January 2, 2009
Gentleman's Plain Winter Socks
Way back in September, I found this Tofutsies sock yarn and decided it would make a good pair of socks for my brother. I've never made socks for Lars because he doesn't like itchy wool. Tofutsies is 50% wool, plus cotton, soy, and chitin, and felt non-itchy to me.
Then, of course I forgot about the yarn until mid-December when I realized I better get going if these were going to get done in time for Christmas. It was a close call - I finished them December 24th! Sidenote: while knitting them at the airport on the 24th, I met a woman who made 18 pairs of socks for the holidays! She said she started knitting in September. She must have knitted only socks for three months. That's dedication.
The pattern is the Gentleman's Plain Winter Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks, and I extended the ribbing down the whole cuff and instep. Someday I will knit these socks as written, but they seemed huge when knit in stockinette rather than ribbing. Is it Elizabeth Zimmermann who says the best fitting socks are ribbed? I believe it.
The heel is a new one for me, the Dutch heel. Its hard to see in the photos, but there is a set of 5 stitches that curve under the heel. I thought this might be uncomfortable, but was short on time to change it. Plus, the Dutch have likely used this heel for hundreds of years, right? must be okay. Lars ended up liking them, so all was good! Next year, I will start knitting sooner!
Specs:
Needle: Size 0, Magic Loop
Yarn: Tofutsies, plus some Lang Jawoll Reinforcement Thread for the heels and toes.
Pattern: Gentleman's Plain Winter Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks
Ravelry Link
Comments (5)
They look like very wearable socks - I am sure your brother loves them!
Posted by lolly | January 2, 2009 9:35 PM
Posted on January 2, 2009 21:35
They look very comfy! Lucky Lars!
Posted by caitlyn | January 3, 2009 1:10 AM
Posted on January 3, 2009 01:10
great socks! what did you think of the yarn? i found it to be a bit splitty, which annoyed me :(
also, the woman who knit 18 pairs of socks?! i am certain i'd go crazy.
Posted by mai | January 4, 2009 12:25 AM
Posted on January 4, 2009 00:25
Those look like comfy socks! I'm glad you found some non-itchy yarn so your brother can have handknit socks. Knitting 18 pairs by Christmas? Now that's a lot of knitting! I can't imagine doing that.
Posted by Casey | January 5, 2009 12:38 PM
Posted on January 5, 2009 12:38
Very nice. I've decided that I like ribbed socks best of all, which reminds me that I have a pair that needs finishing. How did you like that yarn?
Posted by Stephanie | January 5, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on January 5, 2009 15:17