anna socks
Pattern: Anna Socks by Nina Chakkour, Rowan 40
Yarn: 3 balls of Rowan 4 ply soft (didn’t use the entire third ball)
Colour: Espresso
Needles: 3,25 mm and 3,0 mm lantern moon dpns
Gauge: 28 sts and 36 rows over patt using 3,25 mm needles
Started: 9.4.06
Finished: 9.15.06
Notes:
The leg
I tried the sock on as I knit and went down a needle size an inch or two below my calf. (I knit the leg for 27 cm and then switched.) I knit the ankle and foot of the socks using smaller needles and am happy with the fit. I thought about doing some calf decreases using the HJS Studio Shaping Knee Socks tutorial – entered in all my measurements but decided not to add shaping.
The heel
The last line of Shape Heel says to break the yarn and leave stitches on a holder. I didn’t break the yarn because the next step is to knit across these stitches and then pick up along the row-edge heel stitches. I wasn’t satisfied with the way I picked up the stitches on the second sock and pulled them out. And then something happened that I was not expecting - the edge of the heel flap started to unravel. I think I experienced a moment of knitting insanity when those stitches escaped. I quickly picked them up and then continued knitting the gusset. (Maybe they came out because earlier, when I knit the heel flap, I slipped the last stitch on every row.)
I decided to wait to cast on a new project and finish these socks. (Odd because I almost always cast on a new project after finishing one sock. Guess it was enjoyable knitting. I also realized that although socks are not my favorite garment to knit, I do like knitting lace socks!) I knit these while listening to Brenda Dayne's Cast On adventures in natural dyeing. What's your favorite knitting podcast?
Comments
that was fast! and what restraint!
they look great and I love the yummy brown color.
Posted by: yahaira | September 16, 2006 11:45 PM
The socks look fantastic!! I haven't listened to any knitting podcasts yet - where do you recommend I begin? With Cast On?
Posted by: lisa | September 17, 2006 12:05 AM
They turned out nice! Yay! As far as podcasts go, I've listened to a few and subscribe to KnitCast and CastOn. Honestly, I haven't found a knitting podcast that really appeals to me - I just listen to KC and CO because they automatically download into my iTunes.
Posted by: nikki the blogless | September 17, 2006 01:44 AM
They are beautiful, Brooke (and on my list too)! :-)
Posted by: terhi | September 17, 2006 02:19 AM
very cute! i have this pattern AND the yarn for them but have a few deadline projects to finish first before i can start them. seeing yours, now i really want to get going on them! you did a great job!
Posted by: gleek | September 17, 2006 09:46 AM
They turn out lovely, Brooke!
Posted by: Siow Chin | September 17, 2006 10:13 AM
they are absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Marie | September 17, 2006 10:30 AM
I love how they turned out! And I too love Cast On, but I also like It's a Purl, Man and The Mosh Knit.
Posted by: Vickery | September 17, 2006 11:22 AM
Sorry no favorite podcast. But i am listening to a book on CD, "Cross Bones" by Kathy Reichs and it makes for quick knitting entertainment.
Posted by: britt | September 18, 2006 10:06 AM
Just lovely! And cast-on is my favorite, too.
Posted by: Julia | September 18, 2006 01:48 PM
I love love love them! Great job and smart thinking decreasing the needle size. They are a perfect fit. How well are they staying up?
Posted by: Kelly | September 18, 2006 02:58 PM
Oh wow! Looks and fits great, and goes perfectly with the skirt!
Posted by: erin | September 18, 2006 04:04 PM
Those turned out so well! Going down a needle size seems to be what most people are doing with those socks. So crazy that they don't think people's ankles are smaller than their calves...maybe if you're a supermodel...
Posted by: Sarah | September 18, 2006 06:12 PM
Those socks are just beautiful!!!!
Posted by: mary | September 18, 2006 10:52 PM
wow! they are just gorgeous. i would be tempted to knit them for myself except i know i would never finish them.
lovely!
Posted by: jacqueline | September 20, 2006 04:58 AM
Lovely socks! I love "Cast-on" too, but my favorite podcast is Irie Knits:
http://irieknits.blogspot.com/
Posted by: KarenK | September 20, 2006 03:40 PM
Gorgeous socks! What a great color for fall. I've been wanting to knit some socks with 4-ply soft; do let us know how the yarn holds up after a few wears.
Posted by: joy | September 20, 2006 10:33 PM
These socks are so elegant and lovely! I am just loving every pair I see. I think I need some too! Great job on them ;)
Posted by: Lolly | September 22, 2006 01:27 PM
i just happen to have the same color for my anna socks! i have not started them, but am glad to see the adjustments other knitters are making before i come along and screw them up! ;)
i had not read through the pattern, and did not realize there was no shaping.
and i wonder why the pattern recommends 4 balls? hmmm ... maybe they intended matching fingerless mitts? or just want to sell more yarn? knitting conspiracy (theory)!
Posted by: gray la gran | September 26, 2006 01:44 PM