Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Socks that Rock Diagonally

Diagonal Rib Socks
Pattern: Diagonal Rib Socks from Interweave Knits Online Subscriber-Only Patterns
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in Hot Flash (mediumweight)
Needles: Size 1 bamboo double points, 7 stitches per inch
Start Date: May 19, 2006
End Date: June 19, 2006
Notes: I followed the pattern as written and this made for a rather snug fit for my size 10 feet. If I were to do this pattern again, as I may, I would definitely add in one repeat of the pattern in order to give a bit more to the circumference. These were the first socks I started with Socks that Rock (STR) and I fell in love completely. The texture is sturdy, but soft and the colors are deep and vibrant. Switching between STR and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (LL) one can feel a real difference (especially while knitting with mediumweight STR). The STR has a substance to it that the LL doesn't have. The fabric created with STR has exceptional stitch definition and the yarn just feels fabulous! Don't get me wrong - I love my LL (the colors, the springiness of the yarn), but luckily there is room in my heart (and in my yarn cupboard) for both Lorna's Laces and Socks that Rock:)

Yesterday was a good mail day as I got my super awesome sock bag from Trek! I first saw these wonderful little bags on sock pr0n and I knew I needed one of my own, especially since Trek had one with sailboats. She doesn't so much sell the bags, but rather she swaps for things that are worth approximately $20 - A great deal! I contacted her Friday and the bag was in my possession by Tuesday evening. I absolutely love my little bag and it is now home to the nearly completed Cable Rib Sock (Interweave Knits Spring 2005 pattern, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Nearly Solid Carol Green).

Oh, and I keep forgetting to mention this here...I read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell recently and was blown away by it. I can't believe I had overlooked this book for so long (and there is a sequel too!). The Sparrow reminds me very much of Ursula K. Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness in so much as it blends science fiction with sociology. Russell does a fantastic job examining the mindset behind the desire for exploration and the impact of discovery of a new culture. The Sparrow raises many questions about the nature of faith and belief and while I am not a religious person, I always find these topics to be of interest. I highly recommend this book to everyone seeking a wonderful story, elegant writing as well as some thought provoking philosophical questions.

4 comments:

aija said...

Those are some rocking socks. I like the STR mediumweight too... 7 sts flys it seems :)

I looove my trek bag too-- even though its just around the house, keeping all of the yarn and needles and pattern in one neat place in such a rad little package just makes me smile when I see it.

sheep#100 said...

Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying your bag!

Lynda said...

Gorgeous pink socks!!

Mary said...

Hi Alyssa, your STR "Hot Flash" socks are lovely - I just received some of that yarn, so it's nice to see how it looks knitted up, and also nice to see that you didn't have issues with pooling.