So I started them.
The oh-so-elegant Anna socks from the new Rowan. Of course, my picture is ever so slightly less elegant.
Last week I picked up the book and yarn at a LYS I don’t often go to. They have a great selection of Rowan yarn so I usually make it there at the beginning of each season. For the socks I am using the suggested yarn, Rowan 4-ply Soft. It is black, a nice crisp black. I love this yarn, it is the same stuff I used for Rambling Rose so I am very familiar with it. I am going to make sure to use some reinforcement yarn when doing the heel since I have heard some say the yarn is not traditionally used for socks and may be a bit delicate. I think it will be fine though.
The pattern is clear and I memorized the lace part quickly. But I have an issue…there is no shaping for the sock. No decreasing for the lower leg and ankle. None.
Um…I should be worried right? I know it is a stretchy lace pattern but could the same size material really fit my calf AND ankle? I don’t think so. This is very vexing indeed.
See, I love these socks. Love them. But I don’t think I would love them quite so much with saggy ankles. I brought this up tonight at SnB. The ladies there were also surprised about the knee socks with no shaping. We talked a little about how I could add some shaping in so I have some ideas that I am trying to work out. Any suggestions you all have would be appreciated too. Problem is, there is no back seem and the lace pattern doesn’t lend itself easily to decreases.
I just don’t get it.
The following 12 comments were originally left at blogspirit:
I really like these socks too! Kate over at http://knitlit.blogspot.com just finished the first of her Annas, and she recommends using a smaller needle for the ankle. Check out her blog for more tips! And good luck!
I’m struggling on to finish my rambling rose, finally…
Erin- Try moving what you already have down to your ankle and see how it fits????? They look great so far though!
the pic looks good. i would knit it up to the ankles (without the shaping) and dry it on and see how it goes first.
I was almost convinced to knit them and then you said that there’s no shaping, I guess I won’t have to make them. Pretty socks. It’s pretty odd there’s no shaping at all for the calf/ankle.
Those socks are gorgeous. I have the same advice as VivaPia–move what you have knitted down to your ankle and see how it fits.
If you look at the picture, you can see that the lace is not as stretched out over the ankle. The whole sock get more opaque there. Do you like that look? If so, go for it.
I second the other opinions, too. See how it feels on your ankle right now, and if it’s really too loose, go down a needle size or two to snug it up. With such a linear lace pattern, I might hesitate to do too much shaping.
thanks for stopping by to check out my anna! yours looks smashing in black. i’ve already got the yarn for my second pair: some of the prescribed rowan 4ply soft in a chocolate brown color. as for this first pair, i guess you saw on my blog i’m having the same ankle issues. HOWEVER, i do think downsizing your needles midway down the calf will solve the problem neatly. that’s my plan for the next pair, anyway. good luck and can’t wait to see how yours turn out!
I have a feeling they’ll fit just fine without shaping. It seems to me that the part around the calves will stretch laterally and gather vertically so that the fabric at the ankles will do the opposite– stretch vertically and gather laterally. My only concern would be keeping them up… maybe some elastic at the cuff.
I second (or third) the idea of knitting the ankles on smaller needles. Sounds like it could work perfectly.
I can’t wait to see how they knit up for you!
they are looking great! yet I’d be a bit concerned about the shaping as well. you might check out Cara’s blog (januaryone.com) as she has been knitting knee socks like crazy, and a few posts ago she has a link to a knee sock pattern. maybe that will help?
I just come with a bit of encouragement, as I have no idea about shaping when it comes to socks.
They look great so far, and they are going to be fantastic when they are done : )
I’m making Annas too — going down a needle size at the lower calf is definitely the way to go. Unless you are knitting these for a giraffe, pay no attention to the length instructions! Try on the sock as you go and begin the heel where you normally would. Also, the instructions call for a rather short heel flap in stockinette, which practically guarantees a baggy ankle. Go with a traditional heel stitch instead and you’ll get a much better fit. I’m knitting mine in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd sock on 3 mm and 2.5 mm Addis with these mods and they fit beautifully. HTH!