April Solo Sock Club Yarn and Pattern

I can't believe it's April already! We had quite a mild winter here in Maine. Would you believe that we have received more snow in the first 3 weeks of spring than we did the entire 13 weeks of winter? It's true. Also, if you recall from the maple sap post, I stated that come springtime, there is always one last snowstorm (or two) that can't read the room and wait until next year. This season sure has my back on that statement.

In any case, a new month equals a new sock knitting project. As per usual, I asked my husband to choose a bag at random for me. The yarn is Fiber Addiction's Delusional base in the Runner #5 colorway. This is a blend of 80% superwash merino, 15% nylon and 5% Stellina. The colorway, Runner #5, is a nod to the content of the Zombies, Run app, which is similar to a Couch-to-5k program. There is audio content that tells a story. The listener is assigned the positon of Runner #5 in a post-apocalyptic world, where runners are sent out to deliver messages, collect supplies, etc, in support of the compound where they shelter. Some of the episodes have zombies chasing you...it's a pretty fun twist on a training program.

So there it is - this is a zombie yarn. I did pair this yarn with a vanilla sock pattern, as I didn't want it to look too busy. To be frank, I could use a nice easy sock pattern that I can sail through quickly, and this pairing is sure to deliver. I have tried to look up the vendor to see if the yarn is still available, but that does not seem to be the case. Remember, this is some deeeeeeeep stash yarn I have selected for this monthly club. I am thrilled that it is finally getting its time to shine after having been held captive in a tote in the basement for nigh on a decade; however, one drawback is that I may be tempting you with fun and fabulous yarn that you may not be able to obtain. My apologies on that end.

Of course, I am still me, so I finished the March socks and cast on the April socks within about 15 minutes of binding off. I did not first get a photo of the yarn in its beautiful hank before I caked it up. Someday. Just not today. I am a work in progress, much like these socks. Check back to see what they look like when finished.

March Sock Club

Well, March has come to an end, and I took my sock of the month right to the bitter end. I finished them up on Saturday night, March 30th.

This project was a two-at-a-time toe-up version. I wanted to get to use every last bit of that lovely gradient dye job. I am horribly slow at knitting two-at-a-time socks. Adding insult to injury, because I wanted to use all the color, these are darn-near knee-high socks. I typically knit about 6 inches of height onto my socks and then have oodles leftover from a skein. Knitting every last bit of this yarn meant a sock project that felt to me like it was taking forever.

The pattern that I used for these was Laxo Socks, by designer Laura Nelkin. It uses a clever stitch that doesn't require use of a cable needle. One less thing to lose track of, I say! Although it felt as though I would never complete these, one benefit of knitting two-at-a-time socks is when one is done, both are done - no second sock syndrome! I do have to admit that it was very gratifying to finish these up at the same time. 

I do love the color gradient on these, and it wouldn't have seemed as balanced without the darker shades at each end of the socks. I also found the cable pattern to be very lovely. 

Despite my impatience and my slow knitting skills, I would classify this as an enjoyable combination of pattern and yarn. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that this brand of yarn is still available. This was a deep dive in the stash from about a decade ago, and it was produced by an indie dyer who it appears is no longer in business. My apologies for not having a link to share to find the yarn, but I am sure there are similar offerings out there, and perhaps you could find your next favorite indie dyer. Please comment if you have a favorite or a recommendation for a gradient sock yarn.

It took me all of 3 minutes after completing these to open up the next bag in my Solo Sock Club series, skein it up and cast on. I even forgot (AGAIN) to take pictures of the yarn in the hank before I wound it up. One day I will exhibit some temperance and self control and remember to snap some pics before impulsively casting on a new pair of socks. 

I have a post coming soon showing off the April Solo Sock Club yarn and pattern, so stay tuned!!