Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Sproingless

My first pair of socks in 2008 have left me decidedly underwhelmed. They're knitted with the new Noro Kureyon Sock, and it didn't much like it. I've previously really enjoyed knitting with Noro yarns, but this is not what I am looking for in a sock yarn.

My main gripe is that the yarn has no elasticity whatsoever, so it makes very baggy socks. If you like that sort of thing (Marnie, I'm looking at you!), then this is the yarn for you. I, however, prefer a snug-fitting, no-droop sock.

So basically, its just your basic 64-stitch stockinette sock with a heel flap. The colors are pretty and the socks are warm, and I don't find them scratchy either. I just prefer some sproing in my sock yarn, and I'm sorry to say that Noro Sock is sproingless. So you won't be seeing me use Noro Sock again, because my stash is too big for me to use a sock yarn that doesn't have sproing.

17 comments:

Margaret said...

Sproing is good in a sock! The interesting thing is, you could use a stretchy, ribby, clingy stitch pattern, but most of the fun of the Noro is just letting its stripes be what they are. I bought a couple of balls of this out of curiosity, and think maybe they will end up as little scarves rather than socks.

Sally said...

They do look pretty, but I'm with ya on the sproing. How else are they going to stay up? Oh well, now you know.

We'll miss you tonight. Hope Pepe is feeling better.

Anonymous said...

sproing is definitely necessary. and does a sock give enough time for the long repeats of color to truly be satisfying? still, an FO is an FO!

Suzanne said...

You have to GIVE it sproing! That's what ribbing is for....

I am working on my 5th Noro sock and discovered the same thing--the yarn is not spun to sproing. I ribbed my 3rd sock and it was much better to wear. On this, the 4th and 5th sox, I am using the Roza's Sock pattern, which is brioche (a slightly less boring rib basically.)

My pair of stockinette socks are kinda droopy too, but they perk up when I wear them. Wear yours with pride!

(and condolences that they are not quite what you wanted. hate that.)

Anonymous said...

sproing!

such a cool word!

sproing!

sproing!

(pardon my silliness)

missed you tonight!

diana said...

Your socks are beautiful, but I'm with you on that yarn. I finally threw mine out - I reallllly didn't like knitting with it and unfortunately I chose probably the only non-gorgeous colorway of Kureyon that there is. So there went its only possible redeeming quality.

Good idea in concept, not so good in reality.

Wendy said...

Yeah, we were so excited to get the Noro sock in the store, and then, eh. I never really liked the feel of it, but the colors are so beautiful - it's a shame. We thought about doing a sample in the store in something lacy, but never got around to it.

They look pretty though!

W

Sarah said...

My thoughts exactly!

MandellaUK said...

They look good, but socks should be grippy, pouffy, a treat for the feet, and not baggy! I'm with you on that. Think I'll not bother with the Noro.

Ann said...

Yikes. Not good. Quick, pick up a rebound project!

Anonymous said...

I'm not much for nonsproingy socks either. They do look nice though!

Madge said...

Well, your Kureyons are pretty, for what that's worth.

Sproing rules!

Anonymous said...

Yack! I just bought a ball (seduced by the colors, of course) but was really intrigued by the sample the yarn store had knit up which was a cute little baby ensemble. I was thinking maybe something lacy though.

Remember the E.G. Smith socks everyone had to have? They were all about the slouch. Maybe you have to wear your Noro socks at the right time. Slouch 'em down, cut the neck off an old sweatshirt and wear it off one shoulder (you could even bedazzle it), and pop Fame in the DVD player. I bet you'll love your socks ;-)

Laurie (Moo!) said...

The colors ARE pretty but, when you reach a *cough, cough* certain age, you prefer things don't droop! I know I do. (Prefer...not droop!)

picperfic said...

everytime I read about the Noro sock yarn, I love the colours but I get the impression I need sproingyness too..there are far too many sproingy sock yarns out there. I think I'll give this one a miss...but they do look lovely!

Annie said...

Hmmm, note to self, use ribbing on Noro Sockies, or have sproingless sockies turned anklets.

Ashley said...

Life is too short for sproingless yarn. and if that's not true, i don't know what is.

(They are awfully pretty, though. Maybe for a chevron scarf?)