socks for socktoberfest

Clockwise from top: Test-knit socks for another blogger, using Wollmeise in Rosenrot, Child's French Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush using ShibuiKnits in Bark, socks of my own design using STR in Ruby Slippers, Winding Cable knee sock using Lorna's Laces in Manzanita, and simple stockinette socks using Vesper sock yarn in Neapolitan. Does anyone notice a theme here?

I took this photo on Tuesday, fully intending to post about my goals for this year's Socktoberfest. I went around the house and gathered up all of my socks in progress, and set them out all in one spot. This made me realize that I need to start finishing some projects before casting on for something new. I chose the pair that were closest to being finished, and focused my attention on those.

Pattern: Simple stockinette socks with picot cuff and round toe, knit over 64 stitches
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper sock yarn in Neapolitan
Needles: 2.5mm Addi circulars
Notes: I tried very hard to keep the striping sequence in order when I knit the heel flap and gusset, and on the first sock I got it right on the very first try. I started the second sock in the same place as the first, but I had to rip back the heel turn four times to get it right. Weird. I also had to rip back the toe decreases on the second sock. I thought I had started the toe decreases in the same exact place as the first sock, but on the last two rounds of toe decreases, there was a brown stripe showing up. I had to fix it, because I knew that little bit of brown would drive me crazy. I'm not usually such a perfectionist, but I've gotten to the point now where I want my self-striping socks to match exactly.

And just because it's been a while, I thought I'd throw in a shoe shot:

Now that I have one pair down, I should be working on the next closet pair to being finished, which would be the ones I designed in STR. I'm not in love with the pattern, and those have been lingering on my needles since June, so I'm not in a big rush. The Child's French Socks should be a main focus, because they are a gift for a good friend who will be moving very far away next month. The test knit socks should be a focus, too, because the designer will be releasing the pattern soon, but it's one of those patterns that need my undivided attention, which is something I haven't had time for lately. And the Winding Cable socks, well, I think those are just destined to be a very long-term project. What the hell was I thinking, knitting knee socks covered in traveling cables and twisted stitches? They're pretty, but tedious.

So with all of these socks, and *cough*threesweaters*cough* in progress, what do you think I did? Cast on for a new pair of socks, naturally. At least the new pair is in sportweight yarn, and even though I only started them this afternoon, I'm already at the heel flap on the first sock. I think I just need some instant gratification, and then I'll go back to finishing up what is already on the needles. Then again, maybe I won't :)

Comments

[Macoco]

Oh my gosh, that is a lot of socks in-progress!!!! It makes me itchy just looking at that picture. I'm glad that you finished up a pair though, they look great - especially with those shoes!

[Carrie]

I love the way the neapolitan socks make a differently-colored row of diamonds in those shoes. So cute!

[Carole]

LOVE those Vesper socks. Now, stop casting on and start finishing!

[Angelika]

Gosh, you are bad. But I do like the Neapolitan look on those socks. Curse being a perfectionist, but I'm the same way.

[Beth]

You have got the best shoes! :) I had to laugh when I read that you cast on another pair of socks. Lately it feels like I've been casting on right and left. But do you think I've finished my second sock? No. And I'm even at the toe decrease. I could probably finish it in an evening. Okay, that settles it. Tonight the lace gets put away and I'll knit the sock.

[Shanidy]

I must have the shoes! Do you remember where you got them/who made them?

[Uli]

Long time no talk!!! I just gave your Etsy shop a heart. I'm so behind in all my blog reading. Hope you're doing well!!!

[Suzanne V. (Yarnhog)]

I'm loving those colors! Especially the Neapolitan--it's my favorite ice cream, too. Those socks are adorable. I just ordered a skein of sock yarn in pink and brown. I couldn't resist, even though I have admitted to myself that I really don't like knitting socks.

[Dina]

I can understand your prioritizing and how mismatched stripes can drive you bonkers! They're all so pretty, but the Neapolitans, I just adore!

[Jennie]

You're gonna have some fantastic socks by the end of socktoberfest! Cute shoes! :)

[Robyn]

Love the pic of the socks in progress - did you realise that they are all in the same colours until you collected them all in one place? I go through phases when all the yarn I purchase is in one colour group (right now it is burgundy/mulberry). I also LOVE the shoes - were they a recent purchase? I have wanted a pair of Mary Janes for years! R

[Teyani]

purdy socks grrl - and it looks like you'll be doing the 'serial socks' thing just like I do (grin) I make one, then switch to another, then another, then go back and make the second socks for each set. Keeps me interested!

[Katie]

The Neapolitan socks are great, and they look really cool with those shoes!

[keri]

Oooh what yummy socks, I love them all!

[patti]

I love those socks, and the shoes too! They look seriously cool with those socks. And the socks remind me of those good candies that had the coconut in them- yum!!!