After one of the most hectic seasons I can remember, Christmas day found us at home. I can only think of a few years in my adult life that I have not made my way to visit family. It is a long trek, 10 1/2 hrs if we make good time, in good weather, on dry roads. Hard to predict this time of year. Flying, it has its own set of problems. So we stayed home, and lit the fire and ate, and walked, taking in the better part of two cold sunny days.
I started working on my Ember socks. I swatched and ripped back pattern after pattern. I wanted a not too complicated texture. One that wouldn’t compete or be knocked too far into the background by the darkly variegated yarn. I was thinking about the name of the yarn colorway, Ember, finally settling on a pattern stitch that I’d used years ago in Sandy Turner’s Blueberry Waffle Socks. This great free sock pattern was originally written for dk yarn and size 5 needles. I think it works great with the #2’s and sock yarn. The reduction in the pattern size combined with the striped fabric, creates a bit of a vibration, not unlike the flickering light and color of the hot embers warming my feet.
This skein of "Ember" is a second. What a strange thing to call something that is perfect, just unlike the others, even more unique. It has a bit more of the grey and a less vibrant red, than the rest of the run. When I find a skein unlike the rest, I will put it aside, frequently using them for my own projects.
One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,Words and Music by Joe Raposo and Jon Stone
Sesame Street
Comments
19 responses to “by the fire”
Oh it SO belongs! And perfect for your socks!
Gorgeous.
Sometimes a yarn and a pattern just come together perfectly. I love your Embers.
That hard-won pattern works beautifully. Sounds like it was a good holiday.
Good choice…………it works well with the dyed color way! Viva la difference!
I think that yarn and pattern are a perfect match. I’m glad you had the chance to relax over the holiday. Now that things have slowed down I hope the four of us can get together.
Beautiful colorway! Nice to read that you had a quiet and relaxing holiday.
OOh, That’s a keeper!
So, tell us: how many stitches did you use, for what size sock? I’ve admired that sock pattern for years, but I don’t wear any heavier than fingering-weight socks. (My sad feet are wide enough that there would be no hope of getting heavier socks under shoes, even Birks.)
Embers in the snow…nice contrast!
and I agree with Manise 😉
Perfect choice of pattern. Beautiful! The waffle stitches are like pieces of coal. I recognized it straight off even though I knit my waffle socks waaayyy back when the pattern first appeared. Perhaps I’ll need to revisit the pattern. Hmmmmmm……
But it is still gorgeous, a “second” or no. And it’s working up very very nicely with that pattern. I love the squooshy texture.
Im sure you missed going home.
But it sounds like you had a lovely peaceful christmas.
Still enjoy your blog so much,It is still one of my favorites.
Happy peaceful new year
“One of these things is not like the other…” – your new banner brings that song to mind as well! Missed wishing you a Merry Christmas, but I’m here to wish you a Happy New Year.
Excellent choice of yarn and pattern. Sounds like you had a marvelous day.
“embers” is knitting up beautifully!! What an interesting fabric.
Lovely sock. So how many stitches did you use? I’m about to start a waffle sock myself, and am just figuring out the conversion from DK to sock yarn. (My yarn’s nowhere near as pretty, though.)
What a beautiful yarn and a perfect pattern! Hope you’re enjoying the holidays!
I’m with everyone else, perfect name for that colorway! Enjoy!
Glad to hear that you had the time to relax a bit. The yarn is just perfect for this pattern !