Socktoberfest questions...

Hello Everyone - Lolly asked us Socktoberfesters to answer a few questions about our sock knitting history. So - here it is!



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 about 2 years ago, when I began knitting. The LYS where I took my first class was having a "toe up sock" class. I loved the sock yarns - and the teacher/owner promised me that I could do this! So, I signed up.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time? My first pair was some self striping yarn and they were awful - my heels sucked. I was taught short row heels and I had major difficulty with the wraps and turns. I also struggled with the cast on technique - thank goodness for Judy Becker!! The socks have held up well - no one wears them! I use them as an example in my classes that I now teach on toe up socks.

What would you have done differently? I would have frogged them and knit the heels again. I would have also spent some time looking for a better pattern!! I was intimidated by dpns - I should have tried them. The second pair I knit was out of Cascade Fixation - I made some socks for my daughter - they turned out wonderfully - knit on dpns - and they have lasted wonderfully!!

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? I love Lorna's Laces, Koigu, and Schaefer sock yarns. I also have knit socks with Blue Sky Alpaca Silk and with Drops and with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino - wow are they also nice to knit with!! RY Cashsoft is also yummy and makes even yummier socks!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? I have never, ever crocheted socks - eewwww! LOL. I have knit socks on dpns, 2 circs, magic loop and I really prefer dpns. Don't tell my students - I teach toe up magic loop!

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I love the heel flap version for myself - it fits my foot better. It also fits daughter #2 better, but daughter #1 prefers short-rowed heels.

How many pairs have you made? I have knit myself 2 pairs, daughter #1 - 2 pairs, daughter #2 4 pairs. Shhhh, I am working on Christmas socks for my son and my mom! My completed total is 8 pairs.

Have a great day everyone!!