In the knitting world, we call a project “frogged” when an unfixable mistake has occurred or the pattern has stumped the knitter. Sometimes patterns are written poorly, have errors, or are simply beyond the skill level of the knitter. Regardless of the reasons why, it’s alway annoying to label a project as frogged.
The first pair of Horizontal Rib Socks I made turned out perfect. The texture of the rib played nicely with the self-striping yarn and it was the first pair of socks I made that fit my foot without being a touch too snug, (this is a huge victory for newly minted sock knitters!). I added a star to the pattern to designate it as a favorite.
The second pair Horizontal Rib Socks did not go well. Despite using the same yarn (in a different color), my second attempt ended with the first sock being full inch too short and incredibly tight around the foot. I ended up ripping it apart and rewinding the yarn.
The third pair of Horizontal Rib Socks also did not go well. This time the sock ended up far too large and had no elasticity. Frogged again. I almost erased the favorite pattern star.
That was two years ago.
I don’t like losing to a sock pattern. Especially a pattern I’ve conquered before. This is the only reason why I decided to make a fourth attempt on this wretched pattern! I pulled out some Paton’s Kroy sock yarn and loaded up my sock loom for what I hoped would be a sweet victory.
It turns out the fourth try is the charm! This time around, I realized part of the problem was in the foot section of the pattern – instead of two repeats in the stitch pattern, I had to do three to fit the length of my foot. Never underestimate the power of trying on the sock while it’s still on the loom to see whether more length is needed.
Horizontal Rib Socks in Paton’s Kroy Sock, Bramble Stripes
One thing I’ve learned from this process is that patterns, no matter how well-written, are not set in stone. There is always room for adjustments to achieve a better end result. You just have to be brave enough to look away from the pattern and trust your own skills.
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c.b.w. 2016
C.B. Wentworth 
Glad your persistence paid off. There’s a life lesson here too. Life, decisions, and choices are not written in stone. There’s always room for adjustments.
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So very true. 🙂
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I like the pattern
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Me too – That’s why I didn’t give up! 🙂
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Yey for keeping trying, Have you made notes on the pattern so you will know for next time n save the tears? Gotta say my attempt with the sock loom was a total fail, I couldn’t do it and when I gave it to DH to try he gave it back moments later with a pin having fallen out, The whole system got binned in this house. neat result but unworkable for my hands as it got tighter and tighter till stitches were immovable. There sure does seem to be a knack to those sock looms. Yey to you for working it out. A hand made sock is a beautiful thing, such a thing of love.
Best wishes.
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I definitely made notes so I can make these socks again without the agony of defeat! I’m thinking they’ll make nice Christmas gifts this year.
It’s all about tension on a sock loom. New knitters tend to pull too tight and that’s why the stitches won’t move. The trick is not pulling at all and letting the yarn naturally fall around the pegs. 🙂
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Ohh your lucky friends getting hand made socks.
My fine motor skills are not up to the sock loom, far too much pain for my hands to manage. Your results are wonderful though, congrats.
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They got socks a few years ago, but I’m guessing they might be due for a new pair. My first loom socks just got their first holes (after three years of wear!), so I can only assume the same thing has happened to gift socks. That’s pretty good compared to store bought socks. 🙂
I wonder if a regular gauge sock loom would work for you. The pegs are bigger, the yarn thicker and it’s al little easier to manage. 🙂
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