Leaves of Grass Anklet Socks

I did it.  I joined the millions of sock knitters out there and knit up my very first pair of socks.

When I was hunting around for a pattern that might portray my variegated, handpainted yarn favorably, I happened upon this pattern.  It didn't come with a picture of the finished product, but I decided to go with it anyway after reading the description: "The color choice here directly influenced the sock design - it's a pale green with subtle aqua and purple flecks in it."  Hmmm.  Pale green.  Check.  Aqua.  Double Check. Purple.  Yup.  Who cares if my yarn had aqua and purple segments rather than flecks?  The Leaves of Grass socks sounded perfect.

I have pretty narrow feet (my feet look pretty big in the picture, but I'm actually a size 6, 6.5; like I said, narrow feet), and since I like a tight-fitting sock, I used size 0 needles.  I actually started out with a very long circular needle using the magic loop method.  After all, there had to be a reason for its popularity.  I wasn't thrilled about the technique after completing my first 10 rounds, especially since the looping produced a slight laddering effect.  So I switched to dpn's.  Ahhhhh, much better.  I don't know why double pointed needles have such a bad rap, but I love them.   They're definitely going to be my weapon of choice for future socks.

I followed the pattern exactly: 1x1 rib for the cuff, knit a heel flap, pick up gusset stitches, decrease for a bit, knit a lace instep, and top it all off with kitchener stitch for the toe.  The 8-row repeat of the lace pattern was pretty easy to memorize, so the socks made for a great portable project.  I'm starting to understand why there are so many avid sock knitters out there.  Although I wouldn't say the socks were necessarily a quick knit for me, finishing the pair was very gratifying.  As a girl who's sock drawer is completely filled with either black or white socks (and socks with dancing cows and flying pigs hidden waaaay in the back), having this pair of socks on hand is very refreshing.  I've got to admit that I've only worn them around the house, and haven't yet mustered the courage to wear them outside, but that doesn't diminish my affection for them.  I love them.  They're my lounging socks.

Kyle's hinted that he wants a pair, too.  Except, no lace, he says.  And, um, a solid color.  I'll see what I can do.

Comments

[lera]

they look absolutely great (and comfy)! seeing all of your nice, knitted projects makes me want to learn.

[Stephanie]

Congrats! They are super cute!

[Kari]

They look WONDERFUL!!! Really pretty, I love the pattern you chose! I think the yarn actually started out as Knit Picks Dye-Your-Own, so you could totally get more and dye a solid color for Kyle!

I'd be nervous about wearing socks out, too! (Although I'm not sure I could knit a pair cuz I wear them out so fast!)

[Sandra]

yay, welcome to the wonderful world of sock knitting! wow, can't believe those are your first pair, impressive. :)

and i don't be timid, wear your socks outside! be proud!!!!

[Becky]

So pretty! I love the look of the variegated yarn. You chose the pattern well, I think it really suits (the leafy pattern is lovely).

[anna]

oh, i love those! i usually am not a huge fan of knitted socks because they come out so thick, but these are so delicate and the colors are wonderful.

[merlinthecat]

OMG is that my sock yarn? Those sock look so pretty!