First Completed Stephen West Project
Oh, I'm in the big knitting league now - I have arrived! I have knit a Stephen West pattern. Now I can collect another knitting badge. I finished my Contrast Blast Socks just in time for the close of Summer Sock Camp '23 from the Crazy Sock Lady.
I love the color combo I selected for this pair. Always a sucker for a nice green. It was a Surprise Sock Along so the original instructions suggested selecting 2 colors, one of which should be a neutral. You cannot get more neutral than a soft white. The green is from Knit Picks and the soft white is from Premier Yarns (which has been marinating in the collection for quite a long time).
I did get a later start since I already had a project or two to clear off the needles before I started. I printed out all the clues. The socks are meant to be right and left socks, but as he mentions in the video along if not your thing just knit them both "right" sock and no one will know the difference.
The pattern did not contain any tricky bits. The cable was quite easy. I knit them on my Chia Goo 9 inch circulars one at a time. Luckily, I have never really suffered from second sock syndrome. The only time was on my first pair of knitted socks which suffered not so much from second sock syndrome as never finished syndrome. I tried knitting socks years ago with DPNs. I hate knitting with DPNs, my stitches never stay and I create ladders Jack from the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk could skip right up with no problem. After that aborted attempt I abandoned socks as part of my knitting journey for many years until I discovered magic loop. Last year I discovered 9 inch circulars and my sock knitting has greatly increased.
The pattern is a lot of design in a small object, but I loved it from the first stitch. The pattern is so inventive and the effect is just stunning. In fact, I loved the pattern so much I also purchased the Contrast Blast Shawl pattern when it was released. I am hooked and recently purchased the pattern for his mystery shawl along that begins in October, the Geogradient.
The pattern changes were so interesting and created such varied textures. I joined the sock along for the experience and thought well if I do not like the finished project I can always visit Frog Pond. Not only do I love the finished project but they fit!
A built in marker for distinguishing between the right and left is my heels. I have no idea why the heel backs look different from each other. I swear I followed the pattern, but they look very different. It is was not enough of an issue to cause me to tink back when making. No one should be looking at the heels in my shoes anyway.
I am thrilled with this project. I have already joined in on the next mystery knit with Stephen West. Also am joining in the next Make Along with the Crazy Sock Lady. I am off to find sone Halloween inspired yarn (I already know the project I will be making).