Project: Weird Colorblock Socks
Pattern: Pin Striped Socks, by Julia Swart (free pattern on Ravelry)
Yarn: Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dy Socks, colorway 1883
Needles: Size 1US
Modifications: None
Comments: Ugh. These turned out to be such a slog! The yarn tended to split, which was frustrating. And the color changes were hard to figure out (or not, as you seen in the photo). And then of course, the use of the Afterthought Heel. NEVER AGAIN.
I don't have a problem with a heel flap/gusset construction, but in the interest of broadening my knowledge and experience, decided to try the Afterthought Heel. So many people I know use it all the time, and rave about it. On the first sock I tried to install the heel, I messed up so badly, I had to cut the socks in half and re-knit the foot and toe. Then I managed to get the heel into that sock, but it wasn't pretty, and there are a bazillion ends where the yarn kept splitting/breaking. Yesterday, I sat down to put the heel into the second sock, and though previous experience made it go faster, it was still annoying and I'm not completely happy with the result. After all of the work put into the socks, I have a sneaking suspicion the heels won't do well with a lot of wear and tear, and that makes it even more frustrating.
But - they are finished. I tried them on, and they fit. They're in the box and I'm moving on. I am hoping that being away from them for a while before wearing them will bring back my initial fondness for how they looked, and that they will prove me wrong and last a while. It's very disappointing to have a project that you just want to get out of the way.
But I was neither impressed nor pleased with the Afterthought Heel. As I said above, I don't mind the heel flap/gusset construction, and when you finish the toe, the whole sock is finished - all that's left to do is weave in the ends. Granted, you may still end up with an attack of Second Sock Syndrome, but you won't end up with socks that are finished but not quite.
Of course, I also don't mind knitting with double-pointed needles, so maybe it's just me ... ?
Regardless, another pair for the box. :-)
13 comments:
Despite all the frustration, the socks look great. I'm sure you will love wearing them.
It sounds like a learning experience; now you can confidently say NEVER AGAIN to afterthought hells. (That was a typo on my part, but it seems so appropriate I'm just going to leave it.)
Congrats on the finish. Now, hopefully on to a project that brings you a bit more joy.
These socks look great. Sorry you didn't have fun making them. I just ordered some new sock yarn as it's been a couple of years since I knit any. I, too use DPN's as I think I would be confused otherwise. I hope you're having a lovely week. Pat
Congrats on making it through the slog! I do like those big blocks of color on them. They are quite unique.
Pretty and practical. Well done!
Amalia
xo
Well . . . the colors are great! :-) I've never tried an afterthought heel before, and now I'm thinking . . . I'll probably never give it a thought (before OR after). XO
So glad these are finished for you. On to better things!! I do like them...but I will probably never try an after thought heel (or hell per Bonny - lol).
Bridget- I always use dpn's. I can't imagine beginnning a shawl or ending a hat using magic loop. Makes no sense to me.
Anyway- chalk those socks up to experience and onward!
I would have given up. I'm all for the heel flap/gusset construction. I have no intention of ever trying the after-thought heel.
Lol @Bonny for her comment!
I have no passion to knit socks. (Especially now!) I think, generally, Sock Knitters have a special Gene for it or something. You all seem quite committed to it.
Afterthought hells is right! And, I am with you - never again! But, bravo on the finished socks!
beautiful pair of socks! I like how they are fraternal instead of identical, that is what is in style now (at least I think it is...) I tried some new to me heel constructions over last summer and I prefer my tried and true traditional heel flap and gusset. It fits the best for my feet.
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