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August 12, 2007
Bloody Mary II
I decided I liked the pair of Bloody Mary socks I made for my Sockapalooza pal so much that I needed a pair for myself.
ETA: This fabulous yarn is from geeyouknit! in "Appliance". That Elizabeth has a real keen eye for color. Love all of her yarn.
I figured this would the perfect opportunity to try knitting these socks up in a smaller size (casting on 60 stitches instead of 70) so I can write out a pattern for the smaller-footed.
Oh, and I'm knitting these socks up top-down this time around. And let me tell you, I sort of had a mild epiphany when I finished up knitting the heel and started the gusset shaping.
It took knitting up a pair of toe-up socks to make me realize that I *really* missed knitting heel flaps. I missed knitting out that reinforced, slipped stitch square. I missed turning the heel. Hell, I even missed picking up stitches. Just forgot how satisfying the process was (for me, anyways).
Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the appeal of the short-row heel. But I've learned that it's just not for me.
Oh, right. I promised I'd give you a Stitch 'n Pitch wrap-up last time. Well, I think Carrie best summed up the evening during the game:
"I am sweating in places that I didn't even know could sweat."
We all were. So yeah, it was really, really hot. I think I read somewhere that it was the hottest game time start at Shea in over five years. I personally couldn't get any knitting done. The mere touch of wool totally grossed me out. But we Spiders had sooooo much fun, anyway. Especially since the Mets won!
Photo totally stolen from Melissa
If you want a more detailed account of our outing you should check out Colleen's post. She also has a lot more pictures as well.
Posted by Sandra at August 12, 2007 10:16 PM
Comments
I totally love knitting heel flaps and turning heels too and picking up gussets! I started a pair in your Charade pattern, it is looking great. Thanks so much for having it available.
Posted by: Karen at August 12, 2007 11:47 PM
I love this colorway, Sandra! It's so *fresh* looking.
Posted by: connie at August 12, 2007 11:48 PM
I love that heel flap, too. That is the only reason I work from the top down, rather than toe-up.
Those short-row heels are for the birds (and the sort of bunch up while wearing them, don't you think?)
BTW: I've been knitting your Charade's and dont'cha know, I love them so.
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy at August 13, 2007 02:06 AM
I so agree with you. I feel like I'm supposed to like knitting toe-up so I keep looking for the joy in it and it just isn't there for me. I love that little miracle that takes place at the heel and I just look at it over and over and smile every time I make it through another heel flap and gusset!
Posted by: Kathy at August 13, 2007 06:30 AM
I completely agree with you about the heel flap. I love them too! I want to make these socks. I want to make them RIGHT NOW.
Posted by: Laura at August 13, 2007 07:52 AM
Good gracious, yes. I am 100% on Team Heel Flap!
Posted by: Sarah at August 13, 2007 08:11 AM
Started my Bloody Mary socks yesterday- I am so in love with the twisted rib cuff I will use it on all socks. Forever.
I am knitting these top down too and of course the heel flap, how do I love thee? I simply cannot count the ways. Great pattern-ish!
Posted by: Heather D. at August 13, 2007 08:16 AM
:) you know me, i'm a short row heel girl.. but it's good to find what you love and stick with it!
i love these socks. so simple and timeless.
Posted by: gleek at August 13, 2007 09:12 AM
I'm totally a heel flap girl too! I can see why short row heels are good but they just don't really do it for me.
Posted by: Jillian at August 13, 2007 09:24 AM
I love the flap too but when I decided to knit toe up, I use Wendy's toe up gusset (it's the next best thing). I love the Bloody Mary pattern, I'm almost done with a pair for my Sock It To Me pal.
Wendy's pattern:
http://wendyknits.net/archives/1227
Posted by: E to the M at August 13, 2007 09:33 AM
ha! i totally was sweating like a pig. now i have to go check out the other photos ...
Posted by: carrie m at August 13, 2007 10:47 AM
Oooh those socks look fantastic! I'm so glad you like the yarn!
Stitch n Pitch here was ungodly hot as well. I don't think I've ever sweat more in my life.
Posted by: elizabeth at August 13, 2007 11:15 AM
Hi! I'm new to reading your blog, but I just wanted to say that I completely agree with you on the heel flaps. I began knitting short rows recently, but I miss heel flaps so much. There is something so "Sock-y" about doing it that way.
Beautiful socks, love the pattern and that yarn is to die for.
Posted by: Courtney at August 13, 2007 11:44 AM
Mmmm, socks... Personally, I prefer to knit socks toe up so that I can make them as long as possible and use up all my yarn, but I find that gusset/heel flap heels fit my foot better! I know there's a couple patterns for a toe-up flap heel (like the link E to the M gave here), so that will give me the opportunity to try something new. Are you going to try it too?
Posted by: Veronique at August 13, 2007 11:45 AM
Dude, I can't even finish ONE sock. Quit making me look bad.
(Sock is beautiful)
Posted by: Pam at August 13, 2007 01:31 PM
You know how I feel about heel flaps - but I can understand their appeal. That yarn is a lovely, fresh colour.
Loved Stitch and Pitch - didn't love the sweating, who knew my knees could sweat so much!
Posted by: schrodinger at August 13, 2007 01:49 PM
I totally feel you on the heel flap. I recently tried toe-up, short row heel socks, and I really missed doing that heel flap. I also like getting the boring ribbing out of the way at the beginning.
Posted by: if time exists at August 13, 2007 04:10 PM
I so totally agree with you on the heel flap. It's one of the major reasons I haven't knit a pair of toe-up socks yet. Long live the heel flap!
Posted by: Specs at August 13, 2007 05:10 PM
Haha, I like heel flaps, too. Your second pair of Bloody Marys, by the way, are fabulous!!! <3
Posted by: shirley at August 13, 2007 07:05 PM
The socks rock! Again! I love the pattern and the yarn choice. I am so with you on knitting toe-ups - they are a fun little diversion, but I miss that heel turning, it makes me feel like I am getting somewhere:)
Posted by: stacey at August 13, 2007 09:36 PM
i love making heel flaps, I feel like I'm doing magic!
Posted by: knitxcore at August 14, 2007 08:00 PM