Man Socks For My Grandfather

Prior to this past weekend, my last trip to NY was in December when we celebrated my grandfather's 90th birthday. On that occasion I presented my grandmother with a sweater which she is enjoying very much.

Last weekend we were in NY again. This time it was for my brothers wedding which was held on my grandmother's birthday. So I gave my grandfather his socks. Perfect symmetry.

It was quite a push to get them done in time. I actually finished the toe on the second sock and wove in the ends while sitting at the hotel pool on Saturday before the wedding. Whew!

The pattern was Harris Tweed by Ali Green (Rav link) and it's very well written. It's not the most exciting thing in the world - actually the patterning is nice and subtle - but that's what makes it perfect for man socks. For a guy I want texture without lacyness or craziness. The pattern on this sock gives it a really nice puckered effect that I find inviting and the heeel... oh that eye of partridge heel gets me every time. I love how it mixes up the colors and looks like a work of pointillism. Love that!

I also love the yarn I used for these socks. Bruce had chosen 2 skeins of Claudia in a color called Leopard as a gift for me last Summer when he was in NYC. It was probably intended as a bit of a self-serving gift since I suspect he was hoping I'd turn it into socks for him. He loves my grandfather though and I'm sure he's just as happy to see these go to him.

I really love everything about these socks and can't complain at all. My only regret is that I don't have a modeled shot because I gave these to my grandfather at my brother's wedding. It seemed a bit much to ask that he try them on right there and then.