Sockapal2za Thoughts

Denmark from Knitting on the Road Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Lilac	Vine Leaf Stitch Pattern Socks That Rock in Covelite

These are two of the socks I've tried so far. I like them both, but neither is quite right. The Denmark sock for KOTR was for a heavier gauge yarn, so I had to modify the pattern. I did but it's still a bit small. No biggie though, it's just ribbing. When I had bought the yarn I thought it would have a bit more color variation in it, but once it's knit up it's basically solid.

The Socks That Rock sock is lovely, but also not quite right. I had to guestimate how many repeats to do and I thought the stitch pattern would be stretchier than it was. So, I made it too tight as well. But I'm still happy I tried it out because I confirmed what I was hoping for -- the Vine Lace pattern breaks the crazy-pooling problem. So I may add in some extra stitched and give this a try again.

I think both yarns have something going for them.

The LL is great because it will clearly show any stitch pattern I pick.

The STR is just plain lovely to touch, and seems to be working well in the Vine Lace stitch.

So for now I'm not sure which way I'll go -- or if I'll change my mind again. I have at least 5 other patterns in my mind that would be worth consideration. Lately I've been allowing myself to experiment without the anxious feeling of "must...decide...now". I finally realized I learn something new every time I go through these little experiments. And while I won't have an FO to show for it, the understanding of how yarn and color and pattern all interplay is well worth it to me.