Whew – made it! My March SAM3 socks:
FO: Karen’s Sugar-Free Socks
Karen’s Sugar-Free Socks by Chrissy Gardiner and available at Gardiner Yarn Works
Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Jasper, about 140 g
US4 Options, Magic Loop Method
Mods – none!
I have an opinion that some may find nothing less than blasphemous. I really did not enjoy the STR!! It’s didn’t rock me. Or roll me. It seems to be a lack of elasticity. Especially on the cable rows, the yarn fought me every time. In general, my hands became sore after more than a short spell working on them. Probably why they took me as long as they did. I went up one needle size from the suggested sock needle size to US4.
I know! I had to convince myself! “Self, you really don’t like this stuff.” At least for socks. I wonder if knit up at a “normal” gauge, i.e., not compressed for sturdy sockiness, if it would be better. I can only assume that part of it is my personal knitting style, seeing as how there are thousands of knitters (and crocheters!) in the world that would give an eye for this yarn. My knitting group that perhaps this effect was partial to the heavyweight. The colors are luscious and in the finished product, I like the yarn very much. I get the sense it will wear well. I just didn’t like the act of knitting it.
I finished the toe of the second sock this morning before work and soaked them while showering. They bled. Alot.
Purple Waaaaaters
I was surprised but they don’t look like they lost color so no harm done! I could literally feel the stitches and ribbing relax as soon as they hit the water. The grew a bit in blocking, more than any other socks I’ve made, but still fit! Not quite as snug but comfortable!
This week I got to see some authentic Peruvian handknits! An archaeologist in my office and I got to talking about knitting and anthropology, and the book Andean Folk Knits, which I brought in for her to see. She had traveled to Peru and gotten some handknits, and brought them in for me to see!
Alpaca!
The oh my, a baby fair isle hat:
Amazing, huh? Possibly the smallest stitches I’ve ever seen in a handknit. Ever.
I’m using some STR right now, but just in plain stockinette, so I’m pretty content with it. Yours look quite nice though – such a pretty color. And that baby fair isle hat is amazing!!
Your socks look comfy and spiffy and cabley and jaspery in the best way possible! 🙂 Kudos on stickwithitness on getting them done for SAM3, esp. since they were a less than ideal knit.
Hurray on your finished socks! Sorry to hear the STR didn’t bowl you over. Hopefully, you’ll give it another try on maybe the mediumweight. Those hats are works of art, truly!
Your socks look great.
That baby hat is incredible!
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the STR – I’ve never actually knit with the heavy weight. I’ve knit with the medium weight, which has bee good, but not as enjoyable as the light weight. I hope you have the chance and inclination to try the light!
crazy, crazy hat – just plain crazy….
the socks came out really great despite the turmoil. I’ve never used the heavyweight – I wonder if the light and medium are a different base yarn? I have used both and they are plenty elastic and springy (though not my absolute favorite yarn)
it looks like you are on a finishing spree – good for you. I am sure it feels fantastic.
Those peruvian knits are brilliant – I doubt I would have the patience to finish even one of those hats.
I don’t have any STR, so I haven’t any idea what it feels like knitting with it. But your socks are beautiful.
And the baby hat takes my breath away!
I guess that, since I’m not planning on knitting socks with my STR (I’m a rebel, what can I say?) I shouldn’t have that problem–my heavyweight is destined for lace, as is the mediumweight. That Jasper is a great color, though, and after all, once the socks are done they’re DONE and you can enjoy wearing them! What’s next in the queue?
I love the STR yarn, but I do know what you are talking about regarding the lack of elasticity. There is a definite difference in the heavy weight and medium weight yarns! All the same, your socks are gorgeous! And the hats!!! OMG, BEAUTIFUL!
Your socks came out so beautiful – and it was very interesting reading your impressions about the yarn! I’ve read others saying similar things, so I think I’ll stay away from that – I need yarn that’s quite elastic when it comes to knitting socks!
The hat – my gosh, it’s ever so gorgeous! I can’t even begin to imagine what a load of work and fussing around with ends to weave in and colours and whatnot it involves, but the result is so, so worth it! Stunning!
Those are so pretty! The bleeding is pretty crazy, but I’m glad they’re still vibrant. I have a skein of STR, but I haven’t actually knit with it yet. Those Peruvian knits are amazing, especially that baby hat- OMG!
I think I know why you didn’t like the STR. It’s the combination of the heavyweight yarn and that pattern. I also knit the sugar-free socks and with a yarn I normally LOVE, but I hated the combination of that pattern and yarn. My recommendation is to buy some lightweight STR and combine it with a different sock pattern. I REALLY think you’ll like it then.
i LOVE that hat with the tie under the neck..i would so wear it !!!
Your socks came out so great! And they look so comfy. 🙂 I love the color too. I’ll be waiting to see your very own version of the baby fair-isle hat. 😉 It’s pretty amazing.