| Archive for Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns The Friendly UK Board that invites Knitters, Crocheters, Dressmakers, Quilters, Patchworkers, Jewellery makers and Paper Crafters to join in our chat about Craft |
| n |
Spiral Socks KALYou can get the pattern by sending me a pm with your email address.These are the socks. 
and 
n |
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| purplepds |
I've got the pattern already (I bought from you at Woolfest but wasn't a member here then) if I can find some solid that works with what I've got then I'm in | ||
| Piglottie |
I need to finish my current pair first as they are for a birthday present. I was wondering if I could use one of my merino club yarns? Would probably need to play around to get the right size, and also find a suitable contrasting colour 
ETA: Just ordered my contrasting colour from n so hopefully shall start these when my current pair are finished
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| probablyjane |
Hello - I'm Jane, the person who designed the socks.
I'm thrilled that people want to have a go at them and will be here to help with any queries and to cheer you on. In fact, I may join in too as I didn't actually make a pair for myself! |
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| Fi |
Oh might have to have a go.
How much yarn do they take, not got a very large stash you see (cough). |
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| Piglottie |
Hello Jane - great to have you join us especially as this will be the first foray into colourwork for a few of us
Fi - the pattern says 75g of main colour and 50g of contrast colour based on Yarn Yard sock yarn
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| n |
I have Janes prototypes here, she did four single socks... all different.
Imagine giving yourself PERMISSION to have SSS.... 
Anyway, I will weigh one of them. Normally socks for me take 65-70g, so 125 seems rather a lot, but she may have been erring on the side of caution. My yarn is 420m per 100g if that helps? I don't want this to be a case of only my yarn will work for this, it's not a selling thing. Standard Opal/Trekking type yarn will be fine mixed and matched. I think the self striping ones like opal would make the pattern of the stitches get lost though, a hand paint and a solid or even two solids would work better. n |
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| murdo |
I've downloaded your Cornish Scallops pattern...absolutely lovely! | ||
| FatCat |
Well, I'm in  Although might not be casting on for a few days, need to have a rummage around in my stash first (LOL, that makes it sound like I need DAYS to look through my sock yarn stash ... ahem, cough  )
Jane, it's great to have you here - I'm sure we'll have loads of questions and it'll be super to have the designer on hand. And I think you definitely need to join in and make yourself a pair - hope you don't get SSS seeing as you've only made single ones before!
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| FatCat |
OK, I have a question - and I've not even cast on yet! I've been reading the pattern and I'm a complete colourwork novice and I'm a bit confused. Won't we end up with a ridge/line going down the length of the inside of the sock where we've changed yarns because it's at the same point on every changeover? Or will it be a bit further along each change because of the patterning? 
Would it be possible to see a pic of the inside of a sock so I know what it's supposed to look like and can have something to aim towards? |
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| Piglottie |
Oooh, FC I'm glad you've asked this cos I was wondering too Also, (being a complete and utter colourwork virgin so please be gentle ), do you just carry the yarn up the side of your knitting, ie as you finish in one colour you just leave it and start knitting with the previous colour etc? Or am I completely wrong (which is very possible)? Thanks!
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| slowasasnail |
I'm glad someone else is asking these questions as I am keen to try these...Not that I have any suitable yarn at the moment. | ||
| n |
Reeeeally? I have the single socks so I can probably *giggles* get a shot of the inside for you. I have just looked and there isn't a ridge, it just looks like the rest of the sock to me. I'll take a "back" pic later for you. n |
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| probablyjane |
Hello everyone
I'll do my best to answer your questions: Yes, I think I was being a bit generous in my estimates of yarn quantities. I think for the average woman's foot 50g of the main colour and somewhat less of the contrast will be fine. I advise against making the sock too long anyway as the fabric is less stretchy than a stocking stitch. As it is a top down sock I think I had a nightmare vision of a knitter with feet the size of a kangaroo running out of yarn before she reached the toe! The two colours are changed at the back of the leg and along the sole of the foot and are stranded and caught behind rather than cut as the colour changes are very small. There is a slight ridge but with this weight of yarn it is pretty smooth. I thought that it might be perceptable until I realised that at the places that we normally place weight on our feet ie the heels and ball/toe we are only using one colour where there will be no changeover and it will be completely smooth. Anyone with very sensitive feet can always finish the spirals at the ankle. One other thing that I noticed is that the spiral stitch shortens the fabric a little so the upper is slightly shorter than the lower part of the foot - this worried me until I tried it on and realised it improved the fit - at least on my feet.... Hope that helps |
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| Piglottie |
Thanks Jane! I think I'm following so far
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| probablyjane |
Well, I've chosen my yarn. (Cover your ears n). It's Cherry Tree Hill in a deep purple solid and a green, pink and lilac handpaint contrast. I only have 34g of the contrast left over from another project but if you can't experiment on yourself... I like to live dangerously!
Jane - who has just alarmed herself at how many oddments of sock yarn she has - they must have been breeding in the cupboard. |
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| murdo |
I'm in!!!!!! | ||
| probablyjane |
Just a note to say that I am going to be away from the computer for a couple of days as I will be at the Cropredy festival where I hope to be knitting in public to folk music and avoiding mud- I can answer any queries and admire progress on Sunday! | ||
| n |
OMG... progress.... the pressure
n |
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| murdo |
pro---gresss....what foreighn language doest thou speak????? | ||
| Piglottie |
Progress? Does that happen sometime in September possibly? 
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| terri |
I'm in!!!!!!! will hunt for suitable yarn and make a proper decision tomorrow!!! I'm on a sock roll
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| n |
I'm going to use a part-skein of the fiery sock Club yarn from a g e s ago. It was a skein which got in a dreadful tangle and in the end I just cut the tangled bit off, leaving me with about 70g. The solid is a choice of a sort of teal-kingfisher or a lilac.
Just got to finish a sock first. I'm not good at having two projects on the go at once... and soon I'll have a lace KAL as well and I have a ton of spinning to do... well 136 g of it anyway. So. How far can we get before she comes back....
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| FatCat |
I'm SO glad it wasn't just me wondering about the colour changes!
Thanks so much Jane, makes perfect sense to me now - I was thinking the ridge formed by the colour change would be uncomfortable against my foot so what you've said is very reassuring on that front
LOL that you're expecting some progress in the near future! Maybe after next weekend ....
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| n |
My colour choices are on the blog... what do you think, lilac or kingfisher?
Some people think I should forget the orange and do it with 2 solids! n |
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| gilraen |
I personally love the Kingfisher Natalie!!
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| murdo |
N...you have me thinking about using two solids now!!!! | ||
| Piglottie |
I think you should go with the orange and kingfisher It will look gorgeous!
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| probablyjane |
Hello All
Hope you're having a lovely weekend. I've just got back from Cropredy and have finished the forst of the spiral socks. Picture is at the bottom of the post here: http://janesprobablyknitting.blog...umpers-and-folk-music-surely.html I have also worked out a little optional adjustment that evens up the sole and the instep as I mentioned before that the slipstitch fabric comes up shorter than stocking stitch and gives the finished sock a bit of a 'turned up toe' when off the foot. I put in four short rows on the instep before the toe shaping which even things up a bit. I did it like this, starting at the beginning of the row at the mid sole position: Row 1 Needle 1 K15 Needle 2, K to 2 stitches before the end of the needle, wrap next stitch and turn. Row 2 Needle 2, p to 2 stitches before the end of the needle, wrap next stitch and turn Row 3 Needle 2, k to 3 stitches before the end of the needle, wrap next stitch and turn Row 4 Needle 2 p to 3 stitches before the end of the needle, wrap next stitch and turn Row 5 Work straight across needles 2 and 3 picking up wraps as you come to them Row 6, K, picking up remaining wraps as you come to them. Then continue toe shaping as normal. If anyone wants me to explain about doing wraps and picking them up please ask but I didn't want to bore anyone with too much information.... J |
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| n |
Decision made....
n (But there is handspun sock competition.... I may end up with TWO WIP's.
ps. Nice sock, Jane. You do know that if you knit a pair you can enter the sock a month contest, don't you? |
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| Piglottie |
Yeah!!! Perfect choice n
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| probablyjane |
Having finished the first sock I have just weighed the leftover yarn to work out how much I have used. Of the 114g main I have used 30g meaning that I need 60g. Of the 34g contrast colour, I have used 16g meaning that I need 32g! (cutting it a bit fine...)
J |
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| murdo |
ok..going with 2 solids...cream and kingfisher. Getting gauge on a 2.75mm or a 3.0mm needle (addis) Thinking better to go with 2.75mm as better bigger than smaller....what do you all think?
Usin yarn yard solid and an undyed 4ply |
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| FatCat |
wow, you've finished a whole sock already Jane? it looks absolutely fabulous! And I love your choice of yarns n
I was wondering a bit about gauge too Murdo, I think I'll probably try 2.5mm rather than 2.25mm as it's over 60 stitches, that usually is OK for me. Another pattern question please Jane - are the slipped stitches slipped purlwise or knitwise? I'm assuming purlwise .... ? But if knitwise then when we're slipping 2 are they slipped separately or together? Thanks! |
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| mogiebear |
I have gone with the 2.25mm and it's really too tight - just goes over my heel, but I now my gauge is more like 9spi on these needles, but I don't like my socks at 7 spi as they wear out too quickly.(read that as I couldn't be bothered adding more stitches once I'd started knitting  )
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| Piglottie |
I now have my yarn, but I really dont want to start them until I finished my current socks (which are for someone's birthday so I must get a shimmy on). I am going to try using the Merino sock yarn from the Yarn Yard - a combination of the first club yarn (pink/black/grey) and a solid colour (mint green). I will probably need to fiddle about a bit though to get the right needle size etc. | ||
| probablyjane |
Hi Fatcat My answer would be, it depends on the style of knitting that you do. My advice is to slip them in which ever way leaves them angled correctly on the needle next time you come to knit them so that you don't twist them - for me that would be purlwise and yes, they can be slipped together! (and yes, I did just have to get my knitting out to check...) Jane |
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| FatCat |
Thanks ever so much for the swift response Jane - yep, that's purlwise for me too then
Right, I have yarn, I have needles, I think I've asked every question I can think of so ... I may actually cast on tonight! 
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| probablyjane |
A quick word about gauge (as a reluctant swatcher myself...) Any slip stitch pattern will be less elastic horizontally than stocking stitch because of the small floats behind the slipped stitches and be compressed vertically because the slipped stitches are spanning rows. Swatching is a really good idea.
It's also important to do a loose cast on and stitch the edging down nice and loosely so that you don't get a 'mean streak' at the bottom of the edging. The other thing to mention is to keep the floats nice and loose to stop the fabric being too dense and affecting the gauge that way . As I mention in the pattern, if the problem is getting the sock over the heel, lengthening the flap and thereby the gusset might be a better strategy than knitting in a loose and less hardwearing gauge. You can guess how I know all these things.... Jane |
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| n |
I have cast on.
9 rows done and an interesting discovery. The guage is supposed to be 7 st per inch and I measured several pairs done on 2.75's and they all come out at 8 spi, which explains why I use a 64 st pattern as my standard default sock....so I have swapped to 3.25's and I get 7 spi... and guess what? My knitting looks MUCH better! Need to knit another row..... byeeee! n |
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| Binty |
Pictures please
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| n |
I'm down to the end of the two colour cuff, and about to start the main section... but I need to go and turn up some school trousers... it's the last day of the holidays here and they all go back tomorrow.
I'll take a pic in daylight tomorrow. n |
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| gilraen |
Our School holidays are from the end of June to the beginning of September. 
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| KnittingLadybird |
oooh my kids would be mortified if they had to go to school in August! So wouls i...it's never happened in my lifetime lol
Looking forward to seeing the pics
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| n |
They have been off since the third week in June though!
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| KnittingLadybird |
I know n....it's just never been the way here lol...I bet it's time for them to go back soonish then? lol
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| mogiebear |
One done! Width of the foot and ankle is just right - getting it on over my heel is a bit tight, despite having done 6 extra rows on the heel flap. Short row shaping on the toe worked a treat!
Will get a photo in the morning if there is any daylight 
School for dd here ,too. (Glad the school shoe shopping is over ).
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| n |
So far, so good.
cuff, top, and two 12 row repeats. 
n |
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| probablyjane |
Wow! n, that is a lovely colour combination!
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| Piglottie |
n the colours look brilliant together - love them!
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| FatCat |
wow n, that's looking fabulous! Great colours!
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| KnittingLadybird |
n they are fab...love the clash in a good way
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| mogiebear |
12g of Opal Neon 17g black Town and Country. Knitted on 2.25 Susan Bates circs. |
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| n |
Ooooh, nice socks MB.
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| probablyjane |
Wow, Mogiebear - It looks fabulous! I love your choice of colours. | ||
| gilraen |
N and Mogiebear they are beautiful and really show off the pattern well
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| FatCat |
wow, that's lovely Mogiebear!
I cast on last night and I've done the cuff: 
I'm using two lots of Fyberspates - Blackcurrant for the main and Hannah's Summer for the contrast. |
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| Binty |
Wow they are all lovely - could someone do a photo with the sock inside out? | ||
| Piglottie |
They are all looking great. I want to start mine Nearly finished the current pair
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| murdo |
Crikey...some lovely socks here and loads of progress. I have frogged 3 times as worried cuff too loose...then realised I didnt have 2.25mm needles with me (on hols). So , 2.5mm.
Doing cuff a wee bit different...not doing purl bit...like it smooth
Leg pattern was too tight with my tension, so added an extra 6 sitches (one pattern repeat) and going well
Here's where I am so far....using a solid blue and an undyed cream 
Here's an action shot...ignore OH's towel-drying approach 
Here's the background...nicest sock-knit location I have ever had (ok it's the ONLY outdoor sock-location I've had) 
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| Piglottie |
Jackie! Your socks are looking great, but just look at that view. Great campsite
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| KnittingLadybird |
Fab pics Murdo..and a lovely looking pair of socks too!
Mogie, your sock is fab too and I REALLY like those colours
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| n |
The socks are fab murdo, can't believe this is only your second ever pair.
n |
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| KnittingLadybird |
I think your are gorgeous too FC...
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| probablyjane |
This may sound very silly but seeing all this beautiful work is making me quite emotional. I feel like a proud godmother to all these sock babies... | ||
| pictish |
Lovely sock Jackie - and where were you staying? It's gorgeous but it looks familiar
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| murdo |
Faskally, near Pitlochry Lovely place, would recommend to anyone thinking of visiting a nice not=too-touristy place with lots to do.
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| pictish |
Aha - thought it looked like Perthshire It's lovely round there
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| n |
I'm down to the heel flap which took three complete spirally repeats for a total length of six and a half inches, I think that's enough, so I'm back on solid ground again.
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| mogiebear |
Finished the pair this afternoon. Too dark to photograph because of the rain - hopefully tomorrow
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| Catknit |
these are all looking really lovely, i was distracted by finishing MS3 and for the first time in ages have NO socks on needles, guess waht I'm casting on tonight? | ||
| mogiebear |
and inside view, showing point where colours change (on the side ,as I hate knitting socks in profile, rather than under the sole). 
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| probablyjane |
Mogiebear, they are absolutely beautiful! | ||
| Binty |
wow thay are fantastic. Thank you so much for the view of the inside
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| murdo |
Mogie...they are fab...both inside and out
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| Piglottie |
Mogie they are gorgeous! I love the colour combo and thanks for showing the inside
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| n |
HELP!
I have done the heel flap and the turn and picked up the first lot of 17 sts... and now I have the pattern again... and it says "work pattern"
OTN The first st is slipped (CC) then 4 k in MC then 2 slipped in CC. What should I knit please? I am colouristically challenged. n |
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| probablyjane |
Hi n
You need to k 3 in cc then sl2 mc and k4 cc as normal all across the instep finishing with a k1. Next colour change you k1 mc then sl2 cc and k4 mc as above ending with a k3 That should keep the spiral running Hope that helps J |
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| Fi |
Mogie they are fantastic. | ||
| n |
do i need to strand the mc as well ?
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| n |
nope, silly me, worked it out!
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| FatCat |
wow, they're all looking great!
I've done a few pattern repeats on mine, but not quite down to the heel yet
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| murdo |
Do we do wraps? Not sure from what I have read on the web if we do them with this type of heel or not? | ||
| mogiebear |
No wraps!
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| probablyjane |
Nope, no wraps on a good old flap and gusset!
Best wishes Jane |
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| murdo |
Thank goodness...I thought is it a "given" and me being a sock numpty wouldn't know...when do you use a wrap then...a different type? | ||
| probablyjane |
Short row heels use a wrap as you work towards the heel then you pick them up as you climb back up the other side, although I've just done a garter stitch short row heel where you double wrap them and don't pick up at all!
This is why socks are addictive - so many different ways to do things! Enjoy J |
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| n |
Wraps are horrid things unless filled with tomato and feta and watercress.
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| murdo |
So they are optional...now I get it... I like feta cheese and honey wraps...yum
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| FatCat |
but there are wraps at the beginning of the toe shaping aren't there? unless I've gone completely mad and misread your added notes Jane! (always a possibility .... )
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| probablyjane |
Dear Fat Cat
Murdo's question was about the heel. I did offer a little optional fix at the toe end to add another 1cm to the instep because the spiral fabric comes up shorter than the stocking stitch of the sole. It does involve short rows which need to be wrapped to avoid holes forming. Short rows are quite handy whenever you want to add a bit of extra fabric in a part of a garment. Hope that helps. J |
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| FatCat |
Ah right. I hadn't realised from Murdo's question and subsequent posts that the wraps being talked about were regarding the heel, not the toe ones.
Thank you so much for the clear explanation. It helps me very much. |
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| murdo |
Sorry to cause confusion
I am not sure my heel is right...pattern says Sl1, K17, SSK, k1, turn sl1 purl5 p2tog p1 turn Is this right? I am following religiously and am getting more stitches left on one side than the other? |
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| FatCat |
I noticed that too Murdo, I think it might be a typo I ended up doing
S1, k16 (not 17), SSK the S1, P5, P2tog and it worked out OK. HTH! |
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| murdo |
aha!!! Thanks for that. | ||
| probablyjane |
Yep - that would be the deliberate typo!
Well spotted all! J |
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| murdo |
lol...well I think I should get numpty of month aware...I take it heel flap should be 15 rows before tarting turn...I did rows 1 and 2 X 15 times....so 30 rows
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| probablyjane |
Fear not Murdo! You are speaking to someone who once, instead of doing the gusset shaping did the toe decreases instead and wondered why the sock would only fit a horse! | ||
| murdo |
lol....I am such a plonker at times. I had a giggling fit after realising...a now-perfect heel turn on a mega flap!!!i | ||
| probablyjane |
Hang on a minute... you do do 1 and 2, 15 times on the flap - that is 30 rows in total but as you are slipping every other stitch on row 1 it compresses the flap. Slipping the stitch at the beginning of every row gives you 15 neat little loops to pick up your stitches from.
Check before you frog - please!!!! Jane (who needs a lay down now.) |
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