Random Thoughts And Questions
I am so very happy to report that Sew? I Knit! is up to sixty members and we’re still getting more sign-ups! (insert happy dance) You still have another 10 days or so to sign up if you’re interested. YaiAnn, Mari, and I actually worried that no one would want to join and we’d be the only three. Clearly, we were wrong. And did you see this? Isn’t that cool? Well, you don’t have to think it’s as cool as I think it is, but know that I think it’s pretty freakin’ fabulous.
Now, on to knitting randomness. As I’m sure most of you know, Sockapaloooza pals have been assigned. And it appears my sock pal is quite lovely and talented (although I’ve yet to meet a knitter I couldn’t say the same things about). However, why the heck didn’t anyone tell me how hard it is to pick out a pattern for someone else? Dude. I need help! I want bright colors - spring and all that, and yummy yarn goes without saying - and I want something that will challenge me, but not something totally out there. I have a couple of ideas, but I’d really love your input. I like the Chalet Socks from Folk Socks, Shooting Stockings, Bed Socks, Cycling or Golf Stockings, or Gentleman’s Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks. Another consideration is the incredibly popular Jaywalker. Thoughts on which of these would make a good or bad sock exchange project or other ideas are welcome and appreciated.
Ombre is seeing some serious action this weekend. My goal is to finish color 10. There’s a guild meeting and the Super Bowl - I think I’ll have some quality knitting time and next week I’ll be on the last color!! Butterfly, here I come. Have a wonderful weekend.
Edited to add: Due to some very sound advice (and seconded by more than one of you), Jaywalker is off the table for the sock pal. Although I really am going to knit myself a pair with that lovely picot edge…one of these days.
Category: General Knitting, SewIKnit, Socks | Tags: Ombre Blanket, SewIKnit, Sockapaloooza
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:12 am
Its so hard picking a pattern for others, but the 2 times I’ve done it, I’ve managed to pick the yarn first, then find a pattern, and the pattern speaks to me once I have the yarn. No idea, but it has worked for me!
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:26 am
I agree with the difficulty of picking a pattern. I’ve been mulling it over for the past few days myself. I have a pretty specific color picked out, now I need the yarn and pattern. I’m thinking of doing something out of Sensational Knit Socks. They give charts for so many different sizes that it makes it easy to knit something for someone else when only given their measurements.
February 3rd, 2006 at 9:29 am
I saw the mention on Whip Up too, and *yes*, it’s pretty freakin cool.
Good luck picking out your sock pattern! Wish I could help, but I have no experience picking out sock patterns for other people (or in general - all of mine have been boring stockinette so far
February 3rd, 2006 at 10:00 am
My advice on socks - DO NOT knit Jaywalker for someone else. The problem is this sock is very tight fitting and there have been lots of fit problems. The chances are quite likely it would be too big or too small for your pal and that would be a disappointment.
That said, I totally recommend knitting it for yourself.
February 3rd, 2006 at 10:19 am
yeah… it is hard to pick out a pattern for someone else. i love the gentleman socks, it is pretty! i would not try jaywalker either, one it is extremely popular, your sockpal may be knitting it already, second… the fitting may be tricky. i think to knit something a little challenging is also a good idea. let us know what you decide!!
February 3rd, 2006 at 10:40 am
I’d agree with Cara and Blossom on not making Jaywalkers. Fit is tricky and she may already have made it or have it in the works. I would also have to agree with Blossom on the gentleman socks.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:03 am
How about Slouch Socks in “Socks, Socks, Socks?” They are soooo pretty. Or Butterfly Bows on the facing page? If you want lacy…try Feather and Fan or Gull Wings, same book. I did the F&F for my aunt…fun pattern. As for Gentleman’s Socks, which I just finished and had declared “great” by my Utah son, I modified the pattern just a tad. I ran that ribbing all the way down to the ankle.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:13 am
Hmmm, I would probably go with Gentleman’s socks. Cause they are cool. But I also really like the shooting stockings and the bed socks. I probably wouldn’t go with the chalet socks, cause I’ve looked at those charts and they look difficult. And then I’d base my yarn choice on how big the sock needed to be compared to the number of stitches. For instance, if the pattern had 72 stitches and the person’s feet weren’t that big, I’d go with something tiny like Lorna’s Laces. I’m sure whatever you choose will be awesome.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:20 am
I would have to second the Gentleman’s shooting socks - there were my first of the new year, and I loved knitting the pattern…..will do it again!
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:38 am
I have to put in my vote for the Chalet socks. Classic, yet challenging. Honestly, though, I think pretty much any of those Nancy Bush patterns would be a hit.
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:40 am
Good choice to scrap the JWs. They are hard to make fit when you have a foot right there. Nancy’s patterns are so great and any one would be good. I’m going to knit the Gentleman’s sock for Smith as soon as my Sockpal Sock is done. I’m having a hard time deciding, too!
February 3rd, 2006 at 12:13 pm
I like Chalet very much. That would be my vote. Plus it’s one I haven’t seen around much so chances are they wouldn’t have themselves.
Yeah for Friday!
February 3rd, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Wow you have been written up! Congratulations! I just purchased 2 sock books off Amazon. I have one dinky little sock pattern and I’m branching out, growing the family of patterns! I know you will pick a wonderful pattern for your secret pal!
February 3rd, 2006 at 3:45 pm
I am really looking forward to Sew? I Knit. Great idea
February 3rd, 2006 at 7:26 pm
Whoa, am I the only one who really likes the cycling socks? There’s just something about cuff details that calls to me, I suppose.
February 4th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
You’re getting lots of great advice from everyone - isn’t that wonderful? I’m sure whatever you make your sock pal will love!
February 4th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Yes, the first time you do Jaywalkers should be for yourself, and then you’ll know if you can do it for someone else or not, and then, only if you really know those feet very well! LOL
February 5th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Love all your sock ideas… I was sort of not into the Jaywalkers at first simply because EVERYONE was knitting them, but this week I cast on and have most of one done… I am sure they will look great whichever you choose!