Campanula Completa

Yes! The socks are done. I am going to be honest for a sec and admit they were a bit of a bear. It's hard to be mean about socks that are trying to cure cancer, but here I am. I don't know what's wrong with me.

What I mean to say is that knitting these pretty lace socks was just challenging enough to keep me on my toes!

Sorry. I'm going to start over. I really loved making these socks and the purchase of the pattern went to a good cause. It was also my first 16-row repeat - every-row-is-different lace pattern. I learned a lot too. In fact, I think you may consider trying them if you haven't already!

Pattern Review: Well written and easy to follow. When you make the donation, the pattern is emailed to you quickly. It's still available, by the way.

I prefer toe-up socks and this pattern does not disappoint. The instructions for the short row toe and heel are not spelled out but there is a link to exact directions if needed. I found that helpful. I loved the construction of the toe especially since there is no seaming afterwards.

The lace itself is pleasing though you have to stay focused. I was never able to memorize any of it and had to keep the pattern out on the chart board the whole time. No big deal, I just couldn't take the project with me into the world.

The bind off instructions were interesting. I usually use EZ's sewn bind off for it's stretchiness but I wanted to try the method in the pattern for novelty sake. It worked just fine, but EZ's is a probably bit more stretchy. If that even matters.

Yarn Review: Knitpicks Essential in pumpkin, 2 balls. At $3.29 a pop it's hard to complain. They are machine washable and the color is better in person than it looks on the monitor. If you are at all sensitive to the itch some wool brings, stay away. I've heard that they soften up with washing though. I believe it since I've encountered that with other yarns in the past. I also choose to believe it since this is the yarn I knit these socks with and I intend to wear them.

Overall: I couldn't quite get gauge with this yarn and size 2 needles. I think I would have if I used size 1. To compensate, I followed the directions for the small size and it worked out pretty well. I feel like the fit at the ankle is a little loose but I seem to be the only one with this problem. Also, I may have weird, skinny ankles.

I can't believe I am saying this but I really would knit them again. They were challenging, rewarding, and even without blocking I think they're really pretty!