Sock Class

The first sock class was yesterday. It was a lot of fun. A little chaotic, as there were many different levels of experience, from those of us who could barely get started with double pointed needles, to knitters who are tackling very complicated patterns, with cast on techniques that I have never heard of. I had some sock yarn and the beautiful, tiny rosewood needles that my friend Needles (dr) brought me, but I was a bit concerned that the yarn wouldn't be sufficient. I bought it at the shop and asked at the time if one skein would be enough - the owner looked at my small feet and said yes. But I was happy when I scrounged through the racks to find another skein of each in the same dye lot (!), so now I won't have to be concerned about running out. The yarn I picked for my first attempt is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock - Superwash Wool and Nylon - Devon (the blue and gray colorway). The red/blue/purple is Uptown, and the other skein is a gift from Needles - Merino wool, which I'm saving for when I'm more confident - and competent.


I knit the cuff and leg of the sock last night. Not sure if I will attempt the heel before the next class. I watched the video on Knitting Help, so I might be able to continue. Miraculously, the gauge seems to be about right.

I'm pretty pleased so far. I sort of wish the yarn was striping more - as Jo at Celtic Memory mentioned in her latest blog, sometimes the variegated yarn is prettier in the skein. But given that this is a very plain, basic sock, I think this will do nicely. Although heaven knows if I can get get the same colors in the same places on the second sock! But that's a detail - if I manage to get 2 socks done that fit me, I'll be very happy.

The instructor also showed us other methods of circular sock knitting - using 2 circular needles, and the magic loop method, using 1 long circular needle. Using 2 looks even more unwieldy to me than dp's, but I want to try the magic loop. The woman sitting next to me in class was having some difficulty with it, though - definitely sounds easier than it is.

I was thinking about going to see a movie today, but decided to stay inside and do sock homework - and I'm glad because now it's starting to snow!