Yarnissima - Brainless - 1/15

mini mochi yarn by crystal palace

As I thought about New Year’s Resolutions, and commitments that I could actually follow thru on (laugh), I came up with the idea that it would be fun to pick one sock designer and knit all their patterns. A difficult decision lie ahead for I LOVE Cat Bhordi, but I continue to think about Yarnissima’s designs. Long ago, I tried a pair of her socks, and my gauge came out all wrong so I already knew what I needed to do to fix that.

brainless socks

I did decide to do Yarnissima’s patterns, and will reserve Cat Bhordi’s designs for 2011 (she has a lot more than just socks). Researching Yarnissima’s site, I narrowed down the patterns I wanted to do (one pattern was not available, one was a child sock, and one I did not like so I omitted them from the list). I also took in consideration that I knit a pair of socks for my mom each year, so I settled on 15 designs.

full view - blocked on sock blockers

Brainless – 1/15 – Pattern by Yarnissima
Yarn Used: Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace – 80% Merino Wool/20% Nylon – Machine Washable – 2 Skeins
Needles Used: 1 – 2.75mm – 24 inch Circular Needle, 2 – 2.75mm DPNs
Size: Large EUR 42-43
Special Techniques: Judy’s Magical Cast On for Toe Up Socks

close up of gusset

My notes: These socks are knit from the toe up. I worked 11 to 12 pattern repeats on the leg, and used a very stretchy cast off. I really had to pay attention that I was not absentmindedly tighten my gauge throughout the leg. I used a larger needle size than recommended because I tend to have a tighter gauge when knitting socks, and the sock was for a larger foot.

i love the funky rainbow colors!

I absolutely love the gusset. It provides a structure that prevents stretch at the top of the ankle where a lot of patterns get distorted. I did not have any problems with the pattern, but I did have to carefully read in order to understand the author’s lingo. I blocked these socks, and the pattern blooms once you put the sock on!

thank you honey for taking this picture(he does not like my camera!)

I feel like I am forgetting something, if I remember, I will add it later. Now off to post these at Ravelry.