10 May 2007

Houston, we have swatches

First, thank you all so much for all of your supportive feedback. Wow.

And in defense of my sock pal - she did not say she was picky about yarn at all. In fact, she is open to anything. But her blog is extremely impressive and shows she is a true connoisseur. So I am all the more anxious to come up with something classy.

With this in mind, I am asking for more advice.

After all of your support, I have been swatching away with my chosen colors. I am drunk on these colors. I can't believe I had this yarn dormant in my stash. Against the black, the blues just sing out. Unfortunately I am not having much luck photographing it with my old camera. But maybe this gives some, blurred sense of how pretty it is. Here's Swatch #1. (Note: I made up a pattern as I went along, just to see what a pattern would look like - I would never knit anything this wonky into a real sock!)



I loved this swatch after I made it. But it is also a dense and unyielding fabric, and not very sock-like. Then, of course, I realized that with mosaic knitting, I was going to get a whole different texture with a flat swatch than I would with a swatch in the round. I also realized that horizontal stripes were going to be a lot more malleable than vertical stripes. So I made this (again, with a make-it-up-as-you-go pattern inlay just to see how it would work):



I love this even more. I do note that the mosaic section pulls on the yarn a bit - I will have to design around that. I think I am going to do some kind of medallion over horizontal stripes on the top of the foot, and then on the leg do an all-over mosaic design.

So here's my new question. I love, love, love these colors and will definitely make socks out of them. But it still makes a very dense and heavy sock - this is clearly a winter sock. I wish I could post a sample for everyone to feel, but failing that, here's my question - should I make these for myself and make something light and airy for my sock pal? Would you be disappointed to get a heavy sock in the sock swap, rather than something lacy you could wear with sandals? (I am actually not a big fan of socks with sandals, but you know what I mean. And I lived for 11 years in Germany, where the style is not uncommon.)

Advice welcome. And thank you all again for your comments. I am new to this blog thing and not sure about the etiquette of replying to posts that say "no reply" in the address field, but please know that every single one was very much appreciated.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think you should make the sock you want, regardless of season. I, for one, would be more thrilled by a spectacular and self-designed sock than by one that matches the weather. Happy knitting!

Courtney said...

Hi! Found you through the Knit Pligg....
These socks are BEAUTIFUL! The colors are amazing and I am sure your pal will appreciate how much hard work went into each and every one of the steps to make his/her socks.
Now, onto your question...Do you know where your recipient lives? If she is a warm climate gal, then light airy socks may be better suited. However, if she is like me, and lives where it snows and is cold at least 50% of the time, warm winter socks would not only be appropriate but very thoughtful!
I hope this helps! I am in awe of your stranding...I have never mastered this art, and wish I could!

Anonymous said...

I think winter socks are fine. I wear a few winter socks with my Birks.

Go for it. Let your talent and creativity flow. I think your sock pal will LOVE you for it.

Unknown said...

I agree with the comments above! Go with your stranded design! I know I'm wishing at the moment that you were the one making my socks!!!

Karen S, Lykkefanten said...

Both swatches are beautiful, but choose the one that will make you happy while knitting!!!
And there is nothing bad in winter socks!!!

Anonymous said...

I think you're fine as long as she lives somewhere it gets cold (I wouldn't send them to south fl). I'm mid-Atlantic, and would just pet them and admire them until cold weather came...

s b said...

Wow--your swatches look great! I have not been successful with multi-colored knitting. That's why I like handpainted yarn so much--all the colors without the work!
I may be in the minority, but I think you should knit socks that will work with the climate she lives in. If she lives where it snows several months out the year, then she will likely get good use out of thicker socks and absolutely love having them. On the other hand, if she is like me and may see snow once a year and only if I travel to it, then she would probably appreciate thinner socks more than thick ones.
So, if your pal lives where it gets cold, then I totally vote for this pattern--it looks awesome!

Robyn said...

I live in a warmer climate, but my feet still get cold- so warmer socks would still be appreciated. Knit on!

Tonni said...

Wow! Your swatches are impressive! I'd wear these even in the south since I have a problem keeping my feet warm :)

Rachael said...

I think as long as she doesn't live in florida you're good to go. I live in NC and wouldn't imagine wearing socks with sandals - or socks at all past april, but that doesn't mean I stop knitting them! I'm just stocking up for the fall, and I would imagine quite a few people do the same.

Kimberly said...

I think you should make those for your sp! Beautiful pattern! I think she will absolutely love 'em and they will be perfect for days when the air conditioner is cranked up just a bit too high! :)

Mathgirl said...

Well, it should probably depend on your pals location. Someone like me who gets -40ish winters, I'd love heavy socks. If they live in say, miami, that might be an issue. I think as long as it's not an extremely hot climate where they live, go for the swatch you really love!

Hasbu said...

Your swatches are beautiful!

If your pal lives anywhere where there's at least some kind of winter, I would go ahead with these socks. I would love to get them!

Holly said...

Your color choices are wonderful. I am glad you are staying with your yarn of choice. But I am always a fan of being able to carefully machine wash socks as apposed to having to hand wash.

and the mosaic looks beautiful as well as being fun to knit.

Better beautiful socks (and the care that went into all your process) than trying to match a warm season (unless your pal lives in Florida).

Let us know if your pal is not happy - I am sure I am not the only one who would gleefully claim these.