New socks... for me!

So, I've knit socks for my boyfriend and for my dad, but never for myself. Well, my time has come! And I'm happy to report that small feet are way better to knit for than big manly ones (sorry guys).

The socks I'm knitting for myself are the Monkeys by Cookie A. According to Ravelry, these socks have been knit 11359 times, though it's probably even more if you consider all the knitters who aren't on Ravelry, or who don't record their projects as obsessively as some of us. The point is, it's a very popular pattern, and of course, there must be a reason for that!

I'm done one sock, and about half-way through the second, and I found the pattern flows from my needles with ease. The lace pattern is super easy to memorize, and with my teeny feet, it seems like it takes little time for the sock to reach an appropriate length. Based on the amount I was able to knit during at 1-hour lecture yesterday, it takes me maybe an hour and a half to do one pattern repeat.



As you can see, I modified the pattern so that the sock has a short-row heel instead of the heel flap. It just seemed like the short row heel would be easier, and to be honest, I prefer how it looks. I have yet to try a heel flap, but that will have to wait for another sock. I didn't modify the pattern other than that... I made the large size (to accommodate my massive ankles), and used the recommended number of pattern repeats.



The yarn I'm using is Araucania Ranco Solid in the Russet colourway that I got from WEBS for pretty cheap. I just love that bright red colour! I think it's my favourite sock yarn to date, though my experience is clearly limited. It just changes colour so subtly and prettily... It's also fairly soft and feels pretty sturdy.

I'll probably post some more pictures when the second one is finished. Yay! Socks!