Now that I've more or less gotten over the bitterness of Sock Wars, I've taken on a new, non-competitive sock swap--Sockapalooza Four. There are 1,006 knitters signed up for this swap, and the socks are due to be mailed the day before my 20th high school reunion in August. Plenty of time to knit something nice for my Pal, and to knit it right. No hoping that gauge is close, or accepting that the socks are "just about" the same size!! I think that I will use the Sundara Yarn above for my pal's socks--it's Caribbean over Light Blue. The yarn depends a little on which pattern I choose, of course--I can't risk running out of yarn! I think that this yarn will look beautiful with a twisted stitch pattern, and I've wanted to try that technique for awhile. Right now, these are the patterns I'm leaning towards, and some photo examples--any help deciding would be greatly appreciated:
From Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road: Conwy or Canal du Midi (also lovely in green here). Both of these are really nice, and I keep wavering about which I like more. The Conwy is so orderly and tidy looking, while the Canal du Midi has more intricate stitches on the top and a plain back. My Pal has indicated that she prefers thinner socks, so less bulk on the back is probably better.
Another option is the Bavarian Rockstar. I'm not sure where I first saw this, but a completed pair is here. One big advantage to this pattern is that it is knit toe-up, so I can knit until I'm out of yarn. However, the pattern on the back of the leg seems a little bulky, although the chart doesn't look that way.
Option #4: Bavarian Twisted Stitch socks (on the Knitpicks site) from Cat Bordhi's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles.
Option #5: Clessidra from Knitty--this is the least likely of the bunch, but I'm still sort of considering it, though it would require a lot more yarn. Plus, there could be additional fit issues, what with them being knee-highs. I'd have to ask for more measurements from my sock pal, and then somehow incorporate them into the knitting. Yikes!
If anyone has feedback about these options, or similar alternatives, please let me know. The Canal du Midi is the front-runner, but I do waver when I look at the other options!
9 comments:
Wow--that Bavarian Rockstar pattern looks pretty amazing. That one gets my vote. But the Canal du Midi has all that ribbing up the back and that would make it easier to guarantee a fit. But I still vote for rockstar... I think choosing a pattern has been the toughest part of sockapalooza--choosing a yarn was easy! You've got some great patterns here and I don't think you could go wrong.
All of those are lovely. No matter what you choose, that yarn is gorgeous and will be great in any of those patterns. LOVE the color!
I am a huge Nancy Bush fan (have all her books) so of course her patterns would work. But that Bavarian Rockstar...I love it! In fact, I just bought a copy for myself.
I vote the Canal Du Midi I love those if I had that book i would be knitted that pattern for sure!!!
They're all pertty and so is the Sundara Yarn!
Oh hey, I'm glad you liked my Canal du Midi socks. I was not at all sold on the pattern at first but I was very pleased with the results. It took a few pattern repeats to see the pattern clearly so if you go that route, don't give up early.
The Canal du Midi is lovely--and that Sundara color is gorgeous!
The Bavarian rock star socks are not that bulky on the back, I am wearing mine right now. I have made the conwy too, they are very nice and of course less bulky because most of it is place stockinette stitch.
Ulla, who knitted the Bavarian rock star socks you link to ;-)
Glad you liked my Conwy socks. Nancy Bush has designed some really gorgeous patterns, and these were a real pleasure to knit.
You've sold me on that Bavarian Rockstar pair though. I see yours are coming on a treat. :)
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