When I was in "knitting Cookie socks" mode last year, the socks I loved best were the ones with traveling two stitch cable crosses. They were fun to knit and beautiful to see. Not so great to wear.
The traveling stitches don't make for elastic fabric. When worked down the front of a sock, they only look good when the human foot is pointed straight out. With the foot in a normal position, the traveling stitches pucker and crease. At least that's how it works with my feet.
That's why I'm trying a compromise design strategy - traveling stitch pattern down both sides of a sock with a wide ribbing down the front and back. Not as stunning as a Cookie type pattern, but easier to knit and more practical to wear.
Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 64 stitches. Side twisted stitch pattern is Forgotten Love #3, stitch pattern 94 from Twisted-Stitch Knitting
by Maria Erlbacher. I'm knitting the traveling stitches as two stitch cables.Yarn: Simply Socks Yarn Company Solid Sock Line. 80% superwash wool, 20% nylon.
Color: Blush.
Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm
Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch
This book is a gem.
For a knitter who collects stitch patterns, it's a have-to-have. 174 Alpine stitch patterns.
The patterns are shown in black and white, all charted with chart symbols like I've never seen before. The symbols are intuitive and I had no trouble following them. There is an excellent technical introduction by Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen when help is needed.
The back of the book has some sweater patterns and sock patterns to drool over.
This is the Amazon link: Twisted-Stitch Knitting
, but right now it's 40% off at Knitpicks.
Knitpicks must have sold out of the book, but it's still on Amazon. I am very curious to know how you like the Simply Socks sock yarn line. I have been very tempted to order the color cards.
ReplyDeleteThat is one tempting book! Love the pattern and the yarn too!
ReplyDeleteActually, the book is available. For some reason it was not showing up on the list, but when I did a search for it, it showed up. And of course, was ordered! I think that sock is every bit as stunning as the Cookie A. socks. Sometimes simpler is better!
ReplyDeleteWell Marguerite, I like your pattern better than the Cookie patterns (for the reasons you mentioned AND I just like the simplicity...you can focus on that beautiful twisted cable pattern without being distracted by everything else...love it!
ReplyDeleteOff to check out the book (haha - I keep buying stitch pattern books - "read" through every stitch pattern and then don't use them! - I need to follow your wonderful example and start playing with these books)
bought it!
ReplyDeleteHeathers socks are gorgeous. I love to knit for the grateful! Thanks for the real review of how the other socks with the cables wasn't perfect. Really helps to learn from others mistakes. Love that about good knit blogs like yours
ReplyDeleteThe travelling stitches do draw in, don't they. But I love how they pop on a purl background. What a great little cable pattern.
ReplyDeleteI too am interested in knowing how you like the Simply Socks yarn. I am currently knitting a pair of socks with it. It took me a while to get used to it maybe because it feels very cottony to me and seems heavier than the yarn I usually use. But, the first sock of the pair feels great on my foot!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog today, I love it and am adding you to my knitting/quilting blog's blogroll. Your knitting is superb and I love the nature photos too. :)
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful! Probably my favorite socks yet. I'm currently knitting your Old Shale pattern for my hair dresser (found out she loves socks). The pattern is turning out nicely. My knitting is sporatic now due to an ill family member and the pattern is simple enough that I can pick up where I left off.
ReplyDeleteYour sock is lovely & I like the twisted st pattern. It's a great idea to have the design on the side of the foot.
ReplyDeleteHi! I just found your blog. I'm a fellow Michigander. Thanks for info on the book. I've recently become fascinated with twisted stitch knitting.
ReplyDelete