December 12, 2016

F.O. Voolenvine Vanilla Latte Socks

Pattern:  Vanilla Latte Socks
Designer:  Virginia Rose-Jeanes
Yarn:  Voolenvine Yarns Wolke
80/10/10 blend merino/cashmere/nylon
Colourway:  Deck the Halls
Needles:  2.5 mm 

Voolenvine Yarns Wolke Base

I bought this skein of Voolenvine yarn during Rhinebeck weekend at Indie Untangled.  I was quite taken by this colourway when I saw it in person.  I tried a couple shawl patterns first but I decided the colourway looked best knit as socks.  There are so many sock patterns to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming for a new sock knitter.  I decided on the Vanilla Latte Socks as I saw there were over 7000 projects using this pattern.  After knitting them now I know why this pattern is so popular.  This sock pattern was great, not only because it was a free pattern, but because it offered the knitter a few options. First there were three heel flaps to choose from:  Stockinette, Slip Stitch Rib and the one I chose which was the pretty Eye of Partridge. Then there were the Toe Shaping choices: the Rounded Wedge Toe (that's what I did) or the Star Toe.  I was quite happy with how the pattern turned out and the fit is great.  This is the first time I knit a sock with 56 stitches and it really helped me get the proper fit.  I think I have been knitting my socks too big in the past with 64 stitches.




The second sock is much lighter than the first
Notes:  I knit the first sock from the outside of the skein and the second sock from the inside out.  I am not sure why I did that.  However, the first sock is much darker than the second sock.  Lesson learned when knitting with hand dyed yarn.  I won't do that again.  However, the sock feels so lovely on...perfect socks to wear on Christmas Day.

This is my fifth pair of socks that I have knitted.  Although I absolutely love wearing knitted socks and prefer them over store bought ones, I still question if it is worth it. I am not the fastest knitter and with limited knitting time one pair takes me a couple weeks.  I think I would rather invest my time in other kinds of projects.  For the next while I think I will focus on knitting some patterns that are not fingering weight.

p.s.  That's not quite true.  I just cast on a shawl in Sweet Georgia's Cashluxe Spark which is a fingering weight yarn!  But my other projects will not be fingering weight. I swear!
Sweet Georgia Cashluxe Spark in the colourway Shoreline

12 comments:

  1. Welcome to the vanilla latte Socks club! I absolutely adored the pattern when I knit my pair up! These socks are adorably festive too, yet also pretty sophisticated.
    Barring Christmas knitting (spare our souls and hands), I think a few weeks is a perfectly reasonable amount of time to get a pair of socks done! Before long, a nice collection of socks would definitely appear in your drawer – at least that's what happened with me, haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Britney! I agree it a great pattern and the price is perfect! There is definitely nothing like a knitted sock in a pretty colourway.

      Delete
  2. That pattern is really perfect for the yarn. What a good pairing! Getting a good sock fit is a journey, but once you figure it out it is such an accomplishment. My perfect number is 56 stitches as well, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Laura! I was worried they would be too tight with 56 stitches but I was pleasantly surprised.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful! I hope some day to brave socks. I think it will take me even longer than it takes you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Emily! You should definitely try knitting a pair...they are not hard at all. However, once you start wearing home made socks you can never go back!

      Delete
  4. Your socks are beautiful! Socks do take a while to knit. I've knit whole sweaters in less time than it takes me to knit 1 sock, but socks are great 'go' projects to keep in the car or your purse for those times you find yourself stuck in loooong lines or in massive traffic jams, or when you're waiting for a child or a tow truck....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those are so beautiful!! talk about a gorgeous yarn, and a perfect sock. I must try that sock pattern!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie! I am really liking Voolenvine yarns.

      Delete
  6. I love that colourway and your socks look so comfy! I haven't made socks in a long time and you are inspiring me to give some a try after Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much! Home made socks are the most comfortable! You should definitely knit a pair.

    ReplyDelete