I'm a Knitting Geek

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Kate has an article over on Knitty about the Knitting Geek's Code.  Get your own here.  I think I need to go back and refine mine a little... hmm, I see that it doesn't mention dyeing anywhere and that definitely needs to be added.

So, speaking of dyeing, the socks I'm currently knitting (okay, okay, one of the pairs of many I have in progress) are knit with Jeannie, a superwash blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon.  Sheila at Wool2Dye4 has had a number of requests for just such a blend; up until now all her sock yarn has been 100% wool.  As much as I love her Supersock (Dave compares it to a lighter-weight Koigu or Cherry Tree Hill) and the Kona Fingering, I was tickled pink to try the new yarn. 

The yarn was barely free of the mailing envelope before I had it soaking.  I gave it a kettle-dyed base of hot pink, then spread it out on Saran Wrap to do my sprinkle-thing.  I used loads of color (as you can certainly tell), and am thrilled with the results.  The yarn took the dye extremely well, and is very rich-looking.

Because I did use so much dye, there was a lot of run-off.  I gave it a shampoo wash/rinse probably six or seven times before the water ran clear.  As a result, it bloomed into the delicious yarn pictured.  I cast on and knit the ribbing using US1 / 2.25mm double-points, then switched to 1 1/2 -- 2.50mm dpns for the stockinette body.  I've turned the heel on sock number one, and am about three inches into the cuff of sock number two.  I'm getting 8.5 sts and 11.5 rows per inch with the 2.50mm needles, and the fabric is firm without being too stiff.  I'm hoping to finish this pair of socks within a week so I can give them a good wash/wear test.  So far, so good!

Comments

[Dave]

I clickied-biggied and went, "OOOOH"! Right out loud. :-) Very nice indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing how it knits up :-)

[Dorothy]

OH my goodness!!
Those colors are beautiful!!!
Makes me want to call Briggs & Little and order a bunch of white yarn, then run to the store and buy some koolaid.

[Jane S]

That is really far out.

[Choomon]

Looks great- one of my friends is test-knitting that as well, but she didn't dye hers first.

[Charity]

I'm so impressed with all the dyeing - I haven't braved that yet. Thanks for your comments on my blog! Stop by anytime :0)

[Silja]

I am speachless, I like the yarn you dyed! So bright and colorful!