And More Socks, Too!

Here are a pair of socks I am knitting for Emmaline. I am knitting them on size 1 (2.25mm) DPN's and am using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi in the color Desert Flower, color #100. The pattern is Toe Up Baby Jays, and it is based off the adult sock pattern Jaywalker.

These socks have been really fun to knit, and the pattern is really easy to memorize. This makes it a pretty quick knit; it doesn't hurt that they are socks for a toddler instead of an adult, either. I do, however, have a few gripes about the pattern, or I should say the way the pattern was written. Now, mind you, I am keeping in mind that this pattern is free, so I'm trying to not complain too much. On the other hand there are several things assumed and left out by the author which I feel should have been included. This person just assumed everyone making these socks would know how to do short rows, and there is a stitch left out in the increasing round. I am not sure exactly where that stitch should be placed, so I knit that row as k1f/b, k9, k1f/b, k1f/b, k9, k1f/b, then spread the next four kf/b evenly across the bottom of the sock. Plus, there were no links, recommendations, or instructions for the provisional cast-on. I used this method.

After writing the previous paragraph, it occurs to me that these were my only tiffs with this pattern, which may seem silly or petty. I don't care though, not having the short rows written out just ticked me off! I guess I got upset because this pattern would probably be really confusing to a new knitter. Thankfully, I had a few other sock patterns I could reference for correctly doing short row heels and toes (I still messed up the heel). So, that's my tirade. All that said, I still have enjoyed knitting these socks, and I will definitely be making more!