Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sock Decisions

Green Lace Socks 5

Halfway through the second of these socks, I noticed an odd thing about the cuff. It was wavier than the first one. I couldn't figure it out at first, but after comparing it several times, it finally dawned on me. I didn't follow the pattern instructions in the second sock, and only knitted the purl one row, knit one row one repeat rather than repeating two more times. So I am four rows short on the second sock.

Green Lace Socks 1

I knew right then and there I would not rip out what I'd already knit. Not a chance. Mainly because the lace pattern calls for P3tog (purl 3 together) at every center of the scallop pattern and I am hating that part. So, I am faced with several decisions on what to do about the cuff:

1. Do nothing and let it go, no one will see the cuff since I wear most socks with pants.
2. Rip out the mistake and add the four rows and then cast off.
3. Rip out the mistake, put the live stitches on a holder, then cast on a new set of stitches, knit down the rows I need and then graft onto the live stitches,
4. Rip out both socks, correct the row mistakes on sock #2, and then incorporate some new cast off solution, maybe using Nicki Epstein's Knitting on the Edge for ideas.

What do you guys think? I haven't made any final decisions yet and I am still working through the foot on sock #2.

Green Lace Socks 4
Meanwhile, on Sock #1, I already know I have to rip back the toe and add one more lace repeat because the socks are a bit short. Which leaves me with the option to reconsider the toe shaping.
I'm not sure I really like how the pattern is written here. In keeping with the P3tog theme, there is a center line using that stitch all the way down to the end. It looks a bit weird on the foot and because of the double stitch decrease happening here, the side decreases are not mirrored in the traditional way. It makes the overall shape odd. It fits fine, but I just don't know if I like it that much. Again, what do you think? Should I just go with the pattern and have one pair of socks with a twist on the traditional? Or do you think it would look better using a standard mirrored decrease?


6 comments:

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

I'd opt for #1, but that's because I'm lazy:)

Dan Gliubizzi said...

Knit another pair and make the same mistake again and then you will have two matched pairs

Katie M. said...

I'd have to go with #1, too. It seems like the kind of mistake that only you will notice. That said, if it's going to drive you batty, maybe it's best to take some kind of evening-up measure.

Sue said...

I'm with Dan. Knit two more socks and make the same mistakes again. They are beautiful.

Sarah B. said...

What size are they? I could use a new pair of beautiful green socks. :-)

Susie said...

I say the mistakes in hand knits show that it's really hand knit. We're all fallible and they're gorgeous. I'd just let it go.