A FO and a Hemi-FO
I have been very remiss. Last NOVEMBER, Jean of Golden Purl sent me a wonderful single knitted sock, and although I did thank her immediately, I did not share the sock and the glory of Jean’s knitting with all of you. It is quite a sock:
Twisted Flower by Cookie A.
The photo is a bit odd, but the strange angle and the bright sun do show off all the wonderful twisted stitches. The yarn label is a bit perplexing, but it says Lana Grossa/Meilenweit Compatto Seta/Cashmere (65% wool/15% silk/16% polyamide/4% cashmere). It feels divine, and it fits perfectly. Now I have to knit the second sock. I’m currently a bit intimidated by the pattern (perhaps I should read it instead of just looking at it), but I think I shall be able to manage. Jean also included some lovely stitch markers (a must for these socks) and some other goodies, which of course I forgot to photograph, and now it’s dark.Ā But many thanks to Jean!
First though, due to a grave washing machine mishap, I desperately need some quickly knit new socks. To this end, I finished (finally) a simple pair of garter ribbed socks I started last autumn.
Garter Rib Socks in Fleece Artist Merino, color Hercules.
This is essentially the pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks with a little tweaking. I wanted to see what the heel flap would be like if I just continued the garter rib, and then I also did the gusset decreases at the very end of the needles and not one stitch in. I had heard that made a very neat edge and it does, but I don’t think I’ll do that all the time.Ā It wasn’t that special.
Although I like these socks, I am now heartily sick of garter rib. It seemed more annoying than just a regular rib after a while. I have a couple more pairs of ribbed socks (but different types of ribs) on the needles to quickly build back up my handknit sock supply, and then I want to get to the Twisted Flower sock and some sock designs I have floating around in my head. But first a few easy-peasy pairs. As I have a cold which is making me crabby and mean, you’re going to have to wait until the next post to see the other socks.
Now I am off to finish M’s Pinnacle Chevron Scarf–I’m on the last repeat! So, it’s going to be 56 degrees here tomorrow and all the rest of this week. A man can still use a wool/alpaca worsted weight scarf, right?
I hope each of you had a great start to the week.
Both socks are very lovely!
I love all the socks! š
Glad to see you’re back in the knitting game, Brenda! I have Cookie’s Twisted Flower pattern also, and admit to being a bit intimidated by the visual complexity. Her patterns are usually well-written though, so I plan not to worry too much.
Neither should you. Oh, and thanks for reminding me that I have Hercules in the collection.
I like garter rib because (if I’m remembering it correctly), every other round is plain knitting, so it goes FAST. š That Twisted Flower sock is gorgeous!
Hopefully you feel better soon.
Such beautiful socks! Almost beautiful enough to make me want to cast on for another pair of my own – I haven’t knit any socks in awhile! š I love the Twisted Flower!
This washing machine mishap sounds quite tragic! The new socks do look lovely, though. I’m sure M will be able to use the scarf soon, even if this week is a bit warm for it.
I hope your cold goes away soon!
I’ve found that twisted stitch patterns (such as the Twisted Flower) look more complicated than they actually are. You’ll be fine!
I’m sorry to hear about the grave washing machine mishap. It happens to the best of us. I’m glad you’ve got some replacements already finished!
Looking at your lovely socks makes me want to start another pair of socks. I love all the blues in the Hercules yarn. I’m posting a blogiversary yarn giveaway in a couple of days…just so you know to stop by.
Feel better! Don’t want you all “crabby and mean”
Socks are gorgeous…even the ribbed ones, so it must be the Fleece Artist boosting the fine knitting, huh? *wink*
((((hugs))))
Oh, ouch! Stupid washing machine! Its an excuse, though, to spend time knitting socks. Those are beautiful!
Aww, I hope you feel better soon.
Wow, what a great sock, and you only have to knit one of them. I am sure you will knit it with no difficulty at all.
I love the Hercules colorway. My sister gifted some of that to me and it is one of my favorite Fleece Artist colors.
Feel Better!!!!!
A nice post full of socks…Looks good to me. š Good luck with getting over your cold soon.
Now that is a sock! Wow…
How did you like the Fleece Artist sock yarn?
The Twisted Flower sock is really stunning! But I have to admit that I really like a nice ribbed sock for everyday…
Nice socks! That twisted flower is really magnificent!
Brenda- I think at this stage in your knitting career, you’re definitely up for a challenge, and the twisted flower may be just what you’ve been looking for.
So many yarns, so many patterns…………………..
I am kind of over socks right now, which is a problem as I have three pairs wanting to be finished. But that twisted flower sock is so pretty. Must. Fight. Startitis.
I’m so thrilled you like the sock and that it fits! I had a really hard time taking pictures of it, too. I’ll admit that I was also intimidated by the pattern. But my blog stalking, er, I mean, reconaissance on you told me you were up for it. Given the complexity of the pattern, I found it nice knowing I only had to knit the one sock. It’s a pattern I had admired for a while, but passed over for being too complex. When you said you liked cables, it seemed like an opportunity to stretch on a pattern where I might otherwise run out of steam. I found this happily in keeping with the theme of the swap, so I went for it. The actual knitting of the sock turned out to be very fun. Round by round, it’s totally manageable while this remarkable pattern is unfolding. But you’re right, it’s not a fast knit. The pattern is very clearly written, though. That said, if you get stuck or confused at all, please let me know and I hope I can help.
P.S. – Compatto is the name of the store where I bought the yarn and pattern. It means “close-knit” in Italian.