Socktoberfest continues

I guess I've been bad about keeping up with the posts. But here are the questions, and here are some answers:

* When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I learned off of a pattern, with some help from my mom. I used the "Joan's socks" that were made with two strands of Wool-Ease

* What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

A pair of "Joan's two-strand socks" from Wool-ease. They've held up well but in this climate I wear them mostly as boot socks or as slipper socks.

The only socks I've had that needed repair were ones that got snagged in the washing machine, or a pair of Koigu's that I think the carpet beetles got at.

* What would you have done differently?

Really, nothing. They were a learning experience. What I do differently now is typically make thinner socks on VERY small needles, knit to a tight gauge.

I did try to teach a friend to knit - she had never knit before and wanted to learn socks, so I took her out to buy yarn and needles and made her jump in with both feet. She didn't learn to knit :( I think if I were doing that again I'd have suggested beginning with a dishcloth or some other kind of plain flat knitting to get the hang of knit vs. purl before having to wrestle with multiple needles.

* What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Lorna's Laces sockweight, Liza Souza's Sock!, Mega Boots stretch...


* Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

DPNs. I know that Magic Loop is what all the cool kids use, but I just can't get into it. And the two circs method - I'd have to buy a bunch of short circulars and I just don't feel like it. For me, dpns are perfectly servicable tools. As for crochet socks, meh. I think they'd be too lumpy for me.

* Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

flap, definitely flap. Again, I know the Cool Kids do short rows and especially Toe Up with Short Row, but short row heels do not fit my feet nearly as well as a good old-fashioned heel flap, especially with the half-handkerchief or the French heel turn. I have narrow heels.

* How many pairs have you made?

Oh, Lor', I can't count. Well over 30. I've given some away and some I never wear. I have probably 8 or 10 pairs that - because of color or fit - I wear a lot more than others.