One down.
I finished my first Sockapalooza 4 Sock Pal's sock last night at around midnight. Here it is, after a good soak and a block:
Click here for a closeup of the knitted fabric.
This Fleece Artist yarn really knits up fast, and the four-row repeat of the "Go with the Flow" pattern really keeps you going... With the flow, I guess. I cast on right away for the second sock, in a hopeful attempt to avoid the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome, to which I tend to be susceptible, as evidenced by this sock which has languished in twinless sock limbo for the better part of two years now. But fear not, oh mystery Sock Pal, I promise to finish in good time.
I like weaving in toe ends because it gives me the chance to use this wonderful tool:
It's a yellowheart darning egg turned by Phil Powell that I purchased from Janet Lynn at The Wheel Thing. She has an extensive collection of gorgeous fiber tools on her site and she is a true pleasure to do business with. I have no affiliation -- I'm just a happy customer and I recommend her store highly. And Phil Powell's work is beautiful, a true testament to form and function.
Comments
Gosh, you are fast! Nice socks!
So, what is a darning egg and how is it supposed to work?
Posted by: Seanna Lea | May 11, 2007 03:53 AM
Wow, you don't waste any time! I just cast on for my Sockapalooza socks last night!
Posted by: mac | May 11, 2007 05:33 AM
That is amazing. The colors and tones are beautiful. Congrats on starting the second sock.
Posted by: Lisa | May 11, 2007 06:19 AM
Crazy, I think we're using the exact same yarn for our sock buddy socks. FA Sea wool? I don't see a colorway name on my tag. Yours looks marvelous :)
Posted by: Chris | May 11, 2007 06:56 AM
Absolutely beautiful...and such a fast knitter! My sockpal yarn arrived only yesterday and now I'm having second thoughts about it. I'll be posting it over the weekend.
Posted by: Alotta.Knittin | May 11, 2007 08:01 AM
Beautiful sock!! One I'd be proud to wear for sure.
Posted by: Rebecca | May 11, 2007 08:30 AM
Wow, you're fast! Sock is gorgeous.
Posted by: Ina | May 11, 2007 11:53 AM
Thanks so much for all the nice comments!
Seanna -- A darning egg is just a handy tool that you stick inside the sock when you need to darn it, or I also use it when weaving in ends. It keeps you from accidentally sewing through both layers of the sock, and is a lot easier than sticking one hand in while manipulating the yarn needle with the other hand. You could probably use any small solid object just as well -- maybe a tennis ball or something like that. But there's something nice about having a well-crafted object with a specific purpose like this -- I have a weakness for pretty wooden fiber tools...
Posted by: danielle | May 11, 2007 12:22 PM
That's a very beautiful sock! I love Fleece Artist. And seeing as how the socks aren't supposed to be mailed until August 2nd, you probably would be okay with a mild dose of second sock syndrome :)
Posted by: Jenna | May 11, 2007 12:57 PM
Your sock is so beautiful! And that gleaming, silky-looking darning egg is great, too!
Posted by: Lana | May 11, 2007 08:32 PM
Hey SockPalooza Pal!
I haven't forgotten about you! :D I've been reading your blog (although it doesn't have feeds, so Goggle Reader doesn't work) and love your socks! :D I've picked out your yarn, but haven't yet started. :( I have another pair I need to finish (and am using some of that yarn too) first. I'm using a handpainted yarn, it should be fun! :D
Smooches,
your sock pal CozySocks ;)
Posted by: CozySocks | May 14, 2007 09:49 PM
Wow! That's a gorgeous sock!!
Posted by: Danielle M | May 17, 2007 04:17 PM