Wednesday 12 September 2012

Blissfully Soft Lambpaca Socks

 

I have finally finished my socks.  I used one of the 100gram skeins of 50-50 Lambswool and Alpaca DK and hand painted the yarn.   You can find this yarn on my Yarn Page.  Dyeing is always a very exciting process  for me as I never know what I am going to get.  I loved the outcome and was surprised to see how the colour pooled according to the stitch I used. A wonderful designer Cat Bordhi shared her methods on You Tube.  I have used some of her methods and have her links below.  I wanted them snug on my feet for warmth and will thus make the sock wear evenly. I used Patty Joy's magic loop  toe up two at a time cast on method which can also be found on You Tube.  I only increased at the toes until I reached the top of my little toe and I then continued knitting until I reached the top of  my leg. 
 
I decreased a certain amount of stitches so that they fitted well around my ankles.  I used 1 x rib for the leg until the yarn was nearly finished. I used Jeny Staiman's surprisingly stretchy bind off which can also be found on You Tube and finished the sock.  Let me know what you think and if you want me to demonstrate the methods I used and you are local and I can arrange a demo.  You can also purchase a single pattern from Cat Bordhi on Ravelry for $6.
 


This weight of yarn makes a good 'proper'  boot sock.  Very cushionie, soft and very warm.  I didn't want to take them off.  I promise you that the softness of the yarn always surprises everyone that tries them on.  The leg 1x rib makes a good thickness and protects the ankle from boot rubs and keeps you warm on those very chilly days.  When using walking boots the top of the socks fit nicely with them.  It is super easy and quick   Just keep trying it on as you knit it and it and they will be perfect. Let me know what you think.
 
I used Cat Bordhi's 'sweet tomatoe heel'.  There is a tutorial for this heel on you tube.  To view this video click on the following link .http://tinyurl.com/4x4xmp2.    http://tinyurl.com/3dayxlt I highly recommend her fantastic book and if you wish to purchase it click on the following link http://catbordhi.com/books/cats-sweet-tomato-heel-socks-3/