Friday 7 October 2011

FO Friday- T socks

These socks were almost a pair of three socks, but more on that later. Presenting the T socks for the A-Z challenge.



Yarn: Regia 4 ply
Needles: 2.5mm

This pattern imitates a smocked effect with the use of cabling. I have had it on my list to make for months, so it seemed like an excellent choice for my T sock.

The pattern is easy to follow, as long as you actually read it. I didn't and had to tink a chunk at the start of the first sock. It is worked toe up, with a new-to-me YO heel. I did have an issue with the needle sizes, it wants you to use 3.5mm/3.75mm needles with what is listed as a sport weight but appears to be a sock weight yarn (410m per 100g). I think this would give a very loose fabric, although might compensate a little for the tightness from the cables. 

I am not keen on the heel method, even once I got the hang of it I got hole at the top on one side, as you can see in the photo. I think I will stick with a normal short row heel.

The reason there were almost three of these; I tried the first one on and it was pretty tight, it goes on but getting it over the heel is a bit of a battle. For the second sock I added a few extra stitches to the sole, with the plan that if it fitted better I would do a third sock then rip out the first one. On trying the second sock it is still tight over the heel, the problem is the cabled round immediately above the heel, obviously it has much less stretch due to the cabling. Since they go on and fit nicely once they are on I have called them done, but I suspect I will not wear them as frequently as some of my better fitting socks.

I do like the finished object, and it was a nice knit, with mostly ribbing rounds and a little cabling to keep you interested. However, I wouldn't make this as a gift, you need to have the foot handy when you are making it to avoid giving something that will never be worn.

The stitch pattern in close up, you can see how the cabled stitches go all the way across to imitate the smocked effect.


On an unrelated note, it seems autumn has arrived after an odd and most unseasonal heatwave. I shall be digging out my hand knits and lighting the fire tonight, hot chocolate ahoy!

19 comments:

  1. I think the socks are gorgeous, and the colour is really pretty.

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  2. Ooh, those look cosy! I've added them to my queue. I'm almost half way through the first foot on my second pair of socks - gonna have toasty toasty feet by the end of the month!

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  3. I like the smocked effect :)

    My first pair of socks is a struggle to get on over my heel (mainly because on the flap I managed to do the k1,s1 rows but for some reason also did the slipped stitches on the purl rows). The heels are a little tight! But I'm happy as long as they are comfy when I wear them ;)

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  4. Interesting about needing a foot handy. I often wonder that with some sock patterns but since I am a new sock knitter I wasn't sure.

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  5. These look gorgeous, I love the pattern and colour!

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  6. Beautiful pattern, just a shame they are slightly too tight over the heel. Regardless, I think you've got a lovely pair of socks!

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  7. This is a really attractive pattern, I love how they came out and the color is one of my favorites! Have a mug of coco for me :0)

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  8. Very nice smocking effect. I laughed when I read your post; I'm a terrible one for not reading carefully as well!

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  9. I love your socks! That's a great stitch pattern.

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  10. Those look pretty neat! I like how it continues across the top of the foot. A lot of patterns will only have a cuff design and then stop it for the foot, and those always feel a bit disjointed to me.

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  11. the socks are lovely! though that heel does sound pretty weird.

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  12. What a cute pattern! The color is great and works very well with it.

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  13. The socks look great and I love the colour!

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  14. I do like the look of that pattern. Sorry they are tight for your feet.

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  15. I love those socks. The color is great too.

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  16. Oooh lovely! I love toe up socks :-)

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  17. Great close up picture!! What a cool stitch design.

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  18. Love the socks. Great design.

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