4/08/2007

Bloomin' Feets and a Tiny Sock....

Remember the Wee Tiny Sock swap way back when? During the course of the swap, while knitting on my tiny sock, Rhonda and I discussed a book swap (I was reading the Friday Night Knitting Club which I really didn't enjoy that much - writing style issues not content - and Rhonda was reading Knitting, A Novel). I sent out my Wee Tiny Sock on the same day as the book and that was that.

Several days later I got the book in the mail. When I opened up the envelope I saw a little package and my immediate thought was "Crap! I didn't send Rhonda anything extra...." When I read the note and saw the sock I burst out into a laughter that brought Ed and Nick running (clearly when you live with someone chronically ill there is some level of constant monitoring that goes on and any sound I make brings someone to check me out).

Oh my god, you made my day woman! The best part was that the socks were made from Fleece Artist that I had sent to Rhonda in a Random Act of Kindness. Thank you so much Rhonda (I had emailed her immediately when I received the sock and book but hadn't posted yet)!

And I would like to give a huge shout out to Emily for such a fantastic and fun idea....thanks so much!

Now.....about the Bloomin' Feet Swap. Incredibly, they have been started (which with the events of the last month in my body is kind of a miracle but clearly I am able to focus more...woohoo!).

I wanted to do something different, original and unique. However, I need to make sure my Bloomin' Feet Pal likes them (I am quite happy keep them for me so be bluntly honest in your opinions) before I turn the heel, as my pal's feet are not the same size as mine.

My concept was to create a sock that is almost like a collage, interjecting two patterns in one sock with two complementary yarns.

I am using Farmhouse and Jasper (no link - they don't make this colourway anymore!) in STR lightweight. The Farmhouse pattern is done in Basketweave from Sensational Knitted Socks and the Jasper pattern is done in the Wave and Shield pattern from Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitted Patterns. It may be hard to see the final concept as I have only been able to do one repeat of the Jasper to date. No question it is a funky idea and no question it may not be for everyone. The photo doesn't do it justice.

I am contemplating ripping it back to create only 1 and a half repeats of the Basketweave (there are currently two) although I have some plans after I have turned the heel to showcase the Jasper pattern.

Feel free to be honest. I don't want to send it to someone who really doesn't like it and I'd love your feedback anyway. I am quite pleased with it but can also appreciate the fact that we all don't have the same tastes or opinions.....so have at 'er!
Front view on the blocker - a little un-natural for the sock but gives you a better idea of the patterns. You may have to click on the photo for a better closeup.
Sideview of the sock on the blocker. More like it would be on your foot. **I have to add that the photos are NOT the best representations of the colours - the Farmhouse is more muted and the burgundy that is Jasper is actually in the Farmhouse. I can only blame it on the fancy schmancy digital camera Ed bought me for Christmas (to replace the cheap one I was using - took more accurate pictures though) which I haven't had energy to read up on (and I do have a degree in Photography - like you'd know!).


A Little Aside - I continue to apologize for my sporatic appearance wirh regards to posting and commenting; people have been so kind and understanding - thank you. Without going into huge detail (I am sure it is getting boring for you) I have been in the hospital 3 times in the last 3 weeks and I am in a period of 'adjustment' (for lack of a better term) with respect to my kidneys, bladder, my hormones and my CNS. My doctor, who has experience and distance, is pleased with my progress (it is that whole thing of my body needing to adjust to changes in the dysfunction while dealing with the trouble the lead continues to cause) but acknowledges that for me it is painful, discomforting and tiring. I have wavered a few times, had a couple of good cries (carefully though so I don't send my system totally out of whack) and I am trying to see the positives. So, thanks for continuing to be patient....I really appreciate it!

25 comments:

Lucia said...

I like both of those colorways, but... um... not together. It would be a little too busy for my taste. Actually, to be completely honest, I think I find the Farmhouse rather busy all by itself. I tend to prefer colorways in adjacent colors -- blues and greens, say, or reds and purples.

All that is JMHO, though. Lots of people love those bright and varied colorways, and would probably like the Jasper (now the Jasper I love -- of course that's the one they don't make any more) in there too.

Leah said...

Love the concept! Honestly though, I can't say I like the color combos. I really like the purple, but I'd probably contast it with something that blends a bit more closely. Pucks Mischief or Love in Idleness comes to mind. But really, the concept if fabulous!

Glad you are feeling a bit more energetic. Blessings to you!

clothesknit said...

I like it. I like your daring and sense of adventure. I'm curious to see what other folks have to say and see if you end up sticking it out or not.

I think I rather like the not-so-perfect-matching since it reminds me of color combos I'd have worn in my youth. I was gutsy and non-conformist with a wildly rebellious streak. I guess there's gonna be hell to pay as the Princess gets a little older...

NH Knitting Mama said...

I love the two colorways. Very fun and daring!

Unknown said...

I will preface my opinion by saying that I can & will put together some remarkable combinations.
That being said I really like the socks!!

Carole Knits said...

I'm not sure. The colors don't seem to go but I think that's a trick of the camera. Honestly, I think if you like them then that's all that matters.

Anonymous said...

I was really touched by your post about your sister. Thank you for sharing.

I think I do like your socks...what a cool idea!

Gingersnaps with Tea... said...

Your socks are a great concept. I like the way they are turning out so far. My own taste tends to run to soft subdued colour (although I have been trying hard to break out of it). For a sock swap, I think they are great, fun and different.

Anonymous said...

I think they're fun. They're definitely not something I would think to knit for myself, but if someone knit them for me, I'd wear them with delight. And I think that's the great thing about swaps like this -- they allow you to try something you wouldn't otherwise.

Phoebe said...

What a unique and funky idea! Love it so much that I wish I thought of it myself. Your pal will be one lucky girl...perhaps it will be me!

msubulldog said...

I think they're cool and funky which, to me, is the fun thing about socks--you can give little glimpses of "wild" peeking out from under your pant leg (especially if you wouldn't normally wear something so colorful). :) Neat idea!

QueenMeadow said...

I really like them. I probably wouldn't have chosen those two colors together, but I really do like how they are turning out :)

(p.s. I found you using a blog ring, forget which one though, sorry)

Carola said...

Hmm.. pattern mix AND colour mix is usually not my cup of tea, but I have to admit they do look very funky.
I don't know... I would never knit socks like this for myself. However, thinking about receiving such a pair in a swap, I guess they would grow on me. Acquired love, you know, like acquired taste. I'm sure, in the end I would be a happy sock pal.

Cute tiny sock!

margene said...

Interesting to say the least! From the picture the colors don't look right together but as Carole said that could be the trick of the camera. The concept is unique and fun, however.

Teyani said...

hey, they are wild and fun - and if you can't be wild on your feet, then where can you be wild?? right?!
I'd say go for it - if youare enjoying the knit, then your pal will love them.
I know I'd enjoy them if they were mine (but then, I am definitely a wild sort :-)
So sorry to hear about the hospital trips. ugh. how exhausting for you. I hope that it means that you are healing fast. Many good thoughts go out your way

Anonymous said...

I really love the socks! The cables blend beautifully and tie it all together without appearing to be worked in a different pattern. Excellent design.

When you don't feel right, not only is it perfectly okay to have a good cry now and again, but it is perfectly alright not to be on top of e-mails and comments. We all have bad days, but I can't imagine living through as many bad days as you have had. Take your time to recover fully and don't stress over us. We know you are reading what we say.

Anonymous said...

I like them! They are interesting and fun and one-of-a-kind. Two socks in one! I like your wee tiny sock too!

KnitPastis said...

Oh great, another book I forgot all about. LOL
I like that you are making unique! It could cause a whole new way we look at socks. It's incredible the cable design and mingled with the other. Beautiful!

Jackie said...

What's not to love?

Miss Scarlett said...

I cannot even begin to comprehend the maths involved in this cool sock! Lady that is so impressive. They just meld into each other those two stitch patterns.
I think it is really great - but...I am not your swap buddy.
Go with your instinct I say.
Always thinking of you!

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Now why didn't I see this post before this? Must have been posted on one of the many occasions my computer locked up I guess, huh? Say, I love those socks ... the high color contrast is neat. Frankly, I would wear them if nobody else would. Hehe, but I have daring feet! But honestly, I do love 'em. Hope your recipient does also.

Anonymous said...

Very Cute!
Jane

margene said...

You know...I'm rather fond of the socks;-) BUT, I LOVE the real Bloomin' Feet Socks that just arrived at my door. You are a wonder, Cynthia! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Birdsong said...

I came over to say how inspired your socks for Margene are, but you are truly a sock knitter extraordinaire with this pair! Great color combo. I preferred The Knitting Circle, well written and the characters were more developed... hope your health steadily improves.

Anonymous said...

I like the sock concept! Everyone needs a little unexpected surprise :) Can I ask you a question about the traveling vine pattern from More Sensational Knitted socks? Did you have any problems with the pattern? I keep ending up with the wrong number of stitches...and I'm being VERY careful! I wanted to see if I was the only one messing it up!