Thursday, May 14, 2009

first ever pair of socks

So, I haven't actually made a pair of socks before.

I've tried. I've started dozens of times. But I always lost interest when the first sock was about halfway done.

Knitting... Crochet... Didn't seem to matter which way I went...

The problem with knitting is that I really don't like to use circular needles. Or double pointed needles. I mean... I CAN use them... but I'm just so slow with them. They feel awkward and uncomfortable to use.

When I knit, I like to 'tuck' the right needle under my armpit. I know it's a little bit odd... but it REALLY works for me. I've always worked that way... and I can knit quite quickly. I've been knitting that way for 30 years now... so it's a well established habit.

So that means that I need to use long needles... so circulars and dpns totally disrupt my style and my rhythm... in short, they drive me insane!

I love the neat finish of 'no seams'... as well as the fact that you don't have to actually DO the seaming. But to be honest, using straight needles I can knit and seam an item in about half the time it would take me to knit it using circulars or dpns.

Which might explain why this sock pattern really appealed to me. Each sock is knit in one piece using DK yarn on straight needles, and then seamed up the sides.

So... here we have sock one:

DSCF0049

And sock two:

DSCF0042

You might notice that they are not a matched pair???

They are my contribution to the MISMATCHED MAY oddball challenge which I was telling you about here.

You might also remember that I had started to crochet a pair of socks for that challenge? Well... they've been abandoned for the moment... but I will crochet some socks... one day soon!

DSCF0040

pattern used -

yarn used -
  • crazy yarn mostly (but not limited to) 8ply/DK weight

needles used -
  • 4.0mm

thoughts -
  • these socks are not a 'fitted style'... but then we all knew that just from looking at the pattern
  • they are in no way 'delicate'... but I didn't really intend them to be... I mean, look at my yarn choice
  • mine are a bit big in the foot, and would not be comfortable to wear in shoes... but, they were intended to become a house sock anyway
  • quick and easy to knit... but I think that next time I decide to knit socks, I will persevere with the circular needles... even if they do take longer... the result is better!
  • despite all of the above... I LOVE THESE SOCKS!!!

8 comments:

Karen said...

Great socks! I bet they make you feel happy when you wear them and isn't that what it is all about.
Congratulations!

OldCinderella said...

I love your mismatched socks made of crazy yarn".

Unknown said...

I love them!

Mariana said...

These are just cute, cute, cute! I love them. You are very creative and I applaud your preserverance in making them. Just too cute.

Karen said...

Morning Sharon A simple pattern for socks on four needles (28 sts in total) is available if you google Knitting Intuitively With Almost Anything and then go to Woodsman Socks.

Cats-Rockin-Crochet said...

Oh my God! Those socks are so funky! Love them!

Susan J Barker said...

I have the same problems with you with my knitting - I have a system and other ways are just ways to irritate me... Is there a direct link to ordering the pattern you used? I think I may be successful at this particular one..

laughing purple goldfish said...

thnaks everyone... I'm getting so much wear out of these socks at the moment... sorry... not sure where the pattern has disappeared to... there appear to have been some changes at the jo sharp site, and the free pattern has disappeared