Tall Boot Sock Recap

Tall Boot Sock Recap:
Linda, that you so much for the comment. This description is for you.

When DD requested a pair of knee socks to wear under her tall boots I wasn't sure where to look for a pattern. A toe-up would be the easiest way to start. Ravelry proved to be a wonderful place to start. I didn't find a free sock pattern that I liked but there was a .pdf to purchase. What a quick and easy way to shop!

I downloaded the pattern and started the Anne Diamond Knee Socks by Star Athena. These have a a lovely open work diamond pattern up the side. DD came home from college before I started the open work. She decided that the open work might not be as warm so the socks are in plain stockinette.

The first pair ended up too large and I had to scale them back. Instead, I dropped the purchased pattern and developed my own. I cast on 34 stitches with a provisional cast on. On each row I worked one less stitch each row by wrapping the last stitch down to 16 stitches. Then I reversed the process and picked up the wrapped stitch on each row and also wrapped one stitch at the end of each row until I had 34 stitches. To fit DD's foot, I knit stockinette for 6.5 inches and then worked a short row heel. I Knit for 11 inches without increases. Some knee stocks start increases closer to the ankle but DD wanted the socks to fit more snugly so they will stay up inside the boot. Increases for the calf started by adding 2 stitches in the middle of the back every inch - 3xs. After 15 inches I decreased back to 68 stitches and knit 2 inches of 1x1 ribbing.

I used a sewn bind off. This is the first time I tried that. It is a nice stretch bind off but the 1X1 is too stretchy. The next pair of socks I used 2X2 cuffs.

When next DD came home from college she tried on the socks and decided they are a little too short. DD is worried they will not stay up so I will add another inch to the sock cuff. I am glad that I started at the toe for these. It has been much easier to modify the fit.

She made the Equestrian team at her college but has not yet shown. This week end's show is the first time she made the show squad. It will be a home show. We will be there!

Weather - Please cooperate!

I have wanted to take pictures for the last two weeks but just have had no luck. With the time change, the fall light just isn't very bright. Add to that several days of drizzle and photos are just yucky. I finally gave in and too photos any way. I apologize for the poor quality.

I finished DD's Tall boot socks in the Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk Print. I love this yarn. It feels very warm but the silk makes it super soft. I bought some gray for myself and look forward to eventually knitting a pair for me. She tried them on last weekend and they are still about an inch shorter than she would like. I guess I will increase the ribbing. These suckers seem to go on forever.

I started socks number two. This set is out of Koigu in a dark burgundy. The yarn has tones of pink through a deep burgundy. I flew to Phoenix to a conference and finished the silk print, the first of the Koigu and half of the second during the trip and the conference. My boss and I sat down in a session and noticed that the woman in front of us was knitting. We engaged her in conversation and she mentioned that it helped her to concentrate. I didn't pay her to pay my boss that, really!!! She also has an Equestrian college daughter. My boss commented on our similarities.

I started another project to fill in between knitting socks. The socks get rather boring. It is the Ring of Lace Wrap by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer of HeartStrings Fiber Arts. The yarn is Schaefer Yarn Company Andrea in Elena Piscopia. It is a very easy lace pattern but I have had a difficult time getting the color to pool correctly. The pattern recommends a 2.25 size needle. After 5 starts, I finally followed the designer's directions for determining the needle size. I have moved to a 5 but I am wondering if a 6 would not be even better. I am very surprised at the discrepancy in needle size.

I have been very lax is my blogging lately. I think some of that has to do with the lack of comments. I do blog for myself but I would enjoy some feedback. You wonder if anyone out there is reading. You can imagine my surprise when I added the Cluster Map and found that people are looking! Wow, thanks!

Happy knitting.