Firestarter Sock-A-Long

Me and Mine

2008-09-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just joined your KAL, which is a good thing, because I cast on my first Firestarters last weekend. What a fun sock pattern and a lot of first for me.

These are my first toe up socks. I found the toe to be very interesting. I just had to tell myself to follow the directions, whatever they say (one of my knitting commandments). And it all worked out. I got about half way through the short rows when I figured out how it worked. I always wondered how those Kmart socks always had the seam on the top of the toes.

These are also the first time doing cables without a cable needle. When I think about all that time wasted on the Koolhaas using a cable needle. I am so ready to face the world now. Well, here it is. My beginnings of a Firestarter. I'm using Conjoined Creations Flat Feet, (also a first time use). I picked this pattern for the stitch count. I liked the way the colors looked on 60 stitches. The cables are showing up much nicer then the picture gives them credit for.

Thanks ya'll for letting me stop by. I've had so much fun looking at all the beautiful socks and yarn choices. Looking forward to seeing more and sharing mine.

You can check me out on my blog. Or on Ravelry: FreeRangeChick. --Krissy

finally!

2008-07-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

firestarters are done - yay!!

great pattern, great yarn (koigu), great experience!

details are here (rav link).

thanks for putting together the sock-a-long!

Finally! Firestarters! Finally.

2008-05-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Started in November. Finished May 1st. Finally!
Great Pattern plus Great Yarn equals Great socks!

Wollmeise 100% Superwash Sockenwolle
Raku-Regenbogen Dark
Only 3/4 of a skein.

I modified it slightly by knitting the front of the leg in stockinette, my intent was to showcase the gorgeous colors of my yarn. After seeing them finished I'm still undecided if this was a good decision. If I knit another pair I'll probably rib the front also.

I totally cheated and used "written words" and a cable needle to knit these. I was so intimidated by the pattern, but at the same I loved it. After binding off (which by the way was cool double stranded like that-never did that before) I cast on immediately for another Yarnissima pattern and when translating the Very Terhi into words I suddenly "got it". I can totally read her charts now. No more translating! Yea!!! On to Fratello, La Digitessa, and Spina after the Terhi's!

I tried to find a way to photograph the socks that was symbolic of the name. It was hard to do without fire...there was no way I was going to put these pretties anywhere near any flame so I settled for a pile of potentially firestarting wood chips.

First Firestarter

2008-05-03T07:20:00.001-07:00

This is my frist Firestarter, I chose this yarn specifically for this pattern. I like this yarn, not sure if its the yarn or how it was wound (because I know the lady at the store was new and had a lot of trouble with the swift) but I keeps tangling in the ball and I have to cut and attach a new strand - after getting frustrated enough to cut once I try to untangle for several minutes.

Other than that, I am loving this pattern. Its a little confusing at times and I've had to un-knit a few rows and start again two or three times, but I think the second sock will go really well.

I was worried the sock may be a little loose, but the guage averages correctly and I think once the leg is done with ribbing it'll hold up on my leg and take up the slack in the heel that's there now.

Angela T.
http://angcraftcorner.blogspot.com

Single Sock Finished

2008-04-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just participated in a Single Sock Swap and decided to try out Firestarter. For a new mom who's already delirious, it took a while to wrap my brain around this pattern. But I absolutely love it and plan to knit at least three more pair in the somewhat near future. I wish this picture better represented the cables, after all, they take work, but I feel that the yarn I chose perhaps didn't highlight the pattern very well. Oh well, my swap partner loved it, so I'm happy!

Allegra
www.fiddlestix.typepad.com

Finished!

2008-03-27T06:49:00.001-07:00

What fun to knit! I knit these with Fleece Artist Nova Sock (colorway "Jester"). Now I can't wait to start "La Digitessa"....

Angela/BuzzandFuzz

I failed knitting thoses socks

2008-03-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Such a long time ago I started to knit the great Firestarters socks for myself, very stylish pattern, however, I encountered some big difficulties while starting the reversed heel, after a lots of frogging and reknitting, I accepted that I failed to knit thoses so cute socks, the reverse construction and the cables are quite a big challenge for me and in general, (hum in fact all the time) I prefer top down construction, and cables are not my best friends. Finally, I only managed to knit a single baby sock, with the confortable top down construction.

I'm impressed by all of you, for being able of knitting them, in adult size, following the reverse construction.

Bon tricot à toutes et tous.

Marimi

KAL newbie

2008-03-21T14:56:00.001-07:00

hi everyone! so glad i found this kal. i am totally and completely enamored of yarnissima's firestarter socks. and i had just the right KPPPM for it!

since taking this, i've finished sock #1 and am working up the foot of sock #2.
my mods:
used magic cast-on (instead of crochet cast-on)
no twisting / cabling on the foot - just plain ribbing
i think i'm doing garter stitch in the gusset, not reverse stockinette (what's it
supposed to be???)
shortened the leg a little; no increases at the top of the leg ribbing

can't wait to see everyone's beautiful finished socks!

Done!

2008-02-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

It just took me 6 months to finish the pair, but now they're done!

The second sock seemed to have gone much faster than the first one. I was much more comfortable with the twisted stitches and now I'm already thinking about my next twisted stitches project!

I definitely could have made them longer but I never seem to have the patience!

Thank you Yarnissima for such a beautiful pattern! I so wish I could afford your other kits!

Finally started sock #2!

2008-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

After 4 months of abandonment I have started knitting the mate to my first Firestarter. It's not that I didn't want to knit on it but I just had other socks I had to work on. Also, I've noticed that for complicated sock patterns, if I wait a while between the first and last, the second one usually is much easier and goes much faster.

So here are my sock 1 and 2, soon to be worn together after all this time!

The yarn is Phoenix Fiberworks in Nymph.

Le Sacre du Printemps (Firestarters - FO)

2008-02-05T08:10:00.001-08:00

Le Sacre du Printemps (Firestarters - FO), [366:13, 05.02.2008]
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Start: 03rd October 2007
Finish: 04th February 2008
Yarn: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Sockenwolle, colourway "Bob"
Needle: 2.5 mm / 80 cm Addi Turbos
Pattern: Firestarter by Yarnissima via The Loopy Ewe
Modifications: I needed to modify the stitches to make it fit my foot. 72 stitches instead of the 60 stitches from the pattern and one extra cable repeat before the gusset increase as well as extra cable repeats on the leg. I also used the Judy Magic Cast-On instead of the provisional CO as well as EZ's sewn bind-off instead of doubling the yarn and do a normal bind-off.

Woohoo! Finally, it's finished!!!! This is the best fitting pair of socks I've made up to date. It's pretty snug.....and not to even mention the brightness of it all!

terrified!

2008-01-31T05:21:00.001-08:00

This pattern looks terrifying to me! *L*
I may be biting off more than I can chew...I printed it off just now, and perhaps I'll have the yarn by the weekend, depends on finances.
I've never knit anything with a chart before...

OK, no major problems so far...

2008-01-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

I have now started my first Firestarter! I bought some lovely sockyarn from Wollmeise and first out is a pair of Firestarter in "Granatapfel". The pattern looks great in this color but I'm very sorry that it doesn't show in the pictures. The light in Sweden is very weak, if not totally absent, this time of year. Last weekend the sun, after two weeks absence, finally shone from the sky. I run home and tried to capture the sock in a picture... Hm, not my best attempt but it's still a proof that I have joined this Sock-A-Long!!!

I can't believe they are finally done! yay!

2008-01-16T02:54:00.001-08:00

It seems to have been forever but I'm happy to report my knee high Firestarters are done.

Some what details on my blog. This pattern was a challenge and I'm so happy that I was able to get through it. Thanks to everyone for posting tips and tricks. I think I would've gone crazy without ya'll. :)

finished! yippee!

2008-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

They're done! And I love them, but I don't get to keep them. I've been called in as an emergency Secret Pal, and I just happened to be finishing up this pair of socks, so they're bound for beautiful Sweden. I hope she likes them, I sure do. Enough to make a second pair, very soon.

Le Sacre du Printemps

2008-01-07T02:06:00.001-08:00

Le Sacre du Printemps (Firestarter)
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Start: 23rd September 2007, frogged and restarted 3rd October 2007
Finish: WIP, 1st side on 07th January 2008
Yarn: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Sockenwolle, colourway "Bob"
Needle: 2.5 mm / 80 cm Addi Turbos
Pattern: Firestarter by Yarnissima via The Loopy Ewe
Modifications: I needed to modify the stitches to make it fit my foot. 72 stitches instead of the 60 stitches from the pattern and one extra cable repeat before the gusset increase as well as extra cable repeats on the leg. I also used the Judy Magic Cast-On instead of the provisional CO as well as EZ's sewn bind-off instead of doubling the yarn and do a normal bind-off.

Yeah!! One down and one to go. I LOVE this sock. It has been a bumpy road getting the first one done. I hope that the twin will go better.

The sock is a perfect fit. I decided to learn a new technique and used Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind-off instead and I have to say that I like the look and feel of it very much.

As to the name, I was trying on the sock last night when I finished it and the colour combination and the pattern name suddenly reminded me of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps in French). I think that the name suits it very well than just calling it "Bob the Firestarter".

Woot!

2008-01-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

She received it & loves it!! (And it even fits!) I'm so glad I did this sock for her; can't wait to get back to my own, but it will probably be at least a month.

Firestarter: It's a heel!!!

2008-01-04T02:57:00.001-08:00

Firestarter: It's a heel!!!
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Finally, I managed to fix the mess and successfully re-knit the heel-flap.

Now to the leg and the cuff...

...then there's the twin. ;-)

Fixing the Firestarter, vers. 74234589

2007-12-31T03:55:00.001-08:00

Fixing the Firestarter, vers. 74234589
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

WARNING: Do NOT read the entry if you're easily offended by the F-word....

ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

After I fucked up my Mystic Waters (still too painful to even take a photo) last week, I took time off knitting anything more complicated than a Koolhaas until yesterday when I decided to pick up my Firestarter again and knit on it. I left it off when I finished the gusset increase. I needed to make the heel extension and turn the heel and make the heel-flap then it should be smooth sailing from there.

No.

I promptly dropped some stitches while picking up the wraps from the heel-turn. I put it away, drank a glass of Port and ate some chocolate. When the alcohol was gone, I ripped it back out (thank goodness I put in a lifeline), picked up the stitches with difficulty and re-started the last 6 rows of gusset increase and then re-knit the heel extension and turned the heel successfully.

That was 3 a.m. this morning.

Now that I picked it up and was going along the heel flap carefully, I managed to dropped a fucking stitch where I was supposed to be picking up the gusset stitches together (p2tog and then turn the work at the gusset). Of course, things had to run and I couldn't fix it (I don't even know how to explain it...the p2tog's from 3 rows below came undone and it's just a fucking mess)....

...yeah, I was holding the scissors against the whole damned thing already.

I counted to 50 (yes, it took that much) and frogged it back to when I started the heel extension (I had already pulled out the lifeline last night before going to bed - yeah, spank me) and have carefully picked up the stitches...first with the knitting needle and now I just threaded the waste-yarn through.

I'm going to call it a day...because I can't deal with this freaking thing right now...lest I might have to say: "R.I.P., dear Firestarter".....and then really set fire to it.

(Sorry about the F-words here, but you can guess how frustrated I am right now.)

Punkin Head Firestarters

2007-12-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'm finally getting around to posting pics of my finished Firestarters:

These were fun to knit and it was lovely to see all of your finished Firestarters for inspiration. More pics and info can be found here. Thanks! Tiennie

Whew, finally a chance to post!

2007-12-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

I finished the sock for my HSS pal a couple weeks ago -- I love how it came out! And although I was stressed that I couldn't finish one for myself first (in case I made any mistakes, etc), it's actually better that I didn't -- because now I can see what mods I want to make to my own pair. More about that later, though - here's the pic of the one I finished in STR Metamorphic:

I hope she loves it as much as I do!

Happy New Year, all!

Bonjour

2007-12-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I'm glad to have join this great KAL, I had a look on your knitted Firestarters, and I wanted to knit them as well, so here I am, just the toe, I will work on it this week, and I will show you how it goes, the yarn is some regia socks yarn (I lost the label, hum in fact put it in the bin without consideration shame on me).

Have a great knitting time.

Marimi

My second pair is done, too!

2007-12-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

I'm definitely still addicted to this pattern even though this colorway doesn't really do it for me.

I've posted a wrap up on my blog, two knits of ivory.

My second pair are done!

2007-11-29T06:56:00.000-08:00

I love how my Wollmeise Rhabarber knits up. It feels divine.

The only problem I had this time around is that I seemed to get some laddering when I picked up the gusset stitches (both on the p2tog & k2tbl sides) and I don't know why. I didn't have this issue with my STR medium weight pair.

usual details:

Judy's magic cast on

72 st count

extra cable repeat in the foot

size 2.25 & 2.50 mm (US 1 & "1.5") Knitpick circulars

But I'm not done w/the Firestarter! I also picked up Yarnissima's adorable XS Firestarter kit to make at least 1 mini-Firestarter ornament. The only question now is when I'll get to it.

Finally some socks to show for.

2007-11-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

I've been slowly working away on these socks. I have to frog the first one because it's a tad to lose and long and well, the second one I made a booboo and did not pay attention to the heel flap pattern, but with some mods it fits well so I'm just gonna stick with the mistakes. So these will be my semi-firestarters. hehhe :)

I'm sticking to it because I don't think I can take anymore frogging.

Here the two are hanging out and the left one is saying goodbye to the right one. hehe

Fiery Rhubarb

2007-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

One down, one to go.

It seems like the gusset took forever for me. Plus I kept making mistakes with the purl increases (wrong round, wrong side) and had to keep fixing them.

But it's worth it! I love how the Wollmeise feels knitted up. Love it.

Deets so far:
Wollmeise sockenwolle in Rharbarber
72 st count
size 2.25 & 2.50 mm KP circs
Judy's magic cast on for the toes
1 extra cable repeat for the foot
EZ sewn bind off at the cuff

(eta: reloaded the pics)

Started...or not...

2007-11-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought I had a good start on my HSS (Harvest Sock Swap) partner's sock, but if you look at the toe...well...I'll be singin' down by the pond tonight. I decided to do the figure 8 cast-on, but neglected to read all the directions. Like the part about using the working and tail yarn. Ah well, at least you can see how great the colors are in this yarn! It's Trekking XXL in color 146. I'll definitely be buying some of this for myself at a later date (although I must admit I don't love the fuzzy look).

Addicted!

2007-11-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hello. My name is Morticcia and it's been 3 days since I started my second pair of Firestarters.

I'm addicted. What can I say for myself? The yarn is Madelinetosh Sock in the Viola's colorway.

What the heck?

2007-11-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

I've finished my first sock, but somehow I'm now having a memory lapse. When I rearrange the stitches after finishing the toe, it seems like the beginning of the round will end up being in the center of one of the cables. This was not the case with my first sock. What the heck?! Can someone help me? Here's what I'm doing:

I knit to the first marker, then transfer these 4 stitches to the foot sole needle. Then knit throught to the end of the upper foot needle. Then I begin the foot sole needle, transfer the 4 stitches to the upper foot needle, and knit to the end. But when I get to the end of the foot sole needle, there are those 4 pesky stitches sitting there that have already been knitted from the upper foot needle. If I knit them again, things will be kind of askew in my instep, right? Unless the beginning of the round is in the center of the cable pattern?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, since I'm pretty stumped right now. :)

I'm a Firestarter baby!

2007-11-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

After much ado, I present my finished Firestarters!

Once I mucked my way through the numerous difficulties I had with the pattern's syntax and finished the first sock, the second was a breeze to knit up! I have a full wrap up, including pattern changes to account for the medium weight yarn and a smaller foot size, on my blog.

Thanks Peaknit for starting the KAL and thanks to KAL members for the invaluable help I received in getting through the pattern!

Update & quick favor?

2007-11-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'll probably post a pic tonight, but I started a second Firestarter for my Harvest Sock Swap Pal -- I'm about done with the toe -- I'm using the magic 8 cast on & like it a lot more than the shortrow.
Now about the favor, lol. I need a good color copy of the pattern for my pal & my printer is on the blink. I would be forever grateful (and would, of course, paypal a few dollars) to anyone who could print off a copy & mail it to me... my email is my username at yahoo. Thanks so much!!

I´m finished

2007-11-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

My first pair of firestarter Socks are done and I´m very satisfied. More than I ever thought. They are a little too big for me and first I want to give them away, but no no, now I want to keep them for my self. Oh my god I just love them and I´m sure I will knit more pairs of Firestarter.

progress

2007-11-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

I'm just about to start the gusset! Of course, I've been just about to start the gusset for days now, I keep getting sidetracked by trivial nonsense like my children and my job. Oh, and other knitting projects.

But here's what I've got so far. Interesting: I didn't actually see the striping pattern until I saw this photo. Hmm...

Second attempt

2007-10-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

I ended up ripping my first attempt in STR farmhouse. I had finished the instep, but the striping of the yarn really obscured the cables. I thought, 'if I'm gonna spend time on these cables, they might as well be seen,' right?! So, my second attempt is in Schoeller+Stahl. Not happy with the yarn itself at all, but I do like how the more subtle coloring shows off the pattern: Like many of you, I decided on the magic cast-on instead of the provisional. I think it makes the toe look much neater.

Next to my first attempt, this one looks kind of boring. But they're for my sister, and she prefers more pastel-y colorways, anyway. Happy Firestarter-knitting!

Damned...

2007-10-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

I´m not satisfied. The yarn is wrong, and they are way too big for my foot. Well they are what they are and maybe I know a bigfoot;-) who would like a pair of socks. I will finished these pair and then I´ll start on a new pair with only 4 repeats of the chart. I love the pattern and it´s not quit the challenge that I thougt of.
Happy knitting to you all.

Fire Started!

2007-10-25T07:01:00.001-07:00

multi blue louet
Originally uploaded by wearespiraling

I don't have a photo of my progress because I'm away on business and can't upload any, but this is the beautiful yarn I've chosen. It's Louet Merino Sport Weight in Blue Multi, whch is three plies of different shades of blue. Gorgeous.

I'm in my second repeat, after realising as I finished the first that I was reading the chart from L to R. Grrr...

Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone else had knit these in Sport Weight and could tell me how long the gusset on their sock ended up? Your stitch & row guages would be helpful, too.

Thanks!

Spiraling.

new too!

2007-10-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Happy to be here! I'm knitting my Firestarters in Wollmeise's Campari Orange. I have the toes done, and am very pleased with how they're looking so far. I love Yarnissima's patterns, and I'm doing a little impatient dance while I wait for the Digitessa pattern to come out.

Hi...

2007-10-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I´m so excited to join this KAL.
I´m Danish and not a good writer in english, but I´ll try.
I have started my first sock. I´m using 2.5 dpn. Circular needle is just not me;-)
The yarn I use is some cheep yarn I bought in a supermarket. For the next pair of Firestarters I will buy some better yarn.
My photo is really bad and the sock is sitting on my hand instead of my foot!

Wow! Going strong!

2007-10-24T15:32:00.001-07:00

We have had 5 more takers in the last 24 hours - way to get people curious! It's so exciting to see what people are coming up with. I still have another one to knit up - and then I got my Fratello kit - I'm a wollmeise-yarnissima-aholic, I may need a sponsor. Any takers? *giggle*

I am a mean, mean woman. So shoot me! Please!

2007-10-24T07:49:00.001-07:00

I am a mean, mean woman because I feel so much better when I read of other people having problems with this pattern. Isn't that awful? I can't help myself.

Because I am a five year old trapped in a nearly 40 year old woman's body I've been begrudging the pattern and the beautiful yarn I've been using on this project so much so it took me over a week to do what needed to be done and that is to wipe the slate clean and begin again.

So goodbye Lorna's Laces Gold Hill.

Hello Socks That Rock Jonagold!

The STR is medium weight so I have fudged the numbers. I CO 24 stitches, instead of 30. I'm hoping that both numbers being divisible by three and six will help me fudge the heel and leg portions of the pattern.

Hi - Sheepish grin, nervous introduction

2007-10-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make.

I have been fighting with my firestarter.

It's been calling my name for quite some time and I have cast on (and frogged) more times than I can remember.

I started with this yarn - and got so confused with the cable directions. I asked the wonderful Designer and she helped me a lot - but for some reason the mental blank stayed. I now think it was the length of the arrows leading up into the next box that was confusing me. I mean, I watched you all from afar - posting your progress - and kept thinking that if I had tackled the Bayerische Sock then cables shouldn't confuse me so much.

I think that written instructions really helped click it in but my confusion came from which direction the stitches ended up. I don't even know if this makes sense to you at all.

So - after swapping yarns again I am taking a little break for a couple of days....then I will pick it up again.

But I will still be checking in on you'all.

Not much to show

2007-10-23T03:40:00.001-07:00

Firestarter: Progress
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Start: 23rd September 2007, frogged and restarted 03rd October 2007
Finish: WIP
Yarn: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Sockenwolle, colourway "Bob"
Needle: 2.5 mm / 80 cm Addi Turbos
Pattern: Firestarter by Yarnissima via The Loopy Ewe
Modifications: I need to modify the stitches to make it fit my foot. 72 stitches instead of the 60 stitches from the pattern and one extra cable repeat before the gusset increase.

So, here's my meagre progress on my Firestarter. I didn't get too far because I was hell bent on finishing my Swallowtail. Not that the Firestarter's going to get any faster because Swallowtail is finished, since I still have other stuff on the needles that I want to get off first.

Anyhow, I like the way my Firestarter is looking. And hanging out with Bockstark Knits had rubbed off the tight-knit on me again....and I have to say that I really like how the fabric's feeling knitted so tight like this.

Now I'm just praying that I won't have problems with the heel turn because I modified the stitch count.

Conflicted; size issues

2007-10-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

Quick post, we're off to the park soon (weird fall weather here in Michigan). I'm at about 17 sts. in my gusset (supposed to go to 22 or 23, I think) and it looks like I'm already at my heel. I've never done toe-up, so I don't know how the heel is going to be. It also feels a bit loose across the top of my instep (crease of my ankle, whassat called? lol). Should I keep plugging away with the next 6 or so rows, or try to mod it somehow? I have shrimpy size 5 feet... TIA!

I decided to finish

2007-10-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Since I'm planning to make a second pair in my Wollmeise Rhabarber, I decided to finish my STR medium weight mill end pair. I figured that if I'm going to accept the funky things my Fleece Artist Sea Wool is doing on my other pair of socks-in-progress, I should accept all the color pattern changes going on in the leg section of my Firestarters.

Thank you Fabienne and the rest of the KAL knitters for your insight into this lovely pattern.

Pattern Dummy in the House! Please Help!

2007-10-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

I'v gotten to the end of the "Turning The Heel" section and I am confused. (Again!) Would someone please help me get beyond where "On row 13(RS), work 1 round as follows" ends?

I think I have just finished row 18 of the heel. I have followed the directions from Row 13 five times. When I turned my work to do row 18 I had three wrapped stitches on right hand of the needle, the 1 wrapped stitch I just picked up and knit before turning my work. I then purl 14 "live" stitches and then purl the first of four remaining wrapped stitches. On my left hand needle I still have three wrapped stitches when the directions say:

Work next 4 stitches, p18 the gusset, work 30 sts, p18 the other gusset, work 4 sts, pick up the remaining 6 wrapped stitches.

WTF? Is there anyone who can comprehend my confusion and give me some kind of hint? What unwritten knitting concept(s) am I missing?

Slow going...

2007-10-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

But it's my own fault. I have to many other WIP and I haven't focused my attention on the Firestarters. It's kind of a good thing that these are for my friend and she loves them because if they were for me I would have stopped after the ankle to change yarns. I love the yarn that I am using and the pattern I just don't really like the pooling around the ankle. I will be knitting these again but I will most likely be using Woolmeise yarn. Now I just need to order some, or take a 2.5 hour drive down to her shop. (I live in Germany) Here is a picture of the first sock done.

Flipped over

Hope that everyone is having a great weekend. Happy Knitting!

just got here

2007-10-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

So, I was not sure if I would be able to tackle the Yarnissima's lovely Firestarter pattern because of my avoidance of twisted stitches and cables, but here I am. ;)

This is the first sock and I am so happy with how it is working out. I should have left off one of the cable medallion repeats in order to fit me a bit better, but this pair might just be a gift for my sis, who has slightly bigger feet than I do.

The yarn is from Lime and Violet 100% merino in the Sideshow edition - Jane the Giantess. I love how it is working with the pattern, even if it is a bit thinner than the recommended STR and Wollmeise.

(Thanks for the invite, Fabz. :)

Cheers!

---Olivia

finished firestarters

2007-10-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

thank you all for the support and encouragement, nothing like a lively kal to help speed things along!

yarn: posh yarn lucia 4 ply in colorway "rainbow"
needles: 2.5mm addi turbo circular, magic loop style
mods: cast on with magic cast on 2x16 stitches, increased every other row up to 60 stitches, knit an extra full cable pattern repeat in the foot before the gusset, did not size up needles for calf shaping, only knit 11 rows after pattern at the top.
thoughts: lovely pattern, very challenging for me in the twisted traveling stitch department, but the upside is that now i can knit other yarnissima patterns and also use the books of german patterns i have with the same cable chart notation.

happy socktober,
fbz

heel flap the second

2007-10-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

i am a few rows away from finishing the heel flap on the second sock. i decided not to frog back to the toe because the sock sizes are almost identical, i only added one row at the very beginning of the cable repeat after the toe. so yes, they aren't perfect but they will be gift socks since this colorway is not really something i would wear often. speaking of which, the last six pairs of socks i have knit have not been for me. i think the next pair i cast on after these will be thelonious socks for me.

one done!

2007-10-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

I cast off my first Firestarter today - love it. I feel like it could have been a teeny tiny bit more roomy, my first sock ever tried on anything less than a #2, but the #2 seemed a bit large - so I am so pleased. I love the cables and the "action" gusset! I have a tiny hole above the guseet - kind of like the dreaded hole when picking up stitches on the top down model. Any helpful hints for that? I am not ripping out a stitch, because I am so in love, but maybe I could avoid this next time?

I just ordered Yarnissima's Fratello kit today - more Wollmeise, more wonderful gusset architecture. I am so weak.

Basic question about the bind off

2007-10-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to ask in my previous post, but when you bind off with the yarn doubled per the pattern, do you go up in needle size? 2 needles sizes?

I've never done this type of bind off before (I usually do the EZ sewn bind off), so I'd like to give it a try.

TIA!

There and Back Again

2007-10-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I was going along really well on my sock.

Foot? check.
Heel turn? Check.
Heel Flap? Check-er.
Gusset? Check-er-oo.
Join in the round and start leg? Confusing, but checkerino.

Try sock on.
Oops.

Foot too small. Well, just barely, but can't deny it. It is too small.
Dang.

Ribbit.

Good decision though. I went back to the foot, somehow managed to get the stitch pattern right and added one more repeat of the cable. Perfect! I am now back at the start of the leg and now just need to set aside some time to knit!

Also at an impasse

2007-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Whinging in this blog post.

In the meantime, I've got a couple other in-progress socks I need to finish and some Wollmeise swatching to do.

Moving right along...eh, maybe?

2007-10-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last week I picked up this project again. I left my third-try toe on 2.25 mm dpns off to the side to try a new sock on size 2.75 mm dpns. The single stitch cables seemed especially difficult on this toe up pattern for me and I am not new to cable patterns at all. I was hoping it would be easier with a less tight knit.

I'm not sure if I answered that question because as soon as I had the toe done I switched to a 2 circular needle style by Cat Bordhi which I found on youtube. (She also has a great youtube tutorial on hiding wrap stitches which I may test out on my second sock. Anyone interested should look here.)

I got up to the beginning of the gusset last week and then put it down again.

Now I'm thinking the sock is too loose, but I'm gonna finish it before making that decision. It's not my best work but I'm committed to completing finishing this KAL with a decent pair of socks.

Darn it!

2007-10-08T19:15:00.001-07:00

Is that a single or double twist within each circle? I swear my children are sucking all the brain cells I have...

20th Time is the Charm

2007-10-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well, first off a big thanks to peaknits for starting up this KAL, but boy did she pick a tough sock. However all my struggles will totally be worth it, because I really like how it's turning out.

I really did the toe about 20 times and after a short row tutorial I finally got going. I'm using STR in Purple Rain, and I was a bit worried that it would hide the cables, but I think you can see them fairly well.

Firestarter, the horror

2007-10-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

Firestarter: Horror
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Last Friday, when I was knitting the Firestarter, I was in denial. I noticed that something was wrong....but kept knitting. Two rows further, I saw that I twisted the middle cable too early. I told myself that I could live with it. Seven rows further, I decided that I could not and put it away for a while.

This evening I thought that I would be able to fix it by just dropping down the cable stitches and knit them back up again....

....yeah, not fun at all. I picked up about two rows and gave up on it. The combination of braiding/cabling with the twisted stitches aren't the easiest to fix...especially not with a circular dangling down and trying to knit with two DPNs in a very confined space with small strands of yarns going everywhere.

I ended up just pulling out all the needles and frogged back...and painfully picked up and knit all the stitches again.

But alas, I picked up the stitches wrong again. And this time I decided that I definitely can live with it. Because I know that if I have to rip this back again, the sock will definitely be sent into the same pile my Vinnland's living in right now.

Just for an FYI, I frogged this sock totally once already and re-knit the whole thing. So, this is my second time knitting it up.

Finally...

2007-10-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

I stopped talking and started my sock! After all the hemming & hawing I decided to go with my "Puck's Mischief" STR. I had considered the "Metamorphic," but I'm really liking the more muted/tone-on-tone colorways for this sock; plus I didn't feel like hand-winding 360 yards into a center pull ball without even a swift to aid the process.

I am so happy with this!! The pattern does seem to be written a little strangely at times, though. It might just be me (goodness knows I almost never follow patterns), but it really seems like you have to reread a few times & figure stuff out. I suspect I tossed an extra row in before I began the first row of the chart, but I don't think it will make much difference, and I noted it on my pattern so I would remember. I also noted where I increased from 29 to 30.

I think I'm going to crank this out asap, and if everything goes well, make one out of the Trekking for my Harvest pal after all. I'm still a little bit conflicted, but after looking at the pattern more, I realize that my biggest worry (altering it to fit her foot) is unfounded -- it's written for her shoe size. We shall see; I don't actually have to finish that sock until December! I doubt I'll take anywhere near that long to decide & knit, though. I'm too excited!

Take 2!

2007-10-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

I frogged my first attempt on size 2.75 mm needles using the original 60 st count and casted my STR medium weight back on size 3.00 mm needles using a 54 st count. No fat pooling. I can see my twisted stitches so much better.

Once I got used to the chart notation, I could cruise through the travelling stitches. (I will however note that I've gone through the experience of knitting Cookie A's Twisted Flower pattern so a sock pattern that only has one chart can seem comparatively easy. )

Keeping my fingers crossed that I didn't just jinx myself just now and that when I get to the gusset that it all works out, especially since I don't have the same row gauge.

Ready, set...GUSSET!

2007-10-04T16:06:00.001-07:00

I made it, I made it through those traveling stitches. It all started making sense. Now for the gusset - I am so stoked.

I am so amazed by everyone's progress. I have enjoyed the challenge of this pattern and can't wait to continue forward. I think I could almost watch TV and knit the guesset after that interesting chart - we'll see. My picture is a little wonky - I think because of the way I rearranged the stitches to center the charted rows, so I can't really wiggle it on my foot for size, since my foot is not square:) But it seems like it is sizing up nicely and I am happier with this more solid yarn to capitalize on the design. Knit on!

Finally some progress

2007-10-04T12:45:00.001-07:00

Firestarter: Progress
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Yeah...well, I could have got further than this, but this is how far I got.

You see, I've been spinning a lot more and knitting on the Swallowtail Shawl. Last night, I decided to pick up the Firestarter and promptly I made a mistake in the second repetition of the cabling, which I noticed by the time I finished the third repeat.

Of course, I could have just frogged back to the mistake and fix it but for some reasons, I wasn't happy with the looser gauge at the toe, so I frogged the whole sock last night and re-started. I knit it back today to where it was last night....but now the drop spindle is calling to me again. :-p

Redirect

2007-10-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

So I cast on my Firestarter using my Socks that Rock (STR) mill end (the thought now is that it's the Marbles colorway). The short row toe is okay, but it did remind me why I don't like them as my ends look messy. Next time I'm going back to my prefered Judy's Magic Cast On. (Also using 2 circs 'cause I didn't have a 2.75 mm circular that was long enough.)

Unfortunately, this colorway is starting to do that fat striping thing that can happen with STR. Normally I wouldn't mind, but I think it's obscuring the cable twists.

I guess I can call this a swatch and frog. My only problem now is that I'll have to swatch some other sock yarns first. Maybe a more semi-solid medium weight STR (but I don't want to use the colors I do have)? Dream in Color Smooshy? My Wollmeise, but then, which one? The only 2 that I think I'd want to try are Rhabarber and Raku-Regenbogen.

Sigh. Back to the drawing board.

I've finally started!

2007-10-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Here's my progress:

(Like my fancy-schmancy marker?) I'm using STR in colorway Farmhouse. This pattern is addictive! I'm supposed to be working on some other socks for a swap, but I can't seem to put Firestarter down. I'm definitely hooked.

Sock #1 finished!

2007-10-01T13:34:00.001-07:00

I just finished this morning my first Firestarter. The pattern was fun and was easy once I understood what I was doing. It was really cool to learn a new type of toe-up heel as I always do short-row heels nowadays.

I was concerned that the sock was going to be too long as my feet are 21cm and not 24cm but due to my different row gauge it worked out perfectly and the sock fits perfectly well.

I'm A Total W&T RETREAD!!!

2007-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had to express my frustration with the whole wrap and turn thing. It's driving me crazy. I'm okay with wrap and turn as a concept, but recognizing a wrap and turn on the purl side with a multicolor yarn is making me batty. Plus, my purling the stitch with its wrap looks awful. Eeeek. I've ripped my first sock back twice now and I'm putting it down so that I can up my worsted EZ EPS raglan. Ahhhhh. Stockinette. I'm going to try again but I think I'm going to try a solid yarn. Any other sufferers out there? Am I the only short bus student?

Just Finished.....

2007-10-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed working this pattern and will do it again, But I am not pleased with the yarn. I'll go for reds next time!

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Sock, Safari - Can you believe I still have 50g of this yucky yarn left over????

Needle: 1 40" circular in 2.5mm (and the 3mm)

Here We Go!

2007-10-01T03:45:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finished the toe (using Lorna's Laces Hawaii)! Now for the hard part- following that chart! I have gone through the first 9 rows and one side looks right but the other doesn't. Maybe I can get some better pictures and someone can spot what I am doing wrong. I know how to work the traveling stitches, but I just don't really understand when I am supposed to do them- when the arrow is coming out of a stitch or when the arrow is pointing to a stitch?? Does that make any sense?

Everyone's work is looking beautiful! What an awesome pattern!

Progress - no pics though

2007-09-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have done four pattern repeats and am measuring my foot and calculating to determine when to start. I think I can do a fifth repeat and then start increasing for the gusset. I know I will likely not need all the extra gusset rows. My foot measures 20 cm and the pattern is 24 cm. I am just under 10 now.
I discovered on the start of my 3rd pattern repeat, that I forgot a row. Either row 2 or 8, but I skipped it. Happily, due to my smallish foot, this will work out as otherwise I would have to have started the gusset now. It looks okay and I think I will just call it a design adjustment (planned it doncha' know!!!)
Love working with the Yarntini and the pattern makes cabling lickety split fast (except when the stitches pull out and...)
This is a fabulous knit!!!

Progress

2007-09-30T07:54:00.001-07:00

Hi all just wanted to stop by and show some progress. I am just about to start the increase of the leg. It's slow going now because I have so many other projects on the needles. My own fault, I can't help casting on another project when I get lovely yarn in the mail. Anyone else like that? I love this pattern though and can't wait to knit myself a pair! Hope that you are all having a lovely weekend. Happy Knitting!

Frog It!

2007-09-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

I am posting a picture just so you know that I really am working on this. Yea, I figured out the toe and then what a downer...Look at that toe. I am shoe size 10 extra wide. Those sizzling 60's that had us alternating between 3 inch spike heels and Birkenstocks gave many of us of the "Boomer Generation" such "great understanding". There is no way this is going to fit my foot. This would fit my skinny teenage granddaughter who wears size 8 1/2 or my four year old granddaughter who also has a wide foot but I am sure I would have strangulation of the large toe. I used the larger needles and by no stretch of the imagination could you say that I am a tight knitter. The next step is to pull it out again and work with a pattern that tells how to enlarge to fit a BIG foot. Once I get that figured out I can return and hopefully figure out how to apply this pattern.

Cast on...

2007-09-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

I have started my first one.
I am using a 2.25 mm needle - dpn, because I am finding the 2.5 too loose.
Already frogged once as I forgot that when I purl then knit, I twist my knit stitches unless I work throught the back loop.
I am using Pomtini, by Yarntini and I love this yarn!!

Green with envy

2007-09-29T16:24:00.001-07:00

I just put in that I am having a terrible time and when I went to the blog what did I see but one that is all done. It looks wonderful. Good knitting out there. Any time you would like to come and help me out let me know.

Update

2007-09-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have finished the neighbor's shawl and started the firestarter. So far I have pulled the toe out 5 times. I am beginning to wonder if this is the sock for me. I am going back to it again. Did anyone else have all this trouble? Maybe the senior dementia is acting up.

Finally -- progress!

2007-09-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my 2 back "orders" and have gotten to work on my firestarter. I'm going to do a single one for my Harvest Sock Swap pal, then move on to one for myself. I'm leaning towards Metamorphic STR for me, but I don't have the energy to wind it right now, so it's full steam ahead with my pal's. Well...full steam ahead as soon as I finish my swatching. Those are 0's, so I need to see if they will work. I have some 1's as well, but I don't have any 2's (of course, since I *just* ordered these, but didn't get any twos, not realizing I'd need them!).

What's everyone else knitting on?

one down one to go

2007-09-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

one down, one to go....

(super cute pear sock knitting bag from ms. b)

cheers,
fbz

Hi everyone!

2007-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I found this KAL and I'm so excited to join you all cast on Yarnissima's gorgeous pattern. My only problem at the present is picking the yarn color from my stash. My yarn color choices at the moment are:

Left to right (all Socks that Rock):
- Fire on the Mountain - I thought I was going to be just like Mike ;) but my skein is lightweight and I think I need to go medium weight due to the pattern stitch count and my wide 9.5" circumferenced feet. (This fact may rule out my newly acquired Wollmeise unless there's a way to alter the pattern stitch count without too much thought?)
- January One medium weight - 'cause it's almost a fall color scheme
- Thistle medium weight - but it's not a fall color scheme
- and lastly, an unnamed medium weight mill end my friend bought me when she went to the STR camp this spring, but it's similar to the whole chicken series.

Right now I'm waffling between January One and the mill end. Any thoughts?

just past the first gusset

2007-09-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

i am just past the gusset on the first sock, knitting in posh yarn lucia sock in the rainbow colorway on a 2.5 mm addi circular. it was lovely meeting yarnissima this past weekend at benediktbeuern and so helpful to have her and ms. b help out with my lack of ability with reading german cable charts and cabling without cable needles. i did one more repeat of the chart before starting the gusset for size 9 women's feet, but they would have fit snuggly without it. also, i opted for a magic cast on toe with 16 x 16 stitches which i increased up to 60 before starting the foot chart. here's where i am as of tonight:

cheers,
fbz aka fabienne

The beginning

2007-09-25T02:07:00.001-07:00

Firestarter Sock
Originally uploaded by elemmaciltur

Start: 23rd September 2007
Finish: WIP
Yarn: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Sockenwolle, colourway "Bob" (seasonal colourway - not available any more)
Needle: 2.5 mm / 80 cm Addi Turbos
Pattern: Firestarter by Yarnissima via The Loopy Ewe

At last, I got around to starting my Firestarter. It still hasn't grown more than what you can see yet, but I'm hoping to catch some time to knit on it this week. :-)

Ready for the gusset

2007-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to go with the Granny Smith green colored yarn, (Phoenix Fiberworks in Nymph) for my Firestarters. Here is a picture that was taken yesterday:

I am now up to starting the gusset and I look forward to the totally new construction. I hope I don't have as hard a time with it as I had with the traveling stitches. All I have to say is that it kicked my butt, a lot. I had never knit traveling stitches before, so it took me a while to understand what I had to do. And it took me super long to wrap my head around how to set up the stitches after the toe... lol! It was quite an experience. DH did his best to stay out of my way as I was running from the living room where I was knitting to the office where I would look up stitch explanations online and look up pictures of the pattern on Ravelry. In the end, I got it to work my way and the results are quite pretty. Updated pictures to come!

Detangling and winding

2007-09-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your comments. It took me only about an hour for the rest of the skein.
Then (of course) the whole thing had to be rewound because it was a little off. It looks very much like the Suzanne cake photo.
being the glutton for punishment that I am, I also started winding 1375 yds of merino lace. happily they divide the whole skein in half and my Mom came in to help with the second half. of course, she is taking the socks on my needles a payment.
Just a general question - doesn't it make you feel awesome when someone you care about not only loves the socks you made them (and agonized over getting just so) but literally steals the socks on your needles (cause they are just a smidgen too large for your own feet).
My mom really made me feel happy about knitting socks this weekend. (although she still things the lace work and design patterns for socks are wasted - oh well maybe she won't steal my Firestarters!!!
edited to add - here's a link for a homemade swift.

The yarn is here

2007-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

My yarn arrived in short order but I am currently in the middle of a sanction that I gave myself. I started a shawl for a neighbor in the spring and some how those lazy days of summer got in my way. She watched my dog for me when I was visiting my oldest son and family in TX way back in March so I have to finish before I start these socks. Things should go fast now autumn has arrived. speaking of Autumn, look at the color of the yarn. It's Trekking XXL from Germany. I love the way it squishes. I also have some reservations about the pattern. I have never done a toe up sock and it looks like this might not be the best one to start on..Oh well, it looks like I have lots of people to give assistance. I love the yarns I am seeing and can hardly wait to see the finished products.

One small toe...

2007-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

After an inordinate amount of wrangling (and an excess amount of hair pulling) I finished my first toe! I'm using Lorna's Sheperd Sock yarn for the first time. The colorway is Gold Hill. I'm in love with it. Whad'ya think?

Long story short, I was so frustrated by the pattern I wound up emailing Marjan in the wee hours of the morning yesterday with some concerns I had with the pattern directions. Later on when I was more fully in control of myself I regretted my impetuosity but I get so wound up reading patterns. Hopefully you guys wont give me the pain in the butt award and kick me to the curb. :-P. Oh, and if anyone needs any help getting over the toe, I'd be glad to help.

Now that I've begun the foot and given up trying to use my new Lantern Moon Sox Stix I'm having no problems. Thanks Peaknit for letting me join. And kudos to all the posters so far. Great yarn choices!

Suzanne cake photo................

2007-09-22T02:08:00.001-07:00

The light was finally good enough to take a picture :)

Ball winding issues

2007-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

I decided on the Yarntini Pomtini.
But I have about 2 more hours of detangling to do.
Already did about 6 hours.
Anyone have a spare skein holder thingy - yarn swift isn't it? - cause this sure isn't!!

Which color to chose?

2007-09-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

I printed my pattern and found the yarn I'll be using. Now I just have to pick the color...

The yarn is Phoenix Fiberworks Fetish in the colors Nymph and Blood Roses. I've always wanted some red socks for myself and thought that the Blood Roses colorway really works with the name of the pattern. But on the other hand I've always wanted Granny Smith colored socks and I think that the almost semi-solidness of the yarn would work great for the pattern. Tough choice!

For those interested Phoenix Fiberworks will be the artist featured as the October Artist of the Month at yarn4socks.

Wow!

2007-09-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

I love all the starts! I'm kinda jealous though, 'cause I'm waiting til my new knitpicks circs arrive. I bought 2 2.5mm's and 1 2.0mm. It's a smaller size than she calls for, but I like a tight knit & a tight sock, so I think I'll be all right (plus I have smallish feet).

Kniterella -- I'm glad we talked you into it! :) I'm off now to *just look* at sock yarn for my harvest sock swap pal... no really... just looking.

Yea, right.

Turn heel early?

2007-09-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to turn the heel before the weekend, but it's time for me to get some work done...Oh well... Hey, I just tried these on for the photo and noticed that I am SO ready to turn the heel, even though I have only worked up to 15 purls in the gusset, rather than the 18. I'm afraid to do more and make this sock huge, and then again can I go ahead and shorted the gusset? I'll have to read the instructions closer to see. In the mean time, enjoy the photo and enjoy your weekend everyone!

One last note, this is the first time I have had a Lorna's Laces that striped rather than variagated......Hmmm I guess I'll have to think Tiger. Grrrr.

Current details

Yarn: Lorna's Laces sock, in color Safari

Needles: One 2.5mm 40" Hiya Hiya circular needle.

I feel good! ...I knew that I would!

2007-09-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I got past the first chart and am thinking my yarn choice is too variegated. There are some awesome variegated Firestarter projects but this yarn - I love - Iris Sibirica by Wollmeise may be a bit too busy - the colors are each so vibrant, maybe they are fighting for attention? I think my cable pattern is lost in translation, the picture is kind of pathetic to boot. I am finding this pattern challenging (in a fun way), so I kinda want to capitalize on that cable pattern. Show me the cables!

Veilchen

So I have just finished the short row in a new colorway, Veilchen, also by Wollmeise. It's a pretty purpley blue. I also decided to go down a 1/2 needle size because my first try seemed a bit baggy - so I made some key decisions before I was beyond the point of no return, ah...early success! I feel good!

Hi Everyone!

2007-09-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I am also getting started with this. I decided to use some Panda Cotton in the Red Cinnamon colorway. I hadn't used this yarn before, but since we have a pending move to India, where wool socks will have little use (!), I am trying to branch out and try cooler fibers. I was finding the yarn a little difficult to work with at first, as it splits easily and doesn't have the stretch that wool does. This was making magic loop and cabling without a needle a little difficult. So, I switched to 2 circ's and am using the inactive circ' tip as a cable needle when needed. This is working out. Yay! I really like the design. Thanks for sharing it with all of us Marjan!

Back to my knitting!
- Cindy aka Snidknits

Start your engines......

2007-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

I've completed the toe and ready to start my engine (I mean the pattern).

I'm using a 2.5mm needle and Lorna's Laces Safari (I hope they don't end up too big...). Even though they are not "red" I think they will work, I'm gonna like it!

Linda

Download the pattern at the Loopy Ewe!

2007-09-19T02:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those who are joining, or are still hesitant about joining because you don't have the pattern. Fear not anymore, because Yarnissima has given the pattern to be downloaded for free over at The Loopy Ewe.

You can find the pattern HERE!

Just joining and loving the pattern

2007-09-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all I just wanted to stop by and show you progress of my "Firestarter". I started it a few days ago and found the knitalong and couldn't wait to join. I look forward to seeing all your in progress and finished socks. Here is my WIP.

Yarn: Yarn Pirate Booty Club in "Calamity"

Needle Size: 2.5 mm circular

Sockblockers: My own made out of a plastic placemat (placemat was 50 cents...can't beat that!) tutorial on how to make your own blockers here.

Thank you Yarnissima for a great pattern!

Heather aka Punky Purls

Howdy Hey!

2007-09-18T21:55:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to pop in and say HI! I can't wait to see everyone's progress and all the amazing colorways we will end up choosing to work with this gorgeous pattern. :) I'm a bit slow but your progress will inspire me to try and keep up. :)

Yay!

2007-09-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about this! I may have to sneak & order a long circ or two from knitpicks so I don't have to do them on DPN's... Now I have to decide about yarn. No red, unfortunately, because I have to use some thing from my stash. What do you all think:

Panda Cotton "fall herbs," Socks That Rock "metamorphic,"

Here is the rest of my stash. Of this, the black/brown should be for my dh, but if ya'll tell me it would be perfect for this I could be persuaded (it's Obsidian from STR). The Mountain Colors right below it is a possibility, as is the STR Puck's Mischief (experimental cable has been frogged -- too tight) below that. The only Opal I have left is the dark brown, and about 3/4 of the skein of that reddy brown on the top right.

Opinions?

And sorry about the wonky picture placement, I'm too tired to figure out how to fix it!

Signing in and up!

2007-09-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Sharon and I am so excited about this KAL!
I linked the pattern from peaknit and have been pawing through my stash for yarn.
No pics yet, but I have Colinette Jitterbug in hot pinks and Fleece Artist in Hot Pinks and Pomtini by Yarntini. So it is going to be pink, unless I fall off the sock yarn wagon.
I'm planning on swatching this one as I have had a lot of trouble with patterned socks and my gauge so far.
Thanks for the great Kal.
I am at 3redgurlz.blogspot.com and on ravelry as Gurlzmum.
Hurray!!!

Wait....I'm not ready!

2007-09-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Only Joking!!! But I really am not ready. I have another pair of socks hogging my needles and markers (and time) and no yarn......although I do have 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces, Safari waiting to be knit. Let's see how far I get on those socks tonight, and if I make it to a LYS tomorrow, otherwise I am just itching to get started.....and will have to make due with what I have on hand. I noticed in the Needles section it states that I will need a 2.50 mm and 3.0 mm needles, but I did not notice in the instructions where it indicated the use of a different size needle.....what am I missing????

Fire on the Mountain.... Run Boys Run

2007-09-18T14:29:00.001-07:00

Okay, I hate to admit it, but I really did love the Charlie Daniels band song, "Devil Went Down To Georgia" only because it had a dueling fiddle and guitar ( or was that a cheesey synthesizer?). In either case, it was so melodramatic and silly. Just like me. So, I have decided to use my Blue Moon Fiber Arts STR "Fire on the Mountain" for this Sockalong. I'm feeling a little protective of my Wollmeise at the moment, but STR is a lovely yarn to substitute. I'll casting on today!

Pattern down, yarn to go

2007-09-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

I received my pattern this morning! Wow, Yarnissima is definitly on top of things (I just requested the pattern last night). Now, to find some worthy yarn! I'm jealous of those of you who snatched up some Wollmeise before the shop closed... not sure if I can wait for it to re-open, I may need to cast-on before then. Maybe I'll just have to make two pairs! One in another yarn, and one in the coveted Wollmeise once it's available again.

Anyway, I'm excited to share in this SAL with y'all!

Cheers.
Becky

I'm Inn! I'm Inn!

2007-09-18T13:02:00.001-07:00

So glad to be here and begin working on this sock. I have my pattern and needles ready. I just have to pick a wollemeise color from my newly acquired WOLLEMEISE stash:)

Oh the joy!

Suzanne cake ready.................

2007-09-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pre winding as the light is too poor this evening to photograph the yarn cake.

I wound my skein of Suzanne ready for starting this pattern. I have to finish the toe on my second Monkey for the Monkey Swap3 and then I can cast on. I'm really excited!!!

Thank you Stacey for the invite :)