I started the Uptown Boot Socks from the Winter 2003 issue of Interweave Knits, and a few things have taken me by surprise.

First of all, am I just a huge ignoramous to not have anticipated my Socks that Rock skein of Foo Foo to self stripe? I had no idea it was a swirly striping yarn. Is all Socks that Rock self striping? Do tell.

Secondly, in all the pictures I’ve seen on the internet and in the pattern itself of these particular socks, nowhere have I seen a predominantly right slant. Sure, the right slant looks a bit stronger than the left slant, but in the pattern, it looks like the cabling makes a sort of criss-cross or honeycomb type texture, not right slanting swirlies. So, I have a sock with a left slanting, self striping color pattern, and a right slanting texture pattern. It’s a bit ridiculous.

Ok, it’s extremely ridiculous.

However, I’ve tried it on, and I think I like it anyway. Dunno. I’ve finished the first leg, and will start the second leg when I knit next.

I’m also thinking that I much prefer the feel of wonderful, soft Koigu to the kind of rough, superwash Socks That Rock. BUT, I’m willing to give them a wear and a wash before completely deciding. I’d love to hear any thoughts you have on the subject.

Clark’s still sick as a dog. He’s had a fever all weekend. I’m taking him into the doctor now, and I’ve been feeling yucky all day. Sinus headache, fatigue, the threatenings of a sore throat.

Great. Just what I need.