicated so we'll see how far I get by next week's update.
14 comments:
I'll admit, I like socks using four DPNs but sometimes, five makes more sense. Then again, I'm the type that will do socks on two circulars :)
Also, I am a saint. But mittens are small :)
Those ones just flew off your needles!
It's funny - I was taught to knit with five dpns, but it wasn't until one broke on me one day and I was making do with four when I realized how much more comfortable it is for me. That's how I almost always knit them now!
Magic loop! I love magic loop! Doing both socks at once is the only way to go for me...
Those MONA socks are lovely!
Again, you amaze me...I still have, I think 5 pair on the needles...I use dpns, usually 4 with a 5th working needle, but I do go down a needle like you on the heel/turning section.
These are splendid socks. They are eye magnets. C-o-v-e-t-i-n-g!!! I have one of Cookie's patterns on my YOP list. I'm hoping smaller needles will give me tighter socks as cuff down tend to run big on my chicken feet.
You certainly can't see the dye issue in the photos. The socks are beautiful. That's a gorgeous pattern. :-)
SO gorgeous! Will have to see if I can find KSL second hand when I go visit the US (in just 3 days - yay), because I'd love to have the print version.
... Otherwise I'll probably end up buying the electronic version when I come home. Those socks are calling to me!
Oh I love those - mind you I love all of your socks. I can't see the dye problem, just looks to have a little variation on my monitor!! Lovely!
I knit socks on four needles also, it's what I find most comfortable and I sure wish I could knit socks as much and as often as you, I may do blankets but socks is not something I've mastered just yet. Mona is nice and you'd probably have enjoyed them more if you'd not just completed the Rumpled but I do love the Gothic ones coming up next!
I am amazed and slightly terrified by the thought of 4 needles let alone 5... But then Im a hooker with just 1 hook...your socks are fabulous and you must create smoke from your needles they come off so fast x
Those socks look lovely in color and design from here. Thank you so much for your advice on the length of socks as I was wondering about it myself. I don't want wrinkles under my feet which would happen if they were too big. You caught me just in time too! Thank you!
Also, I am working with 16 stitches on 2 needles and 32 on the third with the 4th needle being the working needle but I find the 32 stitch needle uncomfortable to get around. I may switch to 5 needles for the second sock with 16 stitches on 4 needles and the 5th needle working. That makes more sense to me. Your tips are wonderful!
Your next Gothic does look complicated but you master everything you attempt....you are my sock knitting role model! So sorry about your sunburn...ouch! Have you tried aloe gel? It's soothing and healing. Down here in the sun belt we know about these things. LOL! I hope it heals soon.
You make the most stunning socks! I hope to be even half as good as you one day! Well done!
Such lovely socks. You knit so fast!
You are the queen of sock knitters. I looked through that book once and just knew I'd never be that good.
The dye job looks just fine in the photo!
I always use 5 dpns. Isn't it funny how we all have our preferences and quirks?
Post a Comment