Sockapalooza Indecision
February 21st, 2005Oh, it’s hard to make something for someone I don’t know. I have enough of a hard time choosing patterns and yarn for my own projects. I’m new to sock knitting, so I wanted to use a simple pattern and feature the yarn in the design. Unfortunately, none of my LYS’s have a good selection of red handpainted sock yarn, Stitches was a bust as far as sock yarn goes, and going into the long weekend, I just wanted to get started. The deadline is looming.
I settled on a solid-color Koigu in a beautiful crimson red. That’s cool; I’ll use a pattern with some texture. I can deal. I really wanted to use the Diagonal Rib Socks pattern from the subscriber section of IWKnits, but it’s at 7 stitches per inch, and I like this yarn at 9 s.p.i. So I settled on the Waving Laces Socks from IWKnits Spring ‘04 issue:
The first leg is coming along nicely. The lace pattern is easy to memorize, it’s fun to knit, and two purl stitches on either side of the repeat make it nice and stretchy. But now I’m torn by doubt. I’m not sure it’s working in this color. Something about the red with a lace pattern just isn’t hitting it for me. I’m seeing these on a matronly woman in a kitchen full of geese with bows on their necks. Doesn’t seem right somehow. If, by chance, the recipient is a 20-30 something, would she like these socks?
Am I nuts? I’m close to ripping the whole thing and doing the extra math required to turn them into Diagonal Rib socks… Hmmm. Opinions welcomed.
February 21st, 2005 at 9:15 pm
Yes, you’re nuts! OK, I’m partial to red; no, I LOVE red. If your photo is accurate that’s a great, dark intense shade of red. It does NOT old lady with geese! I’m assuming your person likes red.
Might have to go mark that pattern myself.
February 22nd, 2005 at 11:27 am
It’s wonderful! Your pal will love it. It’s a great pattern and the red will be fun!
February 26th, 2005 at 11:39 am
What, what? My goodness, we just need to take a lookie in my sock drawer to quickly realize that this 24-year old has more red socks than white ones! I loooove that crimson-y red, and I think your sock pal will, too.
As for Louet, you’ll love it. Unfortunately, I’ve never felt the Pearl (fingering), but I’ve made two pairs of socks out of the Opal (sportweight), and my grandma has worn them through because she wore them every single day for months! Do let us know about the Pearl if you end up getting it. I think it will be very soft, and a bit more sturdy than KPM :)
February 28th, 2005 at 8:58 am
I’m not in my 20s, but I love red socks. I think the red lace is way less frumpy than the lavender used in the magazine. I don’t know if this will help or not, but Nancy Bush says in Sweden, red was the traditional color for women’s stockings. I personally love a nice bright red peaking out under black.
Besides, how could you go wrong with Koigu? Impossible.
February 28th, 2005 at 12:57 pm
I certainly wouldn’t mind red socks…I love that pattern you are using. I’ve had a hankering to knit socks lately. I can’t wait to get done with some current WIPs so I can get started!
March 2nd, 2005 at 7:27 am
I’m with Cassie! I often have second thoughts early in a project – will this work? Just go with your gut – they will be lovely in red!