The Sock Thing

I tried the different ways to knit socks:

• One-at-a-time on double pointed needles (DPNs). This is how I did my first pair.
  
• Magic Loop - two socks at the same time on one long circular.
  
• Two socks on two circulars.
  

To spice it up a bit:

• Two socks - Toe up on Magic Loop. I had two pair on different circulars, 1 toe-up the other pair cuff down.
  
• The 2 circulars socks were toe up.
• The DPNs socks were cuff down.

I found out that no matter how easy it may seem, I, personally can't get a handle on 2 socks on 2 circulars. I have knitted a pair on the 2 circulars - but that was one sock at a time. It's just 2 needles - four points. Should be easy to handle the extra sock. I kept getting lost and tangled. I will attempt them again but at the moment. It's not contender.

Magic Loop - I thought I would have the same problem I was having on the 2-on-2. Once I got it figured out it was fast and fun! Stitch markers really came in handy on this one! I liked how I didn't have to pick up a dropped needle. That was an added plus! My toe-up socks on Magic Loop are going slowly, not due to any problems but to lack of time.

DPNs...this is my go-to-for-mindless knitting. Handy for waiting at the doctor's office, in line at the stores, walking to my Dad's (yes, I can knit and walk at the same time)! I love to make my husband's socks this way! Sometimes his socks have more miles on them before he wears them! I take the DPN socks wherever I go!

I do know of another way to make socks but that leaves a seam to sew up and I'm darn picky about things like that. The less to seam-up the less aggravation in the wearing!

So let's see;

• Magic Loop - toe-up or cuff-down - lacy or basic patterns. I will use this method for at least half of my sock knitting.
• DPNs - my favorite hands down. I don't even need to think about the pattern. Just need the weight of the yarn, the needle size the stitches per inch, the shoe size of the person I'm knitting them for and let me have at it!
• Two-socks-on-two circulars - not doing 2 socks at a time. Just one, very lonely one-at-a-time pair. I may revisit this method but for now - ain't gonna happen!
• Toe-up or cuff down - this is a non-issue. It's the pattern of the sock that will grab my attention.

The experiment is done. The trials, the frogging-it, the where is sock A, B, or C is over. Now I just have to finish that last few rows and bingo 4 pairs of socks will be done! It was a fun experience. A learning experience that has me wanting to go to a yarn shop and say,
"I like knitting socks - the method doesn't matter". That would drop some stitches wouldn't it?

Whose Bright Idea Was This?

"Just how many socks do you have going?" Hubby asks.
"3, with 3 more skeins waiting". I reply.
"Is that all?" Hubby says laughing.
"Yes, I want to see which method of knitting sock I like."

Flashback: I wanted to see which of three methods of knitting socks I prefer. Magic Loop (a 36-40" circular) knitting 2 socks at once, 2 Socks on 2 circulars, and using double-pointed-needles (dpns) knitting 1 sock at a time (I don't suffer from Second Sock Syndrome).

I usually use DPNs for knitting socks. It's the way I caught the sock knitting bug. Yet, if there is a way to that makes 2 socks at the same time. I'm willing to give it a shot. Since I don't have books on the different sock methods, I hit the web. After reading a few different people's versions on the two methods I jumped in. Also, their guesstimate on the time saved in doing the two socks at the same time was an interesting factor. From 1/3 to 1/2 in time reduction for the knitting. That would be nice!

Magic Loop - 2 socks at a time....found a pattern I like. It's toe up. Figured since I was going to try other needle methods may as well as in the toe-up version to keep things interesting. Once I got the cast on figured out I hit the floor running. Easy, fun and if I make a mistake... I seem to do it on both socks. They are a couple and so it seems right.

I must admit; I have made one pair of socks using 2 circulars to knit a pair of socks. I am doing another pair so I have all three methods going on at once. Easier to compare for me that way.
The socks are cuff down and I am working on the ribbing.

The DPNs socks - one down, one to go.

I am getting yards knitted during my research. And 3 pairs of socks will be done too! Nice bonus!

Still whose bright idea was this anyway? I knit socks with DPNs. Why try Magic Loop and 2 circulars to knit a pair of socks? What was I thinking? Knitting 20 rounds on this pair...and repeat on the two others. The only difference is one pair is toe-up.

I have gotten myself confused a couple of times. Thinking I was knitting 2 Circulars and actually was doing Magic Loop made for a few intense moments of finding where to put the loop again.

It's fun and educational. Again, whose bright idea was this?

So Many Choices

Knitting socks is fun. I don't know why I like to knit socks, and I don't want to figure it out.

You can knit socks:

• Cuff-down - starting at the top and working to the toe
• Toe-up - starting at the toe and working to the cuff
• Vertically - side to side

You can knit socks using:

• 4 Double Pointed Needles (DPNs)
  
• 5 Double Pointed Needles
  
• One Long Circular - 36'-40' long circular (also known as Magic Loop)
  
• Two Circulars - usually 2 24" circulars or a 24" and a 16" circulars
• One Long Circular to knit 2 socks at once
• Two Circulars to knit a pair at the same time
  

Which way is the best? Ask a practitioner of the various needles categories and you guessed it you will get 7 different answers. Oh, you noticed that I listed 6 needle choices? The 7th person is the one who has never cast-on a sock, nor ever wanted to but as an accomplished sweater knitter feels free to voice an opinion. Feel free to go to a knitting group as a newbie and ask innocently which way should a beginner choose to knit socks. Be forewarned; it's like asking if you should block your knitting before making it up.

I've read about Magic Loop, Two Circulars and two socks at the same time, toe-up, cuff-down (which is the way most of my favorite sock patterns are made). I learned on DPNs.

Hmmm...I have decided to try:

• 2 socks on 2 circulars - a cuff down pattern
• a pair that is knit on my fav DPNs - cuff-down -( have the 1st set of bamboo, size 3 DPNs that I love to knit socks with. Used to have 5 in the set...sadly hubby stepped on one and it cracked)
• Magic loop one sock - toe-up - having a problem on the two socks with this method (a how-to in front of me would certainly help)

I'm going to go knit one of these socks now. Planning on knitting the three ways I've listed each day. I'm curious to find out which way will be my favorite - If I have a favorite at all.

Here socky, socky.

The Vulture Habit

It was just a few skeins waiting patiently to be knit up, bought for a particular project.

I like to buy on sale, so I keep a knitting journal with ideas, patterns and where to find them, yarn specifications, and needle sizes. Then, I keep an eye open for sales and then pounce! The sock yarn I bought at 30% off three weeks ago, hit the clearance section for 1/2 off...snap - another skein of yarn was attached to my hand and I couldn't shake the dang thing off. It came home with me. It's sitting it the basket with the other sock yarn - 7 skeins total...happy to have been bought and dreaming of the pattern it will become.

Really it's only 7 skeins of sock yarn. It's not like they're rabbits and go making baby skeins! The color combos would be very interesting to say the least!

Working happily on the Felted Backpack for Potluck Yarns I thought I felt a shift in the yarn force. Ever so subtle but still felt it. Continued on the Backpack - it's finally dry and ready to ship! Started to clean up my yarn drawer in the living room. One drawer in the dresser that serves as a critter stand is for current projects, patterns, magazines and such. The shift happened again. Putting stuff where it goes..like a bookcase - who knew?

Entered the craft/business room upstairs I saw it. It looked innocent enough...hiding behind the skein of variegated blue sock yarn. Yarn in rectangle storage containers. The big ones that can hold a skein on end - if it's a small length one. Bigger skeins have to be placed on their sides. Have two of those containers. I can open them up, see what's there - no buried yarn. Plus various other holders, plastic bags with zippers hold projects waiting around but nice and safe of crawlies.

Then it happened........I touched the sock yarn....BANG...the yarn force shifted hard! Like magic all this yarn was sitting there. More than I remembered. Honest...never saw it coming! It's only bought on sale...I can't remember when I paid full price for a skein of yarn. There's the yarn for a felted bag. The silk that is going to be a tank top of sorts. The alpaca that is going to be a loose fitting cardigan. The dang fun fur of various colors and other small balls of acrylics waiting to be Gnomes. The cotton that is going to be a lace cardigan. Another set of cotton that is being made in to top. The rust color yarn that is going to be gingerbread men. The Noro that was one sweater that is frogged back to skeins to be another sweater. The mohair that was becoming a sleeved wrap but is becoming a hoodie. It fits on a set of metal shelves in containers, plastic bags, in baskets and the few rebels who sit mocking me on the shelf.

I have vultured myself into a stash mountain. At least by my standards! It's still only one metal shelf unit but for me - the amount I have is huge! DD#2 asks "Mom, could you make something white for Sophie to wear? You have enough yarn you should be able to do that." Funny...I only buy yarn when it's one sale. I don't buy just because I may one day use it. Except for the few wayward skeins of acrylic that was donated to me, the yarn is meant for something specific.

Touching that one skein of sock yarn caused the mole hill to become a mountain on by my standards. (I've seen the stash pictures of some ravelry members...mini stores! Whole rooms just for their stash.) I'm stuck in my stash and I have to knit my way out! I'll be here for a few months. Send food, water and lots of chocolate. This is gonna take awhile!

It's just Socks?

With 4 skeins of sock yarn sitting around staring at me, waiting to become more than just a ball of yarn, I search Ravelry for sock patterns.

Why knit socks when you can get a pack of 10 for $6? I like how something is always going on with socks. Cuff, leg, heel, gussets, foot and final toe - reverse for toe-up. The yarns can be solid, varigaited, self-stripeing, the list goes on. The patterns can be just a good basic sock to colorwork, lacey, ankle, crew, knee-hi, enterlac, easy to complicated.
You can knit socks with:
1 - 5 Double Pointed Needles (my preferred method - I still have my bamboo size 3 dpns that
see lots of sock yarn)
2 -Two Circulars (I find this method fun and easy - and no dropped or lost needles!)
3 - One Large Circular - using one long circular - 36 -40" to knit the socks (I am about to try this
method. I'll see how this goes)
You can do variations on the circulars: two socks at a time!

You can start socks at:
1 - Cuff down
2 - Toe-up
3 - Horizontally - which results in a seam.

I usually knit my socks cuff down. I am going to do a toe-up design next. Hmmm, haven't had much luck in getting a good start on toe-up socks. Again, enter search mode, finding Magic Cast On. Ding. Ding. Ding. I love it! It's neat, easy and works everytime! What more could I want from a cast on? Thank you Judy Becker!

Came home from a get-out-of-the-house run with...another skein of sock yarn. (total skeins of sock yarn - 5). Yes, there are people out there with more sock yarn than can be knitted in a year. (If they are knitting other things too), I'm not one of them. I think having 5 skeins waiting - 3 on-the-needles, 2 on deck waiting is plenty for me!

Socks...wonderful knitting projects. Fast, fun, portable and well liked. What more could you want in a project?

Must Resist

I swear I can here some yarn calling my name wanting me to cast on a new project. Spent this past Lent working on any WIPs (Work-in-Progress). Finishing up the putting together, or making up as they say in the fiber world.

Dare I list what is on-the-needles? Why not? Let's be wild!

1. Granny Square skirt - hmmm it's at the making up stage - on the shelf
   
2. Chicken Potholder - 3/4 of the way to the finish - next to the laptop. When I'm waiting on the dail-up I work on potholders...great way to make Christmas gifts all year!
3. Titicaca - cardigan - 1/4 done - in the project drawer in the living room
4. Spring sweater - froggin' it and remaking
5. Prayer Shawl - 3/4 of the way done.
6. Socks- hubby's - 1 done casting on tonight for it's partner
7. Socks - DD#3's - cast on and that's all that's done
8. Horse sweater for GD#2 - 3/4 done- having a heck of time keeping the color changes straight.
9. Miss Molly Doll - 1/4 done - the legs...need to get fiberfill before I go any further.
10. Strawbeary - again need fiberfill - 1/2 done.

Not as bad as I thought! I won't list what's in the queue for casting on...I think I would scare myself!

To the needles and string!

I Bought Yarn Just Because...Sort Of...

I went to the LYS (local yarn shop) to find a pattern for a cute sweater for the under utilized group of 4-10 size for kids. Never go w/ your family. Hubby, dd #3 and son, as I looked for patterns to knit, they were enjoying the rest of the store. When we met back up, they started checking out yarn.

"Mom, this is nice"....feeling weak at the knees. "This is awesome sock yarn - I love the colors". DD#3 knows my weakness for socks! I knew better than to reach out and touch it. Dear Daughter #3 has a pair of socks started on the needles already. I usually finish a pair of socks before I buy more sock yarn. I resisted! Then it called to me I swear! A wonderful black to light gray skein of the softest superwash wool I've come across. Same yarn DD#3 liked but it made me think of Hubby. Who likes crew socks, size 10 shoe- more knitting. The skein never left my hand. Even joked that they don't see a skein in my hand. Up to the register w/ the patterns I found and the yarn. I bought a skein of yarn just because I fell for it. Didn't make it half way home before I had a pattern figured out for Hubby's socks. Wouldn't ya know, I left my knitting bag at home. The first time I left at home on purpose and I needed my sock needles!

I'm not one to buy yarn because the sale is 80% off original price just to have it. I am not one who sees a ugly, I mean really ugly mustard yellow 100% wool on super sale and buy up the last 20 skeins just because it's on sale. Wait, I mentioned this in another post...fast forward.

I do buy yarn when it's on 80% off, in the color, content and amount I need for a project that all the details are in my knitting journal. Sue me, I like to make notes...(I can never remember if it's 653 yards in a worsted weight or 356 in a chunky weight). A beautiful 100% cotton, in a natural that I coveted while it was full price, I will buy! I need 6 skeins! The Cherry Tree Hill, a sport weight mohair boucle in Serengeti (bright pinks, yellows, oranges and reds) original price $35 for $7.56 - in the basket it went. I also tossed in a couple of skeins of Red Heart texture yarn in gold too. Total of $117 worth of yarn for $30 bucks!

The Cherry Tree Hill is going to be a sleeved wrap. The cotton a basic cardigan - gotta love wardrobe builders. The gold yarn is already made into prayer shawls. All had a purpose before I bought them. Just waited like a vulture for the discounts!

Back to that wonderful black/gray superwash wool sock yarn. It calls to me daily. It's where I can see it. I need the needles that are already in the middle of the cuff of DD#3's socks. Talk about getting it done! Happy Happy Joy joy - I bought a skein just because, sort of!