Monday, February 15, 2010

Why I’m a Spoiled Brat—#4

I only wear handknitted socks.

About 10 year ago I knitted my first pair of handknitted socks. Like many new sock knitters, I was fascinated by the way the heel magically takes shape. And I loved the way they fit my feet without binding at the top of the leg. So much more comfortable than the ones I bought at the department store! So I knit another pair. And I was equally fascinated by the heel turn and the comfortable fit. And I discovered that if wool socks are left to air for a day or two, they don’t need to be washed after each wearing. How about that?—less laundry and more comfort. So I knit another pair, then another, then another, then, well, you get the idea.

Socks quickly became my favorite knitting project. They are portable, they are quick to knit, and there are hundreds of great sock yarns to choose from (superwash wool can be machine washed along with jeans, then left to air dry). I find that although I’m conservative in my dress (mostly mud, olive, and burgundy tones), I will happily wear any color or pattern on my feet. And I truly love working with double-pointed needles. So whenever I need a portable project or one that doesn’t require much concentration (like when I travel or watch movies or knit with friends), I knit a pair of socks. Even though I give away many pairs as gifts, I make sure that I always have enough for myself.


When I take a break from writing and editing today, I plan to cast on a pair of socks with this beautiful 100% superwash merino (notice the bright yellow!) from The Sanquine Gryphon (www.sanguinegryphon.com).

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so with you on this! I've been known to stay up late to cast on for a sock, just so I'd have something to knit while waiting for a doctor's appointment the next morning!

Virginia G said...

I definitely need to knit myself some socks.

Sara said...

I love knitting socks! I never learned until four years ago when I moved to New Hampshire from Florida.

Heather said...

That is so funny. I learned to knit 5 years ago so that I could make socks (moved from so.cal to PA) and I am the same way, conservative (boring) clothes and wild, fabulous socks! Anyone who wonders why you would spend the time knitting socks has never worn handknit socks. Thank goodness that sock yarn doesn't count as stash...

~RaenWa~ said...

I love knitting socks I am in the middle of trying to learn toe up socks. I would love to have a drawer full of sock & never have to buy store sold one ever again.

judi said...

Oh I love your Blog! and all the comments! Great information and reading! I love socks too and carry projects on me at appointments and so on...I'm gonna check out that web site that you mention...thx have a great day!

wendyj said...

I've been trying to wear only handknitted socks for some time now, but I find that, with the plethora of gorgeous sock patterns out there, I feel obligated to make really fancy socks. That takes a lot more time! So I end up with only a few pairs at once. Your post reminded me that one of my favorite pairs of all time was done in a simple k2,p2 rib on the instep & leg, and that I shouldn't let my sock supply suffer because of some sort of vanity (or something). As soon as I finish my Olympics project, socks it will be!