A Bluestocking Knits

The sock pal list is up!  So I’m thinking out loud here, while thumbing through my index file of "Possible Projects, Socks" —

actually the file is still in the developmental stage — I got this old drawer from the library when they were cleaning out the storage room (can you believe they wanted to get rid of this stuff? I carried it off in triumph, I can tell you!).  I’m writing down the details of projects that interest me, as well as a card for each family member (measurements, likes and dislikes) and a card for favorite yarns, with gauge and washability notes, etc.

Anyway, from Interweave Knits back issues, I remember that Evelyn A. Clark’s Retro Rib socks (IK Winter ’04) seem to be a crowd-pleaser.  Nancy Bush’s Traveler’s Stockings (IK Summer ’00), Anne Woodbury’s Merino Lace (IK Summer ’03), and Grumperina’s Roza’s Socks (IK Spring ’07), are all definitely very high on my own must-have list. 

The Traveler’s Stockings are also in Nancy Bush’s book Knitting on the Road, along with the equally delightful Conwy and Canal du Midi, among others.

And prowling around the sock-knitting world online, there is Craftoholic’s stunningly simple Mata Hari socks —  Diamante are interesting — Snowflake or Quill Lace for spring/summer, perhaps — IK’s Winding Cable Knee Socks? — or if I really wanted to exert myself, Clessidra or Eunny’s Bayerische Socks, both wonderful.  And Charade is brand-spanking-new!

Jaywalkers, a proven winner?

Or something original?

For myself, I don’t really care for the highly-embossed patterns, like the Waving Lace Socks (IK Spring ’04) or Embossed Leaves (IK Winter ’05) and Pomatomus — not that I don’t think they suit other people, and I wouldn’t hesitate to knit them for someone who would be happy with them.  It’s just that, like the flashier color combinations, they’re a bit too "out there" for plain-jane me.

So far, I think Diamante and Charade are on the short-list….