1. There is no anguish of which pattern and yarn combination to choose. It has already been decided for you, and has worked out well already. As an example, Evening Stockings for A Young Lady by Nancy Bush (from Knitting Vintage Socks) works well knit up in Brooks Farm Acero, 1 skein.
2. There is also no nagging feelings of dread about size issues. These have been resolved. I know that if I knit the above pattern and yarn in size US1 needles, the sock will fit perfectly.
3. The famous knitter's black hole does not exist with a second sock. There are 14 repeats of the lace pattern on the leg, and 14 repeats on the foot. I can keep track of exactly how many repeats I need to do to finish the next section. This is very satisfying.
4. Any modification decisions have already been tried and tested. Also, thanks to Ravelry, they have been documented for easy retrieval.
5. The clever design elements that I marveled over in the first sock? Still clever. Nancy Bush is the queen of details.
6. When I finish knitting a second sock, I can immediately wear the matching pair outside on a blustery day.
You've convinced me! And that is one amazing pair of socks - they look so fuzzy and cozy!
Posted by: Beth | November 04, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Kirsten | November 04, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Ooh, very nice pair of socks!! Did you make them both or are they elusive SSLM...gorgeous in any case!
Posted by: stacey | November 04, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Very beautiful! You keep this up and I'm going to have to start knitting lace socks.
You might want to check my latest blog post.
Posted by: Brenda | November 04, 2007 at 07:30 PM
Oh, I like those! Yes, the second sock is always the best!
Posted by: Tanya | November 04, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Bella! So long as I can keep motivated, the second sock actually goes faster because I'm already familiar with the pattern.
Posted by: Jean | November 04, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Those are great. They look so comfy and cozy and warm!
Posted by: Bea | November 04, 2007 at 08:10 PM
They are beautiful. I love that they have a bit of fuzz to them, and that color is perfectly fall-like.
Posted by: kim | November 04, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: --Deb | November 04, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Beautiful!! I'm with you on this one. I finished a second sock earlier this evening and I can't wait to wear them tomorrow. I hope both of us wake up to a bit of a chilly day, perfect for new sock wearing!
Posted by: Elinor | November 04, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Lovely work! And you're right about the details -- I especially love how it splits for the gusset. Nancy Bush strikes again!
Posted by: Stella | November 04, 2007 at 10:31 PM
Fantastic concept - and socks!
[Thank you for the email about the wedding details - I deleted it before I had a chance to reply.]
Posted by: Nora | November 04, 2007 at 11:43 PM
Beautiful! Perhaps this will inspire me to actually finish a pair, one of these days!
Posted by: whitney | November 05, 2007 at 07:37 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Kim | November 05, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Gods, they're gorgeous. I must cast on for my second sock today.
Posted by: Amy | November 05, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Good for you! Now if I can just find the time to make one of MY orphans a mate...
Blessings!
Posted by: Susan Pandorf | November 05, 2007 at 11:45 AM
So pretty! I love the slight fuzziness of the yarn and how it makes even a fairly delicate pattern seem really cozy. They must have been perfect for a chilly Sunday.
Posted by: Ariel | November 05, 2007 at 01:03 PM
So pretty! :-)
Posted by: Beth S. | November 05, 2007 at 01:47 PM
So beautiful! I always love the second sock a teensy bit more!
Posted by: tiennie | November 05, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Beautiful. The finishing of the second sock makes the whole journey. Really.
Posted by: nova | November 05, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Gorgeous as always! Convincing arguments too. You always have such creative posts. :)
Posted by: Jessica | November 05, 2007 at 02:49 PM
That is some excellent rationalization, Friend!
Posted by: Liz K. | November 05, 2007 at 04:23 PM
They came out lovely. I can never seem to finish second socks. I get so sidetracked. I'll have to take your advice and get my lonely onlys a mate.
Posted by: Sharon | November 05, 2007 at 05:22 PM
beautiful...the color and the pattern....nice pair!
Posted by: stacey | November 06, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Go you! these are really lovely. Only, what, 11 more to go?
Posted by: pamela wynne | November 06, 2007 at 08:37 PM