Ok, not all socks are easy...

jaywalker_sock.jpg
Originally uploaded by Lynn1144.

So, I bought this gorgeous Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn when visiting my sister in Portland, OR, and I thought I'd make her some socks. So, I held on to it for a while, trying to decide on a pattern. I had wanted to try the Jaywalker sock pattern by Grumperina for a while, and finally decided that since I knit so tight, I could pull off this pattern on #2 needles with this yarn. Why not?

Well, for some reason, I had the HARDEST time getting these socks started properly. First I kept messing up the basic ribbing at the top. Then, I think I was messing up the pattern stitch, but didn't realize it, so I thought, I should take out a few stitches since it's too big. Then I did the pattern stitch wrong again - was leaving out the knit round between pattern rounds. ugh. So it was too small. Then I started it again, and it was finally right. I further complicated matters by using 2 circular needles instead of 4 dpns... and the directions are constantly referring to the different dpn needles. More brain-power was needed to translate that to my circulars. I finally put in some stitch markers which help. Anyway, I've made it to the toe part, finally. And I do hope that 1) I have enough yarn for sock #2, and 2) that sock #2 goes faster and easier now that I've done all my learning on sock #1. These were to be a gift, but if they don't turn out as well as I think they should be, my sister will be getting a different pair of socks in the easier pattern!!!

In other news, I finished a 3rd Ballband washcloth for a friend. This one reminds me of the Georgia O'Keeffe paintings of sky and clouds that she did late in life. One is hanging in the Art Institute of Chicago, and I always love looking at it.