Christmas hose

[sydnie7]

These came out a bit "Christmas-y" in appearance so it seemed appropriate that Bob wear them to our clan's Christmas party last weekend! I mostly finished these hose a few months ago, prior to our move and other unsettling events, but hadn't gotten around to weaving in the ends and blocking them until last week.

The cuff pattern is from Gainford's book while the body is my own adaptation. I have yet to find a toe-up pattern that I like, so I just use a wide ribbing and work out the increases on my own.







They are the last pair I'll make with worsted weight wool on US5 needles; as prompted by other knitters here I've got a pair knit up to the garter ribbing on US2 using a smaller, wool/silk blend. I'm working two-up, toe-up on circulars until I get to the cuffs, then move to DPNs for the cuff. I'll take the in-progress ones on vacation next week, maybe get them worked out!

[tulloch]

Those are great! Makes me more determined to get to knitting hose myself. Thanks for posting those.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Great job! They look very similar to House of Cheviot's chessboard hose in brick red.


Of course nothing beats hand knit by someone who loves you! :-)

[sydnie7]

Thanks, fellows! Yes, Matt, I get lots of ideas from your hose photos -- the grey ones in progress will have a cabled cuff similar to the Sandringham.

Tulloch, there's no substitute for just diving in. I only learned to knit a few years ago, strictly for the purpose of kilt hose.

Probably easier to start working top-down on circular needles, one at a time until you have a pair or two under your belt and are comfortable enough with the construction concepts to start the "magic circle" two-at-a-time method. Even when working on separate socks, I like to have both going at once -- knit the first cuff, then immediately knit the other cuff while the process is fresh in mind. And it helps them come out looking similar! Worsted weight yarn on US5 moves quickly (for those of us into instant gratification) but does create a somewhat bulky, rustic appearance. Fine for daywear but I'm moving on to smaller yarn, smaller needles for a finer finished look. It just takes that much longer. . .

[Alan H]

Those are handsome.

[piperdbh]

I knew you'd cross over to "our side", with the little yarn and little needles.
I make just about all my socks and hose toe-up, and adapt whatever pattern I'm working, including cables. I've discovered that increases can be spread out in a sock, and not all having to be at the back central stitch.

Those are really fine hose, Sydnie.

[sydnie7]

I knew you'd cross over to "our side", with the little yarn and little needles.
I make just about all my socks and hose toe-up, and adapt whatever pattern I'm working, including cables. I've discovered that increases can be spread out in a sock, and not all having to be at the back central stitch.

Those are really fine hose, Sydnie.

Thanks! Yes, I've seen some patterns that distribute the increases but I got the impression they'd work better with an all-over stitch (such as moss/seed) vs. vertical ribbing. So far I haven't tackled that. . . but have plenty of stash to expend. Too much reading lately, need to get back to the needles!

[seanachie]

Well Sydnie, Bob is indeed a lucky man. My hose toppers still get regular workouts.

[dunderweather]

lovely. i too have been upable to find a toe up pattern i like. did some adapting on the 2 patterns i use. had to drop the needle size for the ankle/foot or they tend to fit Big Foot. i have a book with old cuff patterns. can't remember the title right now. i have lots of fun messing with combinations of designs for the cuffs and body. found out a few that do not work at all. again very nice socks.