Year of Projects, Year 2: Sock saga and yarn haul
My first pair of knit socks seem to be drama queens. Not only did they demand to be restarted several times for various reasons, but then they broke this perfectly good bamboo needles after just one day of use.
I bought these on Wednesday night after work because the small sized metal needles were really bothering my hand. The first few days were day was smooth sailing with these comfy needles. And then when I went to start knitting on Friday, the needle snapped in half.
It took what seemed like hours (but was probably 20 minutes) of delicate maneuvers to rescue all the stitches and get everything back onto the metal needles.
I’m only able to do a few rounds at a time with the metal needles before my hands really start bothering me. But I did get to row 9 in the cable chart, and even started shaping for the gusset.
You can make out the beginnings of a cable pattern.
The only consolation is that once I’m done, I’ll be done. There won’t be another sock to make later since I’m doing them both at the same time.
I’m about 95% sure these socks will be loose. Sock people: How much smaller do you size your socks? My foot circumference is 9 inches and I went with the 8 inch size. Would 7 inches be a better choice? I’m pretty sure my gauge is relatively ok (all of the needle switching has led to a few looser or tighter rows, but it still seems to be in the 8 stitches per inch zone).
Besides the slowly moving socks, I’ve started on another YOP project.
My special order of yarn – Cascade 220 Superwash in 1915 Banana Cream – arrived at Knitty City and I picked it up on Friday. The yarn was pricey, but you can’t skimp out when it comes to mom, right?
This is my first time getting the jumbo bag. I was so excited about it that I snapped a picture on the pedestrian island on Broadway and 79th Street.
It's a subtle color, and I think it will look great in my mom's bedroom.
I’m still working on my first square – I fiddled around with hooks a bit before settling on a G. This blanket will be a welcome relief from the socks. (I never thought a blanket could be relief from another project, so that tells you how much I’m liking the socks.)
For more Year of Projects posts, visit Come Blog-a-long on Ravelry.
Very rude of your needle to break like that! Socks should not be that much of a hassle I say! They look great though! And I’m in awe that you’re doing 2 at a time. I’ve been knitting socks for years and can’t get myself over that hurdle!
So true, Suzy. I would reprimand the needle, but I don’t think it will do any good.
Those socks are going to be beautiful, I’m sorry about the frogging and the broken needles, they are just testing you. Sizewise, I work more by needle size and no of stitches. My first pair were 64 stitches on 2.75mm needles, and they were a bit loose. The next pair are 64 stitches on 2.5mm and I’ll see how they go.
That yarn for your mum is lovely!
These socks are definitely testing me, Kate. Thanks for the hints!
Great looking socks, bummer about the needle though. Not sure I’m much help on the gauge size as I’m relatively new to socks but I admire anyone who does two at a time. Love the bag and the yarn is pretty gorgeous to, looking forward to seeing the squares.
Thanks, Ruth! The two at a time thing is easier than it seems. I like that I can repeat each round twice while it’s still fresh in my head.
I pretty much have to use metal needles on anything smaller than a US #4 because I will snap them, regardless if I’m making socks or something on straights.
It doesn’t bother me or my hands, however.
Someday, I’ll try socks toe-up…and/or two-at-a-time.
That’s a good point, Renee Anne. I haven’t used knitting needles this small before (and for crochet, I always use metal hooks).
I have their small bag, it’s quite sturdy! I love that banana cream yarn and I agree, you can’t skimp out on Mom!
I love the small bag, too, Vanessa! I have about 3 and I use them to carry my projects around so I can work on the subway.
I usually go for about 10% of negative ease stitchwise (or 1-2″) with socks, but I also have an issue with superwash in that it always grows more than I think it will (even when I plan for it to grow) and then I end up giving my socks away… It helps to have a number of different sized feet around so that if it doesn’t work for one person it will for another
Haha, good point, cleancup. I know a lot of people with different sized feet, but the colors are fairly bold for some of them.
Oh no! Sorry you are having so much trouble with the socks! They look amazing though. I look forward to seeing your work on the blanket. Love the square you created for it!
Thanks, Jen. Right now, that blanket is my respite from the socks
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You should be fine after going down an inch, especially as patterns with cables in them tend to have less stretch. I don’t know if I would have gone down at all, but I am a very tight knitter!
That’s a good point about the cables, Michelle. These will hopefully be the right amount of snug when they are finished.
I agree that 10% negative ease is the most common for socks. I think you will be fine with the 8″. And the wool for your moms blanket is so dreamy looking.
Thanks, Marsha! I wasn’t sure if I was still making them too big, so I appreciate all the sock people who are helping me out!
No help with the sock question, still something I’ve not tried. How nasty brand new needles to break like that. You should take them back to the shop. They should hold up better then that. Two on one needle….beyond my comprehension. Love the colors.
Thanks, Sandy. These colors are out of my comfort zone, but I’m really liking how they are coming along.
Totally don’t get the gauge thing, so when I come to make mine, I will pick your brains after you’ve Sussed it all out! Isn’t it exciting to get the yarn for a new project, I too would have taken pictures….looking forwward to seeing progress on your socks, they look amazing so far!
Haha, you are welcome to consult with my on gauge issues, Faith!
Sorry you’ve had so much trouble with the socks. I feel a little responsible
I NEVER knit socks with wood needles – they’re just too thin and snap too easily. Especially on cables or twisted stitches or P2togs, or anything fiddly. Besides they’re never sharp enough to suit me. I don’t use metal needles either because they’re too slippery and all the other reasons you mention. I use Blackthorn dpns which are carbon fiber – can’t break ‘em, not too slippery, sharp as all get out. LOVE them!
Do I have a specific width? Not really. I’d imagine it’s 10-15% negative ease. Generally I find a primary stitch count of about 72 sts on size 0 needles with a stretchy stitch pattern works best for me. I have quite narrow feet (AA).
That banana yellow is yummy! LOOK AT ALL THAT YARN!
Oh, no, don’t blame yourself, Minding My Own Stitches! You are my sock knitting hero
. Thanks for sharing your tips – when I try DPNs, I will keep carbon in mind.
I have never had a needle snap on me before – I am not sure what I would do! Glad you were able to recover all the stitches over to new needles. On the silver lining side of things, the socks are looking fabulous!
Thanks, Cris! I’m sure you would hold your breath and rescue as many stitches as you can
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Well, I’m having trouble and I’m only doing 1 sock! LOL! Good for you with 2 and they look great! I did not have a needle break but I did have my Hiya-Hiya metal ones unscrew from the cable twice and like you I had to stop breathing, not move and weave them back on to the cable. Now I’m paranoid and checking them constantly to see if they’re tight.
I love the color of the yarn for your Mom’s blanket. Gorgeous! I know what you mean about a blanket being a relief! LOL! Have a great week and good luck with the socks and the blanket.
It is pretty scary when the needle dislodges itself from the tiny stitches, isn’t it, slicher? I’m glad to hear you saved your sock stitches. Thanks for your kind words about my socks and the blanket.
I find it so interesting how everyone has such varied and specific preferences for their needles– I am an addi metal girl, and only addis! I think I am the opposite of you as the bamboo kill my hands. The socks are truly beautiful and lucky you to be doing 2 at a time. That method is what I hope to conquer this year.
Have a super week!
*smiles*
Thanks, Kim! I usually use Chiaogoo Red Lace needles, but I guess the small size and tight tension are what’s troubling my hands.
First, return the needles. The store should give you credit or something. As for sizing, it sounds like we have about the same size feet. I usually make the mid-range size, but it all depends on the socks. My favourite socks, (Lenore – I’ve made three pairs) I do the medium size, but on a larger needle. The good thing with top-ups is that you can adjust them as you go.
Good luck.
Thanks for the sizing suggestions, Keri!
I was also going to say return the needles. I love your color choice. I want to learn to do 2 at a time, but socks are my waterloo, so I am NO help! However, I can advocate pyrex needles. They are triangular (at least mine are) and the stitches are so uniform and easy to manage. Plus, they are lifetime guaranteed. If they break, you simply send for a new pair.
Thanks for the tip, misty. I looked up pyrex needles and I couldn’t find any in size 1 though
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I hope you love the socks when they’re done!
I totally get your excitement with all that yarn! I’m sure your mom is going to be thrilled!
Thanks, Robin. I hope I love them, too!
Well the socks look lovely, even if they won’t behave! I hope they’re going better now. Also, yummy yarn!
Thanks, Emma. I’m hoping they will be awesome when they are finished.