Sunday, April 13, 2008

A New Love

Remember when you were in high school and one of your friends would point out a boy to you? And you would say, "Sure he's cute, but I hate him! He's so annoying and he thinks he's hot stuff." But secretly, you really liked him. And maybe, and often things work out this way, you'd end up dating the guy.

Well, at the Monday meet-up at the Wortely Roadhouse (see previous post), I met the cute, but annoying yarn that everyone thinks is such hot stuff. And I dissed it. It's a single ply, I scoffed, and it's rough. I'm talking about the Noro Kureyon Sock yarn.

Well, me and Mr. Kureyon sock met up again at Needles and Pins, where I was picking up a needle for the Bee Fields shawl. There were many pretty colors and finally I agreed to take one home. It wasn't long before those colors seduced me and this weekend I was obsessed with my new love.

Isn't it pretty!! I love, love, LOVE my latest crush. I started it Friday night and finished the first sock by Sunday afternoon. I just couldn't put it down.

I knit the stranded pattern from both ends of the same ball. The heel and toe were knit on a 2mm needle, because I’ve heard the yarn doesn’t wear well, and I used a twisted hem for the cuff with a purl turning ridge.

Unfortunately, they are a little small for my feet, even though I used by standard 72sts. I should have known the stranding would take out the ease. It’s okay. I’ll just have to buy some more of this yarn and make a pair for me! Mr. Kuryon and I are an item!


I'm as flighty as your typical teenager in the spring, since last week I had a mad crush on this fellow:


That's the Vinnland pattern knit with the Soxophone Player's own color way. There is an amazing amount of color in this yarn and it was a real treat to work with. Doug creates some amazing colorways, but he is such a tease. You can't buy his yarn anywhere. Good thing I have a new crush to mend my broken heart.

13 comments:

  1. I was afraid to admit it out loud, but I felt the same about the Noro sock yarn, but it's lovely after all. I petted a few balls over the weekend, but I am on a bit of a sock yarn diet until I crank out a few more pairs. I am taking your advice and knitting the second sock with Fleece Artist in a textured pattern, and if I love it a lot more (how could I not?), I will rip out the first sock that you so lovingly grafted the toe. I didn't think you'd mind. By the way, I still have your knitting DVD. And I still have yet to watch it. :)

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  2. I have to make sure the Fool sees those socks - he bought a ball over the weekend just to experiment with.

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  3. Those are beautiful socks. I have some of Dougs very nice yarn also, but I haven't found a pattern to do it justice yet. Was thinking the very same pattern, if not then the Peace Socks from Wendyknits..hmmm..

    I keep hoping to meet up for the knitting, but work and family always manage to get it the way.

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  4. Wow -- what beautiful socks! i luv 'em. I know what you mean about Joan's Kauni -- it was a knock out in real life!! Is the siren song calling YOU??

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  5. I'm still not sold on the Noro, but your Vinnlands are gorgeous!

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  6. Anonymous11:56 am

    I was of the same opinion on the Noro but the colors do make for pretty socks (ask me how I know, lol). I do think that the yarn doesn't have the same "stretch" as other sock yarn maybe because it's not plied. (Or I could be making that all up). I had similar issues with fit and my standard stitch count.

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  7. Wow, Laurie, those are some gorgeous socks coming off of your needles! I didn't realize plying affected ease, but now I know! =)

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  8. I love the Noro colours and the way the colours change in the sock yarn. But I hated working with the yarn - I found it rough and always wanting to stick to itself which made for frequent tangling. But ohhhhh the colours!

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  9. Anonymous6:14 pm

    Such pretties! Thanks for link to Vinnland.

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  10. You make the best socks ever.

    I'm jealous.

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  11. Heehee, no. I just hate knitting socks so when I see someone with pretty ones I get very jealous.

    Although, yeah- at this point I just need to knit something!

    lol

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  12. Ya, I love the Noro colours . .still not so sure about it. But your socks are so lovely! Glad I had the chance to pet them in person!

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  13. You enabler, Laurie. My LYS got that Noro sock yarn in just yesterday, and I had bought a skein before it was even out of the box. I was first! (what? no prize?)

    I'm going to knit a lace pattern to help with stretchiness, because you're right, it seems stiff. So pretty, though!

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