I love knitting socks, but felt it was time I moved on to a trickier sock pattern. I started Jaywalker (http://www.magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm)at the meeting on Wednesday and the pattern is not difficult. However, the socks have ended up being too tight and I can't get them on past my ankle. I have thought about doing the same pattern but with more stitches, but I still think the design would be too inelastic for me. Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternative sock pattern? I need something fairly straightforward. I don't want any cables. A simple pattern repeat would be good.:help:

OOOOOOH Monkey (http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html)

Gorgeous pattern, I found it relaxing and easy yet challenging at the same time if that makes sense. I found these to be a little tight to pull around the heel but once on they are very very comfy and yummy :)

What about Sweet Pea (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/PATTsweetpea.html)from Knitty?

Anything lacey from Knitty, your yarn isn't so striking that it will hide a pattern (Monkey, Falling Leaves, Kew spring to mind). You could go for texture (RPM from Knitty or Blueberry Waffle or a simple k4p2 rib) or you could try one of the alternate sock knitting techniques and go toe up for a change. It would give you something else to think about and it would mean that you could make the most of the extra yardage in that ball and make a longer sock.

You can just keep knitting the same sock pattern over and over if you like, I don't think that there's a rule about having to change from what you like and what you know fits you.

I agree with W4B. I love toe-up socks at the moment, but find that knitting the same pattern time after time gets monotonous. Just trying a short-row heel could be good. I like the look of Thuja (http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter05/PATTthuja.html) if you're ever thinking of men's socks. If you've got a stitch directory you could always have a go at designing your own pattern.

I've just finisheed a pair of Monkey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/madstitcher2000/896999845/) socks with some Sea Wool. Like Gempud, I find them a little bit tight round the heel but the pattern is really easy to remember after a few rounds.

I really like the Monkey socks and I like the colours in your yarn. This has got me thinking. Still not sure what to do. Will tell you my decision later.

If you do Monkey best to choose a shaded solid yarn. I used Socks That Rock but if you use a yarn that is too patterned then I think the pattern of the Monkey gets lost.