Thursday, March 30, 2006

Dear Sockpal...

I do know how to knit socks...really...check my finished knits. My sock knitting mojo has disappeared this round.

Here are the problems...

  1. I don't know where you are from. I really wish they sent out addresses with sockpal information immediately. It tells me if you require wool year round, or if you really wear flip flops and only put on socks when you receive your sockapaloooza socks in the mail.
  2. You have no blog. So I can't sneak around and see what type of socks you have knit for yourself.
  3. Your measurements are incorrect that you sent me. I know it was a typo because the size is not humanly possible...but I am pretty sure what it should be. I've tried to contact you but have never got a response...so I am not absolutely sure of your size.

So you see, I am knitting blindly.

Here is what has happened since we have last spoke...

I reevaluated the socks. I started with a very small 2" in the round gauge swatch. Well, evidently when I knit in the round on something larger...my gauge loosens. Don't ask, I can't figure it out. Look at these stitches...way too loose...

Instead of the 15sts per 2" I now have 14sts per 2" and that makes a big difference. I am using the yarn the pattern calls for and normally need to go up a needles size, now I am going down a needle size...figure that one out.

So, on the 14hr ride home, I decide to knit the lovely lace socks with the other ball...maybe that one will be better.

No...I don't like it. I put it down and just looked out the window the rest of the way...seriously. When you think you are packing too many projects...put another one in just in case!

This is actually the second attempt at this socks that has been ripped. (I think it is the inelastic twisted stitches that bother me.)

So I start ripping...what the...

Don't ask what I did, but it took an hour to fix.

So I cast on the leaf socks again, this time with smaller needles and adding 4 sts in the reverse st st between the pattern. This should make the correct size....well...it seems a little tight.

I don't know...I keep trying it on every couple rounds...I have never been more unsure of a sock.

I may keep knitting this...maybe not...I don't know....I just don't know.

I see what you are doing. You are challenging me...I won't give up...I accept the challenge!

8 comments:

Scoutj said...

My sock pal doesn't have a blog either and it's hard!

Anonymous said...

Oh the agony! The colour is so beautiful - I have a narrow ankle and foot, so if all else fails, I will be a pal for you!~! I did not get in on this project, but once I get my blog up and running and I find out more about it, I just might join when it starts again. Happy knitting! Sorting out nests of tangled yarn is just not that much fun!

Ashley said...

Ack--how stressful. I think some kind of lacy wool sock is a good compromise though--warm, but breathable. You will rise to the challenge--I know it!

(If I knew where your pal was from I'd tell you--but only alison has the top secret swap info!)

j a r e d said...

ouch, what a headache! i trust that you'll come out victorious in the end!!! with such persistence, how could you (k)not?

alison said...

I'm glad you're accepting the challege! That's the right attitude.

Of course if you want to know where your sock pal is from, just ask me and I'll send you the info. I didn't send out addresses because of the temptation of many to send early and the fact that LOTS of people are moving and would have to have those addresses resent anyway.

Best of luck with those socks. What you had looked so lovely!

Anonymous said...

Oh, that is hard! Bummer for all your attempts, but the yarn is lovely. If that helps at all.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there! My pal has a blog, and a very distinctive style - and look where it's gotten me! Insanity, that's where!

Tracy Batchelder said...

I think it would be very hard to knit a pair of socks for someone else. I guess that's why I never have before. You're going to get it right, I know!