Sockerrrific

Turned the heel last night on the crazity stripity sock, but all other knitting time was sacrificed for uninterrupted viewing of Lost. (Holy cow, that was a good episode!) So, in lieu of actual knitting progress, I'll answer Lolly's Socktober questionnaire.

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 making socks in the fall of 2004. I can totally credit the Irregulars at Knit Happens for making me see that handknit socks were beautiful, fairly quick, and--most importantly--not too complicated. I don't remember how I learned exactly, other than I used DPNs and had to rip out and restart a LOT because I kept twisting on the join.

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

The first pair I ever made were these basic socks in Lorna's Laces Ravenswood. They were top-down with a 2x2 rib cuff. I gave them to my aunt. I asked her recently if she ever wore them and she said, "Well, sometimes. But they're wool, and my feet get too hot." So they're holding up well... but they rarely get worn!

What would you have done differently?

I wish I hadn't been so intimidated by socks on two circs. It took a lot of prodding from Holly before I understood it was easier on my klutzy fingers than dpns. I also seemed to accidentally knit thinks inside-out on dpns.

Also, I probably would have either used cotton for my aunt or kept the socks for myself, knowing about her hot feet.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Oh goodness, so many!

I really loved the Tess supersock yarn that I used for Elfine's Socks. I think that was the first solid yarn that I used for socks. I loved the way the stitches popped out. I have another hank of it that I think will become Bayerische socks for me. I also still am a fan of Lorna's laces, though recently ordered some J.Knits yarn and it feels like butter. And I really like the colors of the Claudia's Handpainted Yarn on the Child's French Sock and the Ellen's Half-Pint Farm. And Koigu!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I'm a two-circs convert.

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

I think I like to wear a flap heel better, but I think short-row heels look better. I want to experiment with other kinds of heels in the coming year.

How many pairs have you made?

Eight, counting the crazy striped ones I'm almost finished with. Not too many in comparison to some socktoberists, but six of those pairs have been this year -- definitely the year of the sock for me!

My own question: Which socks do you reach for first?

Without a doubt, it's these Go With The Flow socks that are made out of Koigu. Something about the pattern and the way it works with the yarn makes them extra comfy. And I totally love the autumnal colors - just right for this time of year!