Purple BonBons Finished

Mom's second pair of purple socks were done, wrapped, and under her tree on Christmas Eve.

Once again I only did a five inch cuff for her and she says it's just right.



Multiple commenters with a better imagination than mine were quick to point out that the stitch pattern imitates wrapped candies.

It's so obvious now that I know. Thanks everyone.

While hunting for a BonBon picture on Google, I learned BonBon is French for "good, good", and is used for many different types of sweets and candy. The type of BonBon depicted by this stitch pattern is a sweet wrapped in paper twisted at one end or both ends.


I found the stitch pattern in Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 2. It's basically a knit 8, purl 3 rib. When stretched a little, the cables contract and pull in and the stockinette sections flair out giving a rich, wavy look to the pattern.

After being asked to share, I found a free version of the BonBon stitch pattern complete with words, chart, and clear picture here.


Pattern: Stitch pattern 128 BonBons from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 2, Cables. Knit cuff down on 66 stitches.

Stitch pattern online here: BonBon Cable.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Dusk to Dawn.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Little Shell Rib Socks Finished

This was an easy, quick, fun stitch pattern with lovely results. I'll definitely use it again for myself and for gift socks.


A close up of the Lilac Swirl colorway.


And, a close up of the Little Shell Rib stitch pattern.

The original pattern is written for 56 stitches with a multiple of seven stitches. I knit on 64 stitches with a multiple of eight stitches by introducing a purl column between the two knit columns. This modification turns it into a ribbing pattern for snugger, better fit.


Pattern: Little Shell Socks modified and renamed Little Shell Rib Socks.

Stitch Pattern from Pattern
Multiple of 7 stitches, 4 rows

• Row 1: k7
  
• Row 2: k7
  
• Row 3: k1, YO, p1, p3tog, p1, YO, k1
  
• Row 4: k7

Stitch Pattern for Little Shell Rib Socks
Multiple of 8 stitches, 4 rows

• Row 1: k7, p1
  
• Row 2: k7, p1
  
• Row 3: k1, YO, p1, p3tog, p1, YO, k1, p1
  
• Row 4: k7, p1

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Lilac Swirl.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Blizzard, New Yarn, and Gail's Socks

The weather chatter all agrees this is one of the earliest blizzards in several decades.

Where we live there are bands of Lake Effect Snow along with high winds and regular storm snow. Hard to measure depth because of the drifting. I'm guessing about a foot and it's still coming down in heavy, measurable amounts.

To make things more interesting, the after lunch temperature is 9 F/-13C. The wind chill is -8 F/-22 C. The dogs are not begging to go out. Neither am I.


This came along with the purple yarn shipment from Slackford Studio. The colorway name is Woodland.


I've started the first pair of purple socks and am looking forward to sharing the pretty little stitch pattern I'm using on the cuffs. It's the perfect day for knitting. I'm so happy I don't have to go anywhere today, even if I did miss my much needed haircut appointment.

I'm also happy to have Gail's socks done so I can knit on something more interesting.

Dog trainer Gail's socks, finished in plenty of time for the doggy school party on Sunday.

Hopefully we'll be able to get out of the driveway by then.

Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 64 stitches. k7p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Regia.

Color: Kaffe Fassett 4251.

Needles: Options #1, 2.5mm

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Fingerless Mitts Finished

All of a sudden while knitting Gail's basic socks, I decided I just had to have a pair of fingerless mittens to wear outside for taking pictures in the cold.

In my bins I found three large swatches of Andean Treasure, 100% baby alpaca, and knew it would be warm and wonderful. The pattern has been in my queue for several years now. Ribbing for fit and a lovely cable knot for beauty. Perfect.

I frogged the swatches and got three balls of yarn, a little kinky but it knit up fine.

The open finger end is long enough so I can curl my frozen fingers into the snugly alpaca when they're not needed for the camera. Now I just need to figure out how to use my camera outdoors in the rain/sleet/snow without the lens getting all wet.


Pattern: Fingerless Gloves. Scroll down for the English translation.

Yarn: Knitpicks Andean Treasure

Color: Trying to remember. I think it was called Fog.

Needles: Options #2/3.00mm circulars.

Gift Sock Progress

Brother Dave is the only person I knit for who has long feet. Very long feet. Size 14 men's feet.

When I buy Regia to knit socks for Dave, I have to get 3-50 gram skeins to finish his endless socks. No complaining, just explaining why I'm so happy to have these done.

They're too big for my sock blockers and the unblocked pictures doesn't do them justice. I'll give them a bath and smooth them out before I wrap them.

He asked for "wild", and these are definitely wild compared to his normal black and white wardrobe.

Pattern: Basic k7p1 ribbing on 72 stitches

Yarn: Regia

Color: Haltbar Color 1805

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Dog trainer Gail also likes socks with a basic stitch pattern. She is wearing my knit gift socks almost every time I see her now, so I'm sure she likes them. The hardest part of shopping for me is knowing what to get someone, so I'm thrilled that Gail is easily pleased by something I love to do.

The cuffs are done and I have a little over a week before the doggy Christmas party to get them finished. Should be no problem to get her socks finished.


Pattern: Basic cuff down sock pattern on 64 stitches. k7p1 ribbing on cuff and instep.

Yarn: Regia.

Color: Kaffe Fassett 4251.

Needles: Options 2.5

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch

Kristi Socks Finished

This was an enjoyable knit, but I didn't try to rush.

Kristi has no "rest" rounds. Of the 38 pattern rounds, 38 have cabling.

Every single row was knit from the chart. Someone who can memorize this pattern has a much better memory than I do.

One warning about this pattern, pay special attention to fit. With all the crossed stitches, the resulting fabric has little stretch in any direction.


Pattern: Kristi from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Wisteria.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Karen's Socks Finished, Dave's Started

Brother Dave's partner Karen asked for dark Christmas socks. They're done and ready to wrap.

She's a Yoga teacher and is very active, so I hope this yarn holds up well for her.


Pattern: Basketweave Ribbing Sock

Yarn: Cascade Heritage Handpainted Sock Yarn

Color: 9922

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Knitting socks for Brother Dave with size 14 feet is no quicky, so his are next on the list. When I want easy knitting, I will pick them up and knit round and round on 72 stitches. Endlessly.

No complaining, just explaining. His socks are not a last minute project. I have 4-50 gram skeins of this yarn. 100 grams won't finished the foot. Purchasing two additional skeins leaves enough yarn for an additional pair of normal size socks.


Pattern: Basic k7p1 ribbing on 72 stitches

Yarn: Regia

Color: Haltbar Color 1805

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Lighthouse Gansey Finished

Front view.
The anchor isn't in the printed pattern. I needed something center front to replace the lighthouse I moved to center back.



Back View.
The lighthouse motif was moved to the back because a) having it in front made the neck too high and b) once I knit it I realized I didn't love it.



Sleeve.
The Cotlin yarn is comfortable to wear and washes like a dream. I threw the sweater in the dryer, brought it out damp and laid it out to finish drying. From washing my swatch, I know I can dry it completely in the dryer and it will be fine.

Pattern: Lighthouse Gansey by Anne Bosch.

I made many modifications to this pattern, most of which are chronicled here. There is also a picture of the pattern knit up before modifications - I frogged from the underarm up.

Yarn: Knitpicks Cotlin. 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen. DK weight.

Color: Glacier.

Needles: Options #3.

Gauge: 6 stitches/inch, 8.5 rows/inch in pattern.

Wanida Finished

Done. I will wear them and they will keep my feet warm.

I'll feel free to wear them around the house without shoes or slippers and I know they will never snag or wear out because I don't care if they do.

I don't have much more to say about them. What I already said is here.


Pattern: Wanida from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Some ten year old Regia with no label from the stash.

Needles: Options 2.5 circular from top of cuff to start of heel, 2.25mm circulars for heel and foot.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette. Diagonal bands make sock seem smaller.


After a beautiful summer, we're having a beautiful, colorful autumn.

For a few days or more I'll be posting autumn pictures at the end of my posts.

Bob's Birthday Socks Finished

It's been a cold, dark, rainy, very windy day in SW Michigan. On the radio this morning the weatherman described today's weather as "A taste of November."

I know what November is like. There was no need for a preview in September.

DH Bob likes heavy socks so his birthday socks are worsted weight knit tight so he can pad around the house in stocking feet.

While I was at it, I used the leftover yarn to knit him a matching hat. It fits me perfectly, so I'm not so sure it's going to work for him. It may end up being mine.

His birthday is Friday and he's going to be 39 again. Only a few people know how old he really is and we've been pledged to secrecy.

Here's a clue: Today he asked me, "Do you remember when a cup of coffee was a nickel and refills were free?"


Pattern: The socks are a basic k3p1 cuff down with heel flap. The Jacques Cousteau Hat is a free pattern found here.

Yarn:Patternworks Bretton. 70% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 5% alpaca with Opal carried along. The top of the hat is double Bretton. I ran out of the Opal.

Color: Bretton is Forest Heather. Opal is Rainforest Raupe.

Needles: #5 for the socks, #7 for the hat.

Marlene Finished

Marlene is the non-book September pattern selection for the Sock Innovation KAL, (a Ravelry link).

It was a fun knit. Except for the fitting challenges, the pattern is a quick study to memorize and easy to get into a good rhythm and knit. The only reason the socks took so long to finish is that I've been doing other things and my knitting time has been limited.

You can read about my fitting challenges and see a close up picture of the stitch pattern here.


Knitting the socks according to the pattern, the cuffs are a little over eight inches long. That's longer than most like their cuffs, but I'm happy with them. Winter is coming and warmth eight inches up the leg will be welcome, assuming the socks stay up.


Pattern: Marlene by Cookie A. from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of knit.1 and available online here.

Yarn: ShiBui Sock, 100% superwash merino wool

Color: Chinese Red

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars for ribbing and stockinette, 3.0mm for fancy stitch pattern.

Angee Finished

When I first looked through my new Sock Innovation book, Angee was my least favorite of all the patterns. It reminds me of a cluster of earthworms although I try not to think of that image.

It does make a nice, snug fitting sock though. Can't argue with that. I doubt I'll knit it again unless someone I love specifically requests it.

Being a Myers-Briggs ISTJ, I'm a detail perfectionist (although far from perfect) person. Which is why I frogged an entire Angee cuff once I read on Ravelry that a correction had been confirmed for Row 2 of the pattern - the k2tog on the chart should be a ssk. Even though this correction was confirmed at the beginning of the month, the official errata for Angee still does not reflect this correction.

From the looks of her beautiful and detailed patterns, I would guess that Cookie is also a detail person. I have to wonder what she thinks about the sloppy way Interweave Press treats her patterns.


Pattern: Angee from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Red Oak

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars.

Highland Mist Socks Finished

While waiting for the September Sock Innovation KAL, (a Ravelry link) pattern selections to be announced, I started knitting the Cookie A. Eunice pattern with this Shelridge Farm fingering weight yarn.

By the time I got past the Eunice ribbing and into the cabled part of the pattern, I realized: 1) This yarn is heavier than the fingering weight yarn I usually use. 2) This yarn is fuzzy and the stitch definition is substandard. 3) These socks are going to be way too big for me 4)There's no sense doing this intricate stitch pattern if it isn't going to show. And, finally 5) This yarn would make a great pair of plain warm wool socks to wear with jeans on a cold winter day.

Observant readers will notice that the finished socks in the picture are totally plain k3p1 ribbing and in no way resemble a Cookie A sock pattern.


Pattern: Basic cuff down k3p1 ribbing on 56 stitches

Yarn: Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Heather, 85% Superwash wool, 15% Nylon, 3 ply fingering.

Color: Highland Mist.

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch.

Vilai Finished

Vilai, the sixth sock I've knit from Sock Innovation, is the first pattern that's slowed me down some. It wasn't a quick knit and I had to keep my eyes on the chart at all times.

I could have guessed at some parts and not watched the chart so carefully, but the fear of having to tink back this pattern (it would NOT have been fun), kept my eyes glued to the book.


This is the front view. The back matches the front.

Although I knit these with the Sock Innovation KAL, (a Ravelry link) I didn't do it legally so they don't qualify for the KAL finished gallery.

I used the alternative for k3tog which may or may not violate the KAL rules. But worse than that, I did the disqualifying act of starting a few days before the first of August. I knew at the time my Vilai socks couldn't be entered for any KAL prizes. When a knitter has beautiful yarn and wants to cast on, a knitter wants to cast on now!

My Summer Sox, the other KAL selection for August, are legal and in the running for the prizes.


Pattern: Vilai from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Paprickash

Needles: Ribbing and first pattern repeat on Options 2.5mm circulars. Remaining socks on Options 2.25mm circulars.

Soft Jade Summer Sox Finished

Pattern: Summer Sox by Cookie A., a free pattern.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Soft Jade

Needles: Options 2.25mm circulars.


On my first attempt at knitting these, the stitch pattern looked awful. One side has a yarn over before a knit and the other side has a yarn over before a purl. My yarn over before the purl looked sloppy and the pattern wasn't looking symmetrical.

It didn't take long for me to decide I did not like the results. This yarn is way too pretty to waste on an ugly stitch pattern. I threw the sock in the basket for an overnight break.

Next morning I frogged back to the ribbing and gave it one more try. Instead of doing the yarn overs on the charted pattern row, I picked up a loop (like M1 without the twist) on the next row up. This worked great. The holes are small and match and the socks aren't baggy.

Sunday Swing Socks Finished

While impatiently waiting for August 1 so I could legally start the KAL socks for August, I noticed this pattern in the Summer Knitty.

It was designed for wildly variegated sock yarn that otherwise would need to be knit in stockinette. Just happens I have some of that kind of yarn, so I dove into the stash, pulled it out, and cast on to give the Sunday Swing Pattern a try.

The pattern has four sizes: Cast on 56[64, 72, 80] stitches for 7(8, 9, 10) inches around. I used the 56 stitch chart.

The socks knit up quick and almost mindless. Since I'm frequently a pushover for variegated yarn, I'm sure I'll use the pattern again.

The leftover yarn was added to Sandy's "little ball" box before I mailed it out today.


Pattern: Sunday Swing Pattern by Kristel Nyberg.

Yarn: Opal, 75% Superwash wool, 25% Nylon.

Color: I don't know. It was a long, German word which I failed to write down and the label was sent off with the leftover yarn.

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch.

Fallen Embossed Leaves Finished

While waiting for the August Sock Innovation KAL, (a Ravelry link) sock patterns to be announced, I worked in a pair of Mona Schmidt Embossed Leaves.

Several readers mentioned in the comments that this is one of their favorite sock patterns and I can see why. Not only is it beautiful and fun to knit, but it's also easy to size.

The pattern has a three column purl ridge between the four sock motifs that can easily be reduced to two purls/56 stitches like I did or increased to fit a larger foot.


I thoroughly enjoyed every stitch of these socks watching the subtle color changes of the gorgeous colors.


Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks by Mona Schmidt in Winter 2005 Interweave Knits.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Fallen Leaves

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars.

Modifications:

• Removed one of three purl columns separating the leaf motifs to make sock 60 stitches around.
  
• Used a k1p2 ribbing so that the p2 continues into the p2 between the leaf motifs.
  
• Knit my usual rounded toe instead of the star shaped decreases of the pattern.

Rick Finished

Saturday night I settled down with an audio book and finished the left Rick sock.

We're having a comfortable, cool July. Sunday morning the temperature was in the mid 50s (F) when I dressed for church, so I picked out a red sweater and wore my new Rick socks.


I've been surprised that the socks I've been knitting lately are fitting my narrow feet without modifications. I think it's the yarn.

The Slackford Studio Stalwart sock yarn is very smooth, not as fuzzy as Opal and other sock yarns I've used. Maybe it's a little thinner, but I think it's just the smoothness that's resulting in the tighter stitches. I couldn't be happier about being able to knit socks that fit without trying to figure out how to eliminate stitches.

I'm collecting a nice little stash of Stalwart sock yarn as colors appear that I can't resist. This evening I plan to pick out my next Cookie sock project and cast on.


Pattern: Rick from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: True Blood

Needles: Options 2.5mm circulars.

Hedera Socks Finished

Hedera is an easy knit with very pretty results.

Using 2.25mm needles, they fit my narrow feet. In the future I'm going to try to avoid knitting Opal sock yarn on 2.25m needles. The yarn is a little too heavy to be comfortable on my hands knitting that tight.


In most of the Cookie patterns I've knit, the knit 2 together and slip, slip, knit for the gusset reduction is done on the first and last two stitches of the heel needle. I've always done them one stitch in from the edge, but I'm finding I like the looks of Cookie's way just as well, if not better.

I think for plain socks, the one stitch in is attractive. For the more complex Cookie stitch patterns, Having the decrease on the edge looks just right.


Pattern: Hedera, a free online pattern.

Yarn: Opal, 75% Superwash wool, 25% Nylon.

Color: UNI-Solid Grape

Needles: Options 2.25mm circulars.

Second Sunshine Socks Finished

I've lost all track of time, but these socks were finished over a week ago.

They are so bright and cheerful I just love looking at them.

Bob is home now and we have three whole days before there's another medical appointment. We're enjoying the almost normal feel of the weekend and catching up on dog snuggling and sleeping.




Pattern: Sunshine from Sock Innovation by Cookie A.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Embers

Needles: Options 2.25mm circulars.