More Socks

One nice thing about having several projects in the works -- it usually works out that a couple can get finished at the same time.

Have completely lost any wrapper or recollection about what the yarn is but I have the socks and that is all I care about. Did some reverse stockinette stitch diamonds up the front that don't really show up but they broke up the knitting. Next time I think I would outline them with holes to make them stand out better. My learning for this pair of socks.

Thought they would go great with jeans having the blue in them but will probably wear them with anything and everything casual.

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Finished!

Been a long time since I've been able to show one of these.

It is a finished item AND it is a pair of socks for me. I am so pleased on both counts.

Have forgotten the brand of yarn, know I worked it toe up on very small needles and decided on the pattern when I got bored with the pain knitting in the foot. Pleased with how the cables lay as they are very flat which I need for my big ankles.

(Sorry for how the pictures are laid out but getting only the HTML in my typing and not wanting to move them around because it is early in the morning when I should be sleeping. Have had problems the last few nights. Since the computer decided to work now, I decided to at least try to get a post in.)

Have started a new item as my niece is having her first baby next Spring. Since I only have the 2 nieces on my ex-husband's side, she definitely needs a nice shawl. Found a pattern from a German knitting book and everything is not charted well but I am going to see if I can't figure it out. The second picture of the shawl (I am sure you can easily tell which one it is) is the pattern book and the first 20 rows. The first picture is a copy showing the finished shawl and the chart I am to follow. Doesn't it look like fun?

Enjoy your challenges and fun.

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More on socks

Took a few pictures tonight on the pair I am working most on -- my red socks. They have some white in them so almost pink. Also bands of yellow, royal blue, and a black and white band. At the point where they just need to be cast off and they are off the needles and onto my feet.

Worked on two circular needles because I used to knit while riding the bus. (now drive to work so not as much knitting time) After loosing double pointed needles twice I decided that didn't work. Circulars are easy to fold up for going in and out of my purse and much harder to lose. Also easier to use and adjust the knitting in a crowded bus.

Work both socks at the same time -- when one is done, they both are. Lots of knitters have problems as they lose interest after the one sock is completed for Second Sock Syndrome (SSS). They would rather move on to a new design, a new colour, a new yarn, etc. than work the same thing over again to complete the second sock. Also it is easier not having to count to ensure that each part is the same length. Can you imagine the fun of trying to get the patterns t thesame row each time? No thanks.

This last picture is closest to the actual colour. The pattern is taken from a book just on cables that I bought recently. Got bored by all the plain knitting in the foot so put the design on each side with a plain band up the front and back. May make the ankle look a bit bigger but will decide that when they are on my foot and I don't really care anyway.

Work from the toe up so I can try them on as I go along to ensure that they are the right size. Also, the amount of yarn varies for each brand and type of yarn, when you use different patterns, when you want to combine left over yarn, etc. This way the length of the leg can be easily changed while I am sure of having the foot and ankle and some of the leg out of the yarn available.

Each sock is a learning experience and an addition to my supply of socks so each is valued for a different reason.

I am also building up a stash of left over yarn to either use in socks or baby jacket or blanket.

When taking the pictures, found that I have two other pairs of socks that need the legs finished. Than I can start something new.

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Socks

Something that everyone has and is familiar with. Most people just head to a discount store and pick up a big bundle at a time going for the price more than the feel or look.
There are also people who prefer a certain brand, or the more colourful "novelty" socks.
And then there are the other two groups -- the ones who don't knit but have had a hand knit pair given to them and want MORE. (Hi, Flit!) Of course, the remaining group are the knitters.
Now it isn't just the fact that they are small, portable projects that are easy to stuff in a purse and work on anywhere. It isn't just the fact that a small yarn purchase can yield such an appreciated and usable item. It isn't just the fact that the new sock yarns are unbelievable in the materials they use, the colours, the way they are dyed giving mind-blowing amazement to a non-knitter.
These are important considerations but there is also two other important reasons. One is that there is such a wide range of possibilities for personal expression -- do you knit them top down or yarn up? do you use double pointed needles, one long needle (Magic Loop method) or two short circulars? do you work one at a time or both at the same time? what shape of toe and style of heel are you going to use? are you going to do a pattern and, if so, which type? do you put the increases at the usual spot or wherever you please in the foot? All these are important questions which I will review in the future as I work on my socks.
The second consideration is the fellowship of so many knitters, shop owners, and knitting teachers who all share the same interest and commitment to sock knitting. There is an instant connection when you see someone knitting them in public and a desire to check out what she is doing. There is the checking out for what you like and ideas you can use in future.
This weekend there is a Sock Summit being held in Portland, Oregon with about 25 teachers and hundreds of people attending. Although the technical people were warned in advance, the number of students all trying at the same time to register for classes was enough to crash the system. Some took this as the personal fault of the organizers which was certainly shortsighted. They asked for a stable computer platform but no one believes the effect of knitters until they experience it for themselves.
The Yarn Harlot is one of the organizers and a lot of information is on her site. There is also The Sock Summit 2009 site if you want to see exactly how big this is.
All for a simple pair of socks.

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