A List for A Wednesday: Socktober
If you follow me on Instagram, this will be old news, but I have been joining in Socktober and working my way through a couple of pairs of socks!
I've tried sock knitting before, but the 4DPN top town pair I'd previously attempted had me wanting to impale myself of said needles. It wasn't until Joanne posted about sock knitting and then hanging out with the awesome Rachel Coopey at Yarndale that I plucked up the courage to start my own pair.
My first sock attempt is in The Wool Kitchen Pairs in Ziggy with a contrast toe and heel done on a magic loop. This is an amazing BFL and Bamboo base that is simply divine to work with. I have a couple other hanks (obviously Hello Grellow is one of them) in my etsy basket waiting for payday. The pattern is Dave from Coop Knits Socks Book 2 (though I had to use a slightly different heel as I didn't have my pattern to hand when I was doing it). The book is so good - not only are the patterns fantastic, but the tutorials are really helpful and clear - highly recommended.
After casting off the first sock, I wanted to see if I could knit two at a time. However, this is where I have a confession. Despite being a relatively confident knitter, I really struggle with magic looping. Its only the first few rounds, but my cuffs and ribbing on hats and jumpers are always a bit of a mess. So, I thought I would brave 2 at a time from the toe up....and I am sold.
Other than messing up a bit where my cast on is purl side out, I love this method of sock knitting. It does feel like progress is slower (I really felt like I wizzed through Ziggy Dave, whereas these socks are taking longer in my mind). The yarn is something I've had in my stash for years and was already in 2 balls for this purpose and I am using the stitch pattern from Hermione's Everyday Socks (while we are also re-watching the Harry Potter films)
I am already planning my next pairs. I have some Milburn 4ply in harvest gold that is begging to be socks with a steel contrast heel and toe. Kevin has requested something like Hyak socks and I feel like I need to make some Broken Seed Stitch socks.
I suddenly understand the sock knitting addiction and fear I could become one (and addict, not a sock).
Tips and Tutorials:
Sarah from Crafts from the Cwtch has loads of great sock tutorials on her blog. I found her getting started post really useful.
Heidi Bears also has an excellent two at a time from the toe up tutorial and I will be reaching for the heel tutorial soon.
Don't think crochet socks are left out of the equation here. Joanne as a new pattern coming out in the next week or so for you die-hard crocheters and it is awesome!
For those of you that don't know, this week has also seen my resignation as a director from Blogtacular. You can read the full statement here.
