More socks?
After declaring the Orchid socks next on FroggerBee's hit list, you'd think I'd continue working on my Hourglass sweater (which I have not touched in almost two weeks (Steph, I don't think this will be done by the time you get back.. hee hee). But no, I started another pair of socks (surprise, surprise). Yahaira and I are doing a little low-key knitalong for the Elfine socks and you're welcome to knit along with us if you like. I've charted out the pattern so if you're interested in getting a copy, shoot me an email (my address is on the right side-bar).

I'm using some green Koigu (from the NYC raid) and the figure 8 toe. The pattern is pretty easy to get the hang of and after a repeat and a half I've almost got it memorized. (Here comes the "but") ... But, when I try them on, they feel kind of big! When I first tried to knit these using the "Yack Attack" Koigu on 2.5mm, they came out pretty huge. When I swatched for them this time around (for the record, I also made a swatch with the "yack attack" Koigu) I got 36st on 2.25mm and 38st on 2.0mm. The pattern gauge is 33st using 2.25mm. ...???... Scratching my head here, I decide to go with 2.25mm. After a repeat and a half, I check gauge on the sole and I get 34st!? I am thoroughly confused. I'm using the same needles that I did when I swatched. Could it be the pattern stitch? Did someone curse my pattern stitched sock knitting ability? I'm a little worried but I'm going to try to stay optimistic. I'll just go with it for another repeat or two and see how it fits then. Please tell me I'm just tripping.

Onto some other sock knitting news, I got some new books yesterday! I've been waiting for this order because I wanted to dive into Knitting on the Road to pick out a pattern for my Holiday Knits Sox Exchange pal/person/buddy/whatever. I've chosen three patterns that I thought would be good. I want something patterned that's a step up from the usual 2x2/3x1/nxn ribbing but not too overwhelming. From left to right the choices are Canal du Midi, Conwy and Denmark.