In late summer, heaven’s breath is damply hot.
It smothers the earth with dullness.
Suddenly, thick clouds gather:
A wave of polar air passes like a frigid rake.
Acorns fall like bullets,
And a new wind breaks through.
Deng Ming~Dao
It has been such a hot and humid summer for us, which is very unusual up here in the mountains……This morning we were greeted with delightfully cool mountain air. Even the asters were smiling.
Ahhhhh
This was a weekend of test knitting. Not usually one of my strengths, given that I am not a patient person, but I am learning, some times painfully that….sampling is a good thing
I started on US #1’s and wasn’t sure that I was going to get the same
effect in the ribbing that I originally liked, so I ripped it out and
used US#2’s and as you can see from the picture, the ribbing looked
nice, but I could tell from handling the sample that the fabric was
going to be too loose and flimsy for me. Last year I made this pair of gray koigu socks on size 2’s as the pattern called for and they are never worn, as I can feel those pesky stitches and they are a bit too loose,
So…..rippppp we went again and I went back to US#1’s and although the ribbing is a bit closer, the fabric is a much firmer fabric and I am happier with the results. As Margene pointed out to me, the fabric done with the #1’s will help the sock to last a little longer…..something I hadn’t thought about.
What I did find out though in my weekend of sampling and researching is how confusing information on metric sized needles is on the internet. When I googled 2.5mm knitting needles, what it told me is that it is a US #1 a US#2 or a US# 1.5 (which I never knew existed). How confusing is that???
I have a feeling that my friend Tracy, used what is a size 1 1/2 and not a size 2. I think I will pick up a pair of 1.5’s for my next pair of socks to see how the next batch of Opal knits up 🙂
Enjoy the day………it is lovely~
The Woolen Rabbit 
Pretty sock! I don’t think I’ve ever seen US #1.5 needles – but then, I haven’t looked for that size either! Now lets hope we get treated to a long season of crisp fall air before the frigid stuff sets in!
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Precisely the reason I use metric sizes – 2.25 and 2.5mm are different sizes, and if you stick with the metric you’ll always know what size you’re talking about. Some needles companies use 2.5 for size 1 (Addi) and some use 2.25 for size one – and yes, there is a difference.
Good for you, swatching like that. I tend to call it casting on but if I have to rip, I change the name to “swatch”. ;-))
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I do use 1.5 needles often. I’m a tight knitter so they work well for me and they are perfect for Opal.
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I have both 1.5 and 2.5 needles (Crystal Palace bamboo). These two sizes can be difficult to find – in any brand – and some needle sizers don’t include holes for them either! As for the feel of the stitches on the bottom of your foot, you can knit the sole in reverse stockinette so you don’t have to walk on the “bumps.” How are your bunnies enjoying the change of season?
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Wow – I’m not sure I would have that kind of patience. I love the colors in the Opal (it is Opal, right??)!
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GLad you’re getting some cool weather! Oddly enough, we’re having some unusually warm days here in the mountains of Virginia. Love all the socks!
And congratulations to Max!
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I could really use some 1.5’s. I’ll have to find some! Lovely quote this morning, thank you for that!
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I love my 1.5s. Brittany makes them in the 5 or 6 inch length. I broke one and they said that they would send me a replacement. It took a month to get them. At the two week point, (twitching madly) I got a package of bamboo skewers and started sticking them through my sizer until I found six or seven. In the same package of skewers I found some 1s, 2s, and 3s. It might take 20 minutes from start to finish to size, trim and sand a set to knitting. Assuming you don’t have a 4yo DS “helping” you.
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I have never seen 1.5 needles. I tend to make my socks on size 2. Maybe I should do some sampling myself. I love the color of the Opal.
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I’m trying to switch my thinking over to metric. And I can (almost) always count on my 2.5mm Addis to work for me on the Opals.
So the silk is wonderful, eh?
Big Congrats on the new CH, BTW. I know what a big accomplishment that is. Yea!
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I found Brittany 1.5s at the Fold in Marengo, IL. I had the same response. Gotta have, never saw them anywhere. She will ship, has a website.
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