Kilt Hose!

They were cast on October 1, 2008.  You saw the first one when it could still stand, here and here.  You saw the first one when it could no longer stand, here.  Apparently, though, I did not show you the first one finished.  Mainly because I didn’t take a picture of that.  I did take a picture of it almost finished.  

(A photo of Kilt Sock 1, almost finished, back at Thanksgiving.  Please also note the very cool crocheted feet my mother-in-law has made for her chairs.)

I wish I could tell you that the construction of the second sock was uneventful, but it wasn’t. Disaster One involved some weirdness at the change between two needles.   

 (A photo of Kilt Sock 2, when I laddered two stitches about twelve rows, to correct two errors.)

Knitters might want to sit down for the next one.  It may turn your stomach.  

As I admired my repair skills after putting the first mess back together, I noticed a new problem.  This one was waaaaaay back near the beginning.

(A photo of Kilt Sock 2 when I laddered [gasp] an entire five-stitch cable eighty-five rows to fix an incorrect twist that had resulted in a palpable knot.  I still get shaky thinking about it.)

I pulled out those eight-five rows and re-knit those columns bit by bit over a few days, redoing not just the knits and purls, but the cable crosses as well.  I wanted a medal for that one. 

But the disasters are over and the Kilt Socks have been conquered.  I sealed up the second toe on January 30, 2009.  After weaving in the ends, I gave them a good bath.

(A photo of Kilt Hose in a tub of sudsy water.)

When they were dry, Partner put them on so we could get a good look at them.  He’s getting good at this sock modeling thing. 

(A poorly-lit photo of two big feet sporting creamy, cabled knee-socks—er, I mean, Kilt Hose.)

I tried to take a picture of them in bright light.  The wind did its best to blow them away, or at least cover them with the towel.  I think the Ugliest Towel in Our House really sets off the creamy cables, don’t you?  

(A photo of a purple towel, embossed with cabbage roses and a pair of cream-colored socks—one featured from the front, one featured in profile.)

I’m so glad they’re finished.  Signed, sealed, and in the mail.  They were certainly an adventure.  I learned a lot and I think they are probably the most beautiful socks I’ve ever made.  But by the end I was so sick of them and now I am so glad they’re gone.  

My first impulse was to tell you that I never want to see them again, but that’s not entirely true.  I do hope to see them on the feet of their intended recipient, accompanied by kilt and all the falderal expected therein.  That would be the picture to complete the gallery.  

On the needles now: the second flame sock (it’s sock-finishing time), a lacy scarf, Mystery Stole 4, and a brown square.  In the queue, Clapotis.