With all the running around I did on the weekend and this week, I was finally able to finish the Cafe Au Chocolat socks. It sure does feel good to have these off the needles!
Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn A. Clark from Favorite Socks
Yarn: Trekking Pro Natura; Colorway 1603
Needles: 1US/2.25mm circulars
Started: August 6, 2007
Finished: September 26, 2007
Modifications: Instead of twisted specified stitches every other row, I twisted said stitches every row. I also did a eye of partridge heel.
I cannot tell you how much I love this yarn! It’s got the flex of wool but the bamboo gives it the most delicious sheen. The only problem I had was that when I dropped a stitch, I had some difficulty picking it up. The yarn would sometimes become a little ratty and splitty upon those occasions. Other then that, I have absolutely no complaints.
Once I grafted the toe of the last sock, I wore them around the house for a little while despite the heat. I noticed that they were a smudge cooler on the feet then my 100% wool socks, which is a definite plus in this weather.
As for the pattern? I love the pattern. It had enough going on so that it kept me entertained, yet relaxed enough that I could put them down and pick them up without getting too confused over where I left off. It also provides just the right amount of texture so the pattern doesn’t overpower the yarn.
These socks are definitely my new favorites and I’m so glad that I have another ball of the yarn to look forward to!
September 27th, 2007 at 10:47 am
And they look good enough to eat!
September 27th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Yummy socks. The pattern compliments the yarn very nicely. I have some of that yarn. Can’t wait to use it after all the nice things you said about it.
September 27th, 2007 at 11:31 am
They look terrific, Opal. I am thinking of using that pattern for a ball of Mountain Colors Bearfoot in the “Wilderness” colorway (mostly green with other accent colors). I’d be interested in knowing how much of your ball of Trekking you had left after finishing…the Bearfoot is 350 yds and I have the feeling it might not be enough. I could always make the legs a bit shorter…but your input would be helpful. I know the Trekking is a big ball but don’t remember the yardage offhand.
Thanks a bunch,
hugggggggggssss
mer
September 27th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
The look so nice and comfy – love the pattern and the color is right up there with my favorites!
September 27th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
They are great! I love those colors, and it’s good to have your esteemed opinion on the Pro Natura :)
September 27th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
wow, Opal, those are very nice. They look really comfy, and they fit you very well!
September 27th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
So awesome, I really have to get that book lol. That pattern is just perfect for variegated sock yarns! Love the socks, as always. :D
September 27th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Oh boy, those tans with hints of steely blue darting in occasionally – very nice. Good choice on the pattern for this yarn. They complement each other perfectly!
September 27th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I agree about the Pro Natura. Very nice to knit with and wear. Your socks look great. But, am I hearing that this pattern is now ahead of Monkeys and Pomatamus is your heart? Let me know how yours hold up to washing. Mine are holding up well if washed by hand.
September 27th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Gorgeous socks — I love those colours. I continue to be amazed at the rate at which you finish stuff.
September 27th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Very nice.. I so want to try that pattern – may have to now that I have seen yours!!
September 27th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
So pretty. The yarn and pattern go well together.
September 27th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
OK. I think you are officially the world’s fastest knitter. I’m barely finished commenting on one project and you’re uploading another FO…or so it seems from here.
September 27th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
i experienced the same thing with an unfinished sock in the pro natura i’ve yet to finish – about the splitting. i’m glad it feels a bit cooler, cause the socks are to be for my son who complains of hot sweaty feet, even in the cold utah climate…..
September 27th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Beautiful pair of socks. The yarn sounds yummy.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Those are great! I agree, it’s a great colorway. Not too dissimilar to the colors in the socks I just finished, so maybe I’m partial. :) Great job!
September 27th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Awwww!!! These are some yummy looking socks indeed – the yarn looks every bit as soft and warm and delicious as you describe it, and I so adore this warm and calm colorway! The pattern is awesome too – I’ll *so* have to try it out too one day!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:05 am
You are just zooming through the projects this week! This is the influence of Roseann, isn’t it?
The socks look great. I enjoyed the Pro Natura as it was a nice change of pace from the other yarns that I had been working with. It has a character all its own.
September 28th, 2007 at 4:09 am
Very nifty socks :) Nice to hear what you think of the bamboo blend yarn. I really am going to have to try it one of these days. I can find a wool/bamboo blend locally but it’s a worsted weight yarn – not that I’d have any trouble figuring out what to do with it!
I get ner vous with a yarn that gets ratty after being tinked a couple of times. It makes me wonder how well it’s going to wear :(
September 28th, 2007 at 6:22 am
Those are fab!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:27 am
The socks are fantastic! I am always so impressed by the eye of partridge heel. I tried it on a sock I am working on, but it just wasn’t working…but I will give it another go on one of the many other socks I have in progress…
September 28th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Very pretty! I have some of this yarn in the stash – I need to try it now!
September 28th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
They look wonderful and there is no caffine to keep you up at night either! Great fit.
September 29th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
VERY pretty!
(((hugs)))