Thursday, February 05, 2009

Toe-Up Sock Failure

You know those moments when you realize something bad is happening but you keep knitting? You know, because if you keep knitting, it'll get better? That's how I got to this point in the Back to Basics pattern even though my row gauge was 40 rows/ inch instead of 46 rows/ inch. At this point, I had another another 12 rows of increases gusset to go, plus 20-odd rows of heel!


While my stitch gauge was more or less on, there was still the problem with my skinny feet and ankles. For a demonstration, take a look at the next picture.


So... the sock you see above is no more. It is now the beginning of a simple top-down sock. Nothing fancy, just stockinette and happy-making yarn.


I just need something easy and fun to get me back on track. I'm not giving up on toe-up sock construction, but the last two patterns I've cast on had to be frogged. So... back to the tried and true. I'll be more adventurous in my next post, I promise!

14 comments:

Bezzie said...

You know I never bothered to mess with gauge on socks, but I'm having a similar problem--but with the ankles being reaaaaly baggy. What gives? Is there some kind of bad sock mojo celestial event going on right now?

Unknown said...

Pretty, pretty socks! Even if they are too big.

Becky said...

Sometimes it's just best to set something aside for a while. When it isn't fun, let it go. There's enough in life that has to be done whether we like it or not!

Anonymous said...

Nothing wrong with a good old top down sock.

Sorry your toe ups didn't work out!

Eileen said...

I think that's why I love top-down construction so much; it's easy to me to make a narrow heel and ankle.

One of these days I'll try toe-up, though. Keep trying, Batty—you'll get there!

Abril said...

My only sock experience is with toe-up socks. I used a free pattern from knitpicks and you try them on as you go, adjusting the fit.
The socks will still be beautiful, thou :-)

Beverly said...

Bummer. And it was looking so nice, too. Better luck next time.

Maureen said...

Socks look great even if they don't fit just right. Good luck getting back on track with them.

Kathy Kathy Kathy said...

There's something very daunting about a toe-up gusset. I had to quit my one attempt exactly at the point you did. I've made mostly toe-ups but only short-row or afterthought heels. Easier for me.

sgeddes said...

Hopefully this cuff down sock will get you back on track.

I knit my socks toe up but with a short row heel. There aren't any gusset increases you just knit until you are about 1.5-2 inches short of your foot measurement and start the shortrow heel. Much simpler.

Anonymous said...

Oy.

But I love the yarn.

Zonda said...

Hehe..what Bezzie said! I'm going cuff down on a failed pair of socks now too!

Anonymous said...

Hallo Batty,
ärgerlich, dass die Toe-ups so weit geworden sind. Vielleicht klappt es beim nächsten Mal besser. Ich werde es irgendwann auch mal probieren Toe-Ups zu stricken.

Liebe Grüße
Mary

Rocky Moreno said...

I just finish doing 2 heels for a pair of socks I knitted toe up, the heel instructions I have are so easy, I have to look for the link info on it, it might be helpful to yah!