Last summer I bought a few skeins of Casbah sock yarn at The Yarnery. (Ok, more than a few. There were six skeins in total.) It feels great, makes a great fabric, and washes well. Did I mention that it's cashmere? Ok, just 10%, but it feels like a much higher amount! I've just finished my 2nd and 3rd pairs of socks with the stuff.
The middle skein (pumpkin) was used to knit Slalom, a lovely sock pattern by Elizabeth Warner. (Ravelry link for pattern download) The heel was inspired by Cat Bordhi's 'sockitecture' concept. The purls between traveling stitches increase around the ankle, and the semi-traditional heel turn is a touch higher than a regular sock. You can see the heel flap above-- it's on the bottom of the foot. I modified the pattern by knitting with 1.5 US needles instead of 1s (tight gauge), and I added an extra pattern repeat.The fit is great, and I love the way they feel!
Over Thanksgiving I spent a few days at the family cabin just like last year. During the first few days I read the second book in the Twilight series (yes, it's teenage literature!), and knit socks.
My aunt Sandy looooves pink, so I chose the skein on the right (above). Since our family is from Germany (Alsace Lorraine region--- the other side is from Bavaria), I thought Suzanna by Stephanie van der Linden on the Germain Creative Sock List (Yahoo group) might be a good choice.
Aunt Sandy seemed to agree. Here she is is in all her morning splendor. (I don't think she would appreciate this pre- hair & makeup pic on the internet, but I think it's great. :)
The socks were knit to pattern except for the instep. I added an extra ten stitches (half a repeat) to create two full motifs instead of 1.5. She really likes them, and I know I'll see them over and over again during future trips to the cabin.
I really love when handknits are appreciated!
***For the past year I've knit with cashmere (blends) a good deal more than kitchen cotton. Is it time to finally change the name of the blog?
9 comments:
Aunt Sandy has a lovely smile. Both socks are stunning, but the pumpkin ones are particularly appealing to me.
I am seriously hinting to family members for a Cat Bordhi sock book for a holiday gift. I love your socks and they inspire me to hint even more strongly!
The socks I saw as WIPS turned out wonderfully, as did the other pair -- lovely! It was so good to see you! I am hoping to come up in January.
(BTW, it's really hard to type with a kitten trying to eat your breakfast. She is nothing if not persistent.)
Have you gone to see the Twilight movie yet? My husband took a nap but it's not bad for a teen movie.
The Pumpkin Slalom socks are beautiful! I've been to the Yarnery and really liked that shop. I was visiting my sister in St. Paul at the time. I also have some Casbah in my stash and look forward to knitting with it.
Ha, like you EVER knit with kitchen cotton! As for the budget, don't even get me started. :)
Those are some seriously dazzling socks- totally cross the line (if it ever existed) from craft to art.
Wow- beautiful socks! I bet they feel great on the foot.
Happy knitting-
ali
hey there. i popped over from fifth lamp down. your socks look amazing! i wish i was wearing a pair right now!
that casbah sure is gorgeous!!!
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