April Fools?

I managed to follow the "short rows".

But why?

Why are we cutting the yarn sooooo many times?

I've got more ends here than a whole sweater! When I knit socks I try very hard not to have "joins" no knots, my little "piggies" are very sensitive. The princess and the pea comes to mind.


I followed the instructions to the letter, well almost except for that "does not add up" part. But when I tried the socks on this elaborate "short rowing" was really not necessary. Regular short rows would have worked or this part eliminated all together. The sock would fit better.

The after thought heel and toe? They leave a seam and that is part of the reason why I like to knit and wear custom socks is to eliminate those seams that always bother my feet in store bought socks. Would I knit this again? Maybe with heavy modifications. I love the colors and the stitch pattern is very nice.
P.S.I wrote to the author but I have not gotten an answer. Janel Laidman will be teaching at the Sock Summit so she might be busy preparing. I see she is scheduled for 5 different classes, that's a lot of work.

Janel Laidman

Janel Laidman is the author of “The Eclectic Sole, socks for adventurous knitters” as well as the owner and editor of Spindlicity.com, an online magazine for handspinners. Janel is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, where she is hard at work on her next book.

Classes

Paint Your Toes! Stranded Colorwork for Socks

Knitting stranded colorwork for socks (Fair Isle technique) can be tricky, because it is a less elastic fabric than a regular knit. In this class, we will discuss strategies for compensating for this lack of elasticity and how to keep your tension even. In addition, we will discuss how to design your own colorwork sock, shaping considerations, color choices, and color effects.Each participant will receive an original design pattern. Students will begin the pattern in class and will be able to finish the sock on their own. We will look at various techniques for knitting with two colors, including carrying both yarns in the same hand, carrying the yarns with both hands, knitting inside out and others.

Class Level:	Intermediate
Class Skills:	Students need to know how to knit socks, have some familiarity with the concept of colorwork, and be able to knit in the round and follow charts.
Cost:	$70.00
Class Length:	3 hours

Rivendell and Beyond

Learn to knit the popular Rivendell sock from “The Eclectic Sole.” Students will be guided through the tricky wraps, learn to read a chart, and work on completing the cuff portion of the pattern in class. Students will also receive an alternative wristlet pattern to practice all the juicy bits of the Rivendell motif on without knitting an entire sock, and a limited edition gauntlet pattern.

Class Level:	Advanced beginner. Students will learn to read charts, knit through the back loop, and create the wraps that make the scalloped edge.
Class Skills:	Students should be comfortable working in the round.
Cost:	$70.00
Class Length:	3 hours

Sidekicks - Socks Knit from East to West

Go beyond the novelty of knitting your socks sideways and explore the unique design possibilities of the sideways sock construction. Learn several different techniques for knitting sideways socks like the popular Monterey and April Fools socks from Janel’s book, “The Eclectic Sole,” and several patterns from her new book, “The Enchanted Sole.” We will cover reasons behind knitting sideways and review different strategies for shaping and heel construction. Students will receive two original patterns for fancy sideways socks. We will knit a baby version in class, and students will be able to knit adult versions on their own.

Class Level:	Intermediate
Class Skills:	Students will benefit from having some experience from more traditional sock construction techniques, such as knitting, purling, short rows, increase, decrease, ability to read charts, two-stranded colorwork, and kitchener stitch.
Cost:	$70.00
Class Length:	3 hours

Spinning a Painted Sock

Spin a rainbow of color for your feet! Socks are hard wearing garments that benefit from durable yarns. Explore the best fibers, blends, and yarn structures to make these wonderful foot coverings, while at the same time learning how to get handsome color effects from that hand-painted roving in your stash. Topics we will explore include superwash, blends, carry-along thread, twist, plies, and (of course) color! This class is suitable for anyone who can spin a continuous thread and may be accomplished by wheel or drop spindle.

Class Level:	This class is for advanced beginner spinners up to experienced spinners.
Class Skills:	Students only need to know how to spin and ply to participate. Should be able to spin a yarn and ply it. The class can be done with a spindle or a wheel.
Cost:	$70.00
Class Length:	3 hours

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