November 15, 2012

  • The truth about sox in our family.

    I am generally pretty careful about socks because I hand knit a lot of them.  It is tradition in our family for Mom & I to knit a pair of socks for each family member for the Christmas gathering.

    These are from years past.

     

    This year's 'crop' (note the pair still in construction on the left)

     

    I have also been working on hats (it is why I don't have as many socks done yet this year)

     

    Most of the socks I knit have computer dyed yarn.  All I do is knit and the pattern comes out as I go.  (The exceptions are the pair on the right in the middle picture and the hat lower left)

    I know the pattern by heart and don't have to do much thinking and each project is small, so can carry them with me to meetings or riding in the car or watching a movie.  Plus everyone (in the north) can use more socks.  I am always amazed by the time it takes.  I am only doing the knitting of these socks, but it takes me three days to make 1 sock. (no, I don't spend an entire day knitting)  This is not like going to the nearest Mart and purchasing a bag of socks for a few bucks.  I can not even begin to fathom what it would be like to have to make ALL my clothing as many did 200 years ago. (I use this line when I demonstrate spinning wool at schools.)  And it explains why folks didn't have as many frocks then as now.

     

    Lately I've taken to making matching hats with the leftover sock yarn:

    The reason the sock may not look the same as the hat pattern is because a larger needle is used to make hats and the circumference is larger so the pattern will be thinner in stripes and different in 'blobs'.

     

    So, while the blue bunnies do have some socks (and who would be surprised to hear that?!) I am pretty careful when I wash these socks.  And we seriously wear mis-matched socks to show off all the colors we have.

     

    On a similar note, I also make itty bitty mitties and tiny toes to use as earrings or decorations.  These are knit on size 0000 needles and start with 10 stitches cast on.

     


     

Comments (10)

  • That is awesome! (I especially love the little tiny versions! Adorable!) I'm hoping to collect some new socks and beanie style hats this winter. As well as leg warmers and thigh high socks. I'm a total leg/sock apparel nut. I think they are awesome! You're amazingly good at knitting! :D ! *thumbs up* I love how some of the socks have matching hats. Way cool!

  • awesome.  i've never tried knitting socks and hats (since i don't think i can handle all those pointy things, but i do like crocheting both.

  • wow talent. I truly suck at knitting. I have tried and tried for years. I am a bit better at crocheting but still not good. That is why the only thing I try is blankets, they can be  a bit wonky, socks can't.

    Oh and this year I am doing a beard for my 9 year old, so far it is turning out great
    I think that is a great thing to do at Christmas, my oldest would love a few pairs of knitted sox.

  • I started knitting after years of not doing it. I was surprised at how I remembered what to do. I love your socks and hats. 

  • Love the colors.  What an awesome talent you have!

  • Very cool! My college roommie's mom made little mittens like that  as Christmas tree decorations - I still have the mittens, hat, scarf and ice skates (with paper clip blades)...

  • Very talented.  Love the hats & socks.  Was impressed when you talked about showing at schools that you can spin you wool.  What a fabulous gift that is to show those students.  Keep up the good work!

  • You do lovely work! I love the teeny mittens and socks. Hope your show is going well! Have a good weekend!

  • @TKomusubi, @promisesunshine, @alterEGGO, @angys_coco, @TeamBranham,

    @Parker_Texas, @skanickadee -  Thanks for the compliments, I blush.  It's not talent, it's practice; I've been knitting for over 30 years.  I learned to knit so I would stay awake in class (instead of doodling) - I'm told this is an ADD compensation.  If I had to start now, I probably wouldn't do so well.  That is why I don't take up crocheting more than the basics.  Forgetful brain and all... 

    SO, tis the season and all, I've decided that if you (or any reader) want a pair of itty mitties or tiny toes, message me with which kind (mitts or toes)  a couple of color choices and an address and I'll send you a pair.  They will be on earring hooks that you can replace with an ornament hook if you wish.

    FLEECE NAVIDAD!  GOOD WOOL TO EWE!

  • Love these socks and maybe that is why the other ones disappear so that you have to knit more:)

    Love the colors and the matching beanies.  Those little socks are adorable and make good key chair decor.

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