Three of these pairs of socks were done as test knits, all for Gardiner Yarn Works' excellent book, Indie Socks. The first one ended up being a gorgeous sock, but due to my feet being oddly proportioned, it's destined to be a single sock, used as a decoration or maybe a stocking for a small creature. I'm happy with it as a decoration, and while I would be happier with a pair I could wear, this pattern takes a lot of time and effort, sometimes having up to four colors in a single row! I also nearly lost this sock when I accidentally left it in a train station in Tokyo, right before I was leaving Tokyo to go back to Kanazawa. Luckily, I was able to take a later train and go back to get my knitting bag. I was amazed at how well I was able to communicate in Japanese, especially when I was so flustered.
Yarn: Knit Picks Palatte, taken from a kit I have for a vest.
Needles: US2/2.75mm
Timeframe: December 18, 2011 - January 6, 2012
Mods: None, it was a test knit.
Problems: I think my gauge tightened up in the foot, the 100% wool yarn was not the best choice, and my foot just isn't shaped right for short-row heels.
Next up, I tested Orange Blossom from the same book. I used a gorgeous green yarn, so called mine "green blossom". I wear these socks weekly. The yarn and pattern just go so well together!
Yarn: Indigo Moon Superwash in Heart of the Forest
Needles: US1.5/2.5mm
Timeframe: August 4 - December 11, 2011
Mods: Longer heel flap because of my odd foot.
Problems: None, love this pattern! The detail on the back down through the heel flap is just excellent.
The third sock I tested for the book was Les Rideaux, another sock with patterning extending through the heel flap. I wear these weekly as well. The only real problem is that the pattern doesn't look nearly as good from far away as it does close up - these details are great, but would probably be better in a more solid yarn. I love it in the yarn I chose, but a more solid yarn might suit the pattern better.
Yarn: Madelinetosh tosh sock in Loopy's Favorite Season
Needles: US1.5/2.5mm
Timeframe: December 17, 2011 - September 2, 2012
Mods: None, this heel flap worked for me.
Problems: None, though the yarn color seems to be fading fairly quickly on the bottom of the foot as I wear them.
I also finally finished Lee's Christmas socks, those evil things that I had to rip and re-do after feeling so good about them. I am happy with how they came out and think this pattern is a great pattern; I may make a pair of my own someday. I'm also pleased with the photo I managed to get of the pattern on the black socks:
Yarn: Regia 4 ply in Black
Needles: US1.5/2.5mm
Timeframe: December 3, 2011 - August 25, 2012
Mods: Made the heel flap 3" to match the foot of the wearer.
Problems: None, though now we must wait and see if he actually wears them!
Finally, we've got the yearly worsted-weight pair of socks for my Mother-in-Law. She may have enough pairs at this point, I may need to make something else for next Christmas!
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Cool Fire
Needles: US6/4.0mm
Timeframe: September 4 - 17, 2012
Mods: I made the heel flap a bit differently, more like what I was used to than what the pattern called for.
Problems: I like the pattern and the yarn, but I'm not sure they make the best combination. My husband picked it out and liked how it turned out, I just wasn't a fan.
This year: make more socks for me, and maybe knit the second sock for the two single socks I have lying around. Maybe.
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