Pathways

This year, after falling in love with Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters book (bought with Christmas money), I have decided to knit all of the toe-up pathways. Why only the toe-up, you ask? Well...

Toe up versus Cuff Down socks

So far, here is what I have:



Pathways Sock #1: Riverbed
January 22 - February 11, 2009
Yarn: Heart and Sole, from Red Heart (!!), colorway Spring Stripe.
70% wool, 30% nylon.
I was, frankly, amazed when I found this wool and nylon sock yarn by Red Heart at Michael's. And very pleased. The yarn is nice enough, your standard yarn for socks, though sadly the yellow stripes turned horribly muddy after the first washing. The other colors all bled into it.
Needles: US 1.5
Comments: These are a mite too big, but it's my own fault for ignoring Ms. Bordhi's numbers. I thought that my gauge was a little tighter in this yarn than usual, so I did 68 sts around instead of 64. Because of the gusset design, that led to the entire sock being a little loose. But they're still wearable.



Pathways Sock #1 1/2: Back to Basics
January 30 - February 9, 2009
Yarn: Mountain Colors Bearfoot, colorway Moose Creek
I have fallen in love with this yarn. It's warm, thick, and soft. The colors are vivid and dark and very hard to photograph. Unforunately, as I said before, I forgot to wash them before the first wearing. It still bleeds a little when I wash it. The mohair has fuzzed and felted up on the soles. I will be using this yarn again.
Needles: US 2
Comments: These aren't actually "Pathways" socks, but they are toe-up, heel flap socks with unconventional gussets. I did these for the SKA Sockdown, and I did them both at the same time on two different sets of DPNs. They went FAST! And they're one of my favorite pairs of socks now.



WIP: Pathways Sock #2: Sidestream
CO February 26, 2009
Yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity, colorway Thyme
50% wool, 25% nylon, 25% bamboo
This yarn is nice, and the queen enabler Iza found it for me at JoAnn's. She said she saw the colors and thought of me. The yarn seems almost too soft though, and I'm afraid that it won't hold up well.
Needles: US 1 1/2
Comments: Only just started these, no gussets yet. I love the look of the design, though.



WIP: Pathways Sock #3: Coriolis
CO March 1, 2009
Yarn: The Knittery Merino Cashmere Sock, colorway Sea World
60% merino, 20% cashmere, 20% nylon
Needles: US 2
Comments: This yarn is looooovely to work with. It's a slightly thick, fuzzy fingering weight, soft and working up into a very cushy fabric. I've ordered some of the base yarn to dye up in the shop. Look for it to be posted in April.

I'm still getting used to the toe-up heel flap (I generally do short-row heels). I like the fit but I'm not crazy about the extra concentration. However, maybe it'll get easier for me after doing all these socks. I'd like to be able to do these in my sleep.

I will keep you updated on my project. Or, you can check my projects tagged 'pathways' on Ravelry.

~Joy