Let’s just take a second to appreciate my terrible pun in the title. Sorry to subject you to that.
I recently posted about my forays into the world of sock knitting – and I was so excited to post about conquering my biggest crafting fear, that I hadn’t even finished my first pair!
You’ve guessed what’s coming.
I have finished my first pair of socks!!!
I can’t tell you how proud I am – even if I do say so myself, these socks are really great.
The Madeline Tosh yarn was really beautiful to work with. I’ve been told before that “if you find Madeline Tosh, buy it” because it can be tough to get your hands on. I would absolutely reiterate that. I bought this online in a sale last year and I haven’t seen it come back into stock since. I will definitely be buying some more whenever I see it.
Well, I actually already have some more – the gorgeous yarn I bought in San Francisco a little while back. I think socks might be on the agenda for that yarn too – I haven’t found a crochet project that I want to entrust it to yet, and it is designed for socks after all.
In other sock-related news…
I have finished my second pair of socks!
So it turns out that people aren’t lying when they tell you sock knitting is completely addictive.
I have to confess, I started on my second pair before I finished my first pair. “I’ll just see how I get on with these short circular needles instead of the double pointed needles, they look like fun” – and then, boom! Another set of socks on the go.
The second pair I made, I wanted to experience self-striping sock yarn the way it is meant to be enjoyed, so I picked up a ball of West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply in Peacock.
It. Is. Amazing.
Crocheters don’t get yarns made for them like this. It’s like magic watching this multi-coloured yarn turn into these neat, consistent stripes all the way down your sock.
They almost match – they’re not quite perfect on the toe, but I think I know where I went wrong.
I love both pairs equally – but already I have different plans for them. The first pair are for snuggling on the sofa at the weekend; for wearing to bed when it’s getting cold but we don’t want to put the heating on; to wear on winter mornings so the tiles in the kitchen aren’t a freezing cold shock.
I’ll be wearing my second pair out of the house, with boots in the winter; they’ll keep my ankles warm when I wear my jeans to work on a cold morning; they’re coming on bracing dog walks where I keep my chin tucked into my scarf to shelter from the wind.
My next piece of news won’t come as a shock to anyone.
I have cast on my third pair of socks!
These ones are a Christmas present. It turns out that other people admire a hand-knitted sock as much as us knitters. (I called myself a knitter! I’m a knitter!)
I’d like to think that the people I love enough to make Christmas presents for are readers of this blog, so I won’t post any progress pictures of the third pair (or the fourth, or the fifth) – but let me just say – West Yorkshire Spinners strike again! I’m a big fan.
So what have I learnt?
I’m still obviously a beginner at this whole sock knitting game, but I’ve got a few pointers to get you through your first knitted socks:
Follow Christine’s tutorials!
This is the number one tip I could give anyone wanting to knit socks. Go to the Winwick Mum blog and do everything Christine tells you to do. She’s incredible.
Buy a selection of needles.
I wanted to do my first pair of socks on double pointed needles, to face the fear, but I’m really pleased I decided to try out some short circulars for my next pair. I love my DPNs, and I’m delighted that I can use them now – but for my needs as a commuter crafter, the short circulars are perfect.
Short circulars are great – but not too short!
I’ve tried short circulars in two sizes, and I would highly recommend the Addi 30cm short circulars – I tried the 20cm as well, but the actual needles are shorter, which made them harder to use and actually hurt my hands.
Get a self striping sock yarn!
I loved my first pair, but at times while I was making them I felt a bit “ugh it all looks the same”. They’re fab now they’re finished, but if you’re not a natural knitter there’s nothing like trying to get onto your next stripe to motivate you to carry on!
Knitting stitch markers are crucial.
As a crocheter, I’ve always used locking stitch markers – they don’t get in the way when you crochet and I need something I can open up quickly and re-fasten. I’ve always found myself baffled by the tiny little metal loops on stitch markers I see for knitters – they just aren’t for crocheters.
Tiny little metal loop stitch markers are a sock knitter’s best friend, and in this revelation I have seen a whole world of possibilities open up in front of me. Shall I make my own? How many can I get away with buying? What colours can I find them in? GIVE ME THE STITCH MARKERS.
Travel with your sock knitting.
Yeah, yeah, I would say this – I crochet on the move all the time. But I never used to knit when I was out and about – I tend to knit with my elbows, which doesn’t make you a lot of friends on the train.
But socks are a different story! The stitches are small, most of the knitting is a plain knit stitch so you won’t have to count or think or do anything too intricate, and most importantly – with short circular needles, my elbows don’t seem to fly about. The smaller needles are nicely contained in my hands and so my fingers can do most of the juggling without needing to involve my elbows. My fellow commuters seem very pleased.
Relax!
Sock knitting looks much scarier than it is. I think it would’ve been scary forever without Christine’s tutorials, but I promise – if you use those, you will be absolutely fine!
Until next time,
Elsie Pop
xx
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Purchases through these links won’t cost you any more but will make a small contribution to the running of this site.
Me, You and Magoo says
8th October 2016 at 1:18 pmSelf Striping Sock Yarn? What is this magic?! I love the way the wool creates stripey socks…how amazing. You learn something new everyday. I can’t knit, but my Mum can & she used to knit us thick socks when we were children. I’m going to drop some massive hints to her, I really need some of those stripey socks in my life! Thank you for linking to #craftingismytherapy
Elsie Pop says
9th October 2016 at 1:45 pmHaha I hope your mum picks up on your hints – don’t be too subtle! Stripey socks are amazing!! Thanks for visiting. xx
Relentlesslypurple says
8th October 2016 at 2:02 pmThey are amazing! I’d love to give socks a go.. Not sure what size my circulars are.. May measure them and give it a try 🙂 I get plastic locking stitch markers on the Wish/Home app for £2 delivered. I got 200 in all different colours! #craftingismytherapy
Elsie Pop says
9th October 2016 at 1:47 pmI’d definitely recommend trying socks – they’re much easier than you’d think! I have a zillion plastic locking stitch markers, but they are just too chunky for working with tiny needles and 4ply yarn, so I’m in need of more delicate ones for socks. I’m on the look out! xx
Zoe - floral and feather says
9th October 2016 at 4:26 pmLoved reading this! I knitted some chunky boot socks this year, but they were knitted flat and seamed together so I think I cheated at sock knitting a bit! http://floralandfeather.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/finished-project-first-attempt-at.html The self striping yarn looks awesome, will have to make a proper pair of socks next 🙂
p.s. loved the pun.
Elsie Pop says
10th October 2016 at 9:08 amSeamed together? I didn’t even know that was an option! To be honest, if I did know about that I probably would’ve seamed… but the heel turn is much easier than I’d expected. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and appreciating my dreadful puns! xx
Jennifer says
10th October 2016 at 10:24 amWhat fab socks! A few years back I was addicted to making socks, I made about 6 or 7 pairs, and then I got out of the habit and I’ve forgotten how to make them! I’ve never been very good at knitting so it was quite an achievement for me. You got me standing up to see if I could arrange my feet the same as your sister’s – I can nearly do it! Thanks for linking up to #craftingismytherapy
Elsie Pop says
10th October 2016 at 5:41 pmThanks Jennifer, I’m so in love with socks now! I wouldn’t recommend the foot arrangement though – I used to be able to do that too, and now my knees don’t work! 🙂 Thanks for hosting! xx
Lucy Blossom says
10th October 2016 at 12:47 pmOh wow, your socks are awesome. I’m almost tempted to try myself
Elsie Pop says
10th October 2016 at 5:41 pmThanks! xx
Winwick Mum says
10th October 2016 at 6:27 pmThose are fabulous socks, and thank you so much for the shout-out, I really appreciate it! There’s definitely something magical about self-striping sock yarn – well, socks in general – and I bet you’ll never want to wear bought ones again! xx
Elsie Pop says
12th October 2016 at 9:35 amThanks Christine, I think I’m already there on the not wanting to wear shop bought again! I’m loving my socks so far, wish I wasn’t giving the next few pairs away! xx
Rachel says
11th October 2016 at 11:44 pmI’ll admit it, socks still scare me. Someday I will try them. I really will.
LOVE the stripy socks!
I’d love to have you link up to my weekly Yarn Fanatic Party! This week’s party can be found here: http://www.thephilosopherswife.net/2016/10/yarn-fanatic-party-64.html.
Elsie Pop says
12th October 2016 at 9:36 amHaha thanks Rachel – face the fear! It’s so worth it, and they’re much much easier than you’d think.
I’ll definitely link up with you – a yarn link party sounds like a dream come true! Thanks for the heads up. xx
Caroline says
12th October 2016 at 6:10 amYou are on a sock roll and they look so good
Elsie Pop says
12th October 2016 at 9:36 amThanks Caroline, I love them so much! xx
creativejewishmom/sara says
12th October 2016 at 7:43 pmgreat socks and great post! i don’t think i’ll be knitting any socks any time soon, especially since my husband and sons just picked up some chunky hand knit socks (to wear as slippers and in bed) at the market in the Ukraine for $5…..I was secretly proud of them for spotting such a nice thing to buy! thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Elsie Pop says
13th October 2016 at 10:42 am$5 socks! That’s why I don’t sell crafts! They’re a super satisfying make – I’d highly recommend giving them a try. Thanks for stopping by Sara! xx
Sarah - let them be small says
13th October 2016 at 6:02 pmthese look fab! I’m not much good at knitting – I’m terribly slow and then I get frustrated with it. My mum however is excellent at knitting so she makes some fab bits for my children
#sharingthebloglove
Elsie Pop says
14th October 2016 at 10:18 amThanks Sarah – I’ve always thought I was a terrible knitter but having managed socks I have renewed faith in my skills! Weirdly the thing I was scared of knitting would’ve been a great beginner project. Thanks for visiting! xx
Ashleigh says
13th October 2016 at 10:08 pmI’ve never worn wooly socks!
They look so comfy and perfect for winter!
Elsie Pop says
14th October 2016 at 10:17 amThanks Ashleigh, they’re pretty comfy! xx
Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons says
16th October 2016 at 11:38 amYou know I love a cheesy pun! And I think I love your second pair even more than the first – the self striping yarn is genius. Love those Madeline Tosh yarn colours too – how pretty! Thanks so much for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
Elsie Pop says
18th October 2016 at 4:29 pmThanks Katy – the Madeline Tosh is dreamy! So soft and lovely to wear. I have another skein in the same colour so I’m tempted to make myself another pair just to have around! xx
Laura - dear bear and beany says
16th October 2016 at 9:53 pmYou are so clever! I love these, they are totally perfect for boots in the winter. Your sisters feet totally freaked me out! I was looking at the picture for ages before I read your caption, I thought my eyes were playing tricks. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove X
Elsie Pop says
18th October 2016 at 4:30 pmHaha her feet are quite “special” aren’t they? I used to be able to do the same but I lost it when I busted my knee. Thanks for hosting! xx
Cal at Family Makes says
17th October 2016 at 1:50 pmYou are so clever producing those masterpiece socks! I wouldn’t know where to start. Actually I’ve been crocheting scarves and I must admit it is similarly addictive – I think it’s just the fact that you’ve produced something yourself, and that it is recognisable and useful! I’ve got a long way to go to meet your standard though! #SharingtheBlogLove
Elsie Pop says
18th October 2016 at 4:31 pmYay to crocheting scarves! Scarf weather is the best when you’re a crafter – I love getting my old makes out to keep me warm when autumn rolls around. Thanks for visiting! xx