Howdy, friends! My sock knitting adventures continue! Last time, I shared how my laziness contributed to somewhat sloppy finishing of my previous pair of socks. I also shared how I didn’t care, the socks are just fine and I love them. I’ve even worn them a few times over the past couple of weeks. This is particularly notable since I tend to not wear handknit socks around the house, and I don’t go out much in these pandemic times. But I was really excited about my new socks, so I made a point to give them a couple of wears. They do not disappoint!
Buried Treasure!
As I mentioned last time, I cast on a new pair of socks.
Well, these socks flew off the needles! From cast-on to blocking and photography was just a little longer than a week. It helps that they are DK weight and I used US3 (3.25mm) needles to knit them on. It also helps that the circumference was 56 stitches, instead of the usual 68 or 72 I do with fingering weight socks. From start to finish, these socks were a joy to knit.
The yarn is a kit I got from the Knitting Addiction, a yarn shop in Kitty Hawk, NC. Whenever we visit the Outer Banks, I make a point to stop in that shop and spend some time chatting with the owner and admiring all the yarn. I’m pretty sure that I’ve never left that shop empty-handed! The Buried Treasure kit is from SeaStar Handpaints and contains 1 hank of yarn for the main color (mine was in the Cape Hatteras colorway) and 2 smaller hanks of yarn for the contrast (mine was in the Brick-ish colorway). My kit is inspired by the Cape Hatteras Light Station, which is painted with a black and white spiral on top of a red brick base. I knitted my socks from the toe up so that I could use as much yarn as possible. I was thrilled that there was enough Brick-ish to do cuffs as well as heels and toes. The DK-weight yarn knit up very quickly and the resulting sock has a plump coziness that I don’t experience with my fingering-weight socks.
The pooling effect in these socks is delightful, and I will always think of the beach when I wear them. I’ve only tried them on a few times and worn them around the house inside my slippers. They are super-cozy and I love them. I wonder if I will find them to be too thick when I wear them with outside shoes. Eventually, I’ll find out. And I’ll be sure to report back.
The reason this kit is called “Buried Treasure” is that the dyer included some ocean-themed charms tied to the main hank of yarn. You couldn’t see the charms from the packaging, you only saw them once you opened it and were ready to wind the yarn. Every package is guaranteed to have at least one charm; mine had three: a seahorse, a starfish, and a shell. I might add lobster clasps and turn them into progress keepers. This was a super fun addition to the kit, and I really don’t know why I let it sit in my stash for several years before knitting it! Feel free to check out my Ravelry project page for more details.
A New Mug
I’ve been a fan of Charan Sachar’s work ever since I first saw it years ago. Charan is the artist behind Creative With Clay, where he makes “unique one of a kind handmade pottery inspired by fabrics, embroidery, and knitting.” I met Charan when I went to TNNA — he gave me a bag of preemie hats for the NICU here in Greensboro. That’s when I also got to admire his art close up.
Well, a few weeks ago, I noticed he had a shop update and I jumped on my chance to get a purple mug.
The design on the mug is a field of stockinette knit stitches, and it’s buttoned up the side near the handle with cute little buttons. I honestly don’t know why it took me several years to get one of Charan’s mugs. I’m sure it won’t be the last! Now I get to start every day with a nice mug of hot tea, and it reminds me not just of Charan, but of all my fiber friends around the world. During the pandemic, I’m not getting out and physically meeting with people like I used to be able to do. Having totems like this helps keep me connected to my friends. Charan sells a cool variety of pottery items. You should totally check them out and consider adding some to your collection.
Thick socks and a mug of hot tea. It doesn’t get much cozier than that!
Next time, I’ll be back with an update on my latest cast-on. I got to dust off an old skill that I’ve only done a time or two.
Until next time, keep on knitting for the ones you love!
-greg
Email: greg@KnittingDaddy.com
Blog: KnittingDaddy.com
Twitter: @KnittingDaddy
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Ravelry: KnittingDaddy
Ravelry Group: Knitting Daddy Designs
