Socks Ahead!

These are my maiden pair of socks, getting ready to set sail for a life of fun-filled adventure. This is a genuine road sign here on the Eyre Peninsula - okay, maybe Photoshopped a *little*. I'm sure it's a surprise for many motorists who see the sign, then see *this* parked at the side of the road - transport with a difference!

Yep, a landlocked ship.

It is very difficult to get a good photo of socks alongside a good photo of a huge ship. Good thing the motorists driving past are going fast - the sight of two people taking photos, one of them waving socks above her head must have drawn some odd looks. I dunno, I didn't see, I was rather preoccupied...

I have a new respect for those who take photos of socks on their feet, originally I did try waving my feet in the air. Boy getting a good photo of socks on feet, and your props is hard!

For the last part of the sock's holiday, we took them to the beach for a little relaxation in the sand, sun and surf. Sorta, we skipped the surf bit, they'd already had a bath at home.

I hope we're not too late for the socks on holiday competition, I've spent days photographing the socks in various locations, and heading back for retakes of some.

These are the Patonyle basic calf length sock pattern, knitted top down using Magic Loop (yay!). They have increases at the back of the calf, to accommodate leg shaping. I did modify the pattern slightly, by adding a few more stitches - and learnt some *big* lessons...

• when you modify a pattern, and make notes for yourself...
  make copious notes, so when you are at the heel of the second sock, you can see exactly what you did
  
  
• when using Magic Loop...
  make sure of which needle you are pulling through before you pull, or you will be left with stitches not on needles anymore
  
  
• when knitting with Knitpicks circulars...
  keep an eye on what the puppy's playing with, coz she could be busy chewing her way through your cable
  
  
• when you're stuck on your heel on sock #2, again...
  it could be coz you *didn't* make enough notes as per note 1, or it could be coz you've made a mistake on sock #1 which you can't replicate on sock #2
  
  
• when you've frogged various parts of your socks several times...
  be glad that sock knitting is relatively fast, and enjoy the journey

Now that the socks are finished and photos posted, it's time to put them to the *real* acid test - wearing them and seeing what modification I need to make next time around.

Rosie