I would never have believed it possible, but I think I've caught the sock bug.
I finished the Mountain Colors toe-up socks a while ago:
I love these socks! Despite the wonky toe on the first one, I think they're the most comfortable socks I've made. The yarn is amazing; the colors are great and it knits up into a soft, dense fabric that responds really well to machine washing. I do think they got a bit shorter with washing, though. I really, really like knitting socks toe-up. I can use all the yarn and I don't have to graft the toes.
I enjoyed these so much that I immediately cast on for another pair. I had a 150 gram ball of Supersocke dk weight, so I made knee highs!
I prefer longer socks, so these really please me. The top ribbing is a little floppier than I'd like. Next time I will use a smaller needle for the ribbing. I did these on size 2 (2.75mm) dpns. Yes, dpns. And despite my great love for magic loop...I had so much fun!
I did them simultaneously on two sets of dpns, to prevent second sock syndrome. I used Bryspun nylon needles, which are my favorites for sock knitting. Unfortunately, 2.75mm is the smallest size they make. They worked well for this yarn, but for most sock yarn I prefer a size 1 (2.25mm). I haven't yet found any dpns in that size that I really like; I'd like a slightly flexible, non-metal, short (4-6") needle. Any suggestions?
16 comments:
Before I got *hooked* on the Magic Loop I really liked Crystal Palace bamboo dpns. Strong for their size, good points, just enough grab for the yarn. They might be a bit longer than 6", though.
Lovely socks! Watch out, once you start knitting them, there's no turning back ;-)
Happy New Year to you and yours.
I hear ya, sock have hit me hard lately too. I also totally agree with you regarding the dpns. So far the only thing I have found to fulfill all my wants and needs is to make them myself. I purchase vintage straight needles in the nylon/baleen/cassin/whatever-=they-are material and make my own 4.5 inch dpns. It is really easy to sand them down and get a good point. First begin with pencil sharpener and then some sand paper after that. Out of a single pair of those vintage needles (which are usually very long) you can get 4 dpns easily sometimes 6! btw you can get them by the handful from ebay for a couple bucks.
I just finished my first pair of toe-ups also...love that way, use all the yarn :) I'm w/ kmkat, I use Crystal Palace bamboo dpns.
I use the crystal palace bamboo as well. Even with some slightly tense hand knitting- they bend rather than break!
Go Socks Go!
Nice socks! I've knit more socks than I thought I would, but I still don't consider myself a sock knitter. So there! But I like Brittany birch needles as my regular dpns. They're 7 inches long, maybe? For socks I like Lantern Moon Sox Stix, 6 inches long, blond wood if they're size 1 because they're strong for their skinny size. A splurge, but I love them.
I have been using Lantern Moon Rosewood needles, they are lovely although a bit of a splurge here in Canada at least. They are pointier than birch in my opinion.
I know that you asked for non metal, but if you can find the H.A Kidd needles they offer a 5 inch needle that I like.
For Christmas my hubby bought me needles from Knitpicks and they are 4 inches long and wooden, but I haven't tried them yet.
Let us know what you decide on. Love your blog..
Val
Ontario Canada
pretty socks. Someone once told me that knitting socks is like eating potato chips... once you start it is hard to stop.
Socks, socks, socks... they are an addiction. What about magic looping? That's what I do when I knit socks. A 40 inch circ works for all socks.
You drank the kool aid! :) There are so many sweaters waiting for me to knit them, but I can't stop making socks. In fact, my first FO for the new year is a sock.
I'm probably not much help on needle suggestions, but I swear by my Kollage Square dpns. Due to their unique shape they give the gauge of the next smallest size, so I use size 2 whenever I intend to use size 1's. I didn't want metal needles either but they are so comfy to hold that I forget they're metal.
Your new socks are beautiful!
Another one bites the dust ;o)
Brittany Birches come in 5½" lengths. I find them very comfortable and they curve over time. Also, the replacement policy can't be beat.
Wow--I'd say you got the sock bug to jump to knee highs! I've been wanting to make some striped knee-highs but am not sure I have the stamina to knit that long of a sock. Both your sets look great!
For a non-sock-knitter, you sure are cranking out the socks! :-) Good for you. I need to try the toe-up method, I suspect I would like that better as well. Actually I would just like for you to do all my knitting for me (have I said this before?) because you're so dang FAST! Have fun with it!
They look really good! I kept seeing socks at the various LYS's that I visited on vacation. It made me vow to learn how to knit socks within the next 5 years. (I'm a realist.) :-D
very nice. they look cosy too.
Welcome to the addiction. :) Have you read Cat Bordhi's sock book? (Or books, she just released a second one but I haven't seen that one in person yet.) Talk about wild. I'm going to be giving some of those a go soon because I'm a little bored with the standard way and it will certainly keep things interesting.
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