Sock-istory

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I taught myself using the book Knit Socks in March of 2005.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?My first pair can be seen here. Made with Lion Brand Wool-Ease on size 3 dpns. They don't get worn much, but when it's really cold, or I feel yucky I pull them out. They are warm! They have held up fine, since they are house socks that rarely get worn.

What would you have done differently?Nothing, besides use sock weight yarn instead of worsted. They actually turned out quite well.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?I
love the Trekking, I enjoyed the Schaefer Anne I used for my sockpal socks, Koigu, Regia Surf, and I like the Knitpicks (it's very soft, even if it does start to felt after a bit). I'm looking forward to using my birthday yarns which include Lorna's Laces, Socks that Rock and Scout's Swag. Also marinating in the stash is some Vesper I can't wait to use, Step, Fleece Artist, Artyarns, CTH and the Regia silk and bamboo. I'd also love to get my mitts on some Sundara yarn, Sweet Georgia and Lisa Souza. I have some Hill Country on order (if it ever gets here), that I am excited to try too.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I'm a 5 double pointed needles gal all the way. I like the Susan Bates Silvalume for all of my "fancy" socks (especially lacey socks), but I love my Chiagoo 5" bamboos for plain socks.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I'm a heel flap gal myself. I tried a short row heel once that just wasn't pretty. I also always knit cuff down. No particular reason. I did try a toe up sock a few months ago and I liked it, but it was too big. Perhaps I'll try again someday.

How many pairs have you made?
I've finished 14 pair - you can see them all here (I've started and half finished and ripped a few more). 3 pairs were for Sockapal2za and Sockapaloooza, two pairs were for hubbo, one for my One Skein pal, one for a gift, and 6 for me. I also have *cough* 9 pairs on the needles. Let's hope some of them get done this month!


Today's sock is the second green sock for the hubbo (anniversary socks) - it's to the heel flap, cross your fingers that it gets done by Monday!