That’s better

This beautiful green yarn is behaving much better now (after its time in the naughty chair) – see?

I’m making the Elm pattern by Cookie A, in Clara Parkes’ The Knitter’s Book of Socks.  The branches are so pretty.  I have had trees on the brain lately… I attended a “Tree ID” program at my local nature preserve last weekend.  Didn’t sight any elms, though.

This yarn has really made me work, though.  After the first debacle, I ripped back and started this pattern – with my usual 2.0mm needles.  I kept trying it on through the first 25 rounds or so, and while it fit, it was pretty tight.  Here’s a bad camera photo:I took a deep breath, ripped it all out AGAIN, and started over with a 2.25mm needle.  A quarter of a millimeter doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a big difference.  I may switch back to the 2.0 needle when I get to the foot (where half the stitches are in stockinette), but I’ll stay with 2.25 for now.

Purling through the back loop in an increase stitch is not the easiest maneuver, but I love the results.  I recommend using the pointiest needle you have.