Knitters’ Row

These socks were made for Lorena, my second mom.  She is more than a best friend and deserves these awesome socks.  She picked Encore Bulky Weight for these so she could wear them as slippers around the house.  They were knit on double points from a simple short row heel pattern that does not have a heel gusset or heel flap.  While they go fast, I do not suggest them for anything but slipper socks.  They fit a bit funky in the heel area.

These socks were the first pair of socks I knit on double points.  The pattern “Campfire Socks” was super clear about what to do and how the sock is constructed.  It is a worsted weight sock so I double stranded vintage Red Heart Sport weight.  I changed colors for the toe and heel.  These fit a man’s size 12 perfectly.  If I were to do them for a woman I would use either a light sport weight or a fingering and it should fit just fine.  The only part that I changed was that the pattern called for a knit 1, purl 1 around the top of the sock and then to change to a k2, p2 rib.  This makes the top of the sock flair out and not hug the leg.  So i just used a k2, p2 for the whole leg and that worked a LOT better.

These socks were knit with the Noro Pattern.  I decided to use Encore worsted weight for the pattern though because it is much cheaper and much softer.  It is the same gauge and same size needles.  I was not pleased with the outcome of them because the pattern is for a woman’s foot size 8 and these fit a man’s foot size 12 with room to spare!!  I bought the pattern book just for this pattern, so I will have to alter it some if I decide to knit it again.  Also the pattern is not too clear when it comes to the heel.  This is knit on strait needles and was the first sock that I ever knit.

After much time with fussing around with increases and stitch counts, I finally finished my first pair of Fiber Trends felted clogs! To be able to get the correct stitch count, I had to use a “kfb” increase. Instead of two strands, I used a yarn very similar to Lopi. I was really surprised that they came out felted so completely! Although they were a size bigger than they were supposed to be, an extra felting in the washing machine and a run through the dryer shrunk them a bit. A hint would be to felt them a little bit smaller than what you need (about a half size) because they will stretch as you wear them. If you need to, you can always refelt them as they stretch later.  I used a wool very similar to Harmony (a super bulky wool like Lopi, but soooo much softer).  The yarn I used is long discontinued.  The pattern also says you can double strand two pieces of worsted weight such as Galway too.

I also worked up a pair of these in a pink and brown verigated yarn in complete garter stitch for a toddler.  They came out nicely.  They were given as a gift so I am not sure how they are wearing, but the adult ones still look like new.  I will definately use this pattern again….maybe thrumb the inside (line with roving) just for the luxury, not that they need it, I just love the feeling.