Friday 31 January 2014

Sirdar Crofter DK Socks on Straight Needles

A few years ago I taught myself to knit in the round on double pointed needles (dpn's) specifically to be able to knit socks. I hasten to add, that as an adult learner, knitting with dpn's was not a skill I acquired easily and took me a few attempts.

More recently I wanted to try out the Sirdar Crofter DK fair isle style yarn and initially chose the lichen shades of Glen #76 colourway. When I read the pattern I was surprised to find that it was written for knitting socks with straight needles not dpn's. I was curious about how the sock would be constructed so I decided to give this pattern a go. I should probably say now that I liked working with the Crofter yarn so much that I decided to make a second pair of socks right away but using dpn's in Galloway #73 shades of blue.

For the yellow socks the pattern states three pairs of needles - 3.25mm (US 3), 4mm (US 3) and 4.5mm (US7). 

For the blue socks on dpn's I used the same needle sizes but I improvised a short row heel turn, used some of the pattern instructions and stitch counts.







I enjoyed knitting the yellow socks on straights and very pleased with the fit. The seams are positioned so there's minimum chance of rubbing especially the heel which has no seam. The only down side is dealing with a number of loose ends and sewing the seams. If dpn's are not your thing then this pattern might be for you.

For the blue socks with dpn's somehow the yarn balls didn't start with the same pattern sequence consequently I have slightly mismatched socks. I don't mind this so much because I really like the colours and they are going to be worn with hiking boots after all.






Enjoy!

11 comments:

  1. lovely yarn and photos.....I like the mismatched socks best.

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  2. There's something so satisfying in pairs of hand knit socks waiting to warm a pair of feet. What a lovely view in the last picture.
    You might find this book interesting: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knit-Your-Socks-On-Straight/dp/1612120083/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1391189180&sr=8-6&keywords=socks+2+needles

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  3. Julia, lovely post and ironic that I blogged about socks this week too, AND I just purchased a book yesterday about how to knit socks on straight needles! Scots think alike! xo

    Sheila

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  4. Beautiful beautiful socks and photos. I'm in awe! And interesting to learn that you can knit socks on straights. I'm not a huge fan of DPNs, so I might try.

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  5. These are brilliant! I love crofter wool, . Definitely going to give these a go!

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  6. Wow, simply beautiful Julia, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the yarn which looks great and on your experience of knitting with both types of needles x beautiful last photo x

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  7. Lovely socks! And who knew -- socks on straight needles?! Love the Sirdar yarn too -- must go hunt some down.
    Blessings,
    G

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  8. It is so interesting to hear about knitting socks on straight needles. Seeing as I love dpns and hate weaving ends, I'll stick to knitting in the round.

    Beautiful yarn!

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  9. Hi Julia!
    I'm your newest follower here ;)
    I am wanting to attempt my first pair of socks but intimidated by dpn's.
    Although it would be a challenge, I might like to give it at try.
    Either way, I want to attempt a pair of socks. Yours look so beautiful and your photography is lovely!
    I have some crofter yarn and was searching the internet for a pattern I would like to try and this is how I came upon your blog. I'm a blogger too, so I'm so pleased to have found you.
    Looking forward to visiting you here.
    Thank you so much for sharing your socks!
    Come visit!

    All my heart,
    Deborah

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  10. These socks are lovely thanks for sharing with us. http://www.learnhowtoknitascarf.com

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  11. Thank you everyone for your comments and support on this post. I appreciate the feedback from you all. Julia

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

Regards

Julia