Widdershins!

Widdershins

Pattern: Widdershins from Knitty
Yarn: Hill Country Yarns Sweet Feet Self-Striping in Honey Butter
Needles: KnitPicks size 1 (2.5 mm) dpns, gauge of 7 stitches per inch
Start Date: September 1, 2006
End Date: September 6, 2006
Comments: My first pair of toe-up socks! Excellent pattern from Knitty. The magic cast-on linked to in the pattern (also on Knitty) was incredibly simple to do and looks fantastic. I am very happy I now have a trusty alternative to my normal cuff-down socks. The reverse heel flap was a cinch and it was a nice change to not have to pick up stitches at the gusset.

As for the yarn, I am quite pleased. The best characteristic of this yarn is the texture. It is a very soft merino wool that just feels so silky while you knit. It has a very nice stitch definition, but on the softer side compared to Socks That Rock or Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. The self-striping dying was very well done with absolutely no white/undyed spots. Consistent striping action was also a bonus for those that like their socks to match perfectly (I do what I can, but I don't get to upset when they don't).

As I'm still waiting on my needles to start the Alpaca & Silk Shrug I went ahead and cast on for the Besotted Scarf. The K1C2 Paint Box (Color #10 Walnut Plum) is knitting up with the nicest wide striping which works really well with the XOXO cable pattern. Paint Box feels a lot like Noro Kureyon, but with a more consistent thickness. The texture is pretty rough right now, but I'm sure it will soften considerably once it's washed.

I forgot how satisfying it was to knit something on bigger needles with a simple pattern. I'm already through one ball with only two more to go. I am cabling without a cable needle as the little 4 stitch cables would drive me nuts if I was using one. It's working out very nicely.