23 January 08 - 19:54the versatile object
Perhaps it's a brooch:
or a nosewarmer:
or a very fashionable hat?
It could be all of these things, but it's really an ingenious sock toe from that wild woman, Cat Bordhi. The whirlpool toe-up sock toe, since it's perfectly round, it has no top or bottom, so it works at any angle! I'm on my third attempt at her stunning Coriolis socks from New Pathways for Sock Knitters (knit in the luscious Casbah cashmere sock yarn), and since I've had to screw up a few times to learn my lesson(s), I'll pass some tidbits on to y'all to save you some hassle.
Even if you're a smart cookie, do not, I repeat DO NOT be tempted to "improvise" on your first New Pathways sock. The designs are genius, and work beautifully when followed AS WRITTEN. Cat Bordhi definitely encourages improvisation, but it's probably safer to stay on Cat's Yellow Brick Road on your first sock, don't stray off the path or you may get an apple thrown at you by a talking tree or dive-bombed by a flying sock monkey that will make you rip out your whole sock. Just sayin'. If she suggests a toe, use it. If she suggests a stitch count, use it. Then once you've got the concept down, go nuts!
Having said that, these socks are fun! I took a class with the genius Ms. Bordhi at the TNNA conference earlier this month, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We are temporarily sold out of New Pathways (shocker!), but rest assured, there are more on the way, so if you want to dip into some exotic sock architecture (sockitecture!), call or stop by the shop to request a copy. Anyone interested in a New Pathways Sock study group? Drop me a line at mercedes@knitn.com. I think these would be fun projects to share!
We're all geared up for our Sock Yarn Tasting Thursday night! We've all got socks on the brain. If you missed out on a seat for the tasting, check in Friday for some new sock yarn arrivals, the next best thing!
And thanks to our patient and lovely model, Leelu. For our dog lovers, Mishka and Leelu will be visiting again this Friday. Woof.