Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks

Despite my spearheading the Single Multiple-Women Single-Sock Liberation-Movement (thanks to these great gals for joining me!), I've managed to finish a pair! Two! A complete set!


Finished: Rosy Baltic Socks
Pattern: clementine's Baltic Socks by Di of clementine's shoes
Fiber: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock lightweight in "Rose Quartz"
Needles: size 1 DPNs
Date Started: 10 April 2007
Date Completed: 05 May 2007
Modifications: I cast on 68 stitches instead of 64 and completed 8 pattern repeats on the leg instead of the 10 called for in the pattern. I reduced the number of pattern repeats because STR does not have super-great yardage. I may have had enough yarn to do 9 pattern repeats, but definitely not 10.


The reason for my ability to finish these socks? This must easily have been my favorite sock pattern I've yet knit. What a great pattern! It is written clearly and it is super easy to memorize, making it a fun, quick knit. And the best part is that you end up with some really cute lacy socks that look somewhat complicated without the fuss of following charts.


See how cute? They go with my Birk mary-janes like nobody's business! Love!


The other reason I was able to finish these socks without procrastination is because it turns out I *am* a fan of STR... with two very important qualifications: it must be the lightweight version and it has to be the semi-solid "Shaded Solids." I love that the STR base yarn is perfectly spherical. It is sproingy and really tough (doesn't break easily, which is a characteristic I like in sock yarn). It also has great stitch definition. I will admit that even the shaded solids pool a little bit, but paired with the right patterns, like this one, it isn't incongruous and doesn't make me shriek in terror, like the pooling effects of some of the multicolors. I am no longer hesitant to openly praise STR. I like it, I like it!


Some favorite details of this pattern: I got to try out the short-row heel technique again. This time 'round was much easier, and, well, I love the short-row heel. Having done it a couple of times now, I am more able to appreciate the not having to pick up gusset stitches and try desperately to avoid gaps and holes. I also love the pattern the slightly variegated yarn makes on short-row heels.


I also love the vertical lacy-leaf pattern on the front and back of the socks. The lace panels are separated by panels of stockinette stitch on the sides, which makes the socks fit really well, as they provide a bit of stretch. You can also add or subtract stitches from these side panels to customize the fit of the sock for your leg size, too. Ingenious.


I love these socks. They may very well be my favorites that I've knit thus far. I know I will knit this pattern again, no question about it.

And now that I've finished a whole pair of socks, be prepared to see several new beginnings of socks-to-be popping up shortly!

Have a terrific Sunday and can't wait to see everyone's MDS&W Festival loot!