Peacefully Knitting

The sock project with the cable cuff started out good but did not end up good.  The sock is “huge” and needless to say I will be ripping it out and trying a different pattern.

From the words of Theresa Vinson Stenersen of Knitty.com (Winter 2003) ~

“In Japan, the kajika goes kerokero. In Spain the rana sings cruá-cruá. A beka would say bre-ke-ke in Hungary. Here in Norway, frosker sier kvakk.

In the knitting world, however, frogs say “rip it, rip it.” And that’s the reason knitters use the term “frogging” as they merrily unravel their hours worth of knitting.  Okay, it’s not always a particularly fun thingto do, especially if you’ve found a glaring error and have to rip back something complicated like air-isle or lace. But it can be incredibly liberating to admit that, well, this here just ain’t working, while possessing the sure knowledge that you have the skill and talent to make something beautiful out of a monstrosity. And if you really can’t bear to take your knitting apart alone, find a friend [next door or on-line] and turn your trip to the frog pond into a party!

The term frogging gives the impression of a rather exuberant ripping out of knitted stitches. But undoing your knitting stitch by stitch – technically known as tink-ing[that's "knit" spelled backwards] – can also be a useful trick to master. It’s quite easy to be knitting along and realize you’ve gotten your ribbing off one stitch during the particularly exciting bit of that movie you’re watching on television.”

So, on that note, I will be using the yarn for a different project and pull out the sock yarn I recently purchased in Prescott at a Good Yarn and start a new pair socks. 

 Mental note: create swatch to check gauge before knitting sock.

Last night while flipping through Nicki Epstein’s “Knitting on the Edge”, I came across a contrast cable pattern that I thought would be great for the cuff of my new pair of socks.  I was right, it ‘s great.  The cable band is knitted with Debbie Bliss’s Merino DK with the contrasting color the main color of the sock in Grignasco Top Print 100% Alpaca.  The cable band is 9″ long and has been neatly joined in the back.  I casted on 60 stitches and divided evenly onto three size 2 US double pointed needles to start the sock.  This yarn knits beautifully and is so soft ~ I can’t wait to wear this pair of socks.

This has been a wonderful experiment so far on how versatile your socks can be and the ideas that flow through your head as you knit something different, something new.  By doing the cable topped cuff of the sock, I now have an idea to incorporate a elaborate cable band on my next pair. 

Happy knitting!

I have finished my pair of ankle socks and I am pleased with the way they turned out.  The only thing I am bummed about is I wasn’t able to find the exact run of yarn for my second sock to have a somewhat matching pair in stripes.  Oh well, practice makes perfect.  I do love the way they fit and the way the feel.  My goal is to knit as many socks as possible in a variety of colors and patterns ~ by doing so, I can dispose on the store bought socks I’ve accumulated over the years.  I would love to be able to learn to knit socks like Glenna C (Knitting to Stay Sane) and no that her knitting expertise comes from years of knitting and trying out new patterns.  I am ready to embark on my purchase of Cherry Hill Yarn and try a patterned sock.    Wish me luck!

Happy knitting to all….