Last night I sat down to start a mate for my "Sock a month" project and realized to my utter dismay that I've lost my beloved sock recipe! You see I took a sock knitting class about four years ago this summer at Loopy Yarns in Chicago and during that class was given THE BEST recipe ever for knitting socks. It listed formulas for every weight of yarn you could imagine and was my go-to every time I knit a pair of plain socks. It was seriously dogeared and stained and falling apart and now it's gone. I get a little choked up every time I think about it. While I was frantically searching for it I did find a number of other things I thought I had lost, my old iPod for one (seriously) and much to my chagrin yet another pair of unfinished socks. However in this case I can kind of see why I didn't finish them. This was definitely a case of the yarn in the skein being much, much prettier than the knitted fabric. Still, they shouldn't go unfinished because at least they can keep my toes warm inside my boots. Problem is, I no longer have my pattern to finished them *sniff, sniff*. So I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the direction of a great basic sock pattern. And this sad little single sock would really appreciate having a mate.
All of this though brought to my attention the sheer number of incomplete projects I've got laying around. As a very lovely lady said to me earlier in the week, It's a blessing and a curse to love to do so many different things. I'm starting to realize that certain things are suffering because of my inability to stay focused on one or even two hobbies or projects. Sigh. What to do? Do any of you have this problem? How do you focus your creativity, or organize your projects so things don't get forgotten? Do I have to sacrifice something or several things to really move forward? I'll be contemplating these questions this weekend as I continue to search for my sock pattern.
On a positive note, the sun is out and I'm determined to be productive this weekend. Thank you so much to those who've stopped by and left wonderfully kind notes. You truly add something special to my day!
Sorry about your sock pattern, I know how that feels! Sorry I can't help, either. As for the balance... well, I'm starting to sort through my yarn stash this evening. Perhaps if I can become really organised, I can get on top of my knitting projects. And then tackle my tatting. Maybe even finish off some crochet.
ReplyDeleteNope, sorry, no help at all!
I've been planning to post about this very thing for quite some time. I love sharing things that make life easier. Now, the pattern isn't pretty. It comes printed in b&w on 8 1/2 x 11 sheets, folded and stapled together. The pattern is so unbelievably good that you can overlook the lack of glossy photos. You can use any yarn for any size of foot. You knit up a little swatch and all the measurements are based on that. They have two for socks - cuff to toe and toe to cuff. They also have the same thing for mittens. They're brilliant. More than worth the $5.50. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fibergypsy.com/gypsy/sockpatt.shtml
Micheline, I couldn't figure out how to reach you so I hope you see this... You rock!!! This pattern looks amazing and it doesn't have to be fancy as long as it works. I think for $5.50 I'll have to check it out. Thank you so much, you've made my day!
ReplyDeleteBah, I have that same problem with rainbow colored skeins. They look so pretty but never turn out the same. Good luck finding that sock pattern! Or at least something decent to replace it with. :)
ReplyDeleteI came to see if anyone else left knitting-pattern-treasures and I saw the note. So sweet. I'm so glad that you're going to give it a whirl. I'll check back at your blog to see if you think it was as good as I professed it to be.
ReplyDeletep.s. Thank you for mentioning about not knowing how to get a hold of me. I never thought about it before. I've now added my email address to my about page.
I think this is the pattern you're talking about... it is amazingly adaptable!
ReplyDelete'Universal Toe-Up Sock Pattern' from Knitty from 2006: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTuniversalsock.html
It is FREE :)
And my favourite pattern. I've knit it a few times now and they haven't failed me yet. It is a great basic sock pattern but can be adapted to incorporate any particular motif you'd like from different patterns too. I took a class last year and learnt how to knit two socks at a time, which has been fantastic. I can probably explain it via email if you're interested.
Best wishes,
Rach
PS I'd love to know if it is the one!