And finally, my third FO for the week. The first sock of this pair was the one that got my whole single sock kick started. After having so many difficulties in getting it to fit me, I couldn't face having to do a second one right away. Fortunately, the second sock was completed without any major problems.
Pattern: Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern by Nancy Bush, from Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Collinette Jitterbug in Velvet Bilberry, 1 skein
Needles: Susan Bates DPNs size US1
Time to Knit: March 14 - April 18 and August 4 - 11
Modifcations: I only did 14 rounds of ribbing and only 5 repeats on the leg, I increased the heel flap by about 1", and I reversed the lace pattern for the second sock.
I got the idea to reverse the lace pattern for the second sock while I was knitting the first one. The original only uses SSKs, and I was missing the (faster for me) K2togs. I was excited about flipping the pattern around for the second sock UNTIL I realized that now every single YO was in front of a purl stitch. I don't like having the stitches in this order, but I felt like I was committed at that point, so the flipped pattern stayed.
For the first repeat, I executed the YO P my regular way, but making a purl stitch with the yarn held to the back. This makes a small YO that is sometimes difficult to find on the next round. It's not very comfortable for me, but it does make the YO a similar size to my YO-before-a-knit-stitch. This got old rather quickly, and I then switched to wrapping the yarn entirely around the needle once, and then executing a purl stitch as normal. The YOs are much bigger this way, but they are easy to execute, find, and pick up on the next round. As you can see, it made a difference in the lace patterning.
I only did 5 repeats on the leg because I was worried about running out of yarn. The Jitterbug skein only has 267 yards/100g. This also means it's a thicker yarn, and my arms were getting a little sore after knitting it on size US1 needles. I think next time I use this yarn I'll stick to patterns that require a size US2.
These socks feel wonderful on my feet. They fit perfectly, and I know they'll be nice and warm come this winter. This newest pair would have brought my single sock count down to 7, but as I have a new sock on the needles, my single sock count is soon going to be 8. At least it's an improvement from 11!
They look great! I like how you reversed the pattern.
Posted by: Sacha | August 16, 2007 at 10:43 PM
How clever of you to reverse the pattern. I just love that sock!
Posted by: kim | August 16, 2007 at 10:50 PM
The socks turned out awesome - I am starting to look forward to fall just wear all of these new socks! I am in search of the right pair of open backed clogs to capitalize on my handknits:)
Posted by: Stacey | August 16, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Really gorgeous color!!! Nice socks!
Posted by: Tanya | August 16, 2007 at 11:01 PM
I love the color of that Jitterbug yarn & the fact that you reversed your patterning. Beautiful socks!
Posted by: Kirsten | August 16, 2007 at 11:11 PM
They look great! I have held off on trying this pattern because of fit concerns. Compared to your feet, my feet are gargantuan. I have one skein of Jitterbug, I am pretty sure I should have bought a second hank...oh well, you live you learn....
Posted by: nova | August 16, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Lovely, lovely!
This pattern has been on my TO DO list for at least 1 year! I think I should CO tonight...
Re Jitterbug: I HEAR YOU!!!
Posted by: Nora | August 17, 2007 at 02:56 AM
Wow! Great color! The socks look superb!
Posted by: Clumsy Knitter | August 17, 2007 at 03:24 AM
they look great! I just love that pattern!
Posted by: Kelly | August 17, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Beautiful! I loved that you reversed the lace pattern - why hadn't I thought of that! :)
Posted by: stacey | August 17, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Lovely! Another great pair.
Posted by: Oiyi | August 17, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Great looking socks! You'll decide to finish more of the second socks when it's cold enough to wear them!
Posted by: margene | August 17, 2007 at 10:22 AM
mmmm....symmetry. I love it!
I've been meaning to try one of the 'velvet' colorways of jitterbug, and this just makes me want to even more. I love how thick and squishy it looks, and I'm a sucker for semi-solids. I'll definitely take your advice re: 1s vs 2s.
Posted by: Stella | August 17, 2007 at 01:08 PM
The FOs are coming fast & furious! Those socks are stunning!
Posted by: Kim | August 17, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I love these! I also really like that you reversed the pattern for the second one. I noticed another blogger did that for a pair. That's really cool. I may have to try that as I gain more experience. :)
Posted by: Jen | August 17, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Fabulous! Just love the way you reversed the pattern! Also, your technique is expertly written, it's easy to understand how you come up with your variations! Nicely done!
Posted by: Carol | August 17, 2007 at 08:42 PM
They look great! The reversed pattern was a smart idea too. :)
Posted by: Jessica | August 20, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Dang - you're cruising on the FOs! And such pretty ones, too. Very cool idea to reverse the pattern. I've just figured out how to knit from charts, so flipping the chart actually made sense to me - Hurrah for learning new things!
Posted by: Ariel | August 20, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Congrats on the new pair. I think they came out wonderfully all around.
Posted by: Jean | August 20, 2007 at 02:47 PM
They look fantastic!
Posted by: tiennie | August 22, 2007 at 01:02 AM
Did you just use one skein for these socks? I bought some Jitterbug, and I am concerned about the yardage.
Posted by: Diana | August 24, 2007 at 08:00 PM