I always feel strange when I wear socks that are meant for someone else, particularly someone I don't know. But since they look much better on feet and I don't like sock blockers, here is a pic of the completed first pair of Charade's out of Cherry Tree Hill Superwash in the colorway, Water, (for my friend's mother). Mods: Worked one inch of ribbing and a total of four inches, including the ribbing, until I started the heel flap.
The yarn in the background is Louet Gems Pearl and I have some charcoal and some that I'd describe as a nice natural linen color. I can't decide which color of the Gems to use because I'll use it for another pair of Charade's for my friend who is a guy and since I'm not a guy, I have no idea what color to knit. And asking HWWV is a lost cause because he'd suggest orange or maybe red, and orange or red just wouldn't be right for this particular guy. Plus, the orange yarn I have in my stash is Lang Jawoll Superwash and even though I love it, I wouldn't make a pair for this guy out of that yarn. He has never owned hand-knit socks before and I figure the Louet Gems is a better choice for a first pair.
By the way, I was in the LYS today and showed these to my favorite clerk. The crunchy pickle-eating lady was there, took notice, picked them up, and said, "They're a little thick, don't you think?"
"Thick? I wouldn't say they're 'thick.'"
"No, they're thick. Thick socks just don't seem right," she said.
"But this is fingering weight yarn, it's the slipped stitch pattern that gives it such a nice texture."
"They're thick."
"And that baby jacket you're knitting with all those stripes of Fun Fur looks Stupid."
(Well, at least that's what I wish I had said.)
BTW: Please don't ask me why I don't change LYS's. Just think how boring life would be if I didn't visit every once in awhile and got to tell you about it.
Oh, and I just wanted to say thanks for all your thoughtful comments on the last post.
Wendy,
Coming out of lurkdom to say - beautiful Charades! Now I have to make a pair, thick or not. Sounds like the pickle-eater at your LYS is a real (pardon the pun) sour puss. Don't waste your energy responding to that mood vampire. (But keep telling us about her!)
And for your guyfriend - my gut says go for the charcoal Gems.
Love the blog!
~ Linda in Wisconsin
Posted by: Linda L. | August 18, 2007 at 04:38 PM
The only thing that is keeping me from the charcoal is that I'm knitting two other projects in black yarn! My eyes need a break. (But I'm still leaning toward it anyway.)
Posted by: Wendy | August 18, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Charcoal seems more guy-like to me, but I don't think I'm too tapped into male perspectives on socks.
What's up with the crunchy pickle-eating lady and her unsolicited opinion?! It's not like you made the socks for her! Oh well.
Posted by: Katie | August 18, 2007 at 04:43 PM
So what's wrong with thick socks, anyway? Last I checked smooshyness was an asset for knitted items. I never liked pickles... maybe that's her problem, too many pickles.
Posted by: Telmah | August 18, 2007 at 04:46 PM
If I ever said half of the things I thought out loud I would be in big trouble. And that's trouble with a capital T :)
Posted by: michelle | August 18, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Oh yes, we love to hear what the b****es, er ladies (cough, cough) at the LYS have to say.
Honestly.
Seriously? Fun Fur? On a baby jacket? Seriously!
Posted by: knittingnurse | August 18, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Yeah, seriously. Let's hope that baby doesn't smoke or get too close to the bbq.
Posted by: Wendy | August 18, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Love the socks!! Don't look one bit thick in my humble opinion and I have knit my fair share....
I would like to say our shop had the spice yours seems to, but I really don't wish for that...we have the nicest group of ladies, and I love every minute of it. Those funny ones do seem to make the day worth talking about when they do come in though!!
Posted by: Knitting Nettie | August 18, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Thick? Maybe she's a little thick? I thought the whole point of hand knits is that they look great but are also warm and comfy, in other words not nylons.
I took a poll and have been informed that both are "manly colors" but that charcoal is more versatile.
Posted by: marycatharine | August 18, 2007 at 05:33 PM
You don't have to change LYS Wendy, you just have to pop Ms. Pickle in the face the next time she touches your knitting. Personal space - hear of it, Pickle Eater? :)
I like the linen color for the man-socks. I think it's more versatile.
Posted by: Debi | August 18, 2007 at 06:04 PM
I think I'll throw in a vote for charcoal, too. Seems more like a good "man" color and is also versatile.
I've thought about saying something about that LYS, but then there would be no stories and some of them really make me laugh! Clearly she's the thick one. I mean, seriously... FUN FUR BABY SWEATER?! Ugh.
Posted by: Lindsey | August 18, 2007 at 06:13 PM
I just finished sock #1 of my first pair of Charades, using STR Lightweight (size 1 DPNs). I gotta say they are thick. They feel almost like a boot sock. Not that that's a bad thing. Just a little surprising. Luckily they fit in my clogs, because the last thing I need to have to do is buy shoes to fit my heavier socks. That wouldn't go over well with my DH.
Posted by: Jocelyn | August 18, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Well, if she reads your blog, now she knows what you think of the fun fur.... just saying...
The socks are lovely, and look to be the correct thickness! I have that same yarn in that same color and you have inspired me to get moving on a pair of socks.
Posted by: terri | August 18, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Could be, could be, but I don't think she realizes that she eats so many pickles whilst in the shop.
Posted by: Wendy | August 18, 2007 at 06:50 PM
She's probably just jealous because your socks are so cool.
I vote for the charcoal color for the guy socks. My guy likes dark socks, grey, blue, green.
Posted by: stephaniestephanie | August 18, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Pickle eaters have a notorious lack of self-awareness. I had forgotten that! I guess you're in the clear. ;)
Posted by: terri | August 18, 2007 at 08:40 PM
love the socks and the guy socks could be either color light color with tan or kahki pants would e great.
Posted by: gay | August 18, 2007 at 08:41 PM
I'd go with the charcoal myself... and as for pickle-lady, she's the one who's "thick"... those socks are gorgeous!
Posted by: Carey | August 18, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Changing yarn stores would be like changing gyms, n'est-ce pas? Weirdness is the spice of life. Or so I keep telling myself when I am tempted to flee my city for an easier place to live.
Posted by: Lizbon | August 18, 2007 at 09:59 PM
I was leaning towards the charcoal, then I remembered you live in a warm place where a light colour is probably better!
Posted by: Sarah | August 18, 2007 at 10:28 PM
ps the socks look good, I think I might knit a pair for myself!
Posted by: Sarah | August 18, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Wendy,
The funny thing is, I'm pretty sure she has only knitted one pair of socks. Ever. And that was just in the last few months. Her problem is that she thinks she's an expert on everything...
Posted by: Leslie | August 19, 2007 at 12:02 AM
I LIKE thick socks... and only wear thin ones if my feet are swollen and my shoes are tight..... Who asked HER, anyway? Press on!
Posted by: PainterWoman | August 19, 2007 at 12:24 AM
Oh good lord! You need to come to my LYS, Knitch in Atlanta. They truly are wonderful! Always friendly, helpful and cheer you on. Been there several times when beginners or master knitters such as yourself finish an object and they make a big deal out of it. Way cool to have an entire store cheer your work.
Posted by: Debbie | August 19, 2007 at 05:54 AM
I love the socks and am willing to bet your friend's mom will too. I'd love to meet that borish judgemental person in your LYS, I wouldn't be so dignified about it. I've been nasty that way lately ;)
Posted by: Carol | August 19, 2007 at 06:16 AM