An Interview Part 3. Kate Hops Into Her Socks!

My BKF Kate and I danced into this sock adventure together.  She is going to share what the experience was like as only Kate can.  We spent time laughing and snarling as we moved forward.  This is Kate's Sock Tale!

 

I had never made socks until my BKF told me it was time.  That was last Spring.  We picked out some yarn at our favorite store and I found a book with some directions from the library called "Basic Socks."  I later regretted both actions.  Neither the yarn nor the directions were very good.  I actually forget the name of the yarn (Claudia Handpainted Yarn-Addition Fingering) but I wouldn't buy it again.  I had too many breaks.  No matter.  We were so excited to start a new project.  I didn't really use the toe part of the pattern from the book.  I started researching about socks and I learned there are different ways to make toes and heels.  That's all that really matters-the toes and the heels.  The rest is just filler.  I found a Youtube Video by VeryPink Lady.  At first I thought she was great.  She really was very helpful, but after I watched her over and over again, I was pulling my hair out!  (Try that, BKF.!) An inside joke, I'm bald.  Anyway, she advocated the toe-up method so no yard is wasted.  Being naturally cheap, I went for the suggestion.  She also recommended German Short Rows.  Sounded good at the time until I  reknitted those toes every day for a week.  I finally got the hang of it and I do think I will use that method again because there is no seam at the end of the sock and that just seems stronger and also more comfortable.  I made a simple gusset heel from the book and that was relatively easy. 

The socks turned out fine and I have worn them a few times.  There are some things I would change on my next pair. 

1.  I would make them shorter between the toe and the heel so they feel more snug.  Instead of measuring my foot, I would measure an old sock that fits well.

2.  I would knit in cables or some kind of pattern,  It got boring using only knit stitch in the round all the way up the calf and it made my hands hurt.

3.  I would try another type of heel just to compare.

I definitely will make more socks.  I was admiring so many beautiful ones from a book called "the Knitters Book of Socks" by Clara Parkes and I would really like to try them

 Thank you Kate.  Please add comments/questions in the comments section.    

Kate's finished project.