My next major project is going to be a pair of socks, so I'm taking part in the knit-a-long on 'Visions of Sugar Plums' blog. I've wanted a handmade pair of socks every since my friend came flashing her beautiful, cozy handmade socks in my face. I loved them instantly and I wants some!
Last year, at the Knitting and Stitch show, I bought myself a sock making kit. It came with everything I needed; the pattern, the yarn and the needles. Well I really don't like the yarn (it's acrylic and not very nice to the touch), the pattern isn't very easy to follow and the needles are metal, so they keep slipping out of the stitches. It would've put me off making socks if it wasn't for the fact that I REALLY want some and I'm fully aware that yarn and needle quality are paramount.
So at this years knitting and stitch show, I bought myself (technically I was buying my Christmas presents from my Mum) some KnitPro Symfonie DPNs and some nice sock yarn, all I need now is a simple pattern. Feel free to make recommendations. I'm not a novice knitter so I guess it doesn't really have to be too easy, just not super complicated.
Other projects I want to have a go at in 2012 are
* A poncho
* A knitted doll (I already have the pattern I want to use)
* the knitted bauble I never got around to making
Any other projects, I would like to work around my existing stash and try to destash a little.
Sock knitting is really very personalized. I like circular needles, but some knitters swear by dpns. I prefer bamboo needles to any other kind, but really fast knitters like metal needles. My mom actually used old plastic dpns, and the tips had broken off long ago, but they were her favorite. I don't think I've ever heard someone say "Eh, I don't care what kind of needles I use!"
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I'm more of a circular kind of girl (love my magic loop), but I've never tried "nice" wooden DPNs before so I'm open to be converted. I tried some cheap bamboo DPNs once and they were just awful, far too grippy.
ReplyDeleteI find that Clover brand is really good. I have to be honest and say it's the only wooden needle brand I've used for DPNs, and they tend to be pricey, but not as much as the fancier woods. The clovers aren't grippy at all, and I liked them so much I have sizes 1 through 9!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your socks. I love knitting socks because they are so portable and are quick to knit.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so thrilled you're joining the sock challenge!
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