I recently discovered the "Norwegian Rose Sock" pattern by Wendy D. Johnson. It's a pattern in her newest book, "Toe-Up Socks for Every Body". I loved the pattern, but not a fan of toe-ups, so I tried to get it out of my mind. No Could Do!!!! (Yes, I know I could have easily knit it as a cuff-down, but somehow I always feel obligated to knit a pattern as intended, for the most part. At least the first time I knit it.)
So...I bought the book, revisited her first book, "Socks from the Toe Up" which I have had since April of 2009, and have barely looked at it until now.
I knit several pairs of Toe-ups years and years ago......when it was a new concept, and the patterns were not nearly as refined and perfected as they obviously are these days. These were sheer pleasure! (Not to say that I will become a toe-up convert, but I will no longer shun a pattern due to this construction.)
I cast on a pair of plain vanilla socks (with gusset heel construction) to test the toe-up waters. Hmmmm - pretty smooth sailing, so I took the plunge with the Norwegian Rose pattern.
The Peachy ones are knit out of a Lisa Souza "Sock!" yarn that I had balled and waiting in my stash. Ball band is gone, so not sure of the color. It so reminds me of Dreamsicles. 72 stitches, totally knit on size 2.00 mm (US 0) needles.
The NR are knit out of Cascade Heritage. I really like it for color work. I know how it will handle, it's superwash, so can be gifted with abandon, and the line of colors is growing. Oh, and it's also available at my LYS, which is another plus! These have 74 stitches, knit on 2.25mm needles - except the toes, heel and ribbing cuff which were all knit on 2.00 mm.
I really like both of these, so knitting sock #2's will be no problem.....No worries about fit, etc, so knitting bliss.
9 comments:
Awesome!! I'd add more adjectives, but I'm late for work. :-)
Blogger isn't cooperating today on comments...geezzz.
I just wanted to tell you I love both the colors and the design of these socks...toe up, I'm not that brave yet. I can't seem to knit on sz.1 needles without alot of frustration...Kudo's to you on sz.0 someday I'll join you.
Wow, both socks are lovely and how you manage to do colorwork socks on US size 0 needles always amazes me. Do you use bobbins for the color changes and dpns or circulars, I forget?
NIcely done, Kathy. I love them both. You've encouraged me to try toe-up! Your second color was variagated and really a nice choice!
Sometimes I really do think we are twins separated at birth! I, too, have been testing the toe-up sock waters and have found them quite intriguing. I just checked out Wendy's first book from the library. They don't have the second book, so I may just have to cave and buy it. And I also have a new favorite sock yarn and - you guessed it - Heritage. I'm working on some top down socks with it and it's an absolute dream.
Very pretty!
I like both socks but the Norwegian Rose is a work of art! I am in awe of you being able to knit such a gorgeous pattern toe-up!
The Lisa Souza yarn looks like "Canteloupe". It is a favorite in the Lisa Souza colorways.
These are great! I'm determined to learn how -- want to make 2 socks on one circ toe-up. Then, I'll decide whether I like toe-up or cuff-down.
Love the mom socks. I think I have that same pattern.
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