Posted in knitting

Casting on to Travel

Posted on by Laura Kate

It’s really heating up here in Oklahoma. Thankfully, the husband and I are headed for cooler climes: Alberta, Canada. Since our trip includes airplanes and bus rides, it is essential to my nervous system that I knit. My go-to travel project is socks.

I have two skeins of this wool and silk blend in my stash. It swatches out as a dk, with around 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 stitches per inch, depending on the needle. Husband loves the color. I am skeptical that the yarn will hold up to the rigors of sock-wearing.

The silk portion appears to be raw silk. (I’m guessing it’s in the little pale nubs.) My understanding of raw silk is that it is spun from cocoons after the caterpillar has chewed its way out. Maybe if I double the yarn, it will be stronger?

I have chosen a lovely pattern by Purl Soho featuring a twisted rib stitch, with crossovers, called House Socks.

https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2022/08/25/house-socks/

The pattern suggested that I swatch in the round using 34 stitches and the twisted rib. The results are this tiny and cute cuff.

I didn’t quite get gauge, but it’s close. Husband’s foot is rather wide, so I am confident that I can get a good fit.

Anyone have an opinion to share about this yarn?

Author:

One of six children, I was raised by a busy mom, who instilled in me a love of fabric. Though I learned to sew and knit at a young age, it was the arrival of my first grandchild that pushed me into action. A long-time knitter, I am now ready to explore all things fiber.

7 thoughts on “Casting on to Travel”

    1. Thanks. I am rethinking my yarn choice, not just because of the silk, but because of the drape. This yarn really wants to be a scarf, shawl or cowl. Plan B is in the works. I hope to find a good little yarn store in Calgary.

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  3. I would choose a more traditional sock yarn for your project. You mentioned the yarn is drapey – well, that doesn’t sound good for socks, unless they are of the slouchy variety. I need to put together a project for my upcoming trip, so your post was perfect. Looks like you use the long needle method . . .

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    1. I do toe-up socks with a turkish cast-on using two cable needles. I find it much easier than double-points and magic loop. Regarding the yarn, I have already frogged my sock and cast on a shawl. That was what Roslyn really wants to be.

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