Socktoberfest #3
Oct. 3rd, 2006 06:33 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
which_chickMy history of making socks.
When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I made my first pair of socks about a year ago. I bought a book and followed the instructions. They were on size 3 DPNs. I thought at the time (and still do) that the fabric created by size 3 needles was too clunky and coarse for my tootsies. I've switched to size 1 needles for socks. I like the fabric that 1's make.
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
The first socks were anklet-sized and followed the directions exactly. They had a straight footie-shape and bound me at the ball of the foot because I have duck-shaped feet and need increases to make socks comfortable on the balls of my feet. They are still functional but not particularly comfortable. Also, since I rushed to get them done, they're about a quarter inch short in the foot part and, as a result, constantly slide down in the back.
What would you have done differently?
Now that I know what I like, I make socks with a bulging footie shape that expands to accomodate the balls of my feet and then slims down again for the toe. I also don't rush the toes and allow enough room for unsquished and freely-moving toes. I pick up more stitches than are suggested for the gussets and this does not bother me in the slightest. I think it looks better my way and that's really mandate enough. This *is* knitting after all. It's not rocket science.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I really like the Mountain Colors Bearfoot stuff -- the colors are amazing and the socks hold up well in the wash. I also kind of like the halo effect of the mohair in that blend. My current project (HoHI) is in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and I really like the stitch definition in that yarn, too. I'm considering it for my version of Bayerische (don't know if that's spelled happily or not) socks which are in line after the HoHI. As a yarn, I like KPPPM but since it's 100% wool in hand-wash-only, I'm not sure I want to abuse it in socks -- it wouldn't be very practical.
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I don't like to crochet much of anything. It's hard on my hands. I knit my socks, both socks at once, on one big Addi Turbo circular needle and five same-sized bamboo DPNs. It's not pretty but I will take pictures to show ya'll when I get done swatching just in case anyone is interested in my madness.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I've only done one kind of heel, which is the one described here. It fits and is comfortable and adjusts to any sock pattern I might be using, regardless of stitch or gauge. I like it and do not, at the moment, feel any urge to learn a new way. I have never made toe-up socks and I think the afterthought heel is ugly.
How many pairs have you made?
Are we talking finished pairs, or pairs I started? I have precisely two pairs of finished socks that I can wear. One is the first pair I ever made and the other is the pair of kneesocks in eyestrain purple. I should sound less authoritative, here, since I've only made two pair of socks. *sigh* I am good at sounding authoritative even when my knowledge has less depth than a wading pool.
When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I made my first pair of socks about a year ago. I bought a book and followed the instructions. They were on size 3 DPNs. I thought at the time (and still do) that the fabric created by size 3 needles was too clunky and coarse for my tootsies. I've switched to size 1 needles for socks. I like the fabric that 1's make.
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
The first socks were anklet-sized and followed the directions exactly. They had a straight footie-shape and bound me at the ball of the foot because I have duck-shaped feet and need increases to make socks comfortable on the balls of my feet. They are still functional but not particularly comfortable. Also, since I rushed to get them done, they're about a quarter inch short in the foot part and, as a result, constantly slide down in the back.
What would you have done differently?
Now that I know what I like, I make socks with a bulging footie shape that expands to accomodate the balls of my feet and then slims down again for the toe. I also don't rush the toes and allow enough room for unsquished and freely-moving toes. I pick up more stitches than are suggested for the gussets and this does not bother me in the slightest. I think it looks better my way and that's really mandate enough. This *is* knitting after all. It's not rocket science.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I really like the Mountain Colors Bearfoot stuff -- the colors are amazing and the socks hold up well in the wash. I also kind of like the halo effect of the mohair in that blend. My current project (HoHI) is in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and I really like the stitch definition in that yarn, too. I'm considering it for my version of Bayerische (don't know if that's spelled happily or not) socks which are in line after the HoHI. As a yarn, I like KPPPM but since it's 100% wool in hand-wash-only, I'm not sure I want to abuse it in socks -- it wouldn't be very practical.
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I don't like to crochet much of anything. It's hard on my hands. I knit my socks, both socks at once, on one big Addi Turbo circular needle and five same-sized bamboo DPNs. It's not pretty but I will take pictures to show ya'll when I get done swatching just in case anyone is interested in my madness.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I've only done one kind of heel, which is the one described here. It fits and is comfortable and adjusts to any sock pattern I might be using, regardless of stitch or gauge. I like it and do not, at the moment, feel any urge to learn a new way. I have never made toe-up socks and I think the afterthought heel is ugly.
How many pairs have you made?
Are we talking finished pairs, or pairs I started? I have precisely two pairs of finished socks that I can wear. One is the first pair I ever made and the other is the pair of kneesocks in eyestrain purple. I should sound less authoritative, here, since I've only made two pair of socks. *sigh* I am good at sounding authoritative even when my knowledge has less depth than a wading pool.
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