Socktober stories

Lolly has posed some questions to the Socktoberfest participants about our first sock experience, so here are my answers:

    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 to make socks as a leap of faith into the word of knitting beyond scarves and dishcloths.  My friend Zabet had told me about an amazing sock yarn that made its own stripes as you knit, but little did I know that I would be hooked on socks after my first pair. 

What was your first pair?  How have they "held up" over time?
          My first pair was a plain stockinette sock for Bug made from Lion Brand Magic Stripes in Sea Blue Stripe.  I used the pattern on the ball band and just flew through the pattern.  Now, they're a bit loose and somethimes fall down, but still warm and comfy.

What would you have done differently?
          I would have used a smaller needle size on the ribbing at the top to make it more snug and help it stay up.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I love knitting with Koigu KPPPM (soft and cushy!),  Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes, Cascade 220, Trekking, and Opal.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
          I knit with DPNs and have not tried any other methods yet.  I like the fact that it looks impossible, but is quite easy for me. :)

Which kind of heel do you prefer?  (flap? or short-row?)
          I like that flap heels are quite quick and easy, but I much prefer the look of a short row heel.  They are a bit challenging for me to start, but once I get into it, I can finish them pretty quickly.

How many pairs have you made?
          I have only made 6 pairs of socks, but I really enjoy adding to my sock yarn stash and dreaming of new patterns to try.

Labels: knitting

posted by Raellyn @ 3:00 PM