My friend, Dot (Rantala Rags) gave me some sock yarn for my birthday. It's 75% superwash wool and 25% polyamide by Regia. I love the colors. This will be the second pair of socks I've made using self-striping yarn.
Like the last pair, I'm doing the toe-up version. I decided to do the short row toe and heel shaping. It had been a long time since I'd done any short rows, so I dug out my instructions. I recall that I didn't like the look of the last method I used so I went on line and did some research.
Do you know how many different ways short rows can be knitted? There's the wrap & turn, the Japanese short rows using safety pins, and the yarn over method. And of course there are variations of each of these methods, too.
Craftsy.com has a free mini-class on Short Rows taught by Carol Feller which I highly recommend for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of constructing short rows. I didn't realize how useful short rows can be in projects other than socks. My final choice was to follow Donna Druchunas' instructions from my Craftsy class, Knit Original Toe-Up Socks.
I had planned to make the toe for the second sock and then load them both on the circular needles so I could knit both socks at the same time. However, I also decided to switch to a larger size needle after making this first toe using size 1US needles. After the toe shaping was complete, I switch my needles to size 2US bamboo because I prefer using the bamboo. I'm knitting enough to test the size and last night I slipped this sock on my foot and it seems to fit just fine. I think I might continue and complete this sock before starting the other one.
Love the color of the yarn.
ReplyDeleteI love Regia yarn 'cause it works up so nicely. I have actually used this yarn and loved the results.
ReplyDeleteNice to find a fellow PNW knitter! I'm with you; I love bamboo needles because the stitches stay put! Nice socks!
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