flying feet

There they are, the socks that were such fun to make. I think they are pretty, but the lace pattern doesn't show up too well. This alpaca tends to obscure stitch patterns. I was going to say "fluff out", but it's not fluffy, more slick, as if the fibers are sliding. The obscuring bits aren't fuzz but more like hair. So I don't know what the proper term is. I hope my stepmother likes them!

While we're on the topic of socks, what is your favorite sock yarn? I'd love to hear opinions... I'm looking for a sock yarn that can be knit on #1 or #0 needles and is firm enough to maintain clear stitch definition. I'd prefer a high percentage of natural fiber content. So far in my short sock knitting life I've used:

Regia: 25% polyamide, 75% wool. Reasonable. It's pretty basic stuff, it works but isn't thrilling. It's not too soft to the touch, and sometimes around mid-day the feet of my socks tend to grow and feel a little itchy.

3-ply alpaca: Love it, except for the blurry stitches. Great for plain socks, but I don't want to do a lot of cable work because it will just get obscured.

baby cashmerino: Wonderful on the feet, though not so good at fitting inside shoes. It pills a little, and tends to stretch as worn.

Surely there's some nice sock yarn out there that is not variegated and is fine enough to make socks you can wear with normal shoes? Nancy Bush lists several in the "Socks for Traveling Knitters" book, but most of them I've been unable to find in person to do the touch test. I'd be glad to hear suggestions.

Comments

[claudia]

Try Lorna's Laces in a solid color. Soft, yet with the nylon bit so necessary to non-holey-ness.

[June]

Paradisefibers.com sells solid colored superwash wool blended with 20% nylon that you can spin into whatever thickness yarn you desire...! She also has something called "Barefoot blend" that is washable wool, mohair, and nylon - haven't tried that yet. Louet sells a fingering weight GEMS (100% superwash merino) that is very nice to knit with (made my Dad a vest from it last year in sport weight), but I don't know how well it will wear over time. Also, Zephyr (by Jagger?) is a 50/50 silk wool blend that comes in a fingering weight.

[Terry]

I recommend Koigu, 100% merino wool, and it is spun with a high twist so patterns show well. I've knit many socks and fingerless gloves with this yarn on size 0 or 1, including lace patterns. The yarn comes in great colors, solids and varigated. I don't like nylon in my sock yarn, it is too harsh for my skin, and I feel that the Koigu wears well. - Terry