The good, the bad and the ugly

So I cast on some more socks. The yarn was good, Regia sock yarn designed by Arne and Carlos. I met them at the CHSI trade show I attended earlier this year and this was in the freebie bag from the Coats stand. Arne showed me how to purl using continental style, yes the very man himself, I sat by him on a sofa.

My new Addi needles are good. The different colours really helped me to get the stitch count right on each needle and they are super pointy. All good.

The pattern that emerges is good, really good. This is my needle to needle join and you can only just see it, no ladders here, so this is all good too.

These sock blockers I bought online were bad. They were cheap and rough. I had to make a trip to the hardware store to buy sandpaper to smooth the edges so that my socks would slide on without snagging.

The pattern I used was bad. The stitch counts for the pick up on the heel were not right. Over a 36 row heel flap I could only pick up 8 stitches to add to the heel turn to keep my 72 stitch total. I even went through it with my mum to check I wasn't going bonkers. I had it from Ravelry but can't tell you to avoid it because I can't remember which one it was.

The ugly pair of odd socks ensued. I lost interest even matching the colour runs of yarn for the second one after I had grappled with the pattern so much on the first one. There was much unpicking and angst but they are finished. I am a fighter you know!

In the end they looked good on because the heel pick up stretches greatly on wearing. My brother is an eclectic sort of guy, with a great sense of humour and a love for his dear sister who makes things so I am going to pop them in the Christmas present box for him. Te He!!

Right I am going straight back to the Susan Anderson tutorial, I only strayed from it because I wanted a mans size, I am not moving until I understand this whole sock thing. I have come to realise I have all the gear but no idea!!!

Jo xx