My Sock History

Here's My Sock History for your entertainment!

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 knitting socks not long after I learned to knit--about 4 years ago now. I think it was a secret fantasy for me--learn to knit so that I can knit socks.

I am pretty much a self-taught sock knitter. I wasn't getting the hang of turning the heel the first time around, so my friend Beverly showed me that little trick and it was smooth sailing from then on. I swear by the Ann Budd book as an excellent resource for learning a basic cuff down sock.

What was your first pair? How have they “held up” over time?
My first pair were spiral rib tube socks made from Regia sock yarn. The pattern was in an Interweave book that showed socks made from handspun yarn. I didn't spin at the time, so I opted for commercial yarn. The socks have held up great and I enjoy wearing them. They are quite comfy.

What would you have done differently?
Nothing. I'm pleased with the way my socks came out.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
The only sock yarn I've not enjoyed working with was Brown Sheep Wildefoot. I found it to be splitty, and the yarn kept untwisting.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I have never crocheted socks. I knit them either on DPNs or on a combination of DPNs and a single 12 inch circular needle. See more on that in my post from 10/9/06.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I've only done a flap heel. I like it. I'll eventually branch out and try different heels, but for now, this works.

How many pairs have you made?
Oh my gosh. At least a dozen pairs. I know that doesn't sound like much in 4 years, but I go through sock phases. Sometimes I can't bear to knit socks, other times it is all I want to do.

And In Recent News
I finished my first pair of Socktoberfest socks last night. They are yummy if I do say so. Daughter loves the yarn color, but these are mine, all mine!! I knit enough for her as it is. Maybe if she's really, really nice to me, I'll get another ball of this yarn for her. Pictures of my finished socks coming later this week.

I've not talked much about volleyball this year, but yes, daughter is playing this year. She's on the A team for her middle school and doing quite well. I'm amazed at how much the girls have improved and how well they play. It looks like they are going to be in the championship tournament this weekend. That's exciting!! We're the host team for the tournament, and it's going to be held in the new gym. It should be fun. I've already asked Coach to find someone else to run the scoreboard, though. You have to remain impartial and calm when you are sitting at the scoring table. Well, if my kid and her team mates are playing for a championship, impartial and calm will be the last things on my mind!!

I've not been to Curves in about a month--not because I haven't wanted to go, but because this pneumonia has knocked me for a loop! I'm still not completely well. This cough does linger on and on. About a week ago, I fell at school and did a number on my knee. That put me out of Curves for another week, but yesterday I decided I simply must go. It was tough. I was sweating that unhealthy sweat during my workout (you know the one--the deathsweat) and feeling completely wiped out afterward. I slept better last night, though, and I feel a bit more energetic today. So, today, I was back at Curves and actually had my weigh in. I'm pleased to report that in spite of sitting on my arse for a month being sick and eating whatever I wanted (in moderation and still semi watching the carbs), I've lost 1 pound and 3/4 of an inch. I just need to manage to keep myself healthy enough that I won't be off my exercise routine so much anymore.