zoooom
My original intention was to post about what I chose for project spectrum (Badcaul Socks in STR Ruby Slippers),
but then I decided to start knitting and blog about it after some progress (say after turning the heel).
Umm then somehow this happened...
When Leah told me how fast the Badcaul socks were going to go, I didn't think she meant lightening fast! Really, that one sock was knit here and there while watching my boyfriend play videogames or after dinner, but before a movie. This pattern is so quick and it helps that it's easily memorized, I can just walk around without lugging around a chart. The funny thing is that while I worked on this, one of my friends asked me how I had the patience to knit since progress was so slow. Apparently the space/time continuum is quite different between knitters and non-knitters. Dude, this was so freaking fast.
Can I be completely honest with you though? I would have finished this sock faster (and started on the second one) if it wasn't for the yarn. This blogland darling doesn't agree with my hands AT ALL! My index finger feels raw and itchy. Where's this softness everyone talks about? It's apparently missing from my hank. The colors are cool (even the boyfriend likes the yarn) and I like the way the yarn knit up (I think this is the best fitting sock yet), but I really don't think any of that is worth it if I'm going to hate the knitting experience. I'm going to wait a day or two to cast on for the second sock and once I'm done I'll make a final decision on this yarn, but I really don't see it becoming my go-to sock yarn (especially when I know what koigu, claudia's, sundara, and nature's palette feel like).
Comments
Bummer about the STR being rough. Hmm, the skein I have feels pretty soft - virtually the same as Koigu. I wonder what's up with yours??? That said, your sock is stunning, and oh-so-perfect for Project Spectrum March.
Posted by: Chris | March 6, 2006 04:45 PM
I thought it was pretty soft in the skein, but it feels totally different when knitting. It isn't noro rough, but it isnt malabrigo yummy either :) Thanks! I'm in love with the way this sock fits and looks, lets hope my feet arent as sensitive as my hands :(
Posted by: yahaira | March 6, 2006 04:48 PM
Yes - I think there is a knitter's time continuum that is different than non-knitters!
Posted by: jillian | March 6, 2006 05:08 PM
Despite it being not as soft as you thought it would be, I love the color!
Posted by: Jade | March 6, 2006 05:21 PM
How much do I freakin' love that sock? The pattern is marv and so is the color of yarn! Your knitting is sooo purty.
Posted by: Skylar | March 6, 2006 05:36 PM
While I love many things about STR, I agree that it can be a little rough on the hands and joins. I found it soft, however, and even softer after a good machine-washing. Hopefully yours will soften up, too :).
Posted by: grumperina | March 6, 2006 05:44 PM
i haven't seen STR in the flesh, we can't get it out here. but your assessment is really interesting! thanks for sharing.
Posted by: jacqueline | March 6, 2006 05:45 PM
fast or not, those are beautiful. the color and the stitch pattern together, the whole thing. just gorgeous.
Posted by: karen | March 6, 2006 05:46 PM
I have no STR experience and since I have some Sundara coming I doubt I'll try it for awhile. The color is fabulous and I love the pattern.
Posted by: Stephanie | March 6, 2006 06:00 PM
I heard that about STR. I haven't used my skein yet, so I can't speak for it myself. The colorway is gorgeous though!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 6, 2006 06:23 PM
Well that sucks! At least though, the sock looks great!
Posted by: Angela | March 6, 2006 06:55 PM
Well, boo, that's no good if you don't enjoy knitting with the yarn. I can't believe how fast you knit that. I told you that you were one of the mad crazy speed knitters!
Posted by: Amy | March 6, 2006 09:21 PM
i've heard a bunch of people complaining that STR is actually too scratchy to knit with, tho it wears beautifully. probably why it's so rough. that sock looks pretty damned awesome.
Posted by: Reese | March 6, 2006 09:25 PM
Not soft? But it's so pretty!Funny what you write about the STR. I haven't bothered to ask anyone if it's soft. Everyone loves it, so I just assumed that it was.
Posted by: colleen | March 6, 2006 10:04 PM
i agree about the knitting roughness of STR... but i love the color so much, it seems like a fair compromise.what size needle did you use for that? 1s?
Posted by: jennie | March 6, 2006 10:14 PM
Thanks for the thoughts about STR. Your sock is gorgeous!
Posted by: caitlyn | March 6, 2006 10:29 PM
The sock is awesome! I'm surprised you found the STR so difficult to work with. It's fairly comparable to Koigu and Nature's Palette to me. Hrm, okay, I just did a feel comparison. I'd put it somewhere between Lorna's Laces and Koigu.
Posted by: Cookie | March 6, 2006 10:36 PM
Well, then. It seems like scratchy to knit with is the general consensus on STR. I'm glad you said something about this, since everyone always raves about it. Inquiring minds like the real dirt on yarn. But the pattern is really interesting, the color is very pretty and DAMN, that was fast. Maybe I need to knit these. Some day.
Posted by: Purly Whites | March 6, 2006 11:07 PM
it's a lovely pattern, pity about the yarn though. I hope it feels good to wear
Posted by: erin | March 7, 2006 12:50 AM
lovely lovely! i do like the diagonal stripes with the teeny tiny cables. and it's so perfect for project spectrum.
Posted by: carrie | March 7, 2006 12:54 AM
What a pretty sock and a lovely colourway. Pity the yarn is rough on your hands.
Posted by: nichola | March 7, 2006 06:07 AM
I'm not sure if I want to compromise. I'm using 2.5mm's
Posted by: yahaira | March 7, 2006 08:57 AM
Comfort or beauty, the eternal question. Which ever you choose, your sock looks awesome I have to say.
Posted by: aja | March 7, 2006 10:01 AM
Yep, my fingers hurt after I finished my STR Jaywalkers too. It's beautiful stuff, but heck to knit with due to the roughness.Totally agree with the time continuum issue. I mean really, where DOES the time go? And I must be a totally idiot, but where is the sock patten from? If it goes that fast, I'd like to try it!
Posted by: Jeanie | March 7, 2006 10:44 AM
Oops, scratch that -- duh! Click on the link!!! Told you I was an idiot ;-)
Posted by: Jeanie | March 7, 2006 10:45 AM
Wow - that sock is marvelous! Isn't it great when socks just fly off the needles - smoking.........Good job!
Posted by: christine | March 7, 2006 10:59 AM
Awesome sock! The color is very nice. Darn, I recently signed up for 2 months of their sock club. I hope the yarn won't hurt my hands.
Posted by: Oiyi | March 7, 2006 03:33 PM
How in the world did you do that so fast? It really is lovely... that first picture is a beauty!
Posted by: Lolly | March 7, 2006 03:42 PM
Yo Baby! Rockin' Sock there! I have yet to try a sock, cuz I fear I will do one, be tired of it and move on from there... I will end up with lots of one socks... though I guess if I colour coordinate I could wear one of eaches... Anyway, it is a beauty, AND I do have a friend who uses STR and makes lot sof socks, and she wears thin little gloves whilst knitting with the STR. Looks a little funny, but her hands don't ge ruined...AND, who knew it was 2 hours last night? Apparently not me/us.... fill in on the 1st hour please (you know of what I speak...)
Posted by: Liz | March 7, 2006 06:22 PM
gorgeous! did you finish no 2 yet ; Pi just started another pair for working on while i commute, and after 3 journeys i'm about ready to turn the heel. that can't be right can it?
Posted by: anna | March 9, 2006 04:36 AM
How come yours striped? My STR in Ruby Slippers pools horribly! Of course I have already been down on this yarn - I'm surprised anyone else doesn't think it's God's gift to sock yarn. At least your handiwork looks gorgeous! I'm glad it fits well!
Posted by: Elspeth | March 9, 2006 10:52 AM
wow!!! that is fast. and it is gorgeous too!!
Posted by: blossom | March 9, 2006 11:02 AM
The sock is nice and with such rich colors. Sorry to hear about hte roughness. Knit on!
Posted by: Latoya | March 9, 2006 11:18 AM
the sock looks great! the colors are awesome! but if it hurts, don't do it again. & now I feel better about not having some of this yarn.
Posted by: tammy | March 9, 2006 02:36 PM
Maybe it's red sock thing. I just knit the second sock of a red pair and I too was done before I could post a single in-progress picture!
Posted by: Casey | March 9, 2006 04:30 PM
You are so fast!! I bet you have a completed pair already! ;-) Sorry to hear about the problems with STR- the colorway is amazing, though. It looks wonderful in that Badacul pattern. Take care! :-)
Posted by: candsmom | March 10, 2006 03:02 PM
They are so nice and you're so quick! Amazing job
Posted by: jemadiknits | March 11, 2006 03:53 PM
I love the colors of your new sock! I can't imagine being any faster...your friend's comment about patience is too funny!
Posted by: joy | March 13, 2006 10:30 AM