sock porn for knitting voyeurs.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Toe up, short row toddler socks started

I finally am to the point where I can decrease the toe on my Baby Cable Rib socks, but my littlest "helper" handed me my knitting and the ball collapsed in itself (perils of knitting from in and outside the ball, I suppose). Along with somehow untangling the mess, I also have to transfer the sts off the needles and reposition them for the toe decreases... I always leave the sts on the needle as they appear after the gusset decrease instead of keeping all instep/sole seperate or keeping 1/2 & 1/2... it makes to hide any potential laddering at the side of the sock at an unusual place and is just less fussy than moving them around. Since I knit 2 on 2 circulars (meaning if I can knit one on 2 circs, I'll knit 2 on 2 instead), its less easy to reposition and not a big deal to leave them as is-- until I get to this point :)



So instead of fidgeting with them, I decided to start some toddler socks for my toddler :)



I'm using the toe up, short row toe and heel instructions from Simple Socks: Plain and Fancy. I've had this book for awhile now, read it but just kinda scratched my head and had no idea what the author was talking about. I knew I could probably wrap my mind around it if I had needles and yarn in my hands, and after several (4!!) false starts last night, I was able to use her invisible cast on and work the short row toe. I also was able to get the heel down pat after only one mistake (the heel was at a 90 degree angle from the toe!)...

I have to say, this is my favorite time working short rows in socks. Her explanation leaves me wondering why it works, but following line for line (and having to figure a few details on my own along the way), I have a short row heel and toe that have NO gaps or holes, and looks great. I haven't been able to try it on baby yet, partly fear that one of my new dpns will snap as he wrestles out of it, but partly b/c it worked up *so* quickly. I'm also thrilled they're "custom" sized, strictly speaking my own pattern for baby's foot using Ms Gibson-Roberts' directions-- kinda neat.

I CO 32 sts, with 7 sts/inch on US 2.5's (3.0mm), using Interlacements Toasty Toes in "Turkish Carpet"... this little ball was my leftover from my second pair of Jaywalkers, and I'll probably have to dip into the leftover of the 8 oz skein I made when splitting the hank in 2 (my ball winder can't handle more than 4 oz.)... but even I'm surprised at how quickly they're being done! I mean, they are baby socks in dk weight yarn, but still :) Baby may have to keep wearing these thicker socks since they're such a quick knit for me! I do want to knit some finer gauge socks for him though soon... oh! The Juta stocking in Folk Knitting in Estonia yarn info:

Size S: Koigu Merino (100% wool, 176yd/50gm), 1 skein. 18 sts/24rnd=2"/5cm in stst
Size M: Satakieli (100% wool, 357 yd/100gm), 1 skein. 16 sts/24 rnds=2"/5cm in stst
Size L: Satakieli (100% wool, 357 yd/100gm), 1 skein. 16 sts/24 rnds=2"/5cm in stst

Size 1 needles (2.25mm). To fit a 1 year old (5 year old, adult foot): About 5.5" (7, 8)" around and 5.25" (7.25, 9.75)" long

HTH :)

I do prefer going top down with a heel flap still though, I have a weird happiness wash over me in picking up heel flap stitches. But this technique'll work great for some of the underweight skeins in my stash (where I worry if I'll have enough yarn to finish).

5 comments:

Rain said...

The toddler sock is too cute and the yarn is a fab colourway.

Stacey said...

Once again, you come to the rescue! Thank you! I must have an older edition (got it used) that came out before the corrections....you are the best! That baby sock is adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

It's always nice to knit socks using dk weight when you have been using fingering weight for awhile- the socks knit up so much quicker. It's a nice little surprise.

Knittypants said...

Every time I come here, it's like a feast for my eyes! The little teddybear is so cute! The toddler socks are in such beautiful colors.

lexa said...

I love the colors of the toddler socks! I'm terrible at reading a pattern and actually comprehending what it's telling me. Once I sit down with the yarn and needles, though, it comes together.

Subscribe Now: Feed Icon





I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org