Viral or Bacterial?

Treating everyday acute diseases, colds and flu come especially to mind, requires being able to discern the nature of an infection -- viral or bacterial?  Bacterial is easy, antibiotics, assuming resistance isn't a problem, can take care of things quickly.  The outlook isn't so good with most viral diseases.  You just have to treat the symptoms and wait it out.

Based on my observations, SSS (Second Sock Syndrome) is viral.  I've had it before.  I've got a bad case of it again.  Since finishing my second Cedar Creek sock a couple of weeks ago, I've been unable to finish a pair, despite having several deserving projects in the basket.  Witness:

On the left is one pirate sock, and the stalled beginnings of its mate.  To the right, a fiery lace sock and it's barely begun twin.

Now, the newest addition to the stable.  Nancy Bush's Denmark Socks from Knitting on the Road (inspired by Jessica).  Fun sock, fast sport-dk weight knit, a beautiful yarn.*  What's standing in the way of #2?  It would only take a couple of days to knock it out, so what's the hitch?

It's not the heat -- my office is so cold that I will be wearing wool socks in July and August.  Nope, I'm momentarily bored with socks -- my poor uncoupled socks will simply have to wait for me to recover.  My treatment options are limited, but going on instinct, the cure is to revisit my garment knitting self.  I want to remember the days when I knit sweaters -- challenging sweaters, beautiful sweaters.  But which one -- there are plenty of options in the stash -- how to choose just one?

I wallowed in my main stash hidey hole last week, looking for something that struck my fancy.  Should it be cotton or wool?  Color or cables?  Intarsia or fairisle?  I'd pick up an old UFO and knit a few rows, taking projects for a test drive.

I briefly considered working on Kaffe Fassett's Foolish Virgins, in the Cotton Glace I so painstakingly stashed a number of years ago.  Some kind friends convinced me that this endeavor would lead to certain madness, so I have, at least for now, abandoned this Mt. Everest and settled on this:

Alice Starmore's Oregon Cardigan in the Fall colorway from Virtual Yarns.  I started it two and a half years ago just before we moved into our house.  Settling into our new digs stole my momentum and it's sat in the bedroom untouched since, a core member of Shaun's Hall of Shame.

You may think that I didn't need to try to knit intarsia in cotton to prove insanity, as I am clearly crazy to knit something that I can't possibly wear until next November in the middle of an early heat wave.  Let me tell you, it's a bit warm, but it's nirvana.  The rhythm of the long rows and ever changing stitch counts is soothing and calming.  At least it was until I realized I'm knitting the second size and I can't remember if the kit was for the first size or the second size.  Who says I don't like adventure?

Besides, I can always go back to knitting socks if things don't work out.  But, honestly, who needs a pair when your Sockapaloooza partner sends you a pair like these?

I love them.  Bold colors, dainty pattern, perfect fit, great yarn -- who could ask for anything more?  But, there is more.  These were Ann's second pair and she designed them herself!  That's a feat we should all look to emulate more often -- go where your ideas take you and don't be afraid.

P.S.  Many thanks to everyone who responded to my last post with anecdotes, reading suggestions and your own perspectives.  If I haven't responded yet, it's only because everyone contributed such thoughtful and interesting comments that I'm taking time to consider what to say.

*The yarn is from Misty Mountain Farms, that I picked up at MDS&W earlier this month.

Comments

[Chris]

*fingers crossed* for you Oregon Cardigan adventure! :)

Gorgeous Sockapalooza socks! And I hope you are reinspired by your pirate socks, because they are soooo fun.

[Carrie K]

If the Oregon Cardigan is the lesser of that or Kaffe Fassett's Foolish Virgins.....good grief. But fabulous. It's amazing how soothing knitting can be, whether it's incredibly easy or torturously difficult.

[Kimberly]

Viral you say? Damn how did I end up catching it from you?? You have it way worse than I do. Oh well, go with the adventure sweater until the symptoms subside. I'll be waiting too.

[Bonnie]

Is Second Sock Syndrome contagious? That is the real question. Followed by did I spell contagious properly? Hmmm?

[Rebekah]

Hmmm, I think you may be on to something. tell the drug companies, I'm sure they'll come up with a pill for us suffering.

That sweater is beautiful, I am so inspired by fair isle. It really is just gorgeous.

[Lorraine The Knitting Hammy]

It's totally contagious- check a few other blogs.
I did do that sweater a few summers ago, and it really was a joy to work on. I never did find the right buttons though....

[vanessa]

hope i don't catch that virus! love the oregon :-)

[jenn]

i'm experienceing my first case of SSS recently, myself. i have, however, found the exact cause. three words: toe-up pattern. good luck with that incredibly ambitious sweater in the mean time.

[Wanda]

It seems as though SSS is definitely viral. You've got a lot of unloved socks happening there. I'm sure you'll get the sock knitting mojo back eventually.

Oregon is stunning. You can't help but be inspired by it.

[pixeldiva]

So glad you like the socks and that they fit. I had such fun making them for you! :)

[ana]

My, my..so, it's viral? I was taking my antibiotic (new projects) to see if it made them go away ;)

The cardigan is beautiful and I love your sockapalooza socks :)

[Heather]

I think it is a chronic disease as well... which is why I always cast on both socks and alternate back and forth because I suffer from acute and chronic procrastination syndrome of which second sock syndrome is but one variation. LOL

[mac]

I love the way the skull socks turned out!!!! I'm close to starting my own. I'm scared; hold me!

[Lisa]

Hi, 2nd sock syndrome can be treated with casting on both socks at the same time. work on both socks at the same time. IE. if you get up to take a break for whatever reason when you sit down again, deliberately take up the other sock. It's amazing how fast you finish a pair and have 2 socks that are the same size. Try it, it really works.

[HPNY knits]

sss best cure is to knit the two at once! its the best, and much easier than one thinks!
I am on my second pair of two at once. it seems at first it is going slowly, but when you get to the end- you got two!!
:-)

[zee]

Those are all lovely socks just beggin' to be finished! :)