Banana Blossom Arrives

I have finally finished my pattern for the Banana Blossom Socks (link opens to a pdf).  You may recall them from my Design a Lace Sock tutorial for Socktoberfest.  Yes people, that means I am overdue since October!  But, let's just focus on the fact that the pattern is done and posted (linked above and in the side bar with the other freebees) for your knitting pleasure.  Mkay?

It was a bit fussy to write and I procrastinated for quite a while because a graceful pattern wasn't evolving.  I am fairly happy with the pattern write up.  My one complaint is that the increases and decreases for the leg shaping make the chart less user friendly than I'd like.  I agonize over my patterns even though they are free.  It is my inner perfectionist.

As always, let me know if you find an error, a bit of confusion, or just have a question.  Also, please send pictures of the completed socks if you make the pattern.  I'd love to add you to my gallery.  I know my sock patterns have been downloaded many times and I have not seen a single picture yet. (insert pouty face here)  I may have to bribe with a bit of handspun goodness for the first pictures (of any of my sock patterns) that I get.

The pattern for these socks always make me think of Debi.  She has been politely reminding me to finish the pattern.  I want to dedicate it to her.  She is celebrating her second blogiversary.  Please pop over and wish her well.  She also has a nice contest going to celebrate the occasion.  Happy Blogiversary Debi!

I started a new sock.  It qualifies under the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).  I am trying to have a simple, portable project that is easy to pick up and put down.  Perfect for  . . . say a doctors appointment.   The pattern stitch is a four row repeat (two of which are mere knitting).  Now, I just need to remember to put it down and save it for those times when I need a KISS project.

It is going to be tough to put this down.  I am completely in love with the yarn.  It is the same sport weight Wensleydale yarn I used for the Penny Socks (link opens to a pdf).  I dyed it the last time I took a class with Nancy Roberts of Machine Knitting To Dye For.  Go visit her site if you haven't been there before.  Don't be put off by the M-word (machine), she has inspiration up the wazoo and is a fabulous teacher.

The colors are brick red, brown, and tan.  Wensleydale has a great luster.  Dang, I love thee Wensleydale.  There is a fairly low contrast between the colors so the stripes are subtle.  I was channeling my inner man for some manly colorways and I loveLOVElove this one.  Manly, yes, but I like it too.

Comments

[elizabeth]

So pretty! Did you spin the Wensleydale too? I have some Wensleydale in my stash. Am I the only one who wants to say "Get the cheeeese, Gromit!" every time I say Wensleydale?

[Debi]

Thanks for the lovely Blogiversary gift Maia -- I knew what I would find when I surfed over but I never expected such fanfare ::blush:: When I make the socks I'll always think of you!

I love your new sock!! The yarn is glorious and the pattern, altho completely simple, gives the sock some real panache! Did you see my pair on the blog? Frankly I think they are my prettiest socks EVER!

Thanks again for making the blogiversay extra special! :)

[Debi]

BTW, did you ever try the Turkish Cast on?

[AuntieAnn]

I can't believe someone wrote a wikipedia entry on Irish Spring. Nice socks, I'll have to give them a try! I hope you're feeling better.

[angelarae]

I like the banana sock. That yarn is gorgeous, too. Dangit, I couldn't dye mine like that.
I'll just send you some fiber and you dye it for me, 'kay?

Ang

[Ronni]

That's an extremely pretty sock. I wish I was faster at knitting the things than I am though. There's already dozens of patterns that I want to make (out of the far too many skeins of sock yarn I've accumulated since finding blogs) when I finish the current socks. This pattern is going to be one of the next three pairs made I think.

[Denise]

What a pretty sock pattern! I'm planning for some vacation knitting so I'm going to have to put this one in the hat to consider!

[Mary]

Lovely sock, Maia, and you really ROCK for providing a free pattern for it.

And because I'm greedy, I will wish that the "Design a Lace Sock" tutorial was also a pdf file.... :-)

[Rebecca Burr]

Maia, I really want to knit myself some Penny socks but have only fingering weight, no sport weight. To tell the truth I have a hard time finding sport weight sock yarns I like. Anywho, could you be convinced to write up what I would need to change when using fingering weight on that pattern? Also, here's a thought; how would I alter it to knit knee-highs?