Sample Knitting, or, Don’t ever underestimate how much you have to learn
Posted on | March 29, 2009 | 13 Comments
A bit of sample knitting, folded & ready to be sent on it’s way.
Back at the end of January, I completed a sample knit for Gryphon that was a few months in the making. And an enormous learning experience. But first – a bit about the design.
This knit was for the second running of The Sanguine Gyphon’s Fairy Tale Sock Club – and was the February kit shipped out to the members. Gryphon designs each pattern for her club around a fairy tale or myth, and the kits include her hand-dyed yarn, orginal design, and story that the sock is based around – if you are not familiar with her club, you might check out her what her sock groupies are saying if you are on Ravelry, or take a look at these designs now offered as kits from the first club. The theme for this design was Theseus and the Minotaur, and showcases two scenes from the story on each of the two socks.
Causes for happiness:
I finished them ON TIME (Yay!).
I learned A LOT. I don’t typically have issues with overestimating my skills in general – And thinking that the Chuck’s Sock’s were a pretty good preparatory challenge & qualification for knitting colorwork socks, I didn’t expect any issues. But it turns out that I did have more to learn, about mosaic knitting (SO MUCH fun! And so easy!), catching floats (you might not think it, but quite fun as well – I made a little game out of catching my floats in different places to avoid them showing through, and got into a nice little rhythm), and about keeping the floats extra loosey-goosey to stretch – particularly important in socks, to stretch over a heel and back! But the biggest learning experience I had (this one of the of the forehead-smacking, put-me-squarely-in-my-place variety) going up a needle size may be a fabulous idea & work wonders to make sure that your circumference or width is accurate, but when row gauge is as important as stitch gauge – say, in a project such as this – forgetting this little fact may result in a sock that is quite taller than anticipated. Luckily, Gryphon is tolerant and kind as well as talented. And her sock club members received a very awesome kit during the month of February. You may be tempted to pester her to put out the kit for purchase. But you will have to wait, just for a bit!
Catching Floats!
I would consider this to be a somewhat advanced project, but, as evidenced by my relative lack of knitting experience, they can be attempted with a good bit of success by an advanced beginner/intermediate level knitter (no over/underestimating of my skills any longer – I think this is a quite fair representation!). They were a very enjoyable knit, the colorwork and mosaics provide a nice challenge & some fun knitting bookending a soothing expanse of stockinette on the foot. The unique heel was a lot of fun – and that low ankle band is to die for – very sweet & sexy looking (Rav-link for pattern pictures). And, of course, Gryphon’s Bugga! yarn was an absolute treat – super saturated colors in a luxurious blend of cashmere & merino.
And, this means that my 5 major projects is down to 4 – actually 3 as of this writing! I’ll let you guess as to which one came off the needles next and save that update for another post. Happy knitting, everyone!
—————-
Now playing: Sorry About Dresden – Deadship,Darkship
Comments
13 Responses to “Sample Knitting, or, Don’t ever underestimate how much you have to learn”
Leave a Reply
March 29th, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
wow, mel. these are just gorgeous. and i agree; that low ankle band is mighty sexy.
March 29th, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
Those socks are so gorgeous. And I often feel like I’m learning stuff with every project. Congrats on getting these samples done! Can’t wait for the other project reveals
Off to go check out Gryphon’s sock kits now…
March 30th, 2009 @ 12:08 am
Those socks are amazing!
March 30th, 2009 @ 4:08 am
I *never* could knit those socks. they are beautiful, but I think the colorwork would knock me out.
… and now I have to google for the “catching floats” and the mosaic-thing… so many terms I don’t know (and probably won’t learn in my lifetime!)
anyhoo – the socks look glorious. I also love the color-combo, though I’m not a girl for yellow
March 30th, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Wow Mel, I am so impressed. I could NEVER knit that. I am just in awe, WOW
March 30th, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
WOW! Those are killer socks! I have no idea how one would do mosaic knitting in the round – my head hurts just thinking about it! Beautiful work.
March 30th, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
Wow! Beautiful work! And Gyphon’s design is amazing!
March 30th, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
I know I already commented in flickr but really, these socks and the incredible job you did on them deserve another compliment! I too love that band around the ankle (great design element from Gryphon)…and the floats, those lovely floats!
So tell me, how does mosaic knitting differ from stranded knitting?
March 31st, 2009 @ 9:55 am
Gorgeous! Isn’t it amazing that, with only two stitches, there is always something new to try?? One of the very best things about the fiber arts for me….
And hey – I’ve joined your ranks – I had to claim my sample knitting $$ for the first time this year on my taxes!
April 1st, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Oh Hon those socks are totally amazing!!! What an awesome job you did on them.
Hugs!!!!
Oh is her sock club still open? If not where can you go to check it out and wait for the next one?
April 1st, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
I LOVE this sock – so rich in black and gold and what an amazing design – beautiful job!!!
April 7th, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
I like these. They appeal to my degree in Classical Studies.
April 11th, 2009 @ 10:18 am
Hi! Those socks are incredible! Truly. Since they were a sample knit, I suppose you had to say “goodbye” to them? Too sad!