k.i.s.s.

When I was in high school I had a teacher who liked to say, "when writing you have to keep it simple stupid."  She didn't say this to me personally, it was something she just said because she would get these expository pieces that could have served as doctorate dissertations (and she would know, having taught at a University--the high school gig was during her retirement from teaching at a University for a few decades, dedicated to education that one).  In any case, I was reminded of keeping things simple (or this KISS method of doing things) when I was trying to figure out a good portable knitting project for my trip last week.  You know, something I could pull out and work on without too much thought.  Somthing that I didn't have to constantly refer to a pattern for, that sort of thing.  So while packing my bags I threw in a ball of Trekking that had been sitting in the stash forever and figured, "oh, I can knit some simple stockinette socks if I have time..."

When one is flying coast to coast with delays at JFK because the airport has run out of de-icing fluid for the runway, etc., there is plenty of free time.  I will try to avoid waxing poetic on the simple stockinette sock, as it's been covered well before by others.  But I will say, there is a lot to be said about letting variegated yarn do the work for you (but I won't go there either, you all know the deal).   So yes, basic socks,pretty much following a pattern for simple lightweight socks.  I like the finished product.

They aren't for me (shocker), I intended them as a gift (Christmas in March!) at the start (I also started a pair with the blue STR that will be for me...when I finish them).   I think they are a good pair of colorful socks that are a little crazy and fun.  I like the color variegation, and I like that there were some black strands plied in with the crazy bright colors to give the colorway a little more depth.  I hope my friend likes them, I think she will.

Stockinette Socks

Pattern: Beginner's Lightweight Socks by Knitting Pure and Simple

Yarn: Trekking XXL, Colorway 100

Needles: Bamboo DPNs, US1 and Us2

Modifications: Used US1 needles for the ribbed cuff instead of US2s throughout

Again, I liked the finished product, the socks really took very little time to do (in the grand scheme of things).  I had hours of travel time which afforded me many opportunites to knit the socks and I used a pattern that I am very familiar with, it was just easy and handy.  And while I liked the finished socks, I have to say, I don't think I am the biggest fan of Trekking.  Great colors and all that, but after working with other sock yarns, I find that Trekking is a little wimpy (I mean really, I was able to simply snap the yarn after finishing the first sock to start the second--scissors weren't handy, you know, flying and all).  I am a curious about the wear of these socks.  I could have easily gone down a needle size and knit these on 1s, I think; but, I wonder if it will have mattered at all (I am actually a pretty tight knitter).  This skein was the only Trekking I had in the stash and I think it unlikely that I will purchase more.  I am glad I tried it out though.

What do think?  Have you knit a pair of socks out of Trekking?  How have they held up?

Thanks for all of your childhood birthday memories, I love reading about your birthday happiness...if you haven't dropped a comment for the "it's not a contest" give-away, please do.  I am really enjoying the stories (and yes Nicole, Canadian (all!) knitters are welcome to comment and will be entered as well!).  And no Kathy, you can not have my kid, you'll have to get your own.

Comments

[Felicia]

Hey, better Christmas in March then not at all! They're awesome.

[Liz K.]

I, for one, am a huge fan of the simple stockinette sock. I am not, however, a huge fan of the Trekking. I guess I am a loose knitter or I prefer a really firm sock, and I have to knit it on US0s to get a fabric that feels sturdy enough. And knitting socks in US0s has absolutely no appeal to me whatsoever.

I was actually relieved to find a sock yarn that I was "meh" about, as it has eliminated a lot of potential sock yarn purchases, freeing up $ for more Koigu.

[margene]

Often the best socks are the most simple. Nice work!

[shelby]

I love them!! So much so that I'm going to go get me some Trekking! I've never used it before...but I really love how your socks came out, and I'm ready to give it a try.

[stacey]

I have a pair out of Trekking 100 also - love them and they are wearing like iron - I knit them on #1's though. I love how the yarn knits up, but I hate how splitty it is. I am just finishing another pair now - simple garter rib. Trekking screams for a KISS pattern!

[Elli]

I just cast on for a pair of plain old Trekking socks for the exact same reason! I never have a simple project when I need something mindless to work on in traffic or during a movie or whatnot.

My first pair of socks was out of that same colorway of Trekking (100, I think...right?) I made them for my dad. I have no idea if he wears them or not. In retrospect they may have been a little loud for him :)

[Barb]

I think you are on to something! Simple really shows off the yarn and sometimes a mindless knit is so relaxing.

[Pat]

I have a pair of Trekking socks that I knit in stockinette on 2.25mm (US1) needles 1 year ago. I have worn them regularly since that time and they still look perfect - They have held up remarkably well!! I have since bought 2 more skeins, but they are not socks YET....
I love your colorway!

[Mandy]

I have that same color of Trekking, and have knit half a sock, then unravelled. I don't remember why, but your photos are teasing me to get that yarn back on the needles and enjoy its beauty!

[tiennie]

Love the socks Nova! I have a skein of Trekking that I haven't yet used so I'm curious as to how it'll hold up too.

[Beth]

I knit a pair of Trekking socks last year on US 1s (2.5 mm). They were my first and only toe up socks and perhaps that influenced my opinion of the Trekking. I'm not a Trekking fan can can't see knitting with it again. The socks seem to be holding up well and they are comfortable but the yarn itself just felt so insubstantial.

Your socks look quite nice and very happy.

[Karma]

I still haven't tried Trekking but want to someday. I agree with you, Trekking is best with a simple pattern. Your friend should love those socks!

[Rachel]

In my experience, Trekking wears perhaps the best of any sock yarn I've used. Plus it actually machine washes and dries perfectly. Plus, because Trekking is a bit thinner than some sock yarns, you can wear it longer into the spring.

Anyway, the socks look great! I've been doing a lot of travel recently and have been cranking out socks myself.

[Christy / Not Hip]

Cute colors in the socks. I made my very first socks in Trekking on 2s in August. They pilled up the first time I wore them, but they've worn pretty well since. (I've hear they're best knit on 1s). However, I'm with you...not such a fan of Trekking. I like alot of the colors but I don't really like the feel of it while knitting.