Back in January, Hattie asked me to test knit a pattern for her. I was a little nervous at the idea since I’ve never test knit a pattern, but since she only needed one sock done and I had the whole month to do it. I figured I could handle it.
It took me a few tries to find the right yarn that complimented the pattern, but I finally settled on some yarn Shelly had given me as a Christmas gift. Once that was settled, I was able to get the first sock completed within the alloted time period, but I lost my motivation to finish the pair after that. It seems that if I don’t blog about my projects I sometimes lose the incentive to finish projects. Strange, no?
I finally got the go ahead to blog about the project and that provided me with the impetus to complete the second sock. So 3 months later I now have a pair to show off.
Pattern: Tendril Embrace(Ravelry link) by Hattie Adkins
Yarn: TOFUtsies; Color No. 791
Needles: 1.5US / 2.5mm
Started: January 2008
Finished: March 26, 2008
This is a really fun pattern. It’s simple to knit and easy to memorize. It also made for the perfect project to see me through a mild bout of the flu I had earlier this week.
I’m a little ambivalent about the yarn. While it’s very soft to the touch, it’s also very slippery which made it hard to pick up dropped stitches. Plus, it was a bit splitty as well, but that might have been exacerbated by the fact that I used very pointy needles. Still, it has a nice drape to it and I think it will make a great summer sock as the fabric is lightweight and airy.
I don’t think I’d mind making another pair of these in the same yarn with the exact same pattern since these babies are going to be heading to a friend. If you’ll all remember, pink is not my cup of tea. (Don’t worry. I’m not going to give my friend socks that I’ve tried on with my stinky feet, I’m washing these before I gift them.)
These will be the first pair of socks that I’ve ever made for someone else and I’m more then a little nervous about the fit. There’s a lot of stretch to them so I hope they’ll be very forgiving.
Now that I’ve recovered from the flu I had, I’ll be back at my spinning wheel. I’ve also cast on for another pair of socks, but I think I’ll save all that for another time. I’ve been running dangerously low on blog fodder, which is why posting has been sporadic at best.
I’ll leave you with a picture of a little friend I’ve made. I think he’s an Anole, but he doesn’t look like a Carolina Anole since he’s not green. He likes to sleep in a ficus out on the lanai. You can see he was a little wary of the camera inching towards him.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading. :-)
March 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Lovely socks…lovely pattern! And I love those lizards…I didn’t know the name…anole? We always call them chameleons…are chameleons different? Anyway, the “chameleons” we have around here change from beige/brown to green, depending on their background. I love them! Unlike geckoes, which I am seriously starting to despise!
March 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
What a beautiful pattern! I’ve added it to my queue. I had a skein of TOFUtsies that I gave away. I couldn’t get past how thin it was. That’s a cute lizard. Needless to say, we don’t get too many wild lizards around here.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Very pretty socks. Nice pattern. They look really great in that yarn too! I like your little lizard. We don’t have those in Michigan. He’s cute.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Those socks look wonderful on you! I hope you make yourself a pair. I like how the pattern lines stay straight. With my “curvy” legs, a pattern like that does not stay so nice and straight. Cute little lizard, little does he know how famous he is now.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Beautiful socks…love the pattern. Cute new friend you have there, named him yet?
March 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Very pretty! You should make a pair for yourself….I’m assuming the pair you already made is for me, right? :-)
March 28th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
The socks look great. I love that pattern.
That is an anole — he happens to be in his brown phase. The go green or brown depending what color they are standing on.
However, if a brown on is on your car (like under the hood by the windshield wipers) and you drive very fast — they turn REAL green!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Oops! I didn’t even see the lizard (or anole) at first. But I did see those socks. Good choice on the yarn as it perfectly complements the pattern!
March 28th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
They look great! I’m so glad you decided to test knit for me, I very much appreciate it!
I know what you mean about the Tofutsies too, I have started several pairs of socks in it and ripped it every time. It’s such neat stuff, but not the greatest to knit with.
The anole is cute. I miss them from when I used to live in Louisiana.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Cute sock altho the Tofutsies leaves me totally cold as a yarn I want to try – I’ve bought it as gifts for friends that want to try it but me no likey :(
I’m like a magnet for lizards too – every time I go out one is lurking around flashing his sexy red neck whattle at me…..swoon, LOL!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
i love the mild colorway and the pattern, very pretty!
March 28th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Very elegant socks, Opal! Nice lizard, too!
March 29th, 2008 at 1:42 am
Don’t listen to Jeanne – we all know they’re for me! So pretty. Glad you’re feeling better!
March 29th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Very pretty! I love the patterns feminine lace. Great job!
March 29th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Those socks are lovely. I love the pattern and it even shows up so well with the yarn. Of course, all you sockies turn out gorgeous.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Lovely socks – as always. That is a pretty, pretty pattern and I can certainly see it making nice summer socks. They look good!
Your little lizard friend is very cute too! Leave it to you to have both indoor and outdoor pets :)
March 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Those socks are beautiful. I really like the lacy effect. The yarn is perfect for that project. You really seem to have a flare for picking out just the right yarn. Sorry to hear that you had the flu. Glad you are feeling better. I know what you mean by being short on blog stuff. I have been a little bit out of circulation too for the past two weeks, but things are getting better now. I love your new friend! Very cute. We have nothing like those here, but I have seen my first robin of the year and that is very exciting for me.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Very pretty! The reviews that I have heard of Tofutsie pretty much match what you have said.
I am glad you are feeling better (and that you are going wash the socks before you gift them .)
March 29th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Those are gorgeous! I have to go look them up, they’re perfect FL socks! Great photo of the the little guy :)
March 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Beautiful socks!! I love your little friend…very cute :)
March 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Ewww…stinky feet. Nah. The socks look great! Worth your perseverance. You can have some of my anole. I got a million!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Pretty socks! I like the lacy pattern.
I have a lizard who sleeps on my jade plant on my porch. Isn’t funny how they sleep in the same plant every night?
March 29th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Heh–I am totally the same way…once I “announce” that I’m knitting something on my blog, it really seems to force me to stick with it. Cause I know everyone is anxiously keeping track of my progress, right? ;)
March 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Love the socks! I’ve been looking for my next pair of socks and I think that pattern might be perfect.
Looks like a nice friend you’ve got there. :-)
March 29th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Nice socks. Geckos in Hawaii fascinate me. When I lived in Kailua-Kona there were Madagascar geckos all over the place, even in my apartment and they were pretty bold suckers. They were green and had red spots.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Cute little lizard. Better not let Mr. Quincy see him!
Yes, back to the spinning wheel for you… you’re like a one-woman sweat shop these days.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I am glad you are feeling better. I have been missing your posts. They are really lovely socks. I made some out of that yarn last summer. I am wondering how the yarn will wear. It felt a little thin to me, what do you think?
March 29th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
That’s a great pattern! And of course, you did a beautiful job!
(((hugs)))
March 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Love the socks. TOFUtsies is one of my favorite sock yarns, but you’re right. It is difficult to knit with. Cute little anole. We had those all over the place when I was growing up in Texas. I used to be fascinated by the males when they would poke their throats out.
Glad to hear you are feeling better.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:14 am
They’re beautiful!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:50 am
That definitely looks like another good sock pattern to add to the collection. Thanks!
March 30th, 2008 at 7:11 am
The socks are really pretty and your knitting is excellent as usual. Nice picture of the little lizzard. I had no idea they would sit still long enough for you to get a shot!
March 31st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Oh the socks turned out great! I am so glad you found a use for it.
I have to say that anole looks like the one here – the last remaining one in the tank at the moment. Yep they go brown and green at times.
Keep up the knitting!
March 31st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Terrific knitting on those socks! The yarn looks so soft.
Do you think your friend will stick around and pose with some knitting?
I’m glad you’ve recovered. That is not a pleasant way to spend non-knitting moments.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Very pretty! Great job on your test knitting.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:59 am
I think these socks are fantastic! You did a great job, and I am sure your friend who likes pink will love them.