These are sock blanks. You all must know by now that the word 'challenge' is written in neon and really spells FUN to me. I absolutely can't resist. So when I saw these advertised I thought: "Hey! This looks neat" and resisted because I wasn't buying any yarn...right?
Then, in January the ad came round again and Deb told me that you'd all love to see what I did with this. Now I'm seeing those big neon letters... and I fell right into the trap. And not to do things in a small way, I ordered six.
For those who don't know what I'm talking about let me explain. Undyed sock yarn has been knit up flat on a machine creating a long piece of knitted fabric - enough for a pair of socks. Right now it reminds me of long underwear...really! The knitting is unfinished so you can grab an end and unravel the fabric and reknit the yarn. With me so far?
Here comes the fun part. I can dye the flat fabric before I knit it up. I can draw pictures or write poetry in dye and have it knit into the sock. Of course, you can't read it or see the picture anymore - it's all just colors. But that's the challenge: how to do this to create the most effective sock result. Or do I care? Is the medium the message?
You'll have to play along with me. But not just yet...I'm busy with some other stuff. It may even have to wait until the weather's better. This project may be best done outside...it sounds gloriously messy. And did I say that I have six for experimentation. What would you do?
I'm so excited!! I can't wait to see what you do! Almost makes me want to knit and dye again just to play along.
ReplyDeleteeat them? (lol)
ReplyDeleteAm curious what you're going to do with these...it would be too big of a challenge for me:) but for you -nah, you won't sweat it!:)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of such a thing and am still a bit confused, but can't wait to see what you do with it, it sure is something really different!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea to have a poem "secretly" knitted into one's socks! Wow. Mind-blowing.
ReplyDeleteThis kind of thinking is what makes some folks (like you) artists and me a . . . customer. :-)
Totally curious! I've never come across this - will be intrigued to see what you manage to create!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see you rise to the challenge. I'm sure it'll be amazing. Either knit one pair of socks at a time, or you have enough for an overly generous shawl.
ReplyDeletePlease...won't you consider a dye tutorial?
I have seen these before, have fun. It is so long since I dyed any yarn but I still have yarn from the last dying session. So far I am not tempted to do any more.
ReplyDeleteI miss knitting. I really should take it up again, is it like riding a bike? LOL, I haven't knitted in about 15 years or so...Where does the time go?
ReplyDelete