love for handknit socks
non-matching opal stripes, evidence of true handknit socksnot until the first sock was completed, he tried it on had i realized that making socks can be quite a laborious and patient deflating journey. so he put on the sock, wiggled his toes, he said "hmm... a little tight! can you make it a bit longer, and also, can this toe part be a little wider? i like my toes have rooms to move."
ok, all those modifications can be done. but i was so relieved to have finish one sock and knowing that i had to re-knit the toes was not the most pleasing things to my ear. but i knew that had to be done as what is the point of making a pair of socks if the person is not going to wear them.
the sock making was not the fastest nor the most enjoyable as i was not sure if i would be knitting socks on a regular basis so i just bought some cheap inox US1 needles to start with. these needles are not ideal for sock making, the cable joints are nothing but rough. i thought i could ignored this and kept going, which i did, but the knitting was really not fun.
so this past week, i slaved through the socks, after four (yes, four) modifications on the toes, the socks are done, done and done.
i was so relieved, now i can rest. the best though, a brownie point for listening as here are some words from the recipient (aka husband):
no, they are my husband's feet. not daffy's
"finally!
after much anticipation, i finally received my 100% completely tailor made...foot gloves! i love them! they fit wonderfully! i don't want to take them off! i can't wait to wear them out where they can be noticed and made the subject of conversation. i really didn't realize how poorly other socks fit until i put these on. Hmmmm....i may have to ask for more."
do i hear "harry potter" socks?
Comments
Ha! They look great...love the duck. I too have duck feet...it takes longer to knit for those of us with duck feet!
posted by cmeknit on November 7, 2005 01:08 PM
The juxtaposition of Daffy with the sock photo is delightfully evil. The socks look great, and with an appreciative testimonial like the one your husband gave you, I bet all the modifications were worth it.
posted by Rachel on November 7, 2005 01:30 PM
Nice picture with Daffy! I hear you on the horrible Inox 1s. I'm using them for my Orchid socks and the join is awful. If you hear of another manufacturer that makes 2.25mm circs with a better join, let me know and I'll do the same for you.
posted by Angela on November 7, 2005 01:52 PM
Great socks and the main thing is the feet are happy with them...
posted by francoise on November 7, 2005 03:19 PM
What the heck size are those!? They are beautifully done.
posted by Scoutj on November 7, 2005 03:34 PM
Hehe, love the duck! Good thing you persevered and now you have a very appreciative recipient!
posted by joy on November 7, 2005 05:33 PM
awww that's so great! he knows exactly what to say to make a bad situation good. so when is pair number 2 being knit?
posted by savannahchik on November 7, 2005 05:46 PM
That's so sweet of him. Now you're going to be a busy sock knitting machine :)
posted by erin on November 7, 2005 06:49 PM
That last picture is too funny with Daffy Duck! ;) I think you need to join Socktoberfest next year! These socks look grand!
posted by Lolly on November 7, 2005 10:07 PM
So sweet! My husband calls his socks "foot sweaters". I think you did a great job, and so patient too, modifying them for him!
posted by marirob on November 7, 2005 10:55 PM
I love them! They're just so cute.I can relate to your thoughts about knitting for others--I hate seeing Chris buy hats because I know I can make them, but I've made him about five so far and none of them are exactly what he wanted, and they all sit on the top shelf of the closet. The only one he wears is the first hat I ever made, which has hideous seams running down the back, and is developing holes! I feel like I need to keep knitting him hats though, because I should eventually get "the perfect Chris hat" down pat, and I really do hate him buying something I can make...you know?Tere :)
posted by Tere on November 8, 2005 06:57 AM
Aw, so glad that he likes the socks! There is nothing better than an appreciated handknit. and now you'll know all his preferences for the next pair :-)
posted by Diana on November 8, 2005 09:16 AM
The socks look great!!
posted by Esther on November 8, 2005 09:52 AM
I so glad your husband loves his "foot gloves". You must feel like all you effort and thought was well worth it!
posted by nona on November 8, 2005 10:33 AM
I love them! And I agree - not that you know what he likes in socks, the next pair will be a lot easier!
posted by Stephanie on November 8, 2005 10:58 AM
Happy husband feet! Yay! Say, I'm re-reading Forester's A Room With A View and noticed the phrase "whispering pines"... thought of you and wondered if there was a connection?
posted by goodkarma on November 8, 2005 12:41 PM
Okay... did he REALLY say that?? And if he did... you should bottle him and make a fortune. lol...Yay for you and your finished husband socks!
posted by Kathy on November 8, 2005 03:30 PM
Hehe Cool socks! Lucky hubby of yours! Wonder when will I knit a pair of socks for my fiance. Oh well, I did knit him a scarf 4 years ago. He almost left it in the cab in London. How silly!!
posted by Lovely Tots on November 9, 2005 07:38 AM
He-he! I had to laugh, I really thought it was Daffy's feet! You must me a very patient - and loving - knitter!! What's that about "Harry Potter" socks?!
posted by Mette on November 9, 2005 10:00 AM
What a labor of love! You did great! He needs to buy you jewelry as a thank you - no wait - more yarn!
posted by Stephanie on November 9, 2005 12:55 PM
I'm knitting husband socks as well this week. I haven't finished the first one yet, although he's tiring of the in-progress try-on fashion show to which I've subjected him. I certainly hope it prevents the ripping and re-toeing.
posted by Amy on November 11, 2005 08:43 AM
Hmmm... Why is there a duck standing next to my feet? Somehow it seems very appropriate...Yet...There is a duck standing next to my feet...Greg (husband, aspiring sock model)
posted by Anonymous on November 12, 2005 08:11 AM
I too love to knit and watch (well kind of watch) a movie. If you like period pieces, try anther BBC series that is on video called The Buccaneers. I have watched it about 10 times in the last few years, always love it. Thanks for your great blog! -Liz
posted by Liz on November 13, 2005 09:24 PM