My first time using self-striping yarn and amazingly, the socks match perfectly!
I've made self-patterning socks before - and they were fun - but the striped ones were particularly pleasing.
The yarn is Stray Cat Socks 'Tranquility' with a matching blue solid for the heels and toes.
I knew that using a heel flap would likely distort the gusset/instep stripes somewhat, but in fact they worked out only one round narrower than the rest* and you can barely see the difference.
*That's with 64 stitches on 2mm needles.
These are beautiful - such restful colours. I'm knitting my first pair of socks and have just read that they will need blocking. Please would you explain how you block yours?
Posted by: Lindy | 20 April 2017 at 05:49 PM
Lovely- your knitting is so beautifully regular! Well done.
Posted by: Lizzie | 20 April 2017 at 06:00 PM
With pleasure, Lindy.
All I do is fill a basin with warm water to which I've added a little wool wash, and put the socks in to soak for 10 minutes. I rinse them, gently squeeze out as much water as I can, then I put them on a towel, smooth them into shape, and leave them to dry. I do this on the warming plate of the Aga so they do have heat, but any flat surface would do though it would take a little longer.
I've never used sock blockers, nor have I had to pin them - just evening them out is sufficient.
When I wash the socks after wear I dry them in the same way.
I hope that helps, and your socks turn out very well.
Posted by: Cornflower | 20 April 2017 at 06:53 PM
Thanks, Lizzie - the wool seems to do the work!
Posted by: Cornflower | 20 April 2017 at 06:53 PM
This "Stray Cat" is impressed! x
Posted by: Dark Puss | 20 April 2017 at 07:28 PM
Oh my, those colours are lovely and the striping is perfect. How do you manage not to get a hole at the gusset?
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 20 April 2017 at 10:00 PM
Thank you so much for your advice,Karen. Now I can use what I would have spent on a blocker to buy some delicious yarn.
Posted by: Lindy | 21 April 2017 at 10:57 AM
It's worth a bit of extra time and using 2mm needles...the end result is a gorgeous sock!
Posted by: Cosy Books | 21 April 2017 at 12:48 PM