July 13, 2007

Sock knitting & its many challenges.

This is my first attempt to use a short - row heel in my sock knitting. I really like the way this heel looks; however, I do not have it mastered. It was difficult for me to do the wrapping & turning, difficult to avoid creating a little hole at each turn. I've done lots of heels with a gusset, they fit well but don't look as much like a real (commercial) sock heel. I've also done quite a few afterthought heels, so easy & convenient, but of the three have the poorest fit & look kind of inelegant. Since I learned to knit socks on two circular needles I enjoy the process. It moves along quickly. Making socks on four double pointed needles, while old-fashioned & cute & most impressive in complexity to non - knitters, is prickly & not fun to work. With the four needle method, I cannot stick the project in my pocket or purse without having stitches slip off of the needles. I am most susceptible to Second Sock Syndrome using four needles. A quick google search will yield many ways to avoid & even conquer SSS; for me, knitting socks on two circular needles & making little socks have proven the best defense against this curse.

I wonder if sock knitting could be compared with golf.

5 comments:

natasha said...

i learned to use magic loop which really is almost the same as two circs, but easier and i do two at a time! it is really easy and you have two perfectly matching socks when you are done. a really good sock book that has loads of variations and shows you how to do it on dpns, circs or magic loop is sensational knitted socks, and there is a new one out, too. for the hole that you get at the gusset, knit into the back of the stitch to make a twisted stitch and then you decrease that extra stitch and when you block em, it should go away. 2 socks at a time is the answer. you will never go back. oh and knitpicks has really nice really inexpensive interchangeable or solid cable needles that are like addi turbos but pointy. super nice for doing socks. really good flexible cable. i use a 48 inch one for socks.

Fun is always in style. said...

Thanks for your input Natasha; I only attempted knitting two sox simultaneously one time, & without any real instructions. The two skeins of yarn got so tangled that I gave up after a few rows of ribbing. I knew even at the time that I must be missing some info. I've also really wanted to try the Knit Picks needles - but shortly before they came out I invested in several sets to circular needles for sock knitting (two each of size 0, 1, 2, 3 all 24" long...) kind of a commitment - but I do need to get a 48" needle to try the two-socks-at-a-time magic loop. The idea of finishing both socks at the same time is very appealing - would really be worth another attempt. I should stop thinking 'ah, these (needles) will be all I'll ever need ever ever. I know I'd like the point on the Knit picks, for socks and lace.

Sadie Lou said...

gobbeldeegook.

Fun is always in style. said...

hehe

Netty said...

Heidelore Strauch loves knitting.