Posted under socks
After the relief I felt once I finished the Gloves of Death, I was determined to knock off another such project on my list. So I pulled out a UFO that’s been sitting around since October and stubbornly got to work.
And thanks to many insomnia-ridden nights, my hard work paid off.
Pattern: Queen of Cups
Yarn: Opal Uni-Color, Color 1415
Needles: Size 1US/2.25mm and Size 0US/2.0mm (two circulars)
Started: 10/23/07
Finished: 1/30/08
Modifications: After working 2 repeats of the pattern on the leg in size 1US needles, I switched to size 0US needles.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it can’t always be total mind-blowing love when it comes to a project. So while I like the pattern and the yarn is nice, I just didn’t love knitting these socks.
I can’t pinpoint any one thing that set me off this project. Maybe it was an accumulation of little things.
The size 0US needles annoyed me. The yarn wasn’t Shibui. In fact, it felt like its polar opposite being somewhat scratchy. The pattern seemed just a mite too busy for the eye.
Or maybe I’m just getting really picky about what I what knit. Really though, is that so wrong?
Even though it wasn’t love, I still like these socks and I think I’ll get a lot of use out of them. Knitting the majority of them on the tiny size 0US needles makes them fit just right on my foot. The Opal yarn will soften up after they’re washed and I do like the intricacy of the pattern. (I know I said it seemed busy, but a girl is allowed to seesaw back and forth.)
All in all, a successful project.
Now do I cast on for another pair of socks? Cross out another project or two from my list? Or do I sink into decadence? So many choices, so little time in the day.
Maybe I’ll just snuggle a kitten while I decide.
Happy Thursday everyone! The weekend will soon be upon us!
Dee on 31 Jan 2008 at 12:33 pm #
Isn’t amazing how cats can sleep without their head actually resting on anything?
Pretty socks! One more FO — go decadent! It’s the ONLY way to go.
Hattie on 31 Jan 2008 at 12:35 pm #
I think they came out alright, although I couldn’t tell that’s what pattern it was. I think the pattern itself is a bit busy, but still neat looking.
There are definitely tons of possibilities out there for cast on potential. I have such a tough time deciding too.
debbie on 31 Jan 2008 at 12:42 pm #
friday can’t come soon enough! i can relate to your feelings about knitting a project after having finished the ‘dream’ project - perfect yarn and pattern combo - it’s like the new project somehow doesn’t quite measure up. but hey! you finished, and you like the outcome, so that’s a nice feeling! won’t be at the meet-up tonight; i haven’t been getting enough sleep and i feel like a zombie and cranky too - maybe next week….
Jenny on 31 Jan 2008 at 1:30 pm #
Such a cute kitty picture!
Kelley on 31 Jan 2008 at 1:39 pm #
Wow! Those are great, even if they weren’t your favorite. The color is nice, and the pattern is interesting (though I can see how it might sometimes seem a bit busy). I have had a couple of socks that are like that, and they still get a lot of use. And hey — you don’t have to knit them anymore!
Sue J. on 31 Jan 2008 at 2:03 pm #
I vote for decadence!!! Something like a lovely, lace shawl perhaps? Go for it! To heck with discipline. Life is too short.
fleegle on 31 Jan 2008 at 2:32 pm #
I knit all my socks on size 0 needles! What’s wrong with size 0 needles? They are also wonderful for fishing cocktail onions out of martinis.
Nice socks! Like you need those in Hawaii…yeah, I know, it’s been cold there lately…
textillian on 31 Jan 2008 at 3:20 pm #
The socks look great, although I can sympathy with a project losing its luster.
As for the next project, my vote will always go for decadence. I am an enabler like that!
Roseann on 31 Jan 2008 at 4:54 pm #
I think Scheyer is trying to say Decandance to you, he is too cute! Your socks turned out beautifully, they fit you so well, too. I know what you mean about not being in love with a pattern and I look forward to seeing what you knit next.
Shelly on 31 Jan 2008 at 5:10 pm #
You deserve chocolate - lots and lots of it - or maybe I am craving it—- either way you did totally rock those!
Time for another pair of socks - but which ones????
tiennie on 31 Jan 2008 at 8:54 pm #
Yes, definitely your hard work paid off! Fantastic!
Veronica on 31 Jan 2008 at 9:57 pm #
God that kitteh is soooo cute!
Bethany on 31 Jan 2008 at 11:25 pm #
They’re such a beautiful color!
Jeanne on 01 Feb 2008 at 2:19 am #
I vote for decadence too! Cute kitty (and socks)!
hetty on 01 Feb 2008 at 3:29 am #
Those socks look great to me! And…. they’re finished!!! Nice job, Opal! Now go and snuggle that cute kitten! And then go for the decadence!
Robbyn on 01 Feb 2008 at 5:05 am #
I think I agree about the pattern being a tad too busy - except i remember liking the pattern whenI first saw it…hmmm… That deep teal color of the yarn is beautiful - but I would would both cripple and blind myself if I tried to works on size 0 needles! And yet, having just come into some opal myself, it does feel rather fine…
Do you suppose it would be worth it to skein the ball, and wash it *before* knitting with it?
Me, I’d say go for the decadence! You only go around once in life. My mother used to say “If you do it right, once is enough!”
knitnana on 01 Feb 2008 at 6:01 am #
Oh he looks so content! That’s a great shot…is he doing lots better in your household now?
The socks are beautiful, but I’m a bit on the side of “busy” for the pattern. Of course, any patterning I do above the heel, as I can’t stand anything but plain stockinette on my foot.
And if you want my opinion? Go for DECADENCE!
(((hugs)))
Cookie on 01 Feb 2008 at 6:48 am #
Not every sock can be love, sweetie. Sometimes, we have to make do with like and/or not hating the sock.
I think you need pink lace next, but you knew I was going to say that. ;^)
tinker on 01 Feb 2008 at 6:55 am #
I like your socks. I just bought 3 pairs worth of sock yarn so I’m trying to get inspired by fellow knitters. And yours are lovely.
Also, I have to knit on US0 too since I’m such a loosey goosey knitter.
Agnes on 01 Feb 2008 at 6:56 am #
I would vote for knocking off another UFOs! The feeling is great … one less in the bin!
I do love the Opal yarn … it gets softer with every wash and the colour stays great. :)
Carol on 01 Feb 2008 at 7:21 am #
Your Queen of Cups are great! I for one, would do a better job of snuggling with the kitty. How very cute!
Carrie K on 01 Feb 2008 at 9:46 am #
Scheyer’s getting really cuddly! Sweet.
I think the socks look fab but I guess it can’t be love all the time. It never is for the second sock anyway. Size 0’s? They do make it a lot simpler to knit more intricate patterns but they’re hard on the hands eventually.
You definitely need to knit something you’re wild about next. It’s only fair. ;)
dorkyquilts on 01 Feb 2008 at 9:54 am #
Whoo hoo! I want to see some decadent monkeys!
hakucho on 01 Feb 2008 at 10:38 am #
While I think your socks came out great, (they really are quite beautiful) I doubt that I’ll try this one out…you are a very good judge of sock patterns :)
Hope your next project- you’ll get more enjoyment out of it!
Karen B. on 02 Feb 2008 at 9:11 am #
Even though you didn’t find true love, you did stick it out to the finish and THAT is something I really admire.
Your new baby is looking good!