Matisse Sock

This particular skein of Matisse sock yarn from Abstract Fiber has been calling my name since October.  I love the Laurelhurst color and the shine.  Matisse is 100% SuperWash Blue Faced Leicster 3 ply tight twist 420 yds per 100g skein.  Abstract Fiber recommends that we machine wash and dry so the project will bloom.  Although the colors are spectacular, there has been debate amongst customers about whether it was too skinny for socks.  I was curious too.

So last weekend I cast on for a sock.  I LOVE this yarn.  It is perfect for socks.  The colors sparkle, no pooling, it is soft and springy….  You won’t be seeing these socks on display at the store, because I will be wearing them.

In addition to a new yarn, I tried a new technique.  I’ve been listening to the Knitmore Girls podcast, which I love, and they rave about the afterthought heel.  Instead of starting a heel flap you knit half your stitches with scrap yarn and then reknit them with your working yarn.  This allows you to come back, take out the scrap yarn, and work the heel like another toe.  You might think that your heel is not shaped like your toes, but it really fits just fine.  If you would like to see how it is done, check here for a tutorial.

The size one needles got me 8 stitches per inch, which is what I wanted, but I don’t think I needed the extra 8 stitches, so I’ll be back to 64 for my next sock.  And I made these just a tad too short, so I might just rip them out and start again.  Which will be a pleasure, because I LOVE this yarn.