I am able to report that my unfortunate sock has been completed, all the way to a finely grafted toe.
There is a problem. The foot of the sock is too tight in one particular area. I don't know what that area's called, but the arrow points it out below.
I think this is due to the heel flap not being long enough. It's putting a lot of strain on the top of my foot, and the stitches look stretched out. I measured, and this heel flap is only about 1 inch. The heel flap on my Waving Lace Socks is 1.5 inches.
So I'll have to rip back AGAIN. I think that in the meantime, I'll start the second sock and get the heel flap working there first. Grrrr... this yarn is really lucky it's such a nice color.
I also ran into a problem with my drop stitch Ming sweater this weekend. I'm almost completely done with the back, but I've come to realize that I only have four balls of this yarn, and I really need to have 5 (6 to be really safe). I went to the Artfibers website and ordered two more balls. I heard back that they're out of stock of color #11 right now, and it will take 1-3 weeks to re-dye it. I was planning to wear this sweater to Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival! I decided to instead order two balls of color #9. I'll rip out the ribbing at the bottom, knit down new ribbing in the new color, and that should give me enough yarn to complete the body in the main color.
What do you think? It looks like the new color will complement my main one well. I am disappointed that I didn't buy enough yarn in the first place, but I think this will work out OK.
Edited to Add: We also tried to watch Swingers tonight. I've watched several times, but David has never seen it. We got about an hour into it, and the DVD refused to go forward any further. We tried all kinds of tricks, and eventually had to give up. Now we'll have to wait for a replacement from Netflix!
sorry about the sock. you will LOVE wearing them once they're done though.
good call on the second color. given they dye the yarn themselves i'd be really concerned about the 2 batches matching.
Posted by: jody | April 09, 2007 at 06:35 AM
That is really too bad about the sock. You must really love that pattern to have this kind of determination - I probably would have given up after the 2nd attempt. I hope they wear really well so you can enjoy them for a long time!!
Posted by: Beth | April 09, 2007 at 07:01 AM
I think the knitting goddess is telling you to take a break and do a little quilting :-)
Posted by: Sara Payne | April 09, 2007 at 10:39 AM
That is a purty sock! So sorry you have to rip back but I think you're right, you probably do need more heel stitches. Most of the ones I make have 1 1/2 - 2" for the heel - especially for people who need more room in the instep (I think that's what the arrow is pointing to).
Posted by: tiennie | April 09, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Too bad about the sock! I often do two rows without plain between decrease rounds on the gusset. I wonder if that could help? My heel flaps are usually 1.5-2 inches, I'm sure your fix will work, too.
I think you have thought up a great solution to your yarn shortage on your Ming sweater.
Posted by: Brenda | April 09, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Gosh.... you've just had one thing after another haven't you? I hope the next revision of the sock works out. I think the sweater yarn colors will be great together too.
Posted by: Jessica | April 10, 2007 at 01:26 PM
Aw man! I think the 2 colors will go very well together. Sorry about the sock.I really admire your determination :) Isn't it a shame to think some people use Netflix's DVDs as coasters? Drives me nuts!
Posted by: Carol | April 10, 2007 at 05:09 PM
The sock still looks great. I love purple!
Posted by: Oiyi | April 10, 2007 at 05:33 PM
I think you are right - heel flap looks a bit too short....stick with it! the color and yarn are beautiful - I made a purple pair as well in this same pattern!
Great choice for replacement color yarn - it will go great!
Posted by: stacey | April 11, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I'm very impressed with the perseverence you've show on that sock. Hang in there! You've come this far, you can make them right. I think a longer heel flap is definitely what you need. You'll then have more stitches to pick up along the flap, which means more stitches on the needles before the gusset decreases, which means a bigger tube, so it should fit. I've come to like a 2.5" heel flap myself.
I think the two Ming colors are going to look great together. Here's hoping, when all is said and done, you'll feel that it was a happy accident!
Posted by: Jean | April 11, 2007 at 11:24 AM