As expected I did finish Peachy Keen. The yarn is Rowan Fine Art, and so far the jury's out on this one. It's a bit scratchy, a bit splitty, a bit over-twisted, a bit hairy and a bit thin to knit. None of those things was totally unexpected - it's a light fingering yarn that's comprised of 45% wool + 25% nylon + 20% mohair + 10% silk. My initial impression is that it's more suitable for shawl knitting than sock knitting. However, in the comments on Ravelry one knitter notes that the fabric blooms with the first wash, and that the socks feel silky without any felting or matting after six months of repeated washing. Now that sounds promising! I'm washing them today and will let you know what I think after that!In contrast, this Chalcot Socks pattern does interest me! I cast on the first sock on Friday as part of the Seasonal Sock Syndrome KAL. I've got until March 19th to knit them. The good news is that I love the yarn and love the pattern. The bad news is that after knitting most of the first repeat I noticed three things:
• I flopped the twists on the cuff - something I could have embraced if it weren't for the other two things ...• the large size had two columns of twists separating the pattern sections on the legs ... or at least that's what I thought until I realized that the medium size I was knitting was supposed to have them too, and I had misread the chart ...
• and if that wasn't bad enough, I was also far enough along to determine that the large size for the leg on smaller needles would likely be a better fit...
So, yes, I've ripped that first sock out entirely and plan to start again later today.
At the same time I'm moderating a group that's hosting a C/KAL that ends on the last day of March, so I guess I'd better get moving on that too. The intent was to knit some form of Baktus, but the yarn and pattern weren't a good match so I've frogged that too and restarted as a No-Purl Ribbed Scarf. It's very tedious knitting but it'll be a fabulous finished object. Now if I can just manage to knit 6 inches or so a day I'll have this off the needles by the end of next week.
It's not all ripping and frogging around here though. I won a skein of yarn and a project bag from the donated prizes for the Canadian Crazy Train sock knitting race, although I don't know what skein or what colour, so it'll be a surprise in the mail. As well, I was gifted the Delias eucharis Sock pattern by another sock knitter on Ravelry and I'm keen to try that. Not to mention that I've committed to knitting a sock pattern from Rachel Coopey in a KAL that runs through March and April - which might be a perfect time to knit some promised socks for Nancy's mom.
In conclusion, there's little hope for my Year of Projects list until I work through the projects piling up for other commitments. Remind me next year not to overdo this way! Poor Stalagmite!
10 comments:
Wow, you have had a challenging week for sure. There are times, it feels like one step forward and two steps back. Hopefully, next week will be better for your sockness and stalagmite will once again be a good sock.
Oh girl! You have a horrible case of project-itis. The only cure.....a few days off from work.
I hope the Fine Art wears nicely - the colour is so pretty! i think the socks are gorgeous!
Too bad you don't like the yarn of Peachy Keen because I love it! It looks great and almost like little berries on a vine going up the sock.
The charlot looks interesting and tell me about "do-overs"! LOL! I'm the queen of ripping out and starting over but it's happening less and less. PTL!
The no-purl scarf is just what I've been looking for ever since I frogged that herringbone one I was knitting for my son! I love tedious, no-brain knitting....it was meant for people like me! LOL!
I know...I updated my YOP list and there's few items checked off but whoa Nellie do I get off track. I really don't like to commit to anything since I retired and I rebel, I think. But I am enjoying myself and that's really all that counts in my world! LOL! Have a great week and enjoy!
So many lovely socks! I hope the Rowan does soften up and proves to be as hardwearing as it sounds. You will return to Stalagmite, just not yet - good luck getting those KAL's finished.
I like how you soldier on with setbacks on a sock. I do think this new pattern is right up your alley with it's super texture.
That is a lot of sock knitting! I just went to an all day class with Cat Bordhi and learned some fabulous tips for making a sock fit and received all kinds of encouragement to go ahead and do what you need to in order to get a good fit. I actually realized that my heel is skinny and narrow and I went down a complete needle size on the sock I am working on in order to get that heel fabric nice and dense and fitted! It was so freeing.
I love your blue you have going-it will be a beautiful sock.
xoxoxo
You are one busy knitter! Always love looking at your sock knitting!
Lots of sock happenings for sure! Sorry you had to rip that one, but it sure will be worth the effort in the end....and like I needed more enticement with the 'baktus' page. Yikes! some gorgeous goodies there!
I'm so in love with all your fantastic socks - they look amazing!
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