From camouflage to over-dyed

I keep on with my goal of knitting patterns from my library. Colden is my first wool headband. This is a design from the book “American Spun: 20 Classic Projects Exploring Homegrown Yarn“. Anna Sudo, the author, includes twenty designs and several articles about yarns made in the United States of America.

I followed four pattern charts to complete this. It was not a “happy hour” suitable project. Per the pattern photos, there are two ways of styling the headband. One can have the knot up or down.

I knit with stashed fingering weight yarn. But, the original color striping did not favor the cabling texture. I then over-dyed the headband using acid dyes. The new color is rich; I am pleased with the result.

There was a lot of effort for a headband that I might or might not use. Seeing the glass half full: I am a more confident knitter today. Charts gave me headaches and hiccups not so long ago. I have now proved to myself that I have the patience to follow them. It is a good feeling!

Pattern:	Colden from “American Spun: 20 Classic Projects Exploring Homegrown Yarn“
Yarn:	Patons Kroy Socks FX in Camo. Over-dyed with Sabraset acid dyes.
Project yardage:	60 yards (55 m)
Knitting Needles:	US 4 (3.5 mm)
Project Measurements :	5.5″wide x 28.0″ long (13.9 cm x 71.1 cm)
Modifications:	Slip first stitches for every row
Ravelry:	Project page

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Four percent = two pair of socks

Amazon, thanks for showing me “52 Weeks of Socks” at a discounted price. Sure, this Laine Publishing book could help with my goal of reducing stashed yarn. Sold!

About

This book has 256 pages; 52 patterns by 46 worldwide designers. The photography is lovely as is the quality of the paper.

While beautiful and inspiring, “52 Weeks of Socks” is a pattern binder. It does not read as a cohesive collection. It misses the mark in terms of standardization and clarity. For example, the same toe decrease is presented and worded differently from pattern to pattern. There are extensive errata: 20 of the 52 patterns have corrections. The errata are widely disclosed and available at the publisher’s website.

Finished objects

I completed two pairs of socks with stashed yarn so far. That is a whopping four percent of the total patterns of the book. I enjoyed knitting them; the socks flew off my needles. Keeping track of charts, and learning new stitches and techniques appeals to me. I love the challenge of working on non-basic socks!

Next

I should have enough yarn to knit a fair number of patterns from this book. I will blog about WIPs and FOs in another post. Stay tuned!

PS: Laine Publishing just released “52 Weeks of Socks, Volume II”.