close up of cabling along side of leg and gusset

Okay, I have finished pair two of Yarnissima’s sock patterns. Kiila was a very interesting sock with a cable pattern built into the gusset area.

close up of gusset and heel turn

Very teeny cables went along the sides of the foot and the leg. The directions to the pattern were very clear. This time I decided to knit both socks at the same time, because I am famous for slightly changing my gauge as I go.

teeny side cables

As with the Brainless sock, the technique of cabling without a cable needle was much easier this time, and having started my third pair of socks (Firestarter), I am very comfortable with dropping a loose stitch now.

entire sock

The Skinny:

Pattern: Kiila by Yarnissima
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Hand Dyed Shepherd Sock, 80% Superwash Wool, 20% Nylon, 1 skein
Colorway: Maple Grove
Size Made: The Largest! Eur 42-43 (because of the size needle I used)
Needles: 2 – 2.75mm – 24 inch Circulars, 2.75mm DPs for toe
Special Techniques: Judy’s Magical Cast On For Toe Up Socks, Cabling Without A Needle, Sock Blockers

My Notes: Yarnissima’s style of pattern writing was easier this time around having made the Brainless socks. If I were to make these socks again, I would use a solid color yarn or a colorway that was dramatically lighter to along the patterned cabling to pop. It is a bit lost because of the strength of the colors. I altered the way I knitted the pattern because of using the one circular needle technique, so I had to be extra careful to read the directions. Knitting both socks at the same time yielded both socks the same. I use a larger needle size because of my foot size. As usual, I blocked on Sock Blockers, the pattern blooms once sock is worn.

That’s it!

Kiila Socks

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.