Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Little Bit of Learning Goes A Long Way

So I read some more, and just as I suspected, after actually working one sock, I understood the written directions so much better. Even though I messed up on the cuff ribbing and I still have holes at the gusset, this sock is so much better than the first. I'm actually going to make a second to go along with it. I mean, this sock actually has a properly formed heel and the triangle/diamond-shape at the gusset. And I thought the yarn was black, but it's more of a brownish color.

After I make this pair, I'm going to the yarn store and buy pretty sock yarn. And, of course, I'm going to read up on how to close up those holes I got when I worked the gusset.

Sock Facing Left

Sock Facing Right

Monday, May 25, 2009

One Sock

I actually knitted a sock; I can't believe it.

Sock Off The Needles


Not Exactly Hanes-Worthy


Pretty, if you don't get too close


There are a few holes in my knitting, but I've decided to leave well enough alone. Now that I have actually gone through the steps to knit a sock, I will pull out my knitting book and see if I can identify my mistakes. My method - a single sock on double-pointed needles - is not really useful if I am serious about knitting a pair. I've heard that two-at-a-time method is best because you can guarantee the pair come out the same. Or perhaps I should try baby socks next to speed up the time it takes to knit them. Wish I knew someone who was having a baby. I'm very excited about my future in socks.

I Didn't Understand the Instructions

My sock is so funny looking. Once I tried to knit the heel, I got everything confused. So I just kept knitting the best I could. The project closely resembles a sock, but the heel is so wrong that I chose not to document it. I have seams where there should not be seams, so wearing this sock for a prolonged time would probably not feel good. There will be no twin for this sock because even if I tried I could not recreate it due to the liberties I took with this one.

I have several knitting books, and I read them as carefully as I can. However, it seems that I don't really get what they are telling until after I've attempted the project. As soon as I finish my sock, I know I'll be able to go back and re-read my sock book and understand what the author was trying to tell me. Although I learn through reading, my knitting would not be as far along as it is if not for on-line video and practical application.

The shape of things to come

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sock Chronicles

I'm really struggling with this sock. I've done the leg and completed the heel and heel turn and I'm now required to pick up the stitches necessary to start the gusset. I ask myself the "What-sset"? That's why I'm online right now; to see if there are any videos which might demonstrate in real time what the heck I'm supposed to do.

The Tao of a Sock

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Finally! A Sock Is Born!

Happy Anniversary to me. One year ago, I decided to teach myself how to knit. I'm currently working on my first pair of socks. Technically, my first sock. I'm using as a guide and tutorial a book I bought a few months ago, Getting Started Knitting Socks. I am not very far along, as I have never used double-pointed needles before. My only experience with knitting in the round is with a circular needles using the Magic Loop technique (which I love....it's really so easy).

Sock Beginnings


Easy Knit Cabled Hat


The great thing about knitting is that it always relaxes me. Even if it's a tough pattern that I have to do over and over (as when I tried to knit a lace stitch pattern), there is no frustration, just determination to get it right. Since I've been knitting, I can't look at a sweater or scarf or socks without seeing the pattern intricacies or the cabling involved and admiring it lustfully. I've finally found a hobby that I enjoy and that has so many levels to it that I can always be challenged and never bored.

This Memorial Day weekend, I'm starting a new project - learning to speak Spanish. !Que Loco!

Finding My Treasure

Now that my shawl is complete (yarn purchased during the Orange Blossom Yarn Crawl in March), it is just hanging out in my foyer until I de...