It is such a pretty pattern, twisted stitches floating on the purl background knit of a lovely apple blossom pink for cheer. The combination of side stitches and Tulpen (tulips) formed an intricate and challenging pattern for my Sockapalooza. Even the gauge swatch of each element was clean and it all calculated out to be just what she would want.
But in reality, twisted stitch patterns, at least the historical Austrian ones do not have a whole lot of give. That was the point. Surface texturing with an ability to keep you warm. Even the children’s socks had what I might view as an obscene number of stitches.
72 stitches in the round only came out to 17cm. That, my friends is not going to fit an adult; most of us have legs that are more than 7″ around for those who like inches. And certainly not my sockpal. The cuff was fine, cuffs stretch. All of this left me two choices – go up a needle size and have a less dense sock, or keep the needle size and go down a size on the yarn, and have a less dense sock.
Taking door number three – I redrafted the pattern, choosing slightly wider versions of the side elements, swapped out one of the tulips for something less dense and inserted an additional 10 purl stitches scattered between the pattern elements for more give. This makes for a lot of stitches, trust me. This works out to about 11/” for those who are counting.
But I think it will work. Certainly, I can now get it over my heel. And I like the pattern panels at least as well as the original. I might yet do that one, but at a lower gauge.
The comparison view – indoors –
with close up views of the front panel
and of the back and side elements
I am pleased now, and the preparatory work of xerox, cut and paste to have all the components lined up has paid off. The number of rows in a repeat varies from 4 -> 25. With one repeat of the longest element completed it looks like about two will be needed for the leg.
Then on to decisions about the heel and whether or not I stay in the traditional mode.
Arches
Going back century upon century, hand built with stone, steps worn over time down the center by the tread of feet. Mid day, the back passageways are empty but for feral cats.
שבת שלום
-Holly
ha! that is too funny that i had the EXACT same problem as you! i did the exact same thing too, instead of changing the gauge, just change the design a little to be more stretchy. the socks are gorgeous!
Really enjoy your blog. The arch pictures are interesting. I am still trying to figure out how you are able to knit so many socks. Thought I was a fast knitter.