Hmm… It’s not going too well really. This is how Will’s polka dot socks have ended up:
Frogged.
I spent all day on Sunday trying to get a corrugated ribbing that fitted over Will’s heel without gaping over his ankle, and working out a polka dot pattern that didn’t automagically transform into a polka oval pattern the minute he put it on. Finally I gave up. I’ll come up with an alternative soon…
And Steve’s socks? Well, I decided to use the Nine-to-Five pattern instead of my original choice of Having Hope. They were looking pretty good, if I say so myself:
Nice stitch pattern, and variegated Malabrigo sock yarn that turned into attractive stripes, instead of pooling nastily as I feared that it would.
A really sturdy heel, knitted with the addition of woolly nylon for strength.
And now?
Frogged.
The problem was that they were just too tight for Steve. I sort of knew this from about the first inch, but carried on anyway, telling myself that all would come right in the blocking. He very sweetly struggled to get the sock over his heel several times, telling me that ‘no, really, it’s fine!’ – at the same time as the effort of pulling it on caused his face to match the colour of the sock…
I decided to come clean with myself. This is really special yarn, and I want Steve to have a really special pair of socks from it. Just too tight socks, however gorgeous the yarn, are just not what he deserves.
So I’ve started again, this time with a similar but different pattern. This time I’m making the Diagonal Cross-Rib Socks from Interweave’s Favourite Socks. It’s specifically designed for men, and although it has the same number of stitches in a round (70), the leg is worked with a 3.25mm needle, which goes down to 2.75mm for the foot. It is already much looser, and I think it will be fine.
So, I had 6 1/2 weeks to knit six Christmas items (2 mittens and 4 socks), and in 1 1/2 weeks I have completed a grand total of – one. Oh well, all is not yet lost!
Good luck. I have decided to knit no Christmas gifts this year. It is very liberating! Steve’s socks look gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the new pattern!
I’m really feeling your sock pain. Was in the same position last week with my Mom’s thank you gift socks.
Luckily, socks work up pretty quickly.
Bad luck on both fronts but there’s time yet :o)
Christmas Knitting Arghhhhhh! I am knitting like a nutter but nothing for christmas yet maybe next week! You are good regarding the socks I would have suggested toe amputation- probably why Mario will never get socks.
It’s too bad the forst go didn’t work out, but you’re right: special yarn for special socks. I’ve made those socks and they turn out great; nice and stretchy, too!
Plenty of time yet, don’t despair!
Oh noes! I so hate frogging – especially on a deadline knit – but as you say, no point if they don’t fit. A huge benefit of non-surprise gift knits!! I’m sure you will have them done in time though.
I love how that Malabrigo is knitting up. Makes me want to cast on with mine straight away!
Sheesh. Not having much luck are you? Still, it’s gotta be right. I’ve looked at thtat pattern in 25 Socks a lot and think I will consider making Sean’s next pair out of it, if all goes well with yours for Steve!
ps automagically is such a great word!
Sorry that you aren’t having sock luck – hopefully this last pattern will be the one! I know sometimes its hard to find just the right one…
Don’t worry you’ll finish in time. Just a wee bit of bad sock vibe – you’ll have more luck with them now.
the yarn looks really special! What a nice gift it will be
That is some beautiful yarn! I can’t wait to get my hands on some… I try so hard to think of frogging as cathartic, but sometimes it’s torture!