Fire & Ice

Just a quick note - if you don't want to see the completed January Rockin' Sock Club socks - quickly go to another page....

Here's the 'Fire on the Ice' - my socks remind me of Fire & well, to put it bluntly it's damned cold here in Anchorage. (-15°F this morning; right now it's -8.3°F)

Here they are - in all of their glory. What a fabulous 1st kit for the 2008 Rockin' Sock Club. This is my first year as a member after missing the deadline by a few days last year. Wow - I certainly was not disappointed.

Details:

Pattern: Serendipity by Adrienne Fong

Yarn: STR Lightweight in Dragon Dance

Needles: Addi Turbo US 1 / 2.50 mm - Magic Loop

Cast On: January 29, 2008 ~2:15 during SWS Staff Meeting

Completion Date: February 4, 2008 ~1:30 during SWS Teacher workday.

What a fast knit!! I blame the yarn. The Color is 'Dragon Dance' and since Dragons are magical creatures, this yarn cast a spell over me. I've never had such a monogamous relationship with a project (sans the Sock Wars socks - but that was fueled by my competitive nature). My sweater - nothing; The Secret of the Stole ii - Not a stitch (let's forget the fact I'm now 2 clues behind). I couldn't help it - all I wanted to do was finish these socks! I'm so happy I perservered. New things were learned & improved:

Like...
A short row heel. I've only knit 1 toe-up sock which utilized a short row heel & I was not pleased with the results. Looking at the photo above - I'm pleased as punch. One side of the heel on sock #1 doesn't look that great (of course - I'm not going to show you...), but needless to say I improved by sock #2. I think I just was more aware of the need to tighten up the w&t (wrap & turn).

Here is the pattern detail. The color of the yarn was inspired by the Dragon Dance - a ritual of the Chinese New Year. The dyers notes explain the lace pattern reminded her of 'little candle flames' or 'maybe a parade of lanterns.' Yes - I agree! The stripes aren't exactly like the photo - but that's what makes my socks unique for me, right? Of course - it's all about gauge. The pattern called for Size 1 / 2.25 mm needles & it seems Addi Turbos are slightly bigger, so my stripes are different. They do line up quite nicely on the feet! :0)

So - chalk up an 'F' for February credit in SAM5 . I also have a cool pair of socks to wear when I head to the Madrona Winter Retreat next week. I'm so excited!!! :0) More on that later...

Ciao - Off to work on another pair of STR socks. :0)