Wednesday, August 15, 2007

A Fancy Gentleman

Nothing says I love you like a pair of wool socks on a 90 degree day.


Pattern: Gentleman's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks by my crush, Nancy Bush
Yarn & Needles: Brooks Farm Acero, Everwood colorway
3.0mm needle (US 2.5)
Pattern Mods: I skipped the calf shaping called for in the pattern, and cast on 72 stitches and knit straight from there. The pattern is sufficiently stretchy and fits over Mr S's calves just fine.

Acero is a a new offering from Brooks Farm, the site of my most intemperate purchase at MDSW. I was attracted to the muted, masculine colors of the yarn, and the fact that it was clearly a sport weight sock yarn (Mr S's size 13s only gets sport weight socks). I was also intrigued by the unique fiber content (wool/silk/viscose) and knew that Mr S would love the silky texture and the look of the rustic, manly sock.

I found knitting with the yarn to be a bit splitty on my super-sharp needles, but I got used to it, and the final object is truly worth it. I've read bloggers elsewhere who say that the yarn isn't stretchy enough for socks, but that isn't my experience here. Perhaps I stumbled upon a great combination of pattern and gauge; I'd avoid simple stockinette for sure. I am also curious about how the sock will wear over time. I imagine that the silk and viscose content strengthen the yarn, and there is no evidence of fuzzing on these socks at all.

Mr S gave these socks his seal of approval, and declared them his best-fitting, most comfortable socks yet. The downside of knitting sport weight socks is that is can be hard to fit them into shoes, but these socks fit snugly on his feet and don't feel quite as thick as some of the other socks I have made for him. I have another skein in a more solid acorn brown that was intended for a scarf for him, but perhaps he needs another pair of socks!

20 comments:

Diana said...

Those are great! Love the soft manly colors too. I've yet to knit my husband any socks but just finished some hiking socks that he actually expressed interest in. So I did order the yarn for them! The 90 plus degrees for weeks on end is getting old!

Dave said...

Wow, that's a gorgeous colour, and it shows wonderfully with that pattern!

Ashley said...

Love indeed.

The color's really great; I wouldn't mind having a pair of socks in that colorway for my non-manly self!

Ann said...

Lucky Mr. Science -- they are beautiful! I'm glad to hear the reports on that yarn since I indulged at the Brooks Farm booth as well ...

Bridget said...

Wow, those are really nice. I'm glad my husband doesn't read knitting blogs ...

Octopus Knits said...

I love the socks and will definitely have to try that pattern. The yarn is lovely, too!

Annie said...

I love Acero! I am using it for a scarf and it is delightful to knit with. I was very curious to see how it would work up as socks and am happy to hear that you like it, as well as Mr. S! I love how the yarn looks in the pattern you chose. I will have to stock up at Rhinebeck. :-)

Kristy said...

The socks look great! I really like the subtle coloring.

Your findings are about on par with mine for the Acero. I did notice a slight loss of stretchyness, but it certainly can be compensated for and produce a nice sock.

Anonymous said...

I have that acorn brown and I was trying to figure out a good pattern for it. I was looking at the Lichen Ribbed socks, but I think this pattern suits the yarn better. Hmmm. The socks are fantastic.

Anonymous said...

I love that colorway! Fantastic socks - well done!

Christie said...

I was going to say what a pretty colorway that is...but instead, I'll say it's manly. :)

Anonymous said...

sexy feet!

yea for mr. s!

anne marie in philly

Wendy said...

I could kick myself for not picking up the Acero at MSW - socks look great!

W

Madge said...

I'm trying to come up with something witty, maybe offer a pithy Shakespearean quote on love, but it's hot here, too, and my brain has melted. So how about: Awesome job on Mr. S's manly man sox!

Seriously, they are very handsome, and I'm glad they meet with masculine approval.

HPNY KNITS said...

I love this pattern and this yarn is great with it.

Dorothy said...

It is a great man-type colour and the pattern fits it beautifully.

Kirsten said...

They look great Liz!
I agree that the yarn and pattern work beautifully together. I'll have to look for some of that yarn at Rhinebeck.

Lolly said...

Wow, those are handsome! very nice ;)

madhu said...

Very unique and gorgeous socks.

I just purchased
shoes
from shoedeals4u.com. After seeing this socks I am determined to pick up these in future.

nike shox said...

Wow, this was a truly quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and actual effort to make a great post… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way seem to get something done.