Joining In

I don’t often join knitalongs. Not because I don’t like them, but because I’m usually late to the party. By the time I get the yarn I need and ready to start, everybody else have finished theirs. So I just work at my own pace. But this past week I couldn’t resist joining, not one, but two!

I’ve joined the Serrano KAL (got my yarn already), and Socktoberfest!

For Socktoberfest, I’m going to start with the Oak Ribbed Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I love learning new techniques, and this sock intrigues me as it has a French heel and a round toe — not quite the average sock. My first (and only) pair of socks were toe-up, with short row toes and short row heels. So I’d like to know how the different heel and toes would make a difference in the wearing.

I’m knitting this with Paton’s Big Baby 4 ply, on 2.5mm bamboo DPNs.

And while I’m on it, I thought I’d answer the sock history questions. Although, with me having made only one pair of socks, it’s not much of a history…

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 my first pair of socks in December 2005, after getting a kickstart from the Sock it to me Summer/Winter knitalong. I taught myself using Wendy’s toe-up sock pattern. Oh, and this sock tutorial from Knitty.

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

It was the Mirabella Socks, made with Elle Pure New Wool DK. They’re nice and thick, so I wear them a lot on chilly evenings, and also as my bed socks. They still fit well, and are still very comfortable to wear. The yarn has become slightly fuzzier, and there are some pills here and there, which is understandable given the fact that I wear them a lot.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Can’t really answer this one, as I’ve never worked with sock yarns. The yarn that I used for my first socks was nice to work with, but it’s rather thick for everyday socks. I just tend to buy general-purpose yarns… But someday I’d love to try “specialised” sock yarns — perhaps they’ll hold up better? Or those yummy handpainted sock yarns… yum…

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

Now that I’ve gotten used to using DPNs, I quite like it. I don’t know how to crochet, haven’t had much luck with Magic Loop (I’ve tried, but my stitches look wonky with it), and using 2 circulars seems too fiddly to me.

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

Well, I like the short row heel… But I haven’t tried the flap heel yet, so I’m about to find out.

How many pairs have you made?

Umm… let me count… Oh, one.