Thursday, May 24, 2007

Socks, socks, and second sock syndrome

Why am I only wearing one sock, you ask?

Because I caved, utterly and completely, to second sock syndrome. I am not entirely in love with these socks, but they are not bad as a travelling project. I will enjoy them when they are done, eventually. There's no rush really. They're just for me, for fun.
But then there's Panda Cotton. I picked up a couple of skeins of it at the LYS in the Blueberries and Grapes colorway. Very cute, and very appropriate for my wool "allergic" mom. I fondled it for a couple of days, tried to will myself to finish the pink socks, and wound up appropriating the needles for these. I adore them.
I mentioned how much I was enjoying this yarn (55% bamboo, 24% cotton, 21% elastic nylon) on the socknitters list, and Laura asked, "Sarah- what pattern are you using? Will you post pics on your blog?"

Why yes, Laura, yes I will.
I'm using the "On Your Toes" pattern from the current Interweave, which is basically a toe-up tutorial. You could always use the free one on knitty, but I happened to have the magazine anyway. (Seriously, this is a pretty cute issue.) Panda cotton seems especially appropriate to toe-up socks because it comes in rather small skeins, already neatly divided in half for you. And since I'd hate to waste an inch of this lovely yarn, I can just keep knitting the cuff until I run out. This is my first try at toe up, however. I was excited to try the yarn, and I was excited to try a new pattern. Pink sparkly socks are just going to have to wait.

And anyway, I can justify bumping these socks up on the to-knit list, as it would be best if they were done before a certain birthday in June (not that it would belong to any mothers I happen to have).
I will caution you, that if you do not watch this yarn, it might untwist or split on you. However, it is all a matter of yarn mastery, and it is a small price to pay for the delicious feel of this yarn. You can see some slight pooling, but I would rate it "minimal." I already talked Kate into buying it, and she's glad she did.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

love the colours of both socks!
I have got good with the second sock. I just insist i do it after the 1st cos I know I won't get around to it
otherwise!
I like to knit socks when watching tv as i can do both easily unless it is complicated sock!

DK said...

You neglected to mention (with enough gusto for me) how completely wonderfully, must-touch-it, baby's-ass soft and silky that silly cotton yarn is when it's knit into your lovely sock. It's cotton, for God's sake!!

Jen said...

Nice work on the toe up sock. The yarn is very pretty! :)

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see them, and feel them.
Love Mom

Amy O'Neill Houck said...

ooh, I've been dying to try out this yarn... Glad to see you like it so much!