Now when I was staying with Terry in Canada I got severely and sorely tempted to knit some socks. I've always had a fascination for knitting socks and it's been a few years since I did a pair.
I've always thought it was a lot of time to spend on making something that may wear out after a few 'outings'. Anyway, Terry assured me that if I got the right yarn it would be fine and promptly gave me some - so generous and thanks, Terry.
So, Ruth, Terry and I went out one day for high tea (mega, mega yummy it was too) and just before that we visited a yarn shop they knew about. Well, yarn AND fabric - heaven without tatting threads!!!!
I decided to buy two more balls of yarn AND some new double pointed needles. Why? Well I figured that mine at home were older than me (probably) and I would spend hours trying to match sizes up. I was recommended to buy some carbon needles and that's the most sensible thing I've done in ages. They're fantastic. They don't slip out of the stitches but again, don't catch or 'stick', if you know what I mean. Thoroughly recommend them.
A week or so ago I decided to start my first sock with Terry's yarn first. I found a pattern and then decided that I needed to learn to knit a new way (to me) - the continental way. MAN, was THAT a steep learning curve (thank you, Youtube) and it slowed an otherwise slow knitter down to slow, dead slow and 'nearly' stop. But a week later I'm now flying and the sock is progressing wonderfully. Here's a picture taken a few days ago. MUCH progress has been made since but you'll have to wait!!!
Be careful, once you start on socks you may not be able to stop.have you seen 9" circulars needles even quicker with no stopping between needles.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha, Mary J. Been there and got the t-shirt. Oooops, I mean socks!!! What is it about knitting socks that makes them so much fun? Is it the interest when turning the heel or what?!?!?!?
ReplyDeleteYou have my envy and admiration! Most of my sock needles came from my gran and are definitely older than I am.
ReplyDeleteLove that yarn! I gave up on the last pair of socks I started knitting. My gauge was way off and I believe they would have fit Bigfoot! I've wondered about those carbon needles. Maybe if I get a set, my sock knitting would be acceptable. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, sock knitting is very addictive. Since the day I found the right method for me (2 at a time, because I suffer from a severe second sock syndrom!!!, on two 20" circular needles) I've always had a pair on the needles... and now I need a second sock drawer! Yours looks really good so far. And this yarn is gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, Good job relearning to Continental knitting style. After I learned that I started loving to learn new styles of knitting, Portuguese, Peruvian, two handed Twining, Lever knitting, using a knitting belt. yah got a bit carried away but still come back to continental. You learn so much about the stitch structures and the how and why of things. I also recommend Kollage square needles. The double points seem to only come in wood so you have to be a little careful but they are strong. The reason for using square needles is they don't turn in your hands, you have a larger surface to hold onto which reduces how firmly you grip the needles. They are very accurate and I found that it is a bit easier to get into the stitches if they are a bit tight due to the small space under the stitch that happens because of the flat edge of the needle.
ReplyDeleteLooks like great progress to me!! :) Can't wait to see your finished socks!! :)
ReplyDeleteSock it to me, you OG
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an excellent way to create those "fiddle muffs" you wrote about. I love the colors!
ReplyDeleteMy mom made socks, I've only knitted a few but I do love a pair in the cool weather. Your's look lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi, Eve. Thanks for leading me even further astray!!!! Great suggestions and I will, in time, give them a whirl too. Learning new 'tricks' is what keeps my old brain going, I'm sure. I'll certainly look out for the square needles - fascinating.
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