Calla-Way

I started knitting my Calla Lily socks last night, but  there was a problem.

The first thing to say, here, is that I know my own knitting, and I certainly know by now that I have gauge issues. You've heard it before--all through making my Union Square Market Pullover, and my Celtic Dreams, you heard me . . . not griping . . . but talking about how very different my own gauge was compared to the pattern, regardless of the yarn I'm using. I know that, and I accept it. I knit loosely. If I want things to fit, I need to do a certain amount of praying and/or math.

The pattern called for 63 stitches. My usual socks, to fit just right, are 44 stitches. But still, there are variations in the gauge, and I'm knitting these on size 0 needles, and there was the lace issue and all, so . . . I cast on for 53 stitches, and crossed my fingers. As you can see, though, it was pretty large. I looped it around the ball of my foot and just held it out--not pulling it tight at all--and it's just ridiculously large.

Really, I don't know why I thought it was going to work.

Anyway, I tore it out and started fresh, using 45 stitches this time, and look how pretty!

And yes, it fits just right.

This is six repeats of the lace pattern. There need to be eleven before starting the heel. I figure I'll work this sock to that point, and then start the second one so I can get them to the same point. I very much like knitting both socks at the same time, but didn't do that with my Trekking socks or the Sockotta ones that came before that. I wanted a sock to bring to the dentist's office this afternoon, and it's a whole lot easier to fit one sock into my purse than two, but yes, the plan is to get both socks going in sync. Then, if nothing else, I can be sure the foot length is the same for each.

So, yes, I went to the dentist this afternoon and my nice and kind dentist tried to patch the crack in the crown to salvage this for another year or two so that I can put more of my insurance dollars to the crown on the other side of my mouth that badly needs one. Joy. Do you know how much yarn and books I could buy for what I'm about to spend at the dentist? This is what I get for not going for more regular checkups (grin). And the cold? I'm really not sure that what I have is a cold--the back of my throat has felt "clogged" all day (which, I must say, made leaning so far back in the dentist's chair lots of fun). But I'm not feeling any worse, or any sicker, so I don't know. Maybe it is allergies? Or maybe the Cold-eeze and extra vitamins I've been taking have really helped.

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Booking Through Thursday. This week's questions were suggested by Marie.

1. Do you ever reread your books?
   ALL the time. I just crunched some numbers from my book lists over the last several years, and it averages out that about 60% of the books I read each year are re-reads. It helps me justify the money I spend on books, too! They're an investment, you know.
   
2. If so, which ones? If not, why not?
   I think the basic rule of thumb is that, if I enjoy it, I'm going to read it again. Especially where fiction is concerned. I have books that I've read so many times I've completely lost count. As in, upward of 30 reads. Non-fiction, though, I reread less often. Probably because I love reliving good stories--like watching a movie you love over and over (and yes, I do that too). But an interesting history book, or science book? A book on writing techniques or cooking? I'll refer back, but don't usually bother to reread them. It's good stories that I crave.
3. Do you read the books the whole way through or pick through for favorite scenes?
   Oh, the entire book, no question!
4. What qualifies a book for the reread pile?
   I think I pretty much answered that already. Although, I don't have a TBR pile (To-Be-Read). When I finish one book, I go and browse the "stacks" of my personal library, just as if I were at a bookstore, looking for a book to pique my interest. Unless I'm in the middle of a series, I almost never arrange my books by the sequence with which I'll be reading them. I just browse the shelves until I find something that sounds interesting, whether it be new, or an old-favorite I want to revisit.

Comments

[Laura]

I started mine too, and they are turning out a bit bigger than I prefer. And I am using size 0 needles. I may have to start over taking out some stitches. I really like my socks snug.

[Christina]

You have unbelieveably slender feet. I am jealous: on US0's, I would CO 68 stitches.

[Carole]

At least with socks you don't have to knit a gauge swatch, you can just start knitting and then start over if it's not right. But it can be frustrating, that's for sure.

[Julie]

The sock is beautiful! What pattern are you using?

[CindyCindy]

I kinda thought you'd cave. The Calla colorway is very alluring. I do like it, but then, I like the other as well. I like the pattern as well. Simple lace, but so lovely. Can't wait for the modeled shot. Where's Peacock???? I've decided to become her advocate.

[lisa]

Very pretty socks! I like the book questions too.

[Risa]

I'm working on the Calla Lily sock too. Those colors are just soooo pretty. I also working with size 0's and am 3 repeats through the lace section now. Would have been farther except I felt too icky to knit yesterday, now I'm just fuzzy from the cold meds. My socks are usually worked on 0's using anywhere between 52 and 64 stitches depending on how cozy I want them.

Having had some significant dental bills over a couple of years, yes, a small yarn store can be had for what a couple of crowns and root canal cost AFTER insurance picks up their measly fraction. Glad your dentist could patch you up and get some more mileage out of this crown.

[Stephanie]

Sorry you had to start over, but the sock looks great! I love the colors.

[Gracie]

I'm so jealous! The yarn and pattern is beautiful! I'm going to have to email her and ask her if she has more or will be dying some up!

[Kristi aka Fiber Fool]

I'm so there with you on the dental expenses! Our summer is shot due to the nice little root canal. No extra money for camping. We are still going to MN in a couple weeks, but only because we already had spendy non-refundable tickets to see Wicked...

[Rebekah]

Beautiful socks, just think with those 20 fewer stitches how much quicker they'll knit up too.

[andrea]

i don't have a to-be-read pile either - always rough ideas of what i'd *like* to read, but really i just go with my gut usually ;)

sorry about the teeth - ouch! - but good to hear the vitamins and such are doing their job, it seems!

[Jen]

Love your socks! I'm knitting these also, and started them toe up! We'll see how it goes.

[Sundara]

You know, when I read on your questionnaire that you usually cast on 44, I thought it must be a typo. I must say, I'm super jealous that you can get away with casting on so few stitches.

It is SO EXCITING to see you knit up the yarn and the pattern. It's so pretty!

[Jess]

I love that sock - so pretty! Glad you got your gauge straightened out.

Ask me how much I spent at the dentist in the past year - I bet it makes you feel TONS better. ;o)