Socktoberfest!

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, following the pattern from the VK issue. It wasn't too hard to do since the directions was straightforward. I may have asked someone how to turn the heel, though. I do remember being awed at the magic that happens when you turn the heel. That's the fun part of knitting socks . . .

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

I think it was a burgundy and golden sock (yes, Redskins colors) using a pattern that I found in Vogue Knitting, Fall '92. The yarn I used was fingering weight, and it came from Brazil, I think. Really good yarn, and no longer available, I think. Wish I had kept a label so I could look for it in other folks' stashes. How did it hold up? Well, I never really wore it - see the answer to the next question for reasons why.

What would you have done differently?

Not made it knee high, but more to crew sock height. I should have realized that I never wear knee-high commercial socks, hence, why should I be wearing hand-knit knee-highs? As you can see from the picture above, the socks come up about 3 inches or so above my ankles. I just like it that way and it feels comfortable, even during winter.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Good question. I haven't really settled on favorites because I haven't had the chance to buy different brands. I did knit with Trekking XXL, and I really like how it works up.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

Crochet? Nope - I don't do crochet. When I first got started with socks, I used DPNs. However, I was not happy with how laddering would occur sometimes, especially when I was knitting straight stockinette. I tried the magic Loop method, but I didn't like the way felt. Now, I use 2 circulars and I'm very happy with how it works out.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

Usually, I do a flap, using the s1, k1 technique for 2 1/2 inches, and then picking up the gussets after turning the heel. However, I may make the short-row heel my favorite, since it is so easy to do and it looks more attractive.

How many pairs have you made?

Umm, it all has to be finished, right? Okay, as you can see from the photo, I have 8 pairs, 4 of which I wear most often. The lovely blue sock is now officially retired because the sole is so worn thin, there's a hole in one of the sock and I no longer have the yarn as I stupidly gave it away. I do, however, have quite a few in varying states of completion. Unfinished, mostly due to the second sock syndrome.