Posted under meanderings & socks
Earlier this month a friend asked me to test knit a pattern for her. Despite my best intentions of a speedy start, I only got around to starting them this weekend. So while I watched Deja Vu and The Devil Wears Prada (both excellent movies), I got busy with my first project as a test knitter.
Despite my dislike for the yarn, I’m really enjoying the Periwinkle Sock Pattern. It has just the right amount of lace to keep me interested, yet it’s easily memorized so that I can easily work on them with my attention divided. Even though I switched to a size 2.0mm needle from a size 2.5mm after 4 repeats, this sock is a winner as the fit is fantastic.
Speaking of needles, did you all see that Knitpicks has started carrying size 2.25mm needles? I am so elated that I even forked over the money for their pricey shipping to Hawaii. I figured out that even with the shipping the needles would come out to about $7 a pop, since I bought 4 pairs. That still makes them a better buy then Addi Turbos.
I do have a question for all of you, have you ever tried Lisa Souza’s sock yarn? What does it compare to? I have been suffering from some serious sock yarn lust lately, but I’d like to make some informed decisions before I take the plunge. I’m trying to stay away from too many impulse buys, but who knows how long that will last.
Also, I read the new book by the Yarn Harlot over the weekend and I absolutely loved it. She really knows the depths of passion and the overwhelming obsession we knitters have and I was so sad when the book ended. I wished it were a never ending story.
I wanted to run out to show all my non-knitting friends excerpts of the book so they could understand me. This is what I what I have been trying to say all these years, people! How I wish I had a quarter of her writing talent. Maybe I’ll just buy extra copies of the book as presents for my muggle friends. I’m sure they’ll all be extraordinarily delighted with my thoughtfulness.
When I mentioned this idea to Quincy, he kinda gave me a look. Hrm. What do you think he’s trying to say?
Alison on 21 May 2007 at 11:58 am #
I bought four skeins of Lisa Souza’s beautiful yarn, but have only used one skein (Shade Garden socks from 2006 FOs). I’ve worn the pair only a couple of times, so I can’t really say how well it will wear in the long run, but it is very soft stuff and beautiful colors!
I loved the Harlot’s new book. She really has found her niche.
debbie on 21 May 2007 at 12:06 pm #
that is a very pretty sock pattern. i have some lisa souza sock yarn in my stash; it’s 100% superfine merino superwash. at 4 oz/560yds, i’d say it was a very good buy at $16./skein. it’s rather cushy/soft probably because it’s loosely plied? (i don’t know how to explain cause i’m not a spinner) that’s about all i can tell you cause i have yet to knit it up….
Karen B. on 21 May 2007 at 12:46 pm #
I have Lisa Souza’s Merino Sock as well as her Hardtwist Merino Sock, which comes in the 500 yard skeins and the full range solid or variegated shades as her regular sock yarn. The hardtwist is comparable to Louet.
So what is Quincy saying? “Surely, you jest!”
Roseann on 21 May 2007 at 12:49 pm #
I am delighted to hear about the new KnitPicks needles, I have wanted 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm circulars for a long time. I know Crazy Fiber Lady (she is in my blog role) used Lisa Souza’s sock yarn and liked it a lot. Periwinkle is very pretty. I think Quincy might be saying “Isn’t it time for me to eat?” What a cutie!
Sue J. on 21 May 2007 at 2:21 pm #
I have some Lisa Souza in my stash and have used it once. It is so soft and very comfortable with which to knit. Excellent stitch definition. I also like her colorways and especially her solids. I sure think it’s worth a try. Quincy is saying “Give it a try, Mommy. While you’re waiting for it to arrive, you can properly adore me.”
Agnes on 21 May 2007 at 2:27 pm #
I like that pattern! Maybe I would use it for my sock pal … thanks for the heads up. Another thanks for the KnitPicks needles … they are smart business people, huh? I like their circular needles … comparable to the new Addi lace, and they have so many different sizes.
Jane on 21 May 2007 at 4:34 pm #
Very pretty sock pattern. I don’t know about Lisa Souza sock yarn. I only buy fiber and lace weight from her. I’d take a chance though on a skein since her colors are so fantastic. My sister has that new Yarn Harlot book and it is funny and accurate about the knitting clan. I found it very entertaining as she reads it aloud to me while I spin or knit. I think even muggles would like it but I’m not sure they would still quite get it. Beta Testing sock patterns. You have hit the big time girl!
Debi on 21 May 2007 at 7:26 pm #
Quincy is saying, I thought you said we were gonna dance? :)
knitnana on 22 May 2007 at 2:27 am #
Quincy is saying, “Mom, really now…your friends will never understand that kind of passion, have you taken leave of your senses? Now…come over here and I’ll show you Kitty Love…”
(((hugs)))
Robbyn on 23 May 2007 at 3:13 am #
I want to make those socks too - nice pattern!
Quincy looks happy and well ensconsed in his new home. Perhaps he’s saying “Thank-you” - as much as any cat can, anyway :)
Asaknitter on 23 May 2007 at 11:29 am #
Quincy has the same look on his face as my husband gets when I speak too much about knitting! Let me know how those Knitpicks needles work out - I’m thinking about buying those too.
limedragon :-: Harriet on 25 May 2007 at 1:26 am #
I’ve gotta queue that sock pattern, it’s not too lacy and looks great.