You Probably Don't Remember This

I started this sock back in August when I went Up North with my friend Joni. It's the first of the Wishbone Socks.

 

It's a Nancy Bush design, so it is very well written. I am terrible at memorizing patterns, but this is at least easy to keep track of without a counter. (Sorry for fuzzy photo -- weak winter sun -- at least that's what I'm blaming!)

At this point you may be wondering, how many WIPs does Caffeine Girl have going now? Well, I don't know if I can count that high. I've realized there is a pronounced chaos to my knitting. I like to have lots of choices when I have some time to knit.

But there are also categories that I like to have WIPs in: easy knitting for socializing or watching TV; moderately challenging for listening to the radio or podcasts; and challenging projects that take my full attention. Still, that would only require me to have 3 WIPs at any time ... and I have a large multiple of that number sitting patiently in project bags.

I seem to have a weakness for starting projects. It's sort of like how I feel about buying books. Buying a book is a commitment to read a book -- and I like that feeling. I get the same satisfaction from casting on.

Oh well, there are worse vices!

I'm linking up with Keep Calm and Craft On here.

WIP: Wishbone Socks and a Discovery

I haven't knit lace socks in ages, so I decided to cast on these for last week's vacation:

The pattern is Wishbone Socks from Interweave Knits Accessories 2009.  I knew the pattern would be well-written seeing as the designer is sock maven Nancy Bush. She doesn't call for ribbing the cuff, but I'm a firm believer in the necessity of ribbed cuffs, so I added a half-inch of 2x2.

I learned something that I should have figured out a long time ago. When I started the lace, I could not find a counter (the click type). I own quite a few so it's embarrassing that none of them were available. Since we were about to leave for our getaway, I figured I'd have to use paper and pencil.

But once I got knitting, I realized that I can read this pattern! I don't need the numbers for something this simple. I found that I make fewer mistakes without the counter. Because I'm constantly tracking the pattern in my mind -- instead of letting the counter do it -- I'm on track all the time. (Note: I'm not giving up the counter for more complicated patterns, but is is very freeing on this project!)

I am probably the last knitter on Earth to figure this out. Better late than never!

Don't forget to check in with Ginny's Yarnalong and Keep Calm and Craft On.