I make a lot of socks. Really, a lot. I keep them all for myself because no one appreciates them the way I do, so, everyday I wear hand knit socks. On sock washing day, my clothes line is covered with my socks. All different colors, but almost all the same style.
As I was thinking about writing about socks, it dawned on me that I should see what socks I’m working on. I found four pairs in my knitting bag and purse. I carry in progress socks every where I go. You never know when a kid will be late and you’ll have to sit and wait. I go prepared with a sock to knit; usually one that’s in an “easy” phase. You see, socks being knit go through phases.
First is cast on and initial ribbing. This is something I need to do without interruption. I have a problem with counting to 56 (to cast on) and the first few inches of a socks are a prickly mess. The needles go every which way and I’ve been known to growl at them.
Second is an easy part: the leg. Six to eight inches of knitting a simple rib or stockinette. Occasionally (very occasionally), I’ll knit a pattern in, but I typically let the yarn speak for itself.
Third is the part that strikes fear in the hearts of new sock knitters: the heel and gusset. The only fear I have is that I forget to 1) measure the heel, 2) count the short rows, or 3) not decrease on the right rows. I’m able to handle all these things, but they require thought. And, I’m a bear of very little brain. I usually do this part when I’m alone after the kids go to bed and sometimes, at knitting group. I like to do the whole thing in one setting, which takes a hour or so.
Fourth is the very easy part. All the counting and thinking is done. Now, all I need to do is knit around in a circle for six inches. This is the home stretch, which goes fast and is very rewarding.
Fifth is the toe. It’s not difficult, but it does require some attention. At this point you need to decrease, then do the Kitchener stitch to close up the end. My one bit of advise: NEVER stop in the middle of the Kitchener stitch. You’ll regret it.
For the record, here are the five pairs of socks I’m working on right now:
From left to right:
Austermann’s Step (sock yarn with aleo vera). I’m almost to the fifth step on the first sock.
Brown Sheep Wildfoote Handpaint. It’s close to the final fifith step, too.
Cascade Fixation (cotton and elastic yarn). I’m just starting the second sock and using the Waffle Sock pattern from Knitty.com. These are “strawberry waffle socks”, I’ve also made them in blueberry.
The Great Adirondack Yarn Company handpainted sock yarn (green/purple in front). I’m just starting these as well, but I love the yarn so much I wanted to get going. So far: yum!
Briggs and Little Durasport, handpainted by me. I’m knitting the dreaded heel. I wrote about this colorway earlier in this post.
