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Tagsi don’t do socks
Over the years, I’ve made many a single sock. For some reason, I can’t get myself to make a second–ever. Just recently I came sort of close. I did 3/4 of the toe-up sock that Jaax and I were doing together. But I got really bored. So I used the other ball of that yarn and started the cable and rib sock from Interweave Knits. But about 3/4 of the way down I grew tired of that, too.
Here’s a horrible picture of the progress I reached on both of those:
On the left is the toe-up one. Ugly! On the right is the rib and cable. Lost interest.
So I finally realized. What’s a challenge for me? What would be appropriate for an Olympic endeavor? A PAIR of socks. Ding! This is it! I will make a pair of socks. I thought of it only today, though I’ve been ruminating on my sock issues for some time now, and Rachel‘s late, sheeplike joining definitely inspired me. I can be a sheep like the rest of ’em :)
After work today I zipped on over to Sophie’s Yarns, in its new location. It is now only about 3 blocks from me. I found a pretty yarn that I like (I have a feeling some of my issues with socks stems from the fact that I’ve never really liked the yarn). I couldn’t find some nifty self-striping yarn (she rarely has stuff like that, from what I’ve seen), but this will suffice.
The yarn is by Schaefer Yarn, called Anne. It’s 60% Merino Wool Superwash, 25% Mohair, and 15% Nylon. I have no idea if these fibers are good for socks, but I mentioned socks to Jennifer and she didn’t say, “No! Don’t do it!” I think I’ll do Jaywalkers, since the pattern is readily available and they look cute. Maybe I’ll do one top down and one toe up. We’ll see. If others have different suggestions for pattern, I’m totally open.
Like I say, I am a complete and utter sock novice. I don’t think they’re hard, but for some reason they don’t compel me. I’m intrigued by folks like Lolly, who adore making socks, and I feel as though completing a pair, for real, will help me understand better. After all, I’ve never worn a pair of homemade socks! I’m ready for Friday’s opening ceremonies–bring it on!
7 Responses to i don’t do socks
Woohoo! Join the herd! I think a successful sock completion sounds like a perfect Olympic idea. Go Team Baaaaa!
That is gorgeous yarn. I bet it will keep you interested.
Amy
Let me know if you want a smaller version of that button — I didn’t dare hope anyone else would want to use it, and I made it a little big.
I’ve seen/felt/drooled on Schafer Anne and I think you’re going to have a great time knitting with it. And you chose a beautiful colorway. Let us know how it works for socks!
That is gorgeous yarn. I think perhaps that has been your sock problem. Boring yarn. The very first pair of socks I attempted (never finished and ultimately frogged) were charcoal grey, plain 2×2 rib, and intended for Greg. Boring! It’s a miracle I ever tried socks again. More fun yarn was the key. Now, I can’t stop.
My caution would be that the sock pattern may not keep your interest. I knit a pair of Jaywalkers and kept getting bored. And I like knitting socks. Part of it may have been that I was knitting Pomatomus socks (available at Knitty) at the same time. The Pomatomus socks kept me more interested because they weren’t as repetitive as the Jaywalkers. I also enjoyed doing Mim’s Razorshell Socks (http://www.mimknits.blogspot.com/), which were my first pattern-stitch sock pattern. Regardless, good luck!
It’s all about the yarn for me – and wow, that is beautiful stuff! I too have some problems with second socks (I am fighting through that now!) but once you wear your first hand knit socks, you may very well fall in love! ;)