Pattern: Norwegian Stockings, from Folk Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Dalegarn Baby Ull
Needles: US 2 Addi Turbos, using magic loop method
Started: November 10, 2005
Completed: December 20, 2005
Notes: By now you've heard enough of my commentary on these girls to not need any more here. (To review, here are all past Norwegian Stocking entries!).
Two bits of final commentary. First, these rank among my favorite patterns of all time. Despite all the frogging and reknitting, the fair isle never became tiresome. I can't recommend it enough. If you're an absolute beginner with fair isle, I'd suggest something in a larger gauge as a first project (like a hat or that cute satchel from Handknit Holidays). I think a bulkier yarn would mask mistakes and tension problems somewhat better than teensy sock yarn. But then, this was my first fair isle project, so it can definitely be done! Second, these simply cry out for elastic in the ribbing. Eunny used a thick band. I'm going to try the method of weaving in elastic threads recommended in the Big Book of Knitting by Katharina Buss.
But I know what you really want in this entry is... more photographs of my legs Norwegian Stockings!
This is a dusty mirror shot, but the composition of it appeals to me.
Like the kicks? Those were a Christmas present from my handsome gentleman companion, who has finally decided that when a lady oohs and aahs over something in a window, that something might make a pretty nice gift ;-)
Feets, head on. I find the toes of these socks to be strangely pleasing. They're like taste's answer to gold-toe socks.
Feets, side view. The pattern creates wonderful lines along the side of the foot.
All laid out.
Thanks to Eunny for the inspiration (cue Peter Cetera here) MJ for hosting the Norwegian Knits Along... helpful, informative, and drool-inducing all tied up into a sweetly wrapped package!
Posted by jess at December 28, 2005 2:19 PMAbsolutely FABULOUS! Congratulations!
Posted by: Cara at December 28, 2005 3:18 PMBeautiful socks and wonderful pictures. Good job!
Posted by: Chery at December 28, 2005 3:18 PMThose are really beautiful! I love the color choice too!
Posted by: uglyagnes at December 28, 2005 3:32 PMAstonishingly beatuiful! They look great!
Posted by: diana at December 28, 2005 3:35 PMWhat an accomplishment! Those socks look fantastic and you wear them well.
Posted by: Karma at December 28, 2005 3:43 PMWow!!!! You did an incredible job!!!! You should be so proud of them.
Posted by: A.J. at December 28, 2005 3:51 PMGlorious! Congrats on finishing them. I love the photos, too. How many people could make long wool socks look so elegant?
Posted by: Rebekkah at December 28, 2005 3:53 PMGorgeous socks, really beautiful work! And I love the shoes too. :-)
Posted by: terhi at December 28, 2005 4:01 PMI found by "asking jeeves" how to "replace" the hem on jeans on your site....yipee - they look great! I'm an "expert" seamstress and it was going to kill me to pay someone to hem my jeans - thanks for the tips! And by the way, I LOVE your socks! Maybe one day I'll learn to knit.... :-) lbg
Posted by: LBG at December 28, 2005 4:03 PMWhat happy feet you have in those stockings!!!
Posted by: Lia at December 28, 2005 4:09 PMThose turned out so wonderful! I think I'm inspired!
Posted by: Leah at December 28, 2005 4:13 PMFantastic! I love those colors, and the photos are fabulous.
Can I borrow your legs?
Posted by: eunny at December 28, 2005 4:13 PMGorgeous! I have that book, and have made one pair from it. Now however, as i want to make these, i cannot find it! I LOVE the toes, wholeheartedly.
Posted by: holly at December 28, 2005 4:27 PMsimply gorgeous!! you and eunny had totally inspired me to make my own!! i think i may reknit mine in baby ull. sisu is not coming out as well. and, i agree on the elastic band.
where did you get your skirt? it looks really lovely with this stocking.
Posted by: blossom at December 28, 2005 4:34 PMGirl, THEY ROCK! Awesome job! I want some of my own.
Posted by: Angela at December 28, 2005 4:53 PMSimply fabulous. I love how they turned out! You should be very proud of yourself.
Posted by: Stephanie at December 28, 2005 5:00 PMThose have to be the prettiest knit socks EVER! Seriously. You should be damn proud of yourself!
Posted by: Scout at December 28, 2005 5:09 PMI love, love, love, 'em. You may just have talked me into purchasing the Folk Socks book.
Posted by: Estee at December 28, 2005 5:11 PMDamn, girl!!! Why you gotta have the prettiest stockings on the block?!? Definitely drool-worthy, you did a fabulous job!
Posted by: grumperina at December 28, 2005 5:15 PMbeautiful work! they look great on you.
Posted by: meowgirl at December 28, 2005 6:25 PMNice work! You have inspired me to get out the multi colored projects...that always get stuck in the bottom of the bag!
Also - tell me more about those shoes - they rock!
-Julsey
Posted by: Julsey at December 28, 2005 6:25 PMThat's it, you and Eunny convinced me. I'm going to stop being a chicken and teach myself how to do fair isle even if it kills me. Those stocking are gorgeous!!!! I don't even know where to being. And those shoes!! You have trained the boyfriend well, what can I say? I have a long ways to go before I can get my BF to get me something that I haven't already forwarded him a direct link to from Amazon.com with "GET ME THIS EXACT THING!!!" in the subject heading.
Anyhoo, fabulous job. Can't say that enough.
Wow.
Posted by: Sandra at December 28, 2005 9:16 PMFabby shoes and socks!
Posted by: Colleen at December 28, 2005 10:04 PMwow- those kick ass!! great job!
Posted by: Kym at December 28, 2005 10:08 PMNicely done, I love the colors.
Posted by: spaazlicious at December 28, 2005 10:40 PMWow! Those socks are utterly amazing. I'm speechless; they are so gorgeous. I dig those shoes as well. Where did you buy those?
Posted by: Gina at December 28, 2005 10:56 PMOh, my god. Those are just the most adorable socks I have ever seen. I must have these socks. And I can't knit. :( Any idea where I can track down a pair of these, without taking eight monthes trying to figure out how to knit or having to go to Norway?
It's all about instant gratification, baby.
Posted by: malinda at December 28, 2005 11:54 PMThey're simply beautiful. They're not just socks, they're a work of art.
Posted by: erin at December 29, 2005 12:13 AMi love, i love, i love.
i.
love.
(and i love)
Posted by: heatherfeather at December 29, 2005 1:30 AMA absolutely love them! They are so gorgeous. One would'nt believe that this was your first fair-isle project, they are so perfect!!
Posted by: julia at December 29, 2005 3:24 AMI totally agree with previous posters, the socks are gorgeous, you've done a great job! Yours and Eunny's knitting are my greatest source for inspiration. Thank you!
Posted by: Katarina at December 29, 2005 4:03 AMOh my goodness! Absolutely gorgeous. I love the detail that this pattern has. And your project has perfect timing. Just right now I am beginning to start a fair isle scarf, the links you provided in your previous posts about fair isle were much appreciated.
Keep up the great knitting!
Posted by: Sarah at December 29, 2005 4:45 AMi don't know what's left to say that hasn't already been said! they are fabulous! to think this was your first FI project makes them that much more stunning. the fit is perfect and i love that skirt you paired them with.
Posted by: jody at December 29, 2005 7:15 AMI love it! I don't think I can ignore the call of the fair isle anymore...
Posted by: Cathy at December 29, 2005 7:55 AMI'm totally impressed- I can't get over the fact that these were your first FI project! Maybe I could give them a shot (having been scared off FI by a traumatic disappointment in the past...)
And I LOVE your shoes... divine!
congratulations
They are truly beautiful!
Posted by: Karen at December 29, 2005 10:52 AMThey're gorgeous! And I love all the whimsical pictures.
Posted by: Chris at December 29, 2005 11:07 AMvery professional photos! straight out of vogue knitting. it's hard to believe this is your first fair isle project.
btw, loved your story about the fella on the subway who thought it was a knitting holiday. kookie.
Posted by: carrie m at December 29, 2005 11:12 AMimpressive job, jess! loved the photos and the shoes too. I would love to be able to knit like that! sheesh. kudos to you!
Posted by: heidi at December 29, 2005 12:25 PMabsolutely stunning and the shoes are perfect with them.
they are a work of art!
Posted by: heather at December 29, 2005 1:34 PMI have been lurking for a while now. Love, absolutely love both yours and Eunny socks! I will probably pick up Folk socks soon just to make this baby!
Posted by: Jade at December 29, 2005 2:40 PMWow, they're simply stunning. Well done!
Posted by: The Skirt at December 29, 2005 3:35 PMThose are amazing! It's the kind of project that's so perfect it makes it hard to believe that someone made them with their own hands instead of buying them off of the shelf. Oh, the wonders of hand knitting :-)
Posted by: Jojo at December 29, 2005 3:46 PMFantastic! I've really enjoyed the process - thanks for sharing. Your finished stockings are wonderful.
You and Eunny should be earning commission for sales of "Folk Socks"!
Posted by: Amanda at December 29, 2005 5:33 PMFabulous! Just fabulous!
Posted by: chica at December 29, 2005 6:18 PMOoh...the socks and shoes together look so vintage. I expect a cute skirt and a twinset with it! Great socks, and the boyfriend has some good taste in gifts.
Posted by: Jenn at December 30, 2005 3:11 AMAll I've ever used norwegian knee socks for is cross country skiing. I'd have never thought about wearing them with a skirt, let alone with heels. They turned out stunning. I love the color choices you made.
Posted by: Siri at December 30, 2005 3:33 AMso cute!! i've never been into fair isle but these take the cake :)
Posted by: gleek at December 30, 2005 11:07 AMthese are so stinking cute! I'm going to have to make some, too:)
Posted by: Kelly at December 30, 2005 11:24 AMDivine and inspiring on your own. I admire your colour choices, and your ::ahem:: legs too.
Posted by: julia fc at December 30, 2005 1:06 PMWow, they look great! Its good to hear that the fair isle is fun to knit too. They are going on my to-knit list :-)
Posted by: Diana at December 31, 2005 9:00 PMThey look beautiful. I just reserved the book from the library. I'm terrified but I want to try to make them.
Posted by: Iraida at January 1, 2006 3:06 PMabsolutely fabulous looking!
Well done :)
What beautiful socks (and feet)! I'm in love...
Posted by: Blatty at January 3, 2006 12:08 PMAnd, I will add my adoration...beautifully done, inspirational, and delicious!
Posted by: Lynne at January 3, 2006 7:21 PMThe socks are just beautiful! A girl I taught to knit made me a pair of the same socks. I really like how they look with a skirt and shoes.
Posted by: Nanette at January 4, 2006 3:05 AMWow - I'm late on my comment, but wow! These are fantastic!
Posted by: Sara at January 4, 2006 10:55 PMThey are GORGEOUS. Just so beautiful!!
Did the teensy short Addis come in handy at all or did you hate them as much as I did?
Posted by: Adrian at January 5, 2006 5:36 PMThose are simply gorgeous!! You did a fantastic job. You've inspired me to order the book and get a pair started.
Posted by: Prim at January 8, 2006 3:46 AMCongratulations, Jess! They look great, and I love the color combination you used.
Posted by: MJ at January 9, 2006 5:55 PMchaste stars, those are stunning socks!!! and you've now inspired me... to ask you to knit me a pair!
Posted by: rfn at January 20, 2006 7:24 PMyou're the master of socks!
Posted by: astrid at February 8, 2006 5:54 AMStunning. Absolutely stunning.
Posted by: Sharon at March 15, 2006 6:35 AMWow. Those are gorgeous. Because of you, that book is now on my wish list at amazon (along with the other Nancy Bush book, Vintage Socks).
I love your blog!
(And hello! This is the first time I have commented, and I am new to the wide world of knitting blogs, groups, etc.) :D
Posted by: Avivah at March 23, 2006 8:04 AMDo you know where I could buy something like these? Would I be able to buy some from you?
Posted by: Justin at April 11, 2008 1:58 AM