I did some surfing and researching last night and here’s what I’ve come up with so far as options:
- Lion Brand Cottage Socks – OK, these things look butt-ugly in the picture but I think with the right color choices, some striping, or a different colored heel/toe and they’d look fine. They’re quite heavy – 9 sts over 4 inches, done on 9.0 mm/US #13!!! – so they’d definitely be warm. Big thanks to Crystal for pointing this one out. Right now it’s my fav.
- Knitting Now’s Bulky Sock Pattern – Not as heavy (4.5 spi) but still looks like a heavy-weight sock. And they even show the sock with a contrasting heel and toe.
- Fireside Sock – Stella did this as her first sock in Plymouth Encore Worsted and it looks nice and heavy and warm too.
Alternative to Kitchner for Top Down Socks
One cool thing I thought I’d share. I’m sure alot of you already thought of this, but I hadn’t until I read the Lion Brand instructions. One of the reasons I’ve been avoiding top-down socks is because I HATE HATE HATE finishing and toe ups have no finishing other than weaving in the ends. Well, I don’t know why it never dawned on me to do a 3 needle bind off at the toes before. That’s what the Lion pattern instructs and it makes sense to me. I don’t think it will be very bulky and you don’t have to graft that way! So I think I’ll try top-down this time.
Three Needle Bind Off
Oh, for those of you looking for good 3 needle bind off instructions (with pics!)- I found this one yesterday while visiting Becky over at fluffa
Knitty Stuff on Sale!
While visiting Stella today I came across her post about $4 off any order of $40 or more. I’ve been delaying my Yarn Ho t-shirt purchase but I may just have to do it now. Visit Stella for details.
I am a sucker for Border Collies, I would easily get sucked into those Lion Brand ones. Definately in cooler colors! Do you have the yarn already picked out?
FYI – I have done a three-needle bind off on toes and didn’t like it. I could feel the ridge while wearing the socks and it bugged me. It just fell in the wrong place. So now I graft or do from the toe up. But maybe it won’t bother you.
I’ll have a copy of the fireside sock pattern for you at the S&B.
Maybe the Lion’s Brand socks would look better if they weren’t so long. Would it be possible to use Wendy’s sock pattern with a thicker yarn? I think you’d just change the pattern to fit a different gauge.