SSS

I have second sock syndrome, commonly knows to sock knitters as SSS.  I don't know that it's ever been an issue with me, the knitting of just one sock and then wanting to move immediately onto a new one before finishing the old one.  I usually start the second sock of a pair right after finishing the first.  I like finishing up my projects and not having a bunch of UFOs lingering in my project basket.

I'm not trying to deny this.  In fact, I'm documenting it with photographic evidence.

I think it has something to do with the bit of adrenaline that you get when you start a project... Imagining how a coloray will knit up in a certain pattern.  Seeing how the lace repeats slowly reveal the pattern as you finish the rounds.  Rushing through a row so you can see how a self-patterning yarn will see knit up, even if you've seen pictures of exactly how it will end up.  These are all the little things that add up into knitting addiction, don't you think?  And when life is tough, that little burst of excitement really makes a difference in an otherwise crappy day.  What keeps you coming back to knitting again and again?

The first sock has been ripped out twice so far, and this is my third attempt.  It's the Trekking 126 yarn (which is almost sold out again), and after knitting it on US 1 Addi's, I've switched to US 0 and a k3,p1 rib.  Switching to US 0 really made a difference in my stitch definitiion. And I really, really like how the 3x1 rib shows off self-patteringing yarn.  Much better than a 2x2 rib.  What I like is that there are more knit stitches, which shows off the patterning of the yarn much better than purl bumps.  It's highly likely I will use the same rib for all my self-patterning sock from now on- especially the Harry Potter yarn, should I remember to snag myself a ball of the Ron colorway in the second batch.  That's right, I didn't even get a ball of yarn in my own store- it all sold out in less than 2 hours, and I FORGOT TO SAVE ONE FOR MYSELF.  ARGH!

At left is my first attempt at "mosaic knitting" which uses yarn-overs to make it look like you are doing more complicated colorwork, when really you are just knitting one color for two rows at a time.  You can find a few patterns on Ravelry, and some really nice ones, like this "T Pattern" in Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks.  The pair of socks will take 2 skeins of Artyarns in color267 and one skein of corrdinating color of 132.  These short socks are for me.

The third sock I've finished is the Embossed Leaves sock from Interweave Knit's book Favorite Socks - it's a must-have compilation of sock patterns from various IK magazine issues.  Embossed Leaves Socks is one of my favorite patterns, and this is the third (perhaps fourth?) time I've knitted it.  The yarn is Fleece Artist's BFL sock in Ivory, and while I'm out of that particular color, I do have more on order.  If you must knit these socks now, I recommend doing so with Casbah in Ivory- who doesn't love cashmere?

Thank you for all the kind comments and e-mails about the recent losses in my family.  It's been a crappy two weeks for my family.  And yes, my mom is fine- her leukemia is still in remission.  She's a cancer-fighting rock star!  2 years and counting!

Comments

[Allise]

My Trekking 126 arrived Monday and I'm 3/4 of the way through my first sock. I couldn't stop! I did mine on US 2's in the 3x1 rib. I hope they're not too slouchy! And yes, I have SSS all the time, but hopefully not with this yarn, it's so much fun!

[Vicki]

Like you a try hard to finish one pair before starting another. Buuuut it doesn't always work out like that. Love all your single socks :)

[Johanna]

How many stitches did you cast on from your Brach's colorway sock? I haven't started mine yet, but will likely use a US0 and do the K3, p1 pattern that you are using. Thanks.

[Julie]

Allison your sock looks great. I going to start mine this weekend.

Stay strong!

[Abby]

To avoid SSS, I knit both socks at the same time, alternating sections: cuff1, cuff2, leg2, leg1, heelflap1, etc. This also helps me make two *uniform* socks, instead of one experimental, the other the real thing.

[Cybèle]

I love the mosaic knitting - I know the pattern from Sensational Socks but it's in black and white, and I can't believe how different it is in those colours! Much nicer! Hmm are you enabling us Allison? ;-)

[Molly Johnson]

I have got to agree with Abby. I do the same thing...(cuff1, cuff 2, leg 1, leg 2, heel 1, heel 2, ect..) Casting On is the hardest part for me, so when I force myself to do the second one....the rest is a breeze...

[babyface]

I love your socks. I am going
to knit my son some socks with
a four and one rib pattern with
some stash that I have. I'm
glad your mom is o.k. and sorry
for your losses. I am only here
on a day to day basis myself, but knitting keeps me going. Not
so hot anymore, but the turtle
wins the race, so they say. I wished someone would pay me
for frogging.