July 4th Socks

I finished the sock pattern I was working on, and have decided to call them July 4th Socks. Firstly, because the colors are so "Americana", secondly, I think the waving stripes are a bit like a flag or perhaps reminiscent of fireworks, and thirdly, because they can be worn with flip flops. (I haven't quite had the chance to get the pattern up on my design blog, but it should be there within a day or so. Just keep checking.)

Okay, let's break all that up. Firstly, the color is so "Americana" - The yarn I chose is Lion Brand's Magic Stripes in the Denim Stripe colorway. On the whole I was rather pleased with the quality and price of the product. At about $7 a skein (only one skein needed for a pair of socks) it's affordable, and it's not at all splitty.

Secondly, I think the waving stripes are a bit like a flag or perhaps reminiscent of fireworks - This sock uses a modified "Feather and Fan" stitch. I don't care for the usual "Feather and Fan" look, so I eliminated the purl row that irritated me. Now the feel is nice and flat, with an interesting wave. It really makes self-striping socks much more interesting. (I mean, really, how many socks can one have in horizontal stripes?)

Thirdly, because they can be worn with flip flops - I decided to split the toe into two sections so these socks can be worn with flip-flops. I'm still not sure if I'm pleased with the results. On one hand, it fits like a dream (FINALLY, I've found a sock that fits just as I want it to!). On the other hand (or foot, I should say, lol!), the stripes don't match up on the toes. Does it add to the charm, or does my perfectionist nature cringe at aberration? The jury is still out on this. . .

One other thing that I'd like to show off is my very first patterned heel flap. The waving stripes continue all the way down the heel, which is very nice if you wear clogs or flip-flops a lot. Gorgeousness from the front and back! (Okay, no laughing at this picture. You try taking a picture of your own heel!)


After I knit the second sock, I'm going to make another pair with this pattern using some Opal yarn I just received in the mail. I won it on a blog contest, and sweet Sophia was kind enough to mail it to me! Wasn't that nice? (Oh bother, I can't remember her web address. Rats.) Thanks so much, though, Sophia!
Sophia is much smarter than I, because she thought to put the yarn in a sealed plastic bag before she mailed it off in a mailing envelope. I, however, didn't do that when I sent off some yarn to Celia, and the poor woman received a soddy mess of tangled yarn. *sigh*. Well, hopefully one learns!