Two Half-Socks

I finished up two socks last night — unfortunately they weren’t two socks belonging to the same pair.  They aren’t even remotely the same size, so I couldn’t even pull off the “fraternal twin” socks-look.  But they’re both sure pretty!

The first one was a quick knit.  (Hoping the second one will go just as fast!)  It’s knit using Schaefer Lola, which is a nice heavyweight yarn (sport weight-ish?) to knit socks with. The color is from a new color series that Schaefer is doing — famous knitters!  This colorway is Elizabeth Zimmerman.  (Hence why I had to have it.)

I used a basic magic loop sock pattern (written by Pat at The Neighborhood Knit Shop) and threw in 3×1 ribbing for the whole cuff and the instep.

This pair is a surprise for my husband (so shhhh, don’t tell.)

The other pair of socks I’ve been working on from time to time are for me!

These are the socks the January socks for Blue Moon Fiber Arts’ Rockin’ Sock Club.  This is my first year doing their sock club and I am thrilled already.  I understand why so many people join and re-join every year.  This month’s colorway is called Singin’ the Blues and is a mix of greens and blue hues.

The pattern is called Queen of Beads and it’s by Silvia Harding.  It’s a beautiful lattice pattern with twisted stitches to define the criss-crosses.  Then at the intersections of the latticework, there’s a cluster of four sparkly glass beads.  They’re beautiful!  I’ve never knit socks with beads before, but I’m finding it surprisingly fun and interesting.

This sock was also the first time that I tried a tubular cast on.  I did as the pattern said — though I was skeptical — casting on with waste yarn, knitting a few rounds, then picking the waste yarn back out.  I thought surely the whole thing would fall apart!  But lo and behold, it held and is one of the most stretchy cuffs I’ve ever knit.  I’m impressed!  I’ll almost certainly use it for future projects.

Now I have two un-matched socks.  Guess that means it’s time to cast on their mates…