Saturday, April 21, 2007

Jack Sparrow Socks

As soon as I saw these socks I knew I had to knit them, they are just so cool! This pair was knit for my housemates birthday and he had already requested more handknit socks.



Pattern: Jack Sparrows Favourite Socks/Wendys Generic Toe-Up Socks
Yarns: Lorna's Laces - Camoflauge and Natural
Opal Uni - Brown
Needles: Clover Takumi Bamboo 2.5mm
Modifications: I knit more rounds after the heel before beginning the stranded work to make the leg longer.


After being inspired by the knitty.com article on dyeing yarn with food colouring I found a supplier of Wilton food colouring in the UK and had a go. These were my first attempts, I really can't remeber what colours I used and didn't write it down. I used the cold pour method in my slow cooker and am pleased with the results. Each yarn cake is about 100g of DK 100% wool. I am going to be ordering some sock weight soon and will probably have a go at handpainting and dip-dyeing too.





My Bulky Cabled Cardigan is almost finised I just need to find some buttons, but can't decide between these or these in either pink or lilac. All opinions welcome!
(The true colour of the yarn can be seen here (it is Sea Thistle) as the flash has really washed the colour out.)

14 comments:

Madge said...

I lovelovelove how your Jack Sparrows turned out! They look brilliant.

And so do your yarn cakes. Whatcha gonna make with them?

I opt for the second button choice. :)

Anonymous said...

I like the first button choice. It's such a classic looking sweater, it should have classic buttons too.

Anonymous said...

Those socks are awesome! :)

Nichole D. said...

The socks are so cool- I'm going to have to make a pair soon. I think you should use the second buttons- I like the simplicity of them.

Piglottie said...

Love the socks (I've just got some Black Purl in honour of the upcoming next film). I think your hand dyeing is wonderful, cant believe you are so new to it! I like the first button - they seem more inkeeping with the cardigan to me, nice and chunky :)

Anonymous said...

Your socks look absolutely fantastic, what an awesome pattern - very beautiful! And such a gorgeous sweater - I'd vote for the second buttons too ;)

Rebecca said...

How exciting to see the Jack Sparrows knit up! I wanted to knit those for my nephew and possibly, a boy who is graduating from high school. They are pretty cute!

amanda said...

Hi, I just saw your post on the Interweave KAL about Swan Lake. I am working on this cardi now. The chart is not nearly as bad as it looks - I photocopied it and am highlighting the rows as I knit them, it helps with following the next row.

Good luck - cant wait to see someone else's progress!

Cheryl said...

Beautiful socks, am sure your HP socks will be as lovely. I really like these socks, really...
Cheryl
Prefect

Jane said...

Very cool socks! Dying yarn in the slow cooker - now that's a good use for it!

Bekki said...

first buttons are definatly the best choice. much better thn the second ones.

nuttnbunny said...

Arrgh matey! So great!

Please send me your email address so I can add you to the Ester KAL permissions. I'm at nuttnbunny [at] hotmail [dot] com

Craftybernie said...

So, Booger Monkey Face, where did you get the yarn that you dyed?

Although I've used Wilton's food colouring to over dye wool before, I would love to have a go with white / natural coloured wool.

Isn't dyeing wool fun! A bit smelly with the vinegar but still, good old messy fun!

Thanks...Lumpy Toilet Chunks

WandaWoman said...

The Jack Sparrow socks are awesome. Love them!