First off, let me just say this to get it out in the open.
Should I feel the need to fake my own death, I will, of course, let y'all know ahead of time, so you can decide whether or not you want to work a scam on people not in the know, and we can decide how long I should remain "dead" before getting better and returning to the living like nothing happened.
Lookies! (I shaved my legs! :p)
I knit a pair of semi-birthday socks!
The pattern is Caravan and it's from 101 Luxury Yarn One Skein Patterns. There is a link to the numerous errors in the book on that page. I knit the pattern toe-up with CCSR toes and heels. I did not flip the chart.
The pattern is simple enough if you know how to cable without a cable needle. However, the information in the chart about how to do the cabled stitches, which they never actually called a cable, made no sense what so ever. There was no mention of moving stitches to your right needle. Just a mention of taking the stitches off the left needle. I fear for newbie knitters who try to knit that pattern.
The pattern features purled toes and foot. I also purled the short row heels because if you're in for a pound...
The first foot was not fun to knit. I was questioning my pattern choice and vowing to never do this again. However, by the time I got to the second foot, it wasn't the worst thing I'd ever done. There was once this lost weekend in Yuma...
Regarding the book, full of really cute little hats, mitts/gloves and even lace. However, they are not all winners (a knitted vase cozy, people!) and you may have trouble trying to find yarns subs for some of the called yarns. While the patterns are divided by yarn weight, it is done in vague terms that may or may not work out. Oh, and their idea of what a luxury yarn is happens to be a bit different than mine. If I can get it at the local big box store, I'm not thinking luxury. I'm thinking 40% coupon. Ya know?
Anyway, I used my only two hanks of Koigu KPPPM yarn for this pair of socks. (The pattern calls for lace weight yarn. FFS!) I used my usual 2.75mm dpns and knit until I liked the length. Oh, and I knit them toe-up because with 175 yards per hank, I was a little nervous about how far I could get with the socks. I did not want to run out mid-foot or something. I think they are a great length and will be fun to show off once it's a tiny bit warmer here.
Yes, I hate me, too.
Happy Friday, people!
Showing us some skin, I see.
;-)
Posted by: claudia | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I love the socks. They look like spring. I know it's coming because we're at the end of January and that leaves a month of serious winter (here anyway). I'm getting giddy. I'm sorry. And if you fake your death, will you get rich?
Posted by: CindyCindy | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:13 PM
When I'm dead (50 years from now) you'll all get a share of my stash in the mail, that way, you'll know that I'm really dead or that I decided to take up scrapbooking.
Lovely socks! Shockingly pale legs!
Posted by: joan | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:14 PM
I like them! Pink socks are great January. I need to finish mine...
Posted by: elizabeth | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Um, I meant "great FOR January."
Posted by: elizabeth | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Pfft - Joan, my legs are at least that pale. And Cindy, the better question is, if she fakes her death, will anyone ELSE get rich?
Really cute socks! Laceweight? Are they stoned?
xoxo
Posted by: Nora | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:51 PM
i hope i'd be one of the people in the know. ;-)
i love the socks! they're so you! cute and cuddly. /runs
Posted by: opal | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Is someone dead? or not dead? or, better question, do I want to know?
Nice legs, chica!
Posted by: margene | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Pretty socks, yarn, color, and pattern! My own pink Koigu socks have gone tragically missing. Not just the traditional "one sock missing", but the entire danged pair. Search parties will be forming up soon. You are invited, unless, of course, you are dead, in which case you have an excused absence.
Posted by: kmkat | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Faking one's death is becoming so over-done.
Posted by: Carole | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Pretty! Both the socks and the shorn legs. :)
If you fake your death, we still get to divide up your stash. Seriously, someone else did this? WTH?
Posted by: Carrie K | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 02:28 PM
What are you doing outdoors without shoes on?
I was noticing this morning that I need to get my razor out. Thought I could make it to spring but decidedly not. Eww.
Posted by: Diane | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Thanks! I would definitely like to be on the team that KNOWs you are faking your own death. I'll send cookies to your secret hide-out. And new yarn.
Very nice semi-birthday socks, Cookie! Happy colors.
Posted by: Angie | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 02:47 PM
I think you just shaved what was going to show. Fess up, now!! Love the socks!
And if you fake your death I want to know in advance so I can be smugly superior in the knowledge *nods knowingly*
Posted by: Datagoddess | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 03:23 PM
My ANKLE!!!! She is lovely and I have missed her. And yeah, you would definitely need to keep Angie in the loop... Carrie threatened to send her down here if I didn't post soon (not that Angie coming for a visit would be a bad thing - plus I think she'd like my new guns) You would keep me in the loop too right? So I can send you your birthday present 6 months late. You, you, you COHORT!
Posted by: Stacey | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Nice legs! Hubba Hubba! And gee, you even shaved for us. I'm impressed. Even if it was only up to the knees. That's more than I would have done.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 05:48 PM
oooooooooooooooh
shaved legs
(nice sox too)
Posted by: kellys | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 07:56 PM
I hope you do not need to fake your own death, but appreciate that you would consider letting me in on the secret.
The new socks are so cute. Do the purled toes, soles, and heels feel that different? Was it worth the additional effort?
Posted by: Sarah | Friday, January 30, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Great socks. Perfect cheerful color for this time of year.
Posted by: Jean | Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 12:43 PM