Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Welcome to the Procrastination Station!

Yeah, I'm still gonna do that other stuff... in a minute. I did get the lunch part completed. ;)

I've decided to get on the Socktoberfest bandwagon since that's really what I need to be focusing on this month.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I started sock knitting this past June. I taught myself using a couple books (not devoted to sock knitting) and an online tutorial.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
This is my first pair:

Lion Brand Magic Stripes on 2.75mm Clover bamboo DPNs. Top down, slip stitch heel flap.
They came out too big for me but they're good house socks for the boy. He wears them a lot. He even runs around outside in them. :P They seem to be holding up well. I'm amazed how soft they've gotten! The first one is pretty baggy but that was knitter's error, not wear.

What would you have done differently?
Nothing, really. They were a great practice pair. I made the second pair by formula rather than pattern so they actually fit but I wouldn't change the way I did the first ones because I liked having the numbers set out for me so I didn't have to worry about it.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I'm still figuring that out. So far I've completed 4 pairs. 2 Magic Stripes, one Knit Picks Simple Stripes, and one Berrocco Ultra Alpaca. I loved working with the Ultra Alpaca but it's not a sock yarn. I've started and practiced with some Bernat Sox and some other Bernat acrylic (decent practice, not for wear), Elann Esprit (still working out the best gauge for this), Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (not loving it but I'm about to experiment with some carry-along elastic), KP Gloss (very silky with a great sheen)... I think that's it right now. I have some KP Palette that's about to be swatched. I also have some KP Dancing and Fearless Fibers superwash merino in the stash. I think the Dancing will make nice socks and I can't wait to work with the FF. It's soooo soft and pretty!! Oh, and I have some KP Bare merino as well. I'm going to try Kool Aid dyeing after the holidays.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I'm a 4 or 5 DPN gal, depending on the sock and which section I'm on. I haven't tried any circ methods yet. I might experiment later but I seriously doubt I'll switch from DPNs as my main method.
Crocheted socks sounds like some sort of torture device to me. :P

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
How many pairs have you made?

As I mentioned above, I've made 4 complete pairs with some in progress and some practice.
I like both flap and short-row heels. I'm fond of short-row toes because of my foot shape but the decrease toe is better when knitting for some others I know. I haven't tried any increase toes yet.
I think each variation has its place and the variety is wonderful! :)

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