Wednesday, March 28, 2007

A Pattern for Every Sock

Monday night I happily began knitting the crosshatch lace pattern from the new More Sensational Knitted Socks (see photo to the right). For some reason I decided to knit the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on US 1's. I have no idea why. I know I should only ever knit Lorna's on US 0's, but for some reason I didn't this time. After about 5 inches or so I realized the following:

1) I didn't like the bigger needle size;
2) I didn't like the pattern with the yarn color (Desert Flower);
3) The yarn was pooling in a crazy way; and
4) The sock was going to be a tad too big.

So, last night I started over. Since I had to start from scratch I'm not too far yet, but I can tell already that this pattern and needle size (US 0/2.0mm) is going to work much better. I'm using the spindle pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. It's not showing up too well in the photo, but it looks great in person. I'll try to get a better picture once the first sock is finished (and if sunlight ever comes back to the Chicago area). I'm still getting some intense striping, but that's just how Lorna's sock yarn rolls. :)

Since I've refrained from any new yarn purchases for a couple weeks now I have no new yarn to show you. I do however have my awesome new knitting bag that I ordered this past winter in anticipation of spring. My new Offhand Designs Zelda Grand in Posey. I just love the bright cheery color. The handles are a really dark grape purple and the lining is bright pink. It's the perfect size for toting a couple sock projects to Group night. Speaking of Group...

***Knitting Group is Tonight! We meet at the new Starbucks in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Laramie, just to the west of I-94 on Lake Ave.). We start at around 6:30 and go until 8ish. Any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm curious what gauge you are getting with Shepherd Sock on size 0s? I've always knitted Lorna's on 1s, but I have size 6 feet and some socks fit fine while others are a little big, depends on the pattern. I'm inclined to switch to 0s, but I don't want the socks to turn out too small. BTW, I'm a lurker who reads your blog regularly but never leaves a comment. When you mentioned you are in the Chicago area, it made me think of my son who is naval corpman school at Great Lakes, and that makes me happy! I was just there for his graduation from Basic a couple weeks ago. I thought Chicago was lovely! We stayed in Bannockburn, and had a very nice, if short, visit.

Kim in Oregon said...

I just ordered the book, can't wait for it to arrive. Love the patterns you show. I'm not a big Lorna's fan myself. Too thin!

Chicago Jen said...

After finally completing the Chocolate Cake socks, I must admit that I'm now a BIG Lorna's fan. Though I can totally see what you mean about the weird striping thing. Just last night I ripped out the thistle socks I'd been working on. First cause I wanted the needles for something else, but more because I put the sock on and it was just yucky. the pattern with the yarn just didn't work. I'll see if I can't get the socks from hubby to bring them with tonight! jen

Chrissy said...

It's really nice to see a pattern from that book. Your sock is lookin' great!