Okay, so I’m a little late. But Lolly was interested in our sock knitting history for Socktoberfest, and I thought I’d put up my answers. I don’t have much of a sock knitting history (or really much of a knitting history at all — I’m just about to come up on two years!), but here’s what I’ve got!

1. When did you start making socks?

I started making socks pretty shortly after I started knitting, but I had a roadbump in my learning curve — my first sock was disastrously small! It was made from Wildfoote sock yarn, and I was very very happy with the way it was turning out — until it didn’t fit! I made it past the turning of the heel, and about two inches into the foot, before I finally tried it on. Dumbass!


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

I taught myself. I got the basic instructions from Sally Melville’s The Knitting Experience: The Purl Stitch.

3. What was your first pair?

The first pair I finished was a pair of Retro Ribs, from the Winter 2004 Interweave Knits. I did them in Elann’s Sock It To Me cotton/elastic blend — in bright red — for my mother.


4. How have they “held up” over time?

I don’t actually know. I’ve not seen them since I gave them to her — but I don’t get to visit her very often, so that’s not surprising. (Knowing Mother, she probably doesn’t actually wear them, so they’re most likely in great shape.)

5. What would you have done differently?

I’d have been more careful with my math so that the first sock actually fit!

6. What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I haven’t used many yarns. I really liked the Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport that I used for my husband’s “around the house” socks, though. Very yummy.

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

Knit, on DPNs. I actually really enjoy using DPNs. I’ve never tried magic loop, but I tried two circs once for about three minutes before thinking I’d lose my mind. I still get minor laddering sometimes with DPNS, but not enough to bother me.

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

I’ve only ever tried a flap heel. I’m going to be using Socktoberfest as an excuse to experiment with short-row heels, and with toe-up socks.

9. How many pairs have you made?

Three, almost four. One pair for Mother, one pair for hubby, one pair for my son, and I’m currently almost finished with the cuff on the second of a pair for me. So, not very many!

All my photos of my sock knitting projects can be found here.