2006/10/14

About socks

Voi surun päivä. Oikeaa kättä särkee taas ihan julmetusti, ja lääkärin mielestä kutomisessa voisi pitää taukoa. Mieluummin tietysti luopuisin hiirityöstä, mutta luulen ettei työnantajani maksaisi minulle kutomisesta. Tylsää. Joten valmiiden Jaywalkereiden sijaan saatte nyt lukea henkilökohtaisesta sukankutomishistoriastani, ja tällä kertaa vain englanniksi.

Oh the sadness. No knitting, says doctor; my right hand is aching like mad again. I would rather give up the mouse work, of course, but I doubt my employer would pay me for knitting. Boo. So, instead of finished Jaywalkers I'm gonna answer Lolly's questions about socks.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I started knitting socks about a year ago. I had knitted a pair before; I think every girl in Finland my age has learned how to knit socks in school. I remember being quite bad at it actually.

lumin sukat3
Baby Socks in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, from Interweave Knits summer 2005 / Ann Budd

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

My first socks were these baby socks for my goddaughter. I absolutely hated knitting them, and I don't think I could have finished them without Lolly's encouragement. I joined the first Socktoberfest, finished the socks, and decided that sock knitting is not for me. But then I received some beautiful blue Koigu in a swap from Cassie, and decided to try again. For some reason I loved knitting these socks! I loved how they turned out and I've been loving wearing them too. :-) They've held up pretty well, they are a bit fuzzy but still definately wearable.

lehtisukat vaaka1
Embossed Leaves Socks in Koigu Premium Merino, from Interweave Knits winter 2005 / Mona Schmidt

What would you have done differently

I would have used smaller needles. The pattern recommended size 2,75 mm needles, which I didn't have, so I used size 3 mm needles instead.

Norwegian Stockings
Norwegian Stockings in Sandnes Sisu, from Folk Socks / Nancy Bush

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Oh, Koigu of course. It has a special place in my heart because it made me love knitting socks in the first place (big thanks to Cassie too! :-)). Other sock yarns I've tried are Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Sandnes Sisu and Regia Silk. I would use all of them again. I'm currently knitting Jaywalkers in Sundara Yarn Sock, and it's lovely too!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I've only knitted socks with DPNs. I've tried the Magic Loop method but didn't like it. I might try the 2 circulars method when I feel adventurous enough. :-D

Retro Rib socks
Retro Rib Socks in Regia Silk, from Interweave Knits winter 2004 / Evelyn A. Clark

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I really really really enjoy the heel flap. I love turning the heel, it's just so genious. I've only made one short-row heel (the baby socks), and I've got nothing against it either.

Go With the Flow Socks
Go With the Flow Socks in Koigu Premium Merino, from Interweave Knits summer 2005 / Evelyn A. Clark

How many pairs have you made?

Five – one for my goddaughter, two for my mother and two for me. There is also one pairless Estonian Sock and an almost finished Jaywalker. And that's it!

Now please, tell me: what to do when you can't knit? I feel lost…