This is my first blog post of the new year and I have a finished object to show with you.
I received lots of lovely crafty stuff and several skeins of beautiful yarn from my family for Christmas.
I chose this self striping yarn by NicoleCMendez on Etsy. It’s in the Brr… It’s Cold! colourway which is 80% virgin extrafine merino wool, 20% nylon. It has a 4 colour striping pattern of white, blue, pale grey and purple.
I started the project on the 1st of January (hence the name) and was determined to make this my first pair of matching striped socks. I chose a basic vanilla sock pattern with a 2×2 ribbed cuff to let the yarn take centre stage and I made sure that I started knitting on a brand new colour so that I could be sure of a full starting stripe when working cuff down. To make things more complicated I also decided to make this the first pair of socks I knit using the magic loop method.
The magic of loop took a bit of getting used to, especially since the needles needed rearranged every half round. I bought some Chiaogoo Red Lace fixed circular needles for the job and they were lovely to use, not too sharp and very smooth. The cable rarely kinked and the stitches moved over the joints easily.
I took it quite easy knitting these socks especially since I had a bit of thumb pain – I’m not sure if this is a result of using the magic loop. I might go back to mini circs next time to see if it makes a difference. Finally I finished the socks today after 7 weeks of gentle knitting.
I had quite a bit of yarn left over so I’ll add that to my minis stash.
Did I get matching socks…
I did more or less, the very last stripe on the tip of the toes are different. Ah well 🤷🏻♀️.
Now that I’ve finished these socks I’m not sure what to do for my next project. Do I knit a patterned pair of socks or should I learn to do some colorwork using my new Alterknit book? Plus I really should do another podcast… so much to do…. so little time.
Have a good week.
The Creative Pixie 
A great finish ! The first of the year . I love it when I get yarny or fabric presents . I usually knit my socks on dpns . I have knit hats magic loop but not socks .
I have some of the sostrene and grene yarn too but have yet to use it .
I’ve tried DPNs, mini circs and magic loop. Can’t decide which is my favourite method, I’ll have to knit more socks to find out!
Love the colour way you chose for your socks!
That yarn colourway is gorgeous and the socks look so warm and cosy too!
very nice 🙂
Your socks look beautiful, and you have such an eye for detail, presenting them with the fairy lights is such a lovely touch. Congratulations! Please could you post a link to where you got your sock blockers? I have completely fallen in love with them! Have a lovely day x
Thanks for your lovely comments. The sock blockers were a birthday present from my husband, I think he got them from Etsy.
Beautiful socks! I love all of your photos here, too. So sweet!
Great socks that most definitely DO match, too! Love the Christmas present yarn bundle – how lucky to be on the receiving end of that little lot. I always use the magic loop for socks and currently have two pairs on the go – one patterned, and one stranded colourwork. Go for it!
Thank you, I’d love to make some colourwork socks but have to do trial swatches first.
Very pretty socks Jean.
That is such a lovely colourway!
Thank you, it was a thoughtful Christmas present from one of my daughters.
Your socks are so pretty! I keep meaning to try a pair but haven’t found a pattern that really inspires me yet. Some day!