I'm jealous of your gigantic stash. I have a big stash too but it's 98% acrylic :-( What sock yarn do you prefer? I'm thinking of casting on for some socks at some point ... any advice for method (magic loop, dpns) or a pattern? That yarn looks yummy!
I've only knit 1.5 pairs of socks so far, so I don't really have a favorite yet. Natural fibers feel better as socks since acrylics makes my feet sweat, so I'd recommend wool or a cotton blend. I've used DPNs for mine, although it might be interesting to use Magic Loop or two circulars for a set in the future. I like the way the Trekking XXL feels and it comes in lovely colors. There are also lots of fun self patterning sock yarns which can keep you entertained for your first pair. :D My first set was done using the Universal Sock Pattern ( http://www.burninghand.org/sockpattern.html, although it seems to be down currently) which I think walks you through the process quite nicely.
I would agree that using a natural fiber is so delicious. I'm not sure about you, but it's really encouraging to be working with a nice yarn, because it feels so nice in your hands as your work with it, and that encourages you as you go. The first sock-like slippers I knitted I did on double-pointed needles, and that method was satisfying. I used Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride for those, and it was nice, but it wasn't as finely spun, so it was kinda... hairy. Very warm though.
For my first round of actual socks, I've been using ArtYarns Supermerino, and it is incredibly soft, strong, warm, and just delightful. The colors are amazing.
I have used two circular needles for these and I have really liked the method. It helps eliminate the prospect of ladders developing in your knitting (it's near impossible to tell where the joins are in the sock), it guarantees you much more peace of mind (you just slide the sock onto the cables when not knitting and fling it in your purse for later. Also, no worries about your 4th or 5th needle flying underneath the table or couch), and the cables are much more flexible for trying on or while knitting (no needles in your way, they hang down far from your working hands).
DPNS were quite cool, but I would recommend two circulars as well. I REALLY want to try knitting two socks at the same time, via double-knitting. I read up on it, and it seems extremely easy.
As I was mentioning to Star earlier, Knitpicks seems to have very reasonably priced merino wool you could try, some of them patterned like she says above.
Oh, and Star, I read your comment on my LJ, and no, I didn't do anyting particular with the cuff. I know that for the first few inches, my knitting was oddly loose, so the ribbing is... thicker if that makes any sense. It is pretty obvious to me and anyone who knits that there is a weird difference there, but I'm hoping the recipient won't notice. :<
PS: If you want the sock pattern for the two circulars, let me know. Really easy, and really easy to substitute a more interesting pattern than the 2x2 rib it uses.
Oh, and thank you thank you for the encouragement on the socks. It's good to hear that from an experienced knitter -- I was thinking that there must be something wrong if this is taking so long! I think it just feels forever because I wanted these socks done some time last week :)
(Actually, I kind of envy it... I have waaaay too much yarn around this house. It started very organized in a closet. I put shelves into the closet and clear plastic containers on the shelves. Then it overspilled into one of those 50-gallon Rubbermaid containers and has now wormed its way into the bottom of our DVD cabinet. It is starting to take over. It's nibbling my toes... oh gods, it's eating my foot!!! Help me!! Help meeeeeeeee!!!!!)
I know my stash is puny.... like compared to Jane's... wow. I do have another Rubbermaid in the closet full of cottons and acrylic and then two small boxes on shelves for stuff that I want to be 'easy to access'. :D
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starfallz
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Date: 2006-10-23 05:02 pm (UTC)That yarn looks yummy!
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Date: 2006-10-23 05:21 pm (UTC)Socks are so much fun!
Date: 2006-10-23 11:28 pm (UTC)For my first round of actual socks, I've been using ArtYarns Supermerino, and it is incredibly soft, strong, warm, and just delightful. The colors are amazing.
I have used two circular needles for these and I have really liked the method. It helps eliminate the prospect of ladders developing in your knitting (it's near impossible to tell where the joins are in the sock), it guarantees you much more peace of mind (you just slide the sock onto the cables when not knitting and fling it in your purse for later. Also, no worries about your 4th or 5th needle flying underneath the table or couch), and the cables are much more flexible for trying on or while knitting (no needles in your way, they hang down far from your working hands).
DPNS were quite cool, but I would recommend two circulars as well. I REALLY want to try knitting two socks at the same time, via double-knitting. I read up on it, and it seems extremely easy.
As I was mentioning to Star earlier, Knitpicks seems to have very reasonably priced merino wool you could try, some of them patterned like she says above.
Oh, and Star, I read your comment on my LJ, and no, I didn't do anyting particular with the cuff. I know that for the first few inches, my knitting was oddly loose, so the ribbing is... thicker if that makes any sense. It is pretty obvious to me and anyone who knits that there is a weird difference there, but I'm hoping the recipient won't notice. :<
PS: If you want the sock pattern for the two circulars, let me know. Really easy, and really easy to substitute a more interesting pattern than the 2x2 rib it uses.
Re: Socks are so much fun!
Date: 2006-10-23 11:43 pm (UTC)Re: Socks are so much fun!
Date: 2006-10-24 12:50 am (UTC)I'd like to try to circulars, so I'd be interested in your pattern. :)
Oh, and this is what I thought you had done with the cuff: http://www.streetsandyos.com/archives/sockpal_picot2.jpg
If you block it before you give them, the stitches might even out some. :)
no subject
Date: 2006-10-23 08:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-24 12:50 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-24 07:39 pm (UTC)(Actually, I kind of envy it... I have waaaay too much yarn around this house. It started very organized in a closet. I put shelves into the closet and clear plastic containers on the shelves. Then it overspilled into one of those 50-gallon Rubbermaid containers and has now wormed its way into the bottom of our DVD cabinet. It is starting to take over. It's nibbling my toes... oh gods, it's eating my foot!!! Help me!! Help meeeeeeeee!!!!!)
no subject
Date: 2006-10-24 07:48 pm (UTC)