These Monkeys are off of my back!

My Monkeys are finally off the needles. I really enjoyed knitting them and found them to move along very quickly once I focused on them. It only took me a week to knit the second sock. I will definitely be knitting another pair once I get through a few other sock projects.

My Monkey - Started

I cast on for the socks last night. These are my first pair.

I guess I'd forgotten how awkward size two double pointed needles and thin yarn are to work with. I had to start over twice before the stitches stopped twisting, and I found my tiny sock knitting groove.

I'm knitting away now, thanks to Vicki for the monkey sock inspiration.

My monkey sock knitting progress may be minimal at this point, but hey, I started, and that's worth something.

Tiger Monkeys Stalking their Prey

As soon as those Tiger Monkeys were off the needles, they leapt off to stalk their prey. I caught up with them at the border. They were, apparently, climbing over the fence...managed to get themselves all tangled up in the passion fruit vines.

In the first picture, you see them frozen like deer in the headlights. Notice the tiger pattern...completely unplanned and unprovoked. I knit one sock after the next with utter disregard for symmetry. In the second pic, they seem to be making a run for it.



tiger monkeys caught in the thicket



making a run for it

Sorry to use up so much space on my pics...but blogger has temporarily frozen my blog.

Tiger Monkeys

Monkey in skacel "Trampoline stretch" knit with Susan Bates silvalume size "0"

They aren't complete yet, but they will be tonight. These are the FASTEST little ol' socks! The pattern of the yarn isn't exactly a perfect compliment for the stitch pattern, but the lace "pops" when they are stretched over the foot. Oh...the yarn...is the most stretchy/bouncy yarn I've ever used. My 13 year old granddaughter would really like these...but maybe they're just a little too...animal???

It worked! The Monkeys are alive!

Yay! The Monkeys are alive again!!!! I started these awhile ago and got distracted by other projects. I knew that joining this KAL was exactly what they needed to get back on their feet. I am knitting these in Plymouth Sockotta colorway 6673 (blue, green, yellow and brown on a white background.) I started with #2 dp needles and switched to 40 inch addi turbo circulars for Magic Loop.

I'm actually a bit further along than in this picture. I took the Monkeys to the pool with me this weekend and have finished the leg of the first sock. The Monkeys really seem to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine to be found at the pool and are blooming again into a picture of perfect health.

Jennifer

Monkey Sock 2

I have completed my 2nd pair of Monkey's. I just love this pattern. I will probably use it again and again. These ones were knit in Lisa Souza's Sock! Violet's Pink Ribbon colorway.
Don't you just love them???

Return To Monkey ...

The last couple months have been really tough for me ... A lot going on in my personal life ... I'd been so down that even knitting was impossible for me ...

I think I'm finally starting to feel a little better and will soon be starting on my second pair of Monkey socks.

The first pair I did was in a striping Opal yarn (can't remember which one right off ... lol!) ... This time I want to use a yarn that doesn't stripe so much so that the pattern shows up more ...

Hi Everyone!

I was so excited to find this KAL. I started my first pair of Monkeys in May but moved to more summery projects and am only on the third repeat of the lace pattern on my first sock. Joining the KAL will get me back on the wagon to finish this pair. I liked the pattern so much from the little bit I've knitted that I already have the yarn lined up for a second pair.

I'm looking forward to knitting with you!
Jennifer

2nd Pair of Monkey's OTN

I am now working on my second pair of Monkey's. I'm using Lisa Souza's "Violet's Pink Ribbon". I love this pattern. It knits up so quick and is easy.

Also, we need to get someone to makeup a "Monkey Sock KAL" button/badge....Someone creative enough out there??

Ready to Start

I'm ready to start my first pair of Monkey Socks. I have my yarn - Wildfoote from Brown Sheep Company in the Bluegrass colorway. I have needles - size 1 and size 2. Therein lies the question ---- it seems like many people did their socks on size 1 rather than the size 2 called for in the pattern.

If anyone did them on 2's ....did you find them baggy? I've gone back and read all the posts. One person mentioned that the pattern was not very stretchy, but it seems more people thought it was too large.

Any advice? 1's or 2's --- I wear a size 9 shoe and my feet are somewhat narrow.

The Daily Stitch

Email Me!

Definitely, another pair on the horizon...

I have another skein of Cherry Tree Hill in the Gypsy Rose colorway that I want to use for this pattern. don't know when I will get to it as I have a "few" others in the line-up ahead of this one. We shall see how quickly I can get these others finished up!

Hello!

Life has been really hectic for me lately ... But I hope you guys are still interested in this knitalong ... I plan on starting a new pair of Monkeys soon ... How is everyone doing?

Second pair of Monkeys

I made these socks for Tine who got them as a present in our birthday sock swap. They are a German size 39 and I used Hot Socks "Rio Grande", shade no. 953.

By the way, the next pair is already on my needles. I'm really addicted to this pattern.

Karin

My Finished Monkeys

Here are my monkeys completed. I'm planning to knit another pair soon in a solid colour yarn so the pattern shows up more. Hope to see some of your completed socks soon.

Angie

http://mymerseyparadise.blogspot.com

My First Monkeys

Hi, thanks for inviting me to join this KAL. Here are the Monkey socks I am working on at the moment, I am a bit further on with the second sock now as I was knitting it last night at my weekly Stitch n Bitch meeting. I really like the pattern so I am planning to knit it again in a less busy yarn.

Angie

The BeanQueen's Monkey Socks

Here they are!

I was surprised how quickly they were done.

However, next time I do these socks, I will use smaller needles. They really are a bit too big for my feet - & I thought my feet were big, LOL.

Nice socks, nice pattern. Thank you for the idea & the KAL.

My first Mokeys

I finished this pair of socks already in January.
We had a German knitalong for the hand-dyed wool named "Magma" and I decided to knit the Monkey pattern.


And here's a close-up on the pattern and the hand-dyed wool:

Newbie

I'm really addicted to Monkey socks. I love that pattern and I just had to join this KAL!

Guess what: I'm already working on my third pair of Monkeys. And I think it won't be my last one.

The design is just perfect for any wool. I didn't see a single pair which didn't work out well.
My actual pair will be a present for a very dear friend and I hope to finish it in time for her birthday. The first pair stayed with me and the second one was my pair of socks for a birthday swap of a yahoogroup.
I will post a picture soon.

Karin
from Wuppertal/Germany

my "Monkeys" - so far

As of today: I am up to the middle of the foot. I have been thinking about stopping the pattern before I get completely to the toe decreases. I am really bothered by "bumps/ridges" on top of my toes, so figured that the pattern didn't need to go all the way down.

all done.

there ya go. that was pretty fun.

um.. yarn, regia nordic, I don't recall the number. 2.5mm needles, substitute heel.

Newbie!

Hi, I'm just about to cast on my first monkey. I wanted to knit these as soon as I saw a friend knit one at our knit group, but after she tried them on and they were a bit tight I realised that the design isn't that stretchy and as I have pretty wide feet,the pattern was relegated to the 'one-day' pile . I then remembered that my best friend has her bday pretty soon (end of april) and loves hand-crafted things, so what better than a pair of monkey socks. She is tiny and although she has the same length feet as me (UK5) she has much thinner feet. I can't wait to delve into my sock yarn stash and find the perfect yarn for her. Is anyone finding particular yarns good or bad?

Fell off the Wagon...

I haven't been able to work on my Monkeys for a couple of weeks. I'm still on the fourth repeat, but I really like how they are working up. I think part of the reason for the slow down is that I'm not really sure how I like the fit of them. The ribbing seems okay and the first repeat or two, but then they seem to be getting too baggy. I haven't decided to frog them yet, but am considering it. But they might fit and I'm being paranoid, so I don't want to be hasty. I would cast the other on on smaller needles, but of course they are all being used already. Sigh....

What do you all think?

I am not sure that this yarn does justice to the monkeys. I'm not very far along, but wanted an opinion. I'm using Socka Color and size 1 needles. I wish there had been more blue in the stripes and if I should have used a plain yarn to show the pattern better. How is everyone coming along with their socks? Sheila.

Checking In

Happy Friday everyone!
No socks here as of yet, but hope to start by Sunday at the latest. I'm always a day late and a dollar behind. LOL!

Lisa :)

More on Monkeys on the Palouse

Turned the heels, picked up stitches for the gussets & am doing them now.

I did have to tink back after doing the first sock & pick up the stitches a bit differently than I usually do as there appeared some holes - YIKES!!!!.
But after doing that things are looking good

drMolly, the BeanQueen

the BeanQueen?
(what the heck is germplasm anyway?) http://tinyurl.com/y5gy5o
visit my blog, too http://rosevaleblog.blogspot.com/

behind?!

how can anybody be behind, I just got here! (not sure how, or why for that matter, I got here but.. here I am!)

monkey knitting, 'eh? started a pair sunday night. got to the toe last night. ripped back to the ankle today, that heel just didn't do the job for me. small setback.. 'm busy tonight so probably won't get it finished til tomorrow but.. it is fun, isn't it? I'm really pleased with how it's working up, otherwise. :)

No Monkey For Me Today

I started my Monkey socks today, but they didn't work out. The yarn I chose (a Trekking XXL - sort of brownish tweed) just did not look good with this particular pattern. Because of the tweeding you couldn't even tell that the rib stitches were twisted. It looked like a collection of knots. UGH!

I'll sort through my stash tomorrow to find something more appropriate.

Monkey Socks on the Palouse

Good afternoon all,

I've reached the end of my patterns on the legs of each sock & am starting the heels.
I may have to add a bit to the length of heel as mine do need to be a bit longer.

I am using #2 dpns & the gauge is good. This is an interesting sock.

drMolly, the BeanQueen

Hi!

So how is everyone coming with their socks? I just finished the heels on my toe-up socks this morning. Plan on finishing them before the 28th.
One of my goals this year is to make a pair a month, which seems like quite a feat for me! But I'm pretty proud of myself!!! I finished a pair in January, and think I'll be fine on my February pair ...
Haven't decided if I'll make another pair of Monkey socks for March or not ... But I will definitely be making another pair sometime soon again!!

Lorna's Lace

I started mine last night. I started them on 2's, but I will see later how they fit. I think the color is Watercolor, but don't quote me on that. I can't find the label anymore, but it was either that or Tuscany.

I'm also knitting Fair Isles for Socks for Soldiers, so I don't know when I will be finishing.

Lisa H

Wait for me!!!

Oh wow - I can't believe how fast some of you have been with your sox. I have just completed my first repeat of the pattern. I am doing both sox at once, so maybe I'll catch up to some of you. Kenyetta - I love your colorway - what yarn are you using? When I get a bit further on I'll post a picture. Sheila.

FO!

My Monkey socks were finished last night and I am wearing them today! Here's the details again--Cherry Tree Hill yarn; Blueberry Hill color; Addis US#0; 2 socks on 2 circulars.

Egads, I feel behind already! Here is a picture of the yarn - I know the photo is not too good, but you can get some idea.

I have the ribbing done on both socks - I always do 2 at once so they will be the same length, etc. I am not so anal as to have to have the stripes/patterns on the yarn match, LOL. It really doesn't matter to me & I'm not sure this yarn would come out matching no matter what you did.

I really enjoy looking at all of your socks!

drMolly, the BeanQueen

the BeanQueen?
(what the heck is germplasm anyway?) http://tinyurl.com/y5gy5o
visit my blog, too http://rosevaleblog.blogspot.com/

Finished Monkey Socks

I finished my first pair of Monkey Socks and love them. I love the yarn I used. Mountain Colors Barefoot "Juniper" colorway. I really enjoyed knitting these and plan on knitting more pairs.

Here is where I was on Sunday...

I had 4 decreases left to do then and now I am finishing the 3rd repeat into the foot and will post a pic later!

2nd Pair

I just completed my second pair of Monkey's. The first pair was for my 7 yr and the second pair is for me!
I will post better pics later. I am a fairly new sock knitter- just learned around November, this was my first "complex" pattern- and I was hooked.

Hello Everyone!!!

Just wanted to drop in real quick ... I don't want to put a time limit on this knit-along ... I figured I will just keep it going as long as there is interest ... If anyone has ideas about what they'd like to see here, please let me know ... Maybe we could even have a couple contests? I don't have anything set in stone, and I would welcome any ideas ...
I'm just starting the gusset increases on my toe-up Monkey socks ... but the pattern isn't showing up as well as I'd like ... I'm using a striping yarn ... that's probably why ... But I still like them ...
Anyhow ... gotta get going right now ... Will post more later!

Starting my Monkeys...

I plan to start my Monkey socks today. I stash dived and found some Jawoll sock yarn that I have had forever. It was originally a sunny yellow color, but I overdyed it with Strawberry Kool-Aid in places, so now it's yellow, orange-ish, and red. I plan to do mine top down on DPNs.

I had joined the Sheep Shawl KAL about 3 weeks ago and have yet to receive my yarn and pattern order. I felt like I needed something else to do to keep my mind off not being able to join in on the other one. Also, I had been following the thread on the List and finally went to see the socks. They are GORGEOUS!!!

So here I am...

Started my monkey socks last night and have almost done 2 repeats of the pattern. I am using Opal handpaints in a purple/lavendar colorway. I guess I will call them the purple monkeys!
I started with 5 dpns, but it was awakward feeling, so switched over to my addi circulars in size one, using a stitch marker inbetween the pattern repeat. Much better feeling!

My Monkey Sock Yarn

I just received my Monkey sock yarn in the mail. It is Fleece Artist Marine. I can't wait to get started on my socks. It's been fun seeing what everyone else is knitting their socks with.

Katrina
www.hereintopeka.com

Is anyone planning on knitting these toe-up? Because I have a size 11 foot, I'm going to try and exceed the gauge and hopefully that will make them big enough. I want to do them toe-up so that I can try them on as I go. I'm going to swatch a little this weekend and test out the pattern too. I suppose I need to follow the rows upside down if I want it to look right.

beginnings

Good evening all,
I got the pattern from the internet today & have just picked out some yarn from my stash. I'll see if I have some free needles to get started tonight. It's some Meilenweit Scala, color 6534 - a mix of pinks, purples, oranges with a grey base. I'll have to put pictures in so you can appreciate it, though, LOL.
This will be my second KAL - the first was in Jeannies group for the Maple Leaf Socks. I enjoyed that experience so decided to give it another try - and these are the cutest socks.
Good Luck to all.

drMolly, the BeanQueen

Monkey Socks started.

I cast on my stitches last night and am going to be working on them today - have been sidetracked by also doing dish cloths for a swap I'm in. I'll take a picture as soon as the colors show up in the socks.

Quick Post!

Just wanted to check in real quick and say hi! I'm really excited about people wanting to join in on this KAL!!!

There are still many people who had wanted to join up that haven't gotten an e-mail address to me. I'm really sorry that I didn't ask for that to begin with ... I will try, over the next couple days, to contact those people ... But if you see this message and still want to join in the fun ... Just get me your e-mail and I'll try to add you asap! lol ...

Has anyone attempted the Monkey socks toe-up? I'm trying mine that way ... and I reversed the pattern to try and accommodate for that ... But I'm not sure it's gonna look right ... :( Any thoughts on this???

Talk to you all again soon!!!

Here's my Monkey Sock

Hi Everyone

I had already started my Monkey Socks prior to hearing about this KAL. So here's a photo of the first completed sock. I am using Mountain Colors Bearfoot "Juniper" colorway. It is a fun sock to knit and I plan on knitting it again in a different colorway in the future. Can't wait to see everyone's sock progress.

Edna-Your socks are great

Edna
Your socks are beautiful. How are you making them both at once? Are you using a circular needle? I have never seen that before. That is so cool. My yarn is Cherry Tree Hill also, and I think it's the same color.
Can't wait to cast on.
Beth in OK

I started today...

Here is two repeats of my Monkey sock. I decided to go with the Blueberry Hill colorway of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn. I think it is looking pretty good!

I'm Here!

Hi Vicki!

Don't know if I have the time to actually knit the socks - but I'll try, they're gorgeous! I'll be changing the look of this site for you all though! Bear with me - as I've never used Blogger, my blog is in Typepad, so there might be a wee bit of trial and error - LOL!

Almost Ready

Hi everyone
I have some lovely Cherry Tree Hill yarn for the Monkey socks. Will be making them on size 1 DPN. I am finishing up the last Sixth Sense Sock, and then I will cast the Monkey on. Thanks for hosting this KAL. This will be fun.
Beth in OK

Ready to go

I have my yarn - Fortissima Colori and I'll be using size 1 0r 2.25mm 40inch for the magic loop. Are we all ready to start knitting or do we have to wait for the word from you. This is my first KAL and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you. Sheila.

Yay!

I'm in. I haven't actually started my Monkey socks yet. I should be finishing up the present socks (mondified Lombard Street socks) and then I will cast on for these.
TTFN!

HELP!

Okay you guys! I've gotten quite a response! More than I'd thought ... but I'm having a little trouble adding people ...
I'm sorry to make everything so difficult ... but can you please include an e-mail when you post? Then I know for sure I can send you an invite to the blog ... And if you don't hear from me ... please try again!

Thanks!
Vicki

Welcome!

Okay ... So what if I've never hosted a knit-a-long before? lol ... I've been wanting to do the Monkey sock pattern from the Winter 2006 issue of Knitty ... So why not start a knit-a-long?

Please bear with me as I try to get this together ...

If you would like to join the KAL, please leave a comment here ... And if anyone would be interested in helping me out ... I'd appreciate it!

Also ... if anyone is capable of making a button for the KAL ... that would be much appreciated, also!