Slipped Stitch Socks ... Finished and Deck Tour

I have been working on the second sock between bouts with the Kirkingwood Paisley Shawl. I finished knitting the second sock on the GO train yesterday on my way in to have lunch with long-time friends and sorority sisters on the Harbour Front of Toronto. I just grafted the toe.

Here they are on our lovely, new deck.

Speaking of the new deck. Here are a few photos:

This is the view from the kitchen door.

and from the corner of the deck. We are trying to find a gazebo to cover the table as it is a south exposure and gets the full blast of the sun for most of the day.

This was a shot taken before the steps and skirting were done.

I liked this herringbone pattern that I saw online somewhere. It is similar to the previous pattern. The builders found it rather easy to do - only having to cut the angled ends at the edge of the deck.

Oh, yeah, the socks...

Here's what the 'eye of partridge' shadow wrap heel looks like.

I also used this reinforcing technique on the top of the toe.

I haven't done as much knitting lately. I haven't had a lot of inspiration other than the paisley shawl. I'm still not sold on the laceweight yarn I selected. I may end up

Slipped Stitch Sock Re-Knit

After completing Sock-The-First, I realized it was just a wee bit too snug so decided to knit the second sock with 4 more stitches. I also did a plain 1 x 1 rib for the cuff.

I used a shadow wrap heel combined with the staggered slipped stitch pattern to reinforce the heel sts.

As a result of the slipped stitch, a strand is carried behind, creating a double thickness of the fabric.

I also reinforced the toe with the same stitch.

I'm knitting the second sock from the first, snugger one and am on the foot. I should be finished in the next day or two.

First Sock Done!

I finished the first Slipped Stitch Sock the other night.

I used the shadow wrap heel and continued the slipped stitch bands down the instep of the foot. Sock The Second is cast on and I have a couple of inches done on it. If I knit this pattern again, I'll cast on an additional 4 stitches (for a total of 68 sts) for a wee bit more ample leg.

I'm heading out of town tomorrow for a fun weekend with friends, family, former colleagues and former students. I'm quite excited to be attending opening night of "Les Misérables" produced by a very talented former student, Carrie Beauchamp.

It will be my first solo trip in my new car and I look forward to listening to a book all the way there and all the way home.