Wed Jun 16, 2004

Still searching

I swatched a simple lace pattern today for the Gayle socks, wanna see?

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And here’s the swatch from yesterday that is straight stockinette:

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I’m not in love with either of them. The prettiest part of the swatches I’ve seen so far has been the garter stitch border on one and the ribbing border on the other. Thanks to my cropping job, you can barely see them. In looking at the garter stitch, I thought it would be stunning sideways. I have a sideways sock pattern, in my Socks Socks Socks book. The toe looks bulky and hideous in the picture though. Does anyone out there have a good sideways sock pattern? Or have you knit the pattern that I have, and if so, how is it? I realize it is a long shot, but it never hurts to ask.

So, I’m thinking about some ribbing. Maybe a lace rib? I get the feeling I’m going to be buried in stitch books for awhile. This yarn is pretty, but it needs the right pattern, you know? Like I said earlier, I love the way the garter stitch knit up, so I think I’m going to be looking for a stitch pattern with some purls showing. It needs to be simple, to keep from drowning in the busy colors of the yarn. Input is welcome.

In other news, I’m still swatching the Lily shawl. It’s so pretty. This may sound sick, but in a way, I’m kind of disappointed it is so simple. I think I was hoping for more of a challenge, without even realizing it. The border will definitely be something new for me, and I think I’ll swatch that after I finish the main body swatch.

I’m really not much of a swatcher. You are going to get the wrong impression of me, reading about all this swatching. I don’t know why, but right now, I’m enjoying it.

8 Responses to “Still searching”

  1. yvette Says:

    That is a fab colour of sock wool, did you already tell us what it was and I missed it? I have only knitted 2 pairs of socks both toe-up so am interested to see how the sideways socks look. Have fun!

  2. Laura Says:

    Actually, I didn’t. My friend Gayle bought it off eBay, and if I’m remembering correctly, she bought it from the people that grew, dyed, and spun it, but I’m not sure if I got that part right. All I know for sure is that when she brought it over to wind into a ball, there was no label. Sorry. It is a wool, sock weight yarn though. Isn’t that also called fingering weight? (I’m still learning all the terms.)

  3. athena Says:

    hi! there is a sideways sock pattern in an old interweave knits. i can look in my mags and let you know if i have it and can send it to you. athena 🙂

  4. Paula Says:

    There are the Dresser Scarf Socks ?Priscilla Gibson-Roberts in the Spring 2003 Interweave Knits.
    http://www.interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/back_issues/SP_03.asp
    These have been a WIM of mine for a while.

  5. Laura Says:

    Ooh, ooh, I actually have that issue! It is the first knitting magazine I ever purchased. Since then I’ve acquired many. One of my favorite patterns in the Spring 2003 IK is the Pashmina shrug. Gorgeous. I am going to make that someday. I wanted to make it for my sister, but she doesn’t like it!!! Can you believe that? I also love the Pinup Pullover. There are a couple of really cute women in my family that would look fab in it, and I plan to make it for one of them, eventually.

    SO, the socks….. I’ll give the pattern a looksy. Thanks!

    One more thing…. what is a WIM? Sorry, I’m not familiar with that one.

  6. Paula Says:

    A WIM is a Work In Mind. A project you want to do someday…
    The Pashmina shrug & Pinup Pullover you mention would be a few of your WIMs 🙂

  7. Sarah Elizabeth Says:

    How come I’ve never come across your blog before? It’s great!

  8. Laura Says:

    Thanks! My blog is only a month old, so that’s probably why you haven’t seen it. Welcome!

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