Tuesday 28 April 2015

The Sock Saga

Am I alone in discovering that knitting one's first pair of socks can turn into a bit of a saga? :-) I suspect not. On the Down to Earth Simple Living Forums one of the other beginner sock knitters who has actually finished her socks was kind enough to do a basic Knit Along for the rest of us. However, I needed really detailed instructions as I had absolutely no idea of how to knit with double pointed needles as I have enough trouble with two never mind four so printed out the One Sock on Four Double Pointed Needles Tutorial which had been recommended for absolute beginners....which I am where socks are concerned...no doubt about that!


As I mentioned this tutorial is very detailed so if you are having an irrational moment and are considering knitting your first pair of socks then do check out Silver's Sock Class and I am sure you will find what you need there. In a recent post I explained that I didn't want to waste expensive sock yarn while I was experimenting so I was doing a trial run with cheap 8 ply from the $2 shop just in case anyone is scandalised when they see the above photo and are wondering why I am using such thick yarn. 

I have also discovered since starting this blog that there are lots of other helpful bloggers out there who are always willing to share their talents and a couple of them have left comments about their knitting adventures and I would love to share them with everyone as a lot of readers seem to be intrigued by the art of sock knitting. 


Pat from the US had a Sock Knit Along in January on her blog Lilly My Cat and she also told me about her friend, Christine in the UK, who is starting a Sockalong this Sunday, 3rd May. If you read  their blogs it won't take you long to realise that both these ladies are quite experienced sock knitters and I am sure you will glean lots of helpful information there.
Then our own Aussie Farmer Liz from Eight Acres also shared about how she started off on this journey and you can read about that here.
 

I might have to put my sock knitting on hold for a while though as I am heading off to the NW of the state on Friday for ten days or so to see this little man who is four months old now and growing very quickly I believe. He was ten days old when I saw him last so he will have changed a lot since then. I will be with the family for my littlest granddaughter's birthday as well as for Mother's Day which will be nice as I can help the girls make some 'surprises' for their mum. I am looking forward to seeing the scarf which Miss Six is knitting after I showed her how to cast on and knit last December.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week despite the sad events that make the news nearly every day it seems. Sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming and I find it is soothing to just focus on the beauty of creation around me even if it is just a tiny flower in the garden.



22 comments:

  1. Socks sound a little advanced for me at the moment. I will check out the links though. I have just finished one scarf and started another last night. This one is also in garter stitch but I am knitting with two strands of wool, just as an experiment. How exciting for you to see your grandchildren later this week, you will have such a lovely time with them I am sure.

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  2. Wow,good to see you are making progress on the sock, the easy part is good for practicing with the dpns, when you are just starting to use 4 needles.
    Call me if you need help.

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    1. Margaret, can you check the sock thread on the forum? I did email you but your email may still not be working.

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  3. Looking forward to seeing what your scarf looks like, Sherri.

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  4. I am hopeless at sock knitting, have been known to through a paddy lol. will check out the links though....Enjoy your grandbabies...

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    1. That would have been interesting seeing you throw a paddy, Mandy. LOL!

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  5. If i ever feel the need to knit a pair of socks then you're my woman. Did i say, size 10? Ha Ha

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    1. Lynda, I am not sure I will feel the need to knit an extra pair :-) It will probably take me till Christmas to knit the first pair.

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  6. How exciting to spend some time with the fam! Have a marvelous time!

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    1. It will be nice to see them all again, Chrissy. I only see them twice a year.

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  7. Mind boggling Nanna Chel! I wouldn't know where to start! Dying to see the finished product. Mimi xxx

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    1. Mimi, I didn't know where to start either. That is why it is taking me so long.

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  8. I am going to try tube socks and hope for the best.

    In unpacking I found a nest of narrow scarves I knitted, gosh, years ago and I am going to join them to make a shawl. I promises to be weird.

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    1. Haven't heard of tube socks, J. The shawl should look great once you join up the scarves.

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  9. Chel, forum won't recognise my password, can't reset now as email still not working. will try again after I have been on to Optus this morning.

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    1. Okay Margaret, I hope Optus can help out.

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  10. Wicked sock colours Chel! Have a lovely visit with the family.

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    1. Thanks Barb. I am actually looking forward to the 32C days as it is freezing here.

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  11. I am inspired to become a sock knitter Nanna Chel! Currently knitting my third pair of slippers, did two last winter and this pair is for me. Hot pink! Not my colour but had leftover wool. Have a lovely time in the NW and ignore the news for a while. I am .

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    1. Hutchy, I am glad I am not the only one. It is a challenge I must admit but I am getting used to not poking myself in the eye with the needles.

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  12. Keep practising, the colour is something I would choose. I always find the first couple of rows the worst, then knitting on 4 needles is really pretty easy.

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  13. i took a Craftsy class to learn circular knitting, we started with a headband, very basic & after i learned i wondered why was i so scared of learning it? now i'm using them to make beanies, it's great as there's no seams! i do want to lean socks too but probably won't be this winter.
    good luck with your socks
    thanx for sharing

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