They rock me, they really, really rock me

Man alive, that Socks that Rock is one sweet, addictive knit.

I started with the Garnet Dreams and decided to branch out in the needle department.  Years ago, my mom picked up some 2mm Addi Turbos for socks, and hated them.  She passed them on to me, I hated them and passed them back.  She sent them to her best friend out west, who hated them and sent them back.  We've all been using 2.5 mm needles ever since.

Then I got my first Knitpicks circular and we noticed a very large difference.  The needle tips themselves were a great deal longer.  This seemed to be the answer to the 2mm Addi problem.  Longer needle tips would offset the smaller needle size and give back the maneuverability.  So I ordered a 2mm size in the Knitpicks circular and have been waiting for a chance to give it a try.

Enter Socks that Rock.

I wanted really good stitch definition for this beautiful yarn, so I decided to give the 2mm a try.  72 stitches on a 2mm needle would be great, but what pattern to use?

Enter Pepperknit.  Enter Anastasia.

I upsized the pattern and made it a bit more spirally (4 spiral repeats to the round, as opposed to Pepper's 2).

Here's the revised chart:

The m1 is done by knitting into the stitch (not through the back loop, so not invisibly) and eliminates the baggy loop that I get from working a yo at end of round.

I plan to continue the pattern up the front of the leg, and maybe just do a slight rib on the back of the of leg.  I am undecided as to whether I'll work a mirror image for the other foot, but will post the chart if I do.

Here's sock #1, worked from a short-row toe with gussets.  I'm just getting ready for the upward heel flap.

I love the 2mm needle for this yarn, although the cord seems to be pulling a bit from the join.  At least I know the Knitpicks people back up what they sell, should it need replacement.

The circular cardi is moving along, albeit at a snail's pace.  At 576 stitches to the round, I make about half an inch per hour.  I'm getting ready for the outer lacy rows and pointed edging, which excites me to no end.

Exit Deb.  There's knitting to do!

Comments

[Snarkdog]

Those are really pretty. When I finish Monkey I'll have to give a try at these.

[Mintyfresh]

Nice work customizing my pattern to your own needs! I love when people play with the spirals in their own way--that's what knitting is all about. Can't wait to see them both finished and on some feet, so we can really see the eyelets.

[turtlegirl76]

I'll be interested to see what it'll look like with ribbing on the back instead of carrying the pattern around. When I made them, I found that once I hit the leg it was smooth sailing. Particularly with the left leaning version (the ssks rather the k2togs).

[Moe]

I'm working on the leg of my left anastasia sock...what an awesome pattern. It was perfect to get me back into sock knitting.

The STR, do indeed rock. Love your mods!

[Robin]

Love the pattern and love the yarn and colorway.

I totally agree - Options are the BEST needles - LOVE EM'