First Knit of 2013

My first completion of the new year is...a pair of socks.  Of course it would have to be a pair of socks.  Not much else can be accomplished quite as quick, although these were actually started in 2012.  I had hoped to add one last pair to the great Sock Club adventure, but was not able to get them done before midnight.  These also may be my last pair for a while since I'm a bit burned out on socks.  Although I'm sure I'll have a set on the needles for our upcoming adventure...stay tuned for that story.

These were knit for someone other than myself so it was somewhat more difficult to make changes to the pattern.  I know what I like in my socks not so sure about others.  These are the first socks knit for this person so I hope she will like them.  Knitting socks for others is not something I usually do since most people don't understand the effort and beauty of a hand knit...sock or really anything handmade.  I do love to knit for those that appreciate something special.  I think that these will be appreciated by the new wearer...hope she likes them. 

The yarn is another one from Three Irish Girls that was a special reduced price...whoohooo.  My first time using this particular yarn.  It was not as soft as some others, but once it was dunked in some water and blocked they softened quite a bit. 

Details:

Pattern:  Tadpoles by Jenna Swanson;

Yarn:  Beckon Stretch Merino by Three Irish Girls; 100% superwash Merino;  3.5 Oz/ 370 yards.

Gauge:  28 stitches per 4 inches

Modifications:  The original pattern was written as a cuff down sock, but I redid these as a toe up version.  Although I did not reverse the pattern rows to reflect the change to toe up...still looks cool.

One thing I did try that was different form the original design...adding the patterning on the back of the leg.  The original had the pattern only on the front of the leg and I figured I would go ahead and do the patterning all around the leg.  It seemed weird to me that this was not done, but no mention as to why.  I discovered why once I finished knitting the first sock...tight getting it up & over the heel.  At first I thought it was due to my bigger foot, but the new recipient had the same trouble.  I frogged back to the heel and knit as designed...pattern only on the front and plain on the back.  Hopefully this will fit her foot as a well.

How about that a matched set!

I used the usual Turkish cast on, Fleegle heel and bound off using Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off.  I've become somewhat predictable it appears.

At some point I need to post a picture of my socks from 2012.  It is quite a collection.