Anyway, it's October and I'm knitting socks, so I think it counts. And I'm going to answer some questions about my sock knitting, just for fun. (Questions originally posted on Lolly's blog way back in September.)
Anyway, here's my handknit sock history:
When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
My first socks were really big ones - Fuzzyfeet (from the knitty.com pattern). In my opinion, this is the perfect introduction to the sock. You knit a heel flap, you pick up stitches, you decrease for the gusset, you kitchener a toe, but it's all with worsted weight wool on size 10.5 needles. You can actually see all of the stitches, and it's the perfect learning experience. I remember reading the pattern for the heel and thinking "this is never going to work." But blind faith paid off, and it did!
My first "real" socks were started about a month later, but never finished. I eventually unraveled them and used the yarn for a baby sweater.
My first "real" finished sock was one of the blue and white Regia cotton pair here. I finished a few more socks after that before I finally went back and knit its mate (Second Sock Syndrome? Oh no, not me!)
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My fuzzyfeet still look great. My first pair of "real" socks was my Sockapalooza 1 socks that headed overseas, so I don't know what they're like now, or even if they're being worn.
What would you have done differently?
Not much! Made more socks, maybe :)
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I'm loving the Trekking XXL I'm using for my Pomatomus socks that went on safari. I've used Socks that Rock quite a few times now and really like it. I also like dying my own yarn - mostly Knitpicks - and enjoying the colors as they knit up.
And I have tons more in my stash just waiting for me!
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Knit, bay-be. I have done DPNs, 2 circs, and Magic Loop. I probably prefer Magic Loop because it's the most portable (and I can do twice as many socks by using both of my circular needles for different socks!), but I don't have a strong dislike for any of the methods. Whatever needles I have, I'll use!
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Short row, short row, short row! And I have a secret method to avoid holes when wrapping and turning... maybe I'll share it :)
How many pairs have you made?
That's a good question. I had to go back through my blog archives to find out... and the answer is... 7. Fuzzyfeet, Sockapalooza, Sockapal-two-za, Jaywalkers, and Blue & White, Ruby Slippers, and Green Stripes.
I have two more currently on the needles... the Pomatomuses and a pink and white stripe pair (from yarn that I dyed).
Next time - progress update on Bed & Breakfast, Rhinebeck preparations (5 days, yippee!!), more spinning, dyeing, and so much fun!
Posted by Sarah at October 16, 2006 12:10 AM | in: Works in Progress | PermalinkI'd love for you to share your anti-hole wrap method sarah, pretty please? :)
Posted by: Debi on October 16, 2006 02:17 AManti-hole method? when you put it that way, it somehow sounds .... dirty!
Posted by: ann on October 16, 2006 06:46 AMSince I will be crocheting socks, your hole method won't work for me anyway. However, 7 pairs and your mother still sits at the computer barefooted??!!
Love you
Mom
I like this survey. Have fun at Rhinebeck! I will miss you guys...
Posted by: Jenny on October 16, 2006 10:55 PM