My Century Sock
Although the result may be a less tidy narrative,
it is also, I believe, a more honest one.
-Karl Jacoby
it is also, I believe, a more honest one.
-Karl Jacoby
On the last day of Socktoberfest, on the day for Tricks and Treats, what do I bring you? My Century Sock. The 100th pair of socks I've knit. And I have an exact count. This is it, baby. No mistake.
So what, you are all clamoring to know, what special pair of socks is deserving of such an honor? It's with mixed emotions that I show you the most plain, ordinary socks I have ever - in all my hundred pairs - ever knit. Your eyes do not deceive you. These are plain. Black. 2x2 ribbing.
Wearing-My-Uniform-With-Pride SocksPattern: 2x2 ribbing, heel stitch, standard toe - do you really need a pattern?
Yarn: Plymouth Sockotta, a cotton wool blend I bought on the road trip to San Diego when we stopped to visit Knit'n Lit Jenn in Ft. Worth. Small world
Needles: 5" bamboo dpns, also bought on the same road trip
Notes: It seems like I've been working on these socks forever. Black 2x2 ribbing is just not what gets me out of bed in the morning, knitting-wise, but it what I put on when I get dressed. The irony? Shortly before finishing these I started a night float rotation during which I wear scrubs and all sorts of brightly colored handknit socks. Ironic, isn't it?
Best Thing About This Project: I wear the uniform. And I wear it better with handknit socks.
There may be something fitting after all these being my 100th pair. For all the wild and crazy pairs I've worn in the past, these workday socks will get the most wear by far.
posted by Theresa at 9:18 PM/Permalink
27 Comments:
Congratulations! The socks are wonderful. The simplicity in the color showcases the evenness of the stitches, the execution of the heel... a beautiful sock. Well done.
In the sport of cricket, there is a particular tradition about centuries (when you've hit 100 runs without getting out). You may now hold up your bat and doff it in at least four directions. You may also now stride to the centre of the ground and be congratulated by your batting partner. We, the spectators, will rise to our feet and warmly acknowledge your accomplishment with well-mannered applause, even if you are from the visiting team. Statisticians will reach for their pencils and another notch will be added next to your name for the record books! Congratulations!!
But, all does not bode well, at least for doctors in the UK! Have you seen this?
Congratulations on pair #100! Yes, wear them with well-deserved pride. (Meg's cricket analogy is great!)
Yay for 100! I feel so honored to have been a part of the 100th pair. I'm verklempt....give me moment......
But seriously, it's nice to know that they'll get some use - that is, after all, the best part of handknit socks!
They're lovely. I somehow get a sense of history from them, taking me back to the days when people *had* to knit socks. They're serviceable, and the workmanship looks impeccable. I think they're a very fitting 100th pair.
BTW, my stitch markers arrived yesterday, and they're beautiful. The little bag is too cute -- it will be perfect for keeping my notions in. Thank you so much!
Pretty darn amazing! Congratulations!
Now, what about that Argyle or Fair Isle pair that you were going to knit?
A big ole salute to you and the 100. This is truly a milestone.
I have been reading Suite Francaise (about WW2 in France) and throughout the book, women are knitting socks for soldiers and POWs. What progress we have made that now we have citizen-soldier-physicians knitting their own socks for the pleasure of it.
I am deeply, deeply impressed, even though a quick perusal of your archives disabused me of the notion that you had knit all 100 pairs since starting the blog (crazy, I know). A pair a month is still mighty impressive, and the box of socks even more so. I myself only have 94 pairs to go!
To borrow from Marge Piercy: "The work of the world is common as mud./ Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust./ But the thing worth doing well done/ has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident./ Greek amphoras for wine or oil,/ Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums/ but you know they were made to be used./ The pitcher cries for water to carry/ and a person for work that is real. (from "To be of use," http://www.northnode.org/poem.htm ).
Here's to doing work that is real.
Congratulations! That IS an amazing accomplishment. May you make many hundred more!
Wow, quite a milestone! 100 socks? I can't even imagine. Congratulations!
And thank you for serving our country!
Congratulations! That's a serious accomplishment (and a total inspiration...).
Wow - 100 sock!! That's quite a record!! I can't wait to see the next 100 socks.
I hear you on boring - I'm working on a 3x1 rib sock on 0s that is killing me. How did you survive Second Sock Syndrome? I'm bribing myself to finish!! It's sad but true - sometimes boring socks get more wear than cool socks. I've decided that I only want to knit socks for my husband (a sweater for a 6'3" man is... big). The problem? He thinks he's branching out by picking a color for his socks. *sigh*
They are wonderful. Congratulations on your 100th pair!
congratulations on your 100th pair of socks!
and sorry about the swatch thing. sort of. :)
A big salute to the 100th pair of socks!
Wendy
I think it is absolutely appropriate that your 100th pair is your uniform pair. I love the picture too! Congrats on hitting 100--I'm just 81 behind ;o)
I can try to knit it all, but I think I should always have an emergency stash...just in case ;)
Congratulations on your 100th pair, I wish I could just work on my first! :) They look great!
That is a lot of pairs of socks. Congratulations! Wear them in good health.
That is actually a really fabulous pair of socks to have as your 100th pair.
The simplicity of the socks reminds me of the routine of nature.Sunrises and sunsets. Constant, predictable, stunning. Wonderful socks for a wonderful daughter.
Love you a lot,
The socks are wonderful... Great job! Have you cast on for 101?
I'm so proud of you girl - for knitting your 100th pair of socks AND for serving our country!
I love this picture!
Ironic indeed!
All that ribbing would about kill me! But they look great!
I would so like to see a pic of you in scrubs and colorful socks though(hint)!
You and your socks have been an inspiration to me. I've only completed 15 pairs so far, but the sock lust hasn't abated a bit. I should have started knitting socks back in med school! I'd be a lot further along. I think I have a new goal...a century for myself. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Wow, the 100 mark! Shouldn't there be a special prize or something handed out by the knitter's guild? A large plaque at the LYS?
Wow.....you are one prolific socknitter!!! I've been knitting socks for a number or years, but I'm sure I haven't made a 100 pairs!!! Congrats!!
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