Do I Have To Give This One Away?

I love love love this little sock! The pattern is the perfect blend of "not-just-boring-ribbing" yet "easy-enough-to-memorize" to keep it interesting.
The Lorna's Laces is such a pleasure to knit up. I wish their multi-colored hanks didn't pool like they do. My brain just can't handle all that uncontrollable color!
As for the length, I decided to keep it at the length suggested in the pattern. If I made them any longer they would have hit part of my calf where they'd need to be increased. I know I'm short but I don't know my sock pal's height so I figured better be safe than sorry.
The mods I made are simple:
- Toe-up with a figure 8 cast on. I increased every row until I hit 85% of the total stitches, and then switched to every other row.
- Classic wrap short row heel. Yes, you read that correctly. I didn't do the no-wrap heel. The problem I have with picking up the wraps is finding them in darker colors, which clearly isn't a problem in lavender colored socks. And I have to admit that I think the wraps are just a tad tighter than the other methods.
- I did the wavy top and all I needed to do was turn the chart upside down and follow it that way. I bound off with EZ's sewn cast off. Not only is it stretchy but it's the cleanest way I know to join the last row and make it look smooth. If you're scared of the sewn cast off -- don't be. It's as easy as p2tog, k1. Seriously. Give it a try.
I still have to wash the sock but I'm going to hold off until I finish the second one. I don't want to try and match up unwashed measurements against washed measurements.
As for the stitch pattern, I don't think this is the end of this pattern for me. I'm considering making a scarf out of it. The back side -- while completely different -- is also pretty, so it would work well for a reversible scarf. And once it's blocked out I think it looks a bit like flowing water. I'm considering using the blue silk I bought at MDSW even though I've already started this scarf with it.
The blue color always said water to me, but I searched and searched my stitch pattern books and couldn't find the right one for it. I wanted something to go longways but I didn't want to knit it longways. This waving lace pattern may be the way to go after all.
Comments
Pretty, pretty sock!
Posted by: Eilene | July 11, 2005 08:48 AM
That is Gorgeous!!! I just started my first sock using the figure eight cast-on, but was only increasing every other row...luckily mom has a narrow foot, but for my Barney Rubble feet, I think I'd go to the every row increase.
What a beautiful lace pattern, really lovely.
Posted by: Lee Ann | July 11, 2005 10:09 AM
I LOVE that sock! It would be very hard to give it up. You'll have to make a pair for yourself!
Posted by: margene | July 11, 2005 01:05 PM
Very cool pattern. I love that color too!
Posted by: Kris | July 11, 2005 02:33 PM
I'm completely copying you for my Sock Pal! I'm using light blue Opal solid though - I bet yours is softer. :)
Posted by: Beth | July 11, 2005 04:15 PM
Love the sock! That's a pattern I've had in the back of my mind to do for a while as well.
Posted by: barbara | July 11, 2005 09:39 PM
My exact sentiments on the LL variegated! Can't handle the pooling. I love your sock and am going to be a copy cat and do it your way.
Posted by: Siow Chin | July 12, 2005 04:38 AM
Ok three more to go then and you won't have to part with them!
Posted by: Tracy | July 12, 2005 05:11 AM
The color in that picture looks so different than the previous picture--but just as pretty. I love the look of it! No wonder you love it so--you did a great job on it! :)
Posted by: Lolly | July 12, 2005 10:23 AM
i can understand you not wanting to give that sock up. it is beautiful!
Posted by: amanda | July 12, 2005 11:10 AM
I understand your attachment. It really is a very cute sock!
The sewn cast-off is pretty but it's too time consuming. It took me a while to get it and I still don't think I like it much.
Posted by: Pioggia | July 13, 2005 09:32 PM