Spiral Boot Socks
Pattern: Spiral Boot Socks, by Véronik Avery, Interweave Knits Summer 2007. The pattern was fun to knit and easy to adjust as you go along, although I think it's pretty forgiving in general as far as fit goes. So many more knee socks are rising to the top of my Ravelry queue, thanks to the success of this pair.
Modifications: Lighter weight yarn and smaller needles than called for. Knit an extra several rows in the top edging section with an eyelet row for lacing a ribbon or crocheted tie through to prevent slippage, just in case they need it, although they fit perfectly right now. They were lengthened, too: 25 repeats in first leg section before the first decrease row, 25 repeats in second leg section before the second decrease row, and 30 repeats in third leg section before starting the heel, which is my usual wrapped heel. Also, as usual, the heels an toes are knit with two strands of the yarn held doubled for durability.
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss, Cocoa, 3 skeins, salvaged from frogged Clessidras. This yarn has been guilt tripping me ever since then, begging to be knit up, and then all of a sudden something clicked, putting it together with this pattern. After that, cast on was immediate, and the knitting of these was obsessive AND very enjoyable. A very nice yarn. My only regret is that it's not machine washable as the similar Regia Silk is so, unfortunately, these won't be every-day-knock-around-the-house-picking-up-shedding-dog-hair-socks. Occasional wear only. I suppose they'll last longer that way.
Needles: size #1 dpns.
A good part of progress on the second sock took place thanks to two solid hours of knitting at the DMV waiting to get my driver's lisence renewed. While there, overheard between a sweet elderly couple waiting there too: "Well, we'll never have to do this again." : )
And, because they're "boot socks":
Born Brenners, found locally and deeply discounted at the end of the season, after having my eye on them all winter long. With these, my 10 year+ search for the perfect boots (within my price range) has finally come to an end. Phew. They even came pre-darkened at the toes so I don't have to worry about getting them dirty, as I would so quickly do on my own.
Love the socks and love the boots, I have serious envy problems! Thank goodness it is warm here in the UK and birkenstocks are the only sutiable footwear, so I have a few months to track down boots and knit knee socks. Of course as soon as I post this the weather will break. Beautiful and inspiring as always thank-you.
Posted by: lucy | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 02:39 AM
Perfecto ! Wondered what you were working on; you're always clickin' those needles. And the boots...gosh, I'm glad you can't see just how green I really am !
Posted by: mindy | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 03:20 AM
those socks are gorgeous... love the color, the pattern, and the cute scalloped garter at the top. The boots are perfect, too! Worth waiting for.
Posted by: melody | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 05:18 AM
i totally love them! they look great. love the shot with the boots ;)
Posted by: lolly | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 06:16 AM
gah! those socks are so cool!!
Posted by: Hillary | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I love your socks and boots! Now I may need to try knee high socks, you inspire me to try it!
Posted by: Senja | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Fabulous socks!
And now I have boot envy!
Posted by: bethany | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Love both the socks and the boots!
Posted by: Hege | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I love, love, love these socks. I am jealous of you socks and boots but of your knitting skills as well. I have tried socks and just can't pull it off. Do you ever sell socks? I have been scouring Etsy for some but haven't been able to find any that I like.
Posted by: Jackie | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Lovely socks! You're making me wanna knit knee highs again – although I've never worn the ones I've already knit. :-)
Posted by: terhi | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Wonderful socks! I have this pattern in my queue right now, I hope to have them done for fall. :0) I really like the colourway you chose, too.
Posted by: Charity | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Your socks are so inspirational! I am making my first knee socks and yours have me all hopped up to knit, knit, knit.
What a wild thing to overhear. Simple yet very profound.
Posted by: KT | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I love the reflection of you, with your child. Beautiful socks and color too.
Posted by: mary jane | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:21 AM
I love your reflection, with your child. The socks and color are beautiful too.
Posted by: mary jane | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Sorry for the double entry, I'm at work and things work oddly sometimes with the stealth factor!
Posted by: mary jane | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Fantastic socks and boots! I am still on the quest for the perfect boots for me. Going to have to go add that sock pattern to my ravelry queue-thx!
Posted by: sUsAn | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Oh my goodness, I LOVE those knee-highs! And those boots, too! I don't have any boots right now and I've been looking around a bit for even what kind to purchase when the time is right. These are perfect!
Posted by: Berlinswhimsy | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Beautiful socks.
Posted by: Sharon | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 06:25 PM