Friday, April 2, 2010

One Thing Leads to Another


If you had told me a year ago, that I'd be smitten with knitting patterns with color, I'd have told you, no way. It all started with that hat class I took last fall and has resulted, so far, in two hats, one pair of impossible mittens and a sweater I busted my butt to knit in a month, but can't wear until next fall because it's so warm. My previous forays into colorwork have all been with self-striping yarn. Oh sure, it's entertaining, but it's the yarn that does the real work there...not the knitter. There's no glory in that, unless you can get the patterning to line up when you're knitting a pair of something. In my mind, if you can get the striping to look like they match, then you're a genius. I don't bother. It's OK for self striping socks to be kissing cousins.


I am completely amazed by the allure of knitting with color these days, and now that I'm finally done with Skippy's socks, and the sweater, I've moved on. After hitting the local Home Goods store last weekend for a garbage can, ironing board and bath mat, I ducked into Barnes and Noble for a coffee. Four books, too much money and one latte later, I went home.

With this.


I was completely taken by the book, but especially the two sock patterns within. In particular, this one.


Let me just say, finding solid color sock yarns is no easy task for someone who wants to create their own patterns with color. I know it's easy online, but I try hard to give my money to my local yarn stores before I resort to that (after all, I don't want them to go away). I'd have preferred a lighter shade of blue, but I do like this Mini Solid in the electric blue, too. I'm fairly sure I have enough yellow and red scraps of yarn to do the duplicate stitching for the dancers. If not, well that's easily remedied.

11 comments:

clairedulalune said...

Oh my word Rudee, those socks at the end are beautiful! I love them! Go for it! Hope you are well!

Jane said...

Can't wait to see you make these

Michaela said...

my Gosh they are so lovely I could cry! (Sook!) Im so glad things are getting back to normal for you house-wise. I think embarking on a new knitting project means you have started a new chapter in life. Do you think? PS Thanks SOOOO mch Rudee for the invitation to visit. I hope I will!!! xxxooo

Rudee said...

LMAO, Michaela! Starting something new doesn't mean the house is in order at all. It means my simple mind has been led astray. Again.

They're so pretty, I can't resist.

Anonymous said...

Every simple mind needs a break. I have been making Easter placemats all day and I gotta take a break and blog about them. I can't wait to see those sock too.
QMM

Catherine said...

Those blue socks are amazing - I haven't ever tried anything like it and I am not sure I could succeed. I love the books as well and would like to have a good local yarn shop - we had one but she moved and I don't know where she is now. Anyway I love the stripey socks too.
You pro knitters put me in the shade with my little baby knits but I love them too - and it's so relaxing - even if I made a few errors in counting a pattern while watching Slumdog Millionaire on TV the other night! Catherine.

Jane said...

Beautiful socks, very yummy blue yarn. Have fun!!

Gail said...

I would never attempt that but then I am not talented enough to even conceive of me knitting.

Love the blue yarn and the socks, both pair.

Winifred said...

That blue is gorgeous. Reminds me of a fair isle jumper I knotted about 40 years ago. It doesn't fit me now but I can't bear to give it away it was such hard work.

You don't actually wear shoes or boots with those socks do you? It's a shame to cover them up.

Anonymous said...

I really love the socks and the dark blues are beautiful.

Daffodilly said...

Those are fantastic.....you should be very proud. I wish I could knit well.