Socktoberfest Questions

When did you start making socks?

I made my first pair of socks while I was traveling in Europe 16 years ago. It was the most fantastic experience. They sell Jawoll yarn in the department stores there! So I bought scads of yarn and a really nice Jawoll knitting mag that had an entire section on knitting socks - to fit your foot, your yarn and gauge.

Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I basically taught myself - but my cousin in Switzerland showed me how to do an hourglass (short row) heel. I just couldn't figure out the instructions but once she showed me it all made perfect sense.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

My first pair were made with Jawoll yarn on size 1 needles with three color patterning. I made them for my husband while waiting for trains and planes. They have felted a little (it took him a while to learn to NOT wash the knitwear. I'm surprised he didn't ruined more things) He still wears them on winter Sundays. He thinks they are too warm to wear otherwise.

What would you have done differently?

Nothing.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I love Koigu and nearly anything from Regia.

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 on DPNs. I have tried 2 circulars, this was a complete disaster for the most part. I kept knitting onto the wrong needle and getting a lovely mobius strip type thing happening. I also tried the magic loop method. This wasn't nearly as disasterous but since the whole draw for me was the ability to knit both socks at the same time and I haven't found a circular in the size I want with a long enough cable I won't be doing this again either. I kept losing my loop and having to re-divided that last sock.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I prefer the short-row hourglass heel - both for wearing and knitting. I dislike picking up stitches and with the hourglass heel I don't have to do that. I find it is a less bulky heal to wear.


How many pairs have you made?

I have never counted my socks, nor have I kept track of the ones I have made for other people. But I usually save up my socks until I have 5 or 6 pairs before I kitchner the toes and I usually do that three or 4 times a year. Someone else do the math - because something tells me I don't really want to know the answer.