This is what I’m up to with my Firestarter socks at the moment. I’m using my prize yarn, Live 2 Knit’s Elizabeth merino in ‘first light’. I’m loving the colours and the way it’s striping. Yes there’s a bit of pooling around the gusset, but that’s unavoidable in this pattern I’m afraid. It’s not so bad, so I’m still happy.
The pattern itself took a little bit getting used to, the chart looks rather different from chart format that I’m used to. Specifically, the way the cable crossings and twists are marked can look a little strange at first. It’s not just that it uses different symbols, but the crossings themselves are marked in between rows instead of on the rows themselves. The pattern has included explanations on the symbols used in the chart, as well as teaching you to cable without a cable needle. But I don’t really understand the explanations. So instead I just go by the chart and tried to make sense of it. And I think I’ve got it worked out, judging by the result. And I do love the result. I think the trick is just that you do the cable crossings on the row that the arrows are pointing at. And when you think about it, it does make sense that the chart shows the cable crossings in between rows, because after all when you knit cables, after you do your cable crossing, the crossing itself sits in between the current row and the previous one below it. Clear as mud? 🙂 Email me if you want to ask me questions on that, or ask the pattern designer 🙂
I’ve been knitting quite a few socks now, and many times Annette would ask, “Are you knitting socks for me, Mummy?” And it always breaks my heart to tell her No. So now I’m making a pair of socks for her. No particular pattern, just a toe-up sock, with short-row toe and short-row heel, 36 stitches a round. The yarn is Socks That Rock medium-weight in ‘January One’. I had quite a lot of this yarn left over from this project, and it would be a waste not to use it because I love that yarn and that colourway. So vibrant.
When Annette saw me put on the Firestarter sock to take a picture, she insisted on trying on her half-finished sock as well so I can take a picture. Future knitblogger??
And finally, socks for my mum. I’m making her a pair of Roza’s Socks, pattern by Grumperina, from Interweave Knits Spring 2007.
I’m not sure what this yarn is. I got it from Belinda, but she has lost the ball band, so we don’t know what it is. All I know is that it’s cotton, and I’m loving the random striping. Anyone recognise this yarn?
Comments
Future knitblogger, indeed! How cute! Has Annette asked you to teach her how to knit yet?
Gosh your Firestarters look fabulous – and the pooling is barely noticeable. Annette just must be a future knitblogger!! Her sock is very cute!
Hmmm, I struggled and struggled with that sock and then threw it far far away. May have to go and pick it up again.
Those socks look like knitting fun!
Is it Trekking? Love, love the Firestarters – they are gorgeous! Istruggled at first as well with the new “look” of the chart. I love your yarn choice. And the sweet little socks too – lucky gurl!
The sock looks beautiful. I have never seen charts like that before. Annette’s sock looks cute too.
Your firestarters looks great!
The yarn looks like opal, maybe..?
Beautiful socks. I believe that last one is Sockotta yarn from Plymouth: http://www.carodanfarm.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product80.html
wow your socks just get better and better! I love little annette’s sock in there too! she is so adorable!
Your Firestarter looks gorgeous especially the colors – it’s on my to-knit list & so is the Roza. Annette’s sock is looking lovely on her little foot.
Your firestarter looks fantastic. I am new to sock knitting and I think I will attempt them next.
Your firestarter is STUNNING!! I love how it looks in this wonderful colorway!
Your blue cotton yarn is Regia Cotton Surf. I am 100% sure of this cause I have some in my stash…if you google it, you’ll find it, promise 🙂
Oh your Firestarters are looking wonderful. I have that pattern on my to-do list too, so I was interested to read your comments on it.
And interested to see how this colour way behaved in a different pattern. I’ve used it for my Monkey socks and got some pooling around the gusset but like you, nothing too bad. Annette’s socks (and feet) are just too cute. Very sweet.
Your Firestarters are fantastic! It took me a few hoops to get the chart understood too, but once you figure it out, it’s a peice of cake.
yep, start them as you mean them to go on!!!
beautiful socks. Where’s the easiest link to learn how to start from the toes??
Aww thanks you guys!
Monica: Here’s a link that I used when I first learn knitting toe-up socks: http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATtiptoptoes.html There’s a pattern for a basic toe-up socks linked from that page (direct link here http://wendyjohnson.net/blog/sockpattern.htm ). I found it very easy to follow as it tells you step by step exactly what you need to do (very helpful when you’re just starting). The pattern is for a toe-up sock with short-row heel and short-row toe. There’s another pattern for a basic toe up sock with heel flaps, if you prefer it, here (pdf): http://wendyknits.net/knit/FingeringweightSocks.pdf
Hope that helps!
Debi: I looked up Regia Cotton Surf, and yep that’s definitely it!! Thanks for that! And thanks to everyone who suggested ideas about what the yarn is. Glad to have the mystery solved 🙂
Nice socks! I would love to know how you made them.
I have just started knitting again and started with socks. I have found it interesting and challenging! and love searching the web for interesting sock patterns! Is it possible to get a copy of the pattern for the lovely socks at the top of this page…’firestarter’? and the designers name? they look truly wonderful!
may i have the directions to knit these toddler socks please? thank you for your time
Possess a excellent trip!