The second pattern for Tour-de-Sock was released Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Vince isn’t quite as excited about this little competition as I am and he doesn’t totally approve of my life revolving 99.9% around getting a sock done.
One thing I’ve learned is that I’m a very slow knitter compared to many. The pattern was released at 5, I knitted til about 1 a.m. and had about half of one leg done. I went to bed, woke up at 5 a.m. and there were already people who had finished BOTH socks. I would love to sit and watch them knit!
When I saw the pattern, my heart sank. My first thoughts were . . I give up! Charts! Lots of charts. I avoid charts like the plague. There are enough patterns out there with written instructions that I’m usually ok without having to do charts. But then I reminded myself that I am not a quitter. Worst thing that can happen is I don’t finish during the allotted time and if I don’t even try, there’s a guarantee that I will not get it done. So, I took a deep breath and downloaded the pattern.
Then there was a needle dilemma. I prefer double point needles. The pattern was written for two circular needles. It was pretty easy to adapt to using DPNs but then I was confusing myself so I searched and found 2 – 2.25 mm circular needles. One of them had a dull edge and as snagging so I kept searching and found another one, but it was 42″ long and I kept getting myself all tangled up in that long cable. Finally, I said . . heck with it all, I’ll just use the 1 – 42″ cable and do the magic loop, although I wasn’t a fan of magic loop but after working with it a while, I think I like it.
There’s a pile of reject needles sitting on the floor by my chair.
Tour-de-Sock
It’s a good thing I love cables! Here’s my stopping spot on Sock #2 from last night.
Tour-de-Sock
You would think that with such a hard pattern, the back could be plain, right? Wrong!
Tour-de-Sock
Even the gusset is beautiful!
Tour-de-Sock
This pattern is by Heidi Nick, whose patterns I’ve never done before but she has some gorgeous sock patterns. The pattern is so well written, it’s been easy to follow and understand. I’m so glad I didn’t give up before I started on this one.
That is one gorgeous pattern, don’t you think?
wanda j says
Still don’t understand how all that ribbing and all doesn’t hurt your feet when wearing. Mashing up against shoe.It must be really soft or my feet my be really tender. I like nice smooth socks in my boots during the winter. What am I missing or doing wrong. These socks are so pretty.
Carolyn says
You are much braver than I am…it’s a gorgeous sock! I keep threatening to amputate my husband’s foot because I finished a sock for him about 3 years ago…he’s still waiting for the mate. It would be easier to amputate…
Karen Sutton says
The sock is beautiful. I about died when I saw all the charts but once I read the pattern half a dozen times I think I’ll get this pair done. It’s my first time using two circulars – I’ve watched a bunch of youtube videos and once I got the hang of it I like it.
Joyce says
That’s a gorgeous pattern. My problem with many sock patterns is that I have really narrow feet, and so most of the prettiest patterns don’t fit me. Sometimes i can get them to work by using smaller needles, but it’s a pain (literally) to knit socks with size 0 needles! I always rejoice when a pattern has a “small” option.
Teri Jordan says
Love Carolyn’s comment…..the sock is beautiful….
Teri Jordan says
Oh I forgot….I also love magic loop….
Quilter Kathy says
That is gorgeous… and looks so challenging to make!
Way to stick with it!
Glenda says
It’s really helpful that you tell us about your problems. I decided it’s time for me to learn to knit socks, and I’ve been struggling for a week now, trying different patterns and different needles and different yarn. I thought a bulky sleep sock would be easy, but it wasn’t. Then I tried worsted weight. Didn’t work. Now I’ve settled on sock yarn and two circulars. Of course I’ve worn ruts in the streets between my house and the yarn shop, buying yarn and different sizes and kinds of needles. I’m going to remind myself of you and your struggles when I want to give up. Which I do, every day.
The pictures of people’s well-stocked sock drawers, full of colorful socks knitted from exotic yarns, are inspiring, but it’s helpful to be reminded that other people struggle, too. Otherwise I feel so alone.
Weren’t you thinking of doing a sock KAL?