We’re in the run up to Christmas. The festive season that delivers a back-to-back calendar of parties, yet encourages us to dig deep and produce a gazillion handmade presents.
So, let’s talk about socks that I knitted for myself.
These are my third pair of hand knitted socks. I truly love them! They took about six weeks to knit and were my first attempt at magic loop knitting. Thanks to my blog readers, I took the plunge into this technique. Despite my fears, I am humbled to report that magic loop is easy. Easier than my previous attempts with double pointed needles. Lesson learnt. Don’t be scared of learning.
I tried hard to improve my technique, building on my last pair of socks. Familiarity makes sock knitting easier, but these still aren’t perfect. Shall we all stop trying to be perfect? Never gonna happen. Not in my world of making.
I’m glad to report that Stray Cats sock wool goes through the washing machine with no ill effect. On a 30 degree wash, the wool softens up and becomes even more scrumptious.
Three pairs of socks in, I recommend this as a knitting project that brings both challenges and comfort in an achievable timeline. Crucially, sock knitting is portable – perfect for family visits over Christmas. Though, if I had to choose a Christmas Day activity, I might err on the side of sipping Baileys. Sorry, socks. I’ll wear you anyway…
These are so beautiful and would match everything in my handmade wardrobe. I’m envious of your lovely socks!! Enjoy them.
Really gorgeous and they look so cozy! My feet are always cold…you’re making me want to knit a pair :).
What brilliant socks. I love them. You can’t top a good stripy sock in my book, except maybe stripy hand knitted ones. Xx
Lovely socks Karen and glad that you are now in love with the magic loop. So for your New Years resolution why not challenge yoursel further – I know you love a challenge!! TUTT (toe up two together) even better than what you have already made. You know I am a fan and can knock a pair up on a few evenings in front of the telly, a half a dozen trips to my knit group and a couple of train journeys!! Go on!! Give it a try – start a TUTT Knit-along after the festivities!! Merry Christmas x
No, as wonderful as that would be, please don’t. I would have to join. And it’s too hot here at the moment (OK, it’s raining now but it’s been 40-plus for the last week). 🙂
Lovely & cozy! You are multi-talented.
Super cute sock yarn! I like the hip colorway. I’m glad you found a sock technique you’re happy with (I’m a dpn girl from way back), so now you can check out all the different heels and toes out there…fish lips kiss anyone? Socks are good for traveling/visiting knitting, so I’m sure your Bailey’s xmas socks will be super.
Merry Christmas to you and Ella!
“Don’t be afraid of learning”… I may just have found a motto for 2016 – thank you! Socks look great too, well done.
Failed so miserably at my first socks, they happened to be my last and that may have been because I could not for the life of me wangle those DPNs (as the cool crowd refer to them). I am good with magic circle so maybe thats my happy place. Having read this post, I may just give socks another go. Thanks for the prod! 😉
Those are lovely! It is brilliant to see you take up the Dark Art! 😉
Next task: two socks at a time with magic circle!
My only pair of socks were a disaster, so baggy that I couldn’t walk from one end of the house to the other without them slipping off, I haven’t tried again yet! Clearly I need to source the right pattern!
J’adore your thockies! I’m a great fan of all-woolen socks, and have taught my family so to be. Thus, I knit socks all year long in order to be able to pass them out like Lady Bountiful, come gift-giving season. Keep up the good work. Keep up learning new ways to do old things — there’s rarely only one way to accomplish a task, and learning new techniques builds new neural pathways in yer brain box.
What’s that ‘err’ bit? I think sipping Baileys is a fine idea.
I absolutely love the colour of your socks! They look well made too! Might have to treat myself to some yarn in the new year, it’s been too long since my last pair of socks and they are so much warmer than shop bought ones!
I’m in love with those socks. Who would not be? I think you could sip Baileys while you knit! Best wishes for Christmas to you and Ella.
Great! You just made me want to knit socks!