Wednesday 10 April 2013

Travel Socks//WIP Wednesday

It's always around this time of year that I seem to go out more; maybe it's the lighter days or maybe there are just more events centered around spring/summer. Last year, as a very new knitter, I wasn't sure what a travel project should entail - what size, how complicated etc. I spent much of last summer taking out complicated shawls (Hogwarts Express) or a baby cardigan that I made so many mistakes in that I didn't gift it. Fast forward to this year and I realised; as a more experienced knitter; that I needed something small, easy and without too many stitches. I asked on Ravelry and the vast majority of people voted for socks - I haven't knit socks, ever. I've tried using the magic loop method but failed due to length of needles, wrong yarn, complicated pattern - it just wasn't happening.
 
However I finally got my sock kit together, I bought a sock knitting book a few years ago called How to Knit Socks by Edie Eckman - it's a range of patterns that starts a new sock knitter off using DK weight yarn (instead of 4-ply sock). The first pattern in the book is a very basic sock, knit on 5 (or 4) dpn's - I happen to have gained some dpn's; and they were in the right size. I had bought some very pretty debbie bliss rialto print DK yarn that just seemed perfect - and off I went:
 Within just 3 days I had finished my first sock!! I had a blast knitting this; the rib went really quickly - then it's just plain knitting and turning the heel - I did put in a lifeline at this point because I was freaking out just a little bit however it actually went very well....... as did picking up stitches for the gusset. Don't get me wrong sock #1 is not perfect, but it fits really well and it looks super pretty - I'm very happy with it and I might be slightly addicted to sock knitting. I have started on sock #2, but it's going a little slower because it's been a super busy few days:
I will admit that I haven't travelled much with these socks; I wanted to get used to the structure of socks and feel comfortable knitting them before taking them out. I'm now fairly certain I could take my socks anywhere (with the pattern) and not have issues with mistakes. I can't believe how afraid I was of socks - they look really complicated, but I think the best thing for me to do was start with a thicker yarn and bigger needles just to explore sock knitting. I plan on knitting a couple more pairs from this book and then moving to something in a 4-ply (need to get some smaller dpn's). What are your favourite 4-ply sock patterns?

Next week I will be working on a special design project, as my family are all away in Belfast for the week, I will share a couple of small sneak peeks but nothing too major. I also need to get Kristofer's puppy finished, Robbie's dinosaur started and the start of a Monkey gift - it's going to be a hectic knitting time but I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. Lastly Kristofer has asked me to knit him some socks; he also claims that "my mummy can knit everything" - I swear he thinks I'm magic.

I'm playing along with Tami and Ginny as usual; go check our their blogs to see what everyone else is working on.
V xo

14 comments:

  1. The sock looks awesome! I agree that socks are a bit addictive, I seem to always have at least one pair on the needles at all times. They are my travel projects too, and I like to always have one project with a pretty mindless pattern.

    Otherwise I recommend Cookie A's patterns for thinner yarn. They look a lot more complicated, but the patterns are very clear and detailed, and the results are gorgeous!

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  2. Oh dear, it looks like the sock addiction now has you in it's grasp. Welcome to the club!

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  3. Your socks are fantastic! They are the perfect traveling knitting. There are so many great patterns but I would recommend Monkey by Cookie A. They look harder than they are but knit up quickly.

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  4. That's how I started knitting socks too, welcome to the club ;)
    My favorite pattern is the Jaywalker socks. For purse knitting, I like plain rib socks with maybe a single cable down the side.

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  5. Socks are the perfect travel project. Well done on your first one.

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  6. Aww, congrats on your first sock! It's quite a thrill, isn't it?

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  7. I am learning how to make socks too. That is a lovely first sock.

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  8. Hello Vicki

    socks are the best project for travelling. I can even knit socks while my husband is driving the car. I don't do any complicated patterns, usually an edge 1k, 1p or 1k, 2p for about 3 centimetres. Afterwards I simply knit. I cast on 60 stitches and could knit socks in a coma. :-) I made yoga socks for a change (my fo for the day after tomorrow at tami's).
    Most socks I make are for myself. There are only two seasons in the year. Firstly the time when I wear woolen handmade socks and secondly the time when I go barefoot. You can imagine which periode is longer. :-)

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  9. Socks are brilliant purse projects! I love to carry a pair in progress with me as often as possible. Hooray for your new adventures with sock knitting!

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  10. I love to knit socks too and like you thought they would be too hard. I have a knit a few pairs recently so am having a break from them at the moment. Love the colours of your sock.

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  11. I've completed 3 socks in my life. I need to get that 4th sock finished and maybe I will start to think about socks again. :) They would make good on-the-go projects.....

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  12. socks are so fasinating for me but I feel scared to try them,yours look lovely

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  13. Congrats on your first sock, that is awesome!
    Basic ribbed socks are a great beginner 4ply one http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-ribbed-socks and my basketweave rib ones are simple too, but a wee bit of a variation on the theme! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basket-weave-rib-socks

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  14. Your socks look lovely. If they fit and keep your toes cosy they are perfect.
    There are lots of patterns around, but generally socks are the perfect small canvas for playing with texture and colours. Enjoy the journey.

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