Socktoberfest!
I think 2007 is the year of the sock in the knitting universe. So far, Christmas-at-Sea has collected nearly 300 pairs of socks, more socks than ever before. But seeing as its the year of the sock, I think we can double that number by December 1, and I would like to challenge all of the CAS volunteer knitters to help me meet this goal. I certainly can’t knit them all myself!
As an incentive, any Christmas at Sea sock knitters who contribute socks by November 15 will be entered into a drawing to win this beautiful skein of Socks that Rock, generously donated by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.
This post is inspired by Socktoberfest! a month-long celebration of sock knitting hosted by Lolly Knitting Around. Lolly posted this sock knitting questionaire on her blog. I’d love to see your answers, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them by email.
Good luck and happy knitting!
When did you start making socks?
2002
Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I "taught myself," meaning that I read a lot of tutorials and instructions thoughtfully prepared by other knitters.
What was your first pair? How have they “held up” over time?
My first pair was a basic sock with a ribbed cuff made from Trekking. They were a gift to someone I rarely see anymore. I have no idea how they’ve held up.
What would you have done differently?
I did a sloppy job with the toe. It was too pointy! I wish I would have ripped it back an inch and re-grafted it.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Socks that Rock, Opal, Regia, Koigu, Tofutsies,
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Magic Loop! I love knitting socks this way. I used to use 5 DPNs but I often broke them. This year I’ve knit all of my socks on a circular needle and I have been much more prolific.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Heel flap.
How many pairs have you made?
More than 10, fewer than 20.
When did you start making socks?
Three years ago I began knitting my first sock. Last winter I finished knitting my first sock.
Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I attempted to teach myself quite a few times. Then after taking a break for a couple of years I became a little more fluent in the knitting language and was able to teach myself successfully. My sister offered the much needed moral support.
What was your first pair? How have they “held up” over time?
Okay so maybe I’m not THAT fluent in knitting language because I don’t really know how to describe it, but it was your standard sock. Ribbed at the ankle, closed at the toe.
What would you have done differently?
I was actually pretty satisfied–wouldn’t change a thing.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
?
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I don’t know what the magic loop method is, but it sounds fabulous. I knit mine on DPNs.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Heel flap.
How many pairs have you made?
I’m on my second pair. Slow and steady, as they say…
Comment by Kristin — October 8, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
1. When did you start making socks?
I have only been knitting for about a year. I knit my first pair of socks in early 2007.
2.Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I really wanted to try socks. So my friend Devittles helped me choose some yarn and gave me the pattern for Wendy’s Generic toe-up sock. She guided(with great patience) as I slogged my way through it.
3.What was your first pair? How have they “held up” over time?
Wendy’s Generic Toe-up Sock knit with Trekking sock yarn. I love to wear them but they are not that old yet.
4.What would you have done differently?
Nothing. I am so proud that I knit socks. I love them flaws and all and they make me smile.
5.What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Socks that Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no going back.
6. Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
First pair on DPN. Second pair on Magic Loop. So far, I prefer Magic Loop.
7. Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Have done one of each. Not savvy enough to have areal opinion yet on this topic, but my heel flap definitely came out much neater!
8. How many pairs have you made?
2 completed pairs. Numbers 3,4,and 5 are currently on the needles!
Comment by Farmgirl27 — October 10, 2007 @ 8:14 am
When did you start making socks?
I just learned how to knit socks this year. I actually had been making the toe of a sock for a longer period, as I was making nose warmers for me and my friends. That was inspired by a story from my Mom telling me about how her grandmother had knit her a nose warmer that she loved and that she wore it to all her HS football games. Amazingly, people loved it and she was a hit. So, my first toe up sock pattern was not as challenging as I thought it might be.
My next attempt is the Monkey sock from Knitty. Wish my luck!
Comment by Angela — October 16, 2007 @ 7:54 am