Before I turned the heel on the second Cable Rib sock, I had the Husband try the first one on to ensure a good fit for a man's foot. He commented on their squooshyness (although I think he used a different term) and said, "you know, down the road I'd like a pair of socks like these. They feel great." My heart raced a little. Did he just slide in a request for handknit socks? Holy freakin' moses, I'd better get knitting. I didn't want this opportunity to pass me by. While I finished the rest of the foot on the second sock, I kept thinking about his request. What yarn? What pattern? Should I make them kickin' around the house socks like these? Do I make something that he could wear with his Docs? What colour? So many choices!
After the photo shoot he took them off and lamented, "these were for Dad? 'Cause you know, I realllllly like them, and they fit, and they're good on the tile floors, and, and, and..."
And as it turns out these are his perfect socks. I don't have to decide on a yarn or pattern at all. They were intended for his father's birthday back in January, but the recipient will be the son and not the dad. Who can resist a plea for handknits from a Husband? Sorry FIL, you'll have to wait for the next pair.
Pattern: Erica Alexander's Cable Rib Socks from Favorite Socks
Yarn: Socks That Rock Medium Weight in Monsoon, from the Rockin' Sock Club kit.
Needles: Size 2 US (3.0mm) KnitPicks DPNs
Started: March 1st, 2007
Finished: April 1st, 2007
Final Verdict: I wouldn't knit these socks to wear with shoes, the cable is too thick. It creates a big 'ol bump that would press on your foot. If I knit these again, I'll rework how the cable twists when you rejoin for the gusset. Knit the way it's written half the cable disappears and then is picked up with a different rib. I like my cables to have a proper start and end.
And because I know it will be asked, his tattoos are Edward Gorey drawings. Mr. Mistoffelees on the left and the Doubtful Guest on the right.
Lovely work on the socks! I adore fatigue coloured things. I have my Lorna Laces fatigue sock yarn I need to knit up. I also like your hubby's choice of tattoos. My upper back is completely covered with a fantasy scene & a fairy on my lower back. =) Love your blog! <3
Posted by: KnittingHawkeye | April 08, 2007 at 20:16
Very nice - I don't think I've ever seen STR stripe like that.
Posted by: Zarah | April 10, 2007 at 08:08
OMG - Edward Gorey tats are not *just* hot they're way, way, way better than that. So - - a brilliant knitter who can design & construct almost anything AND a woman who had the supreme intelligence to marry a man w/ Edward Gorey tattoos? Niiiicceeeee.............. (She says as she has a 'I want to be Caro despite all the drywall dust' moment..........)
Posted by: Susan | April 10, 2007 at 10:14
Giddyup. I think you are so smart to jump on the request to hand over the knitted socks. It is a rare request indeed! And those tattoos are sweet. How is the move going?
Posted by: africankelli | April 10, 2007 at 16:09
What gorgeous socks, and what awesome tattoos! I've never seen any Edward Gorey tattoos before -- it's almost enough to make me head out to the tattoo parlor.
Posted by: Jodi | April 10, 2007 at 16:22
You can't deny the socks when they find their proper recipient. Good for you - and yay for husband.
Ooh - and his tattoo are neat. We're big Gorey fans, too, and its nice to know that I can admire the artwork on the body as well as paper (book).
Posted by: Nanc | April 26, 2007 at 17:26