I realized the other day that I never posted the photos of my finished first pair of knit socks. Here are some! I knit them from the toe up because it seemed so much easier than cuff-down like many people seem to do. This blog post from Knitgrammer really helped me with all I needed to know. No swatching needed (can I admit here I have NEVER swatched before beginning a project??), no being forced to decide among generic sizing options and hope for the best, no following one unsatisfactory pattern. I could choose which type of toe to begin with, fit the toe to my foot, knit without counting rows, choose a heel, and knit the leg without counting rows. It took me forever to finish the first sock (I had to rip out the toe and start over at least ten times); but once I got past the heel, I knew I would succeed and finish and start the second sock. In this first photo, I am showing the bind-off at the top of the leg. I think it’s called a tubular bind-off; stitching it intrigued my brain. As well, it’s a stretchy bind-off that doesn’t cut into my leg.
Here are both socks, FINISHED being knit!!, and resting after having been blocked. I had to soak them in water for about twenty minutes. Apparently this helps tight or twisted stitches to relax and move into better places within all their loops. Then I had to soak the water out of them (don’t wring) and lay them flat in a shape but not stretched out. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see them all finished and seemingly in a proper handknit sock shape.
And then, voila! Socks on my feet, keeping me warm this past winter! I never realized just how comfortable a pair of wool socks can be, compared to my staple cotton socks. Even thick cotton socks. Those have kept me warm enough over the years of winter living, but these wool ones? I actually noticed that I felt more relaxed in them because there wasn’t this undercurrent of my feet subtly saying, “We’re mostly warm…though we could chill if cold air seeped into the house…you’re good for now.” My feet were just consistently warm all day.
I’m so happy about having acquired yet another handmaking skill! Awhile ago I bought several skeins of wool sock yarn in various bright colours (of course!). This past weekend I began Sock Pair #2 in Orange. I only had to restart the toe once, and I’m already at knitting the instep and sole. I feel like a pro, haha!
Another project I recently completed is a new winter bunting. I’ve made decorative buntings for all the seasons over the years, including a winter one. But I decided this past winter that the one I had was too blah. Pretty and sparkly, but cold-looking due to being shades of blue. I embarked on a new bunting project. I crocheted five stained glass triangles and attached them to a strip of fabric. You can see each triangle below:
Below is the entire bunting strung across the fireplace wall. Now, you might be thinking, “But, Colleen, it’s now well into spring. Why is this on your wall?” Well, I finished it a few days before spring began, so of course I had to hang it up. I just haven’t gotten around to hanging the spring one yet. Maybe next week.
I’ve been working on a couple of other projects; I’ll write about those in the next post. Please share in the comments about any creative projects you are doing – I always love to hear from other creatives!
Your socks are beautiful and my favourite colour. I like Cotten socks but my feet sweat a lot. I had to where hard knit socks as a kid not soft wool so it brings me back to bad memories. But they are beautiful on your feet.
Thank you, Brenda! I’ve worn cotton socks for years, too; I love the feel of them. I wasn’t sure how this wool was going to feel on my feet, because I remember itchy wool sweaters as a kid. But I love how soft sock wool is. Some people are allergic to wool, though, so it won’t work for them, either. I was just happy to have figured out finally how to knit socks!!