September Socks

Arrr, mateys! They be done at last!

Pattern: combination basic sock pattern + this chart. You can download a full page chart from that link in PDF form.

Yarn: Universal Yarns Pace, in black, cream, red, and gray, one skein each, $6 a piece.

Needles: US 2 47" circular, and 7" double points

Here are some notes from my socks:

1. The intarsia argyle pattern is worked back and forth. You will have to seam the back of the cuff later.

2. There are 68 stitches in the chart. I cast on two extra stitches (70 total) in order to have selvedge stitches for the seam.

3. If you're making a cuff down sock, you must read the chart upside down in order for the skull to face the correct way.

4. I used duplicate stitch to add all the white stitches after my red/gray/black diamond colorwork was complete.

I seamed the cuff as soon as all of the colorwork was done, then joined the sock into the round and worked 10 more rows before starting the heel. I used a basic slip one, knit one heel flap and alternated red and white every two rows, starting the new color on the purl row. I turned the heel using only the red. I worked the gusset and the foot in black, and a row before I started the toe decreases, I went back to the red and white striping. Finish with my favorite kitchener stitch, and ahoy! (Or "avast", depending.)

These socks were a very fun knit. The only part I had trouble with was the stockinette feet, which went on for.ev.er. But I've gotten a ton of compliments while I've been knitting them, and I can't wait to wear them. I love the groan and eye-rolling every time I tell someone new that these are ARRRRRgyle socks.

I have plans for another pair of argyles in the works. I have an idea for an all-over argyle that just might work.

Oh, I almost forgot. I made the whole pair with only one ball of the black Pace. For size 12 mens feet, that ain't bad. Leftovers shown with a mangled quarter for scale.

I had tons of leftovers in the other colors.

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A couple of things for housekeeping's sake:

1. The PPTC never applied, Brenda... she was self-appointed. There wasn't much I could do to stop her. Today one of my other co-workers provided the model feet for the arrrgyles, and the PPTC couldn't resist showing off her snazzy feet as well. She thought my blog readers would appreciate her "kick-butt-then-take-names" shoes.

2. The fullness of the stripey goodness will be revealed in due time. The PPTC has declared it due by the end of the month, so you will see it in its entirety then. And hopefully soon after that you will see it on its intended recipient. Eeeeeeee!!

3. This is your last chance to win some sock yarn! Just leave a comment on the CPH post by midnight tonight (I'm going to be generous and give you until midnight Pacific Time... you lucky dogs!), for your chance to win one of four amazing, outstanding, soon-to-be-cleared-out-of-my-stash sock yarns! And probably some surprises thrown in, too! How lucky can you get!?!?!

(Okay, that's my allotment of exclamation points for about three years. See you tomorrow.)