A Sock From An Actual Pattern

So the sock "Project of the Month" is progressing,and some might be wondering why I put a sock in a "Project of the Month" bag, as I have generally made the projects things I might not get around to doing otherwise and I am almost always up for knitting socks. These socks I decided I wanted to use and actual sock pattern--something I haven't done in years.

When I make socks, I generally use a basic toe-up pattern and make a plain foot, a short-row heel, them pick a pattern for the leg. Works brilliantly, but there is a lot to be said for branching out, so I am using a pattern from this book
which I've had for a while but never used. I have to say, I'm rather disappointed in the book. I think it's confusing, and would confuse a novice sock knitter--possibly to the point of driving them to crochet. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) The author asserts that you can't have an odd number of repeats in a pattern for a sock, asserts that if your gauge/foot measurements don't tally with one of her charts that the knitter needs to choose a different pattern, and even states how many stitches should be on each needle. I think I understand why I was able to get the book used.

And my sidekick was thrilled that we did a little sewing last night
I can't decide if he thinks he's helping, or if he enjoys making it really difficult to cut out patterns. Of course, with a cat, it can always be both.....

Comments

bittenbyknittin said…
On a knitting forum, I asked for a good sock book, and almost everyone raved about Charlotte Schurch's "Sensational Knitted Socks". But I'm with you - the book was overwhelming, NOT what I would recommend to a newbie sock knitter. But it is handy if you are looking for a variety of sock stitchery.
June 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
tinebeest said…
I always tell newbie sock knitters to just knit a plain one first time round, to understand how a sock works. (and that knittingin the round is the most difficult bit) Then they can go back to the pattern that brought them to socks, and with confidence fiddle around until it fits their foot with their chosen yarn. Yesterday at WWKIP, I saw a lady I told exactly that in December, and she now claims I "taught" her how to knit socks :-) Success!
June 14, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Mandy said…
With cats, I've come to the conclusion that they love the crinkly sound made by the paper patterns when they are touched.
My own cats are never impressed by the home-made patterns made from thicker paper.
June 14, 2009 at 4:45 AM
RobinH said…
Ah, see I like this book, but that may be because I tend to take those sort of things as guidelines rather than instructions.

For me one of the most useful parts of the books was the chart that gives you foot measurements for each shoe size. (When you're knitting socks for other people as a surprise, it's a lot easier to surreptitiously look at their shoe than it is to unobtrusively measure their foot...)

That having been said, a lot of the time I also knit a toe-up sock, and just throw in a pattern as well. And when my mom wanted to try socks, I got her to do the same...avoiding swatching just makes the whole thing so much more attractive and accessible!
June 14, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Kathleen C. said…
I'm like Robin. I like the book but then I don't pay much attention to the gauge or techniques... I just look at the pretty pattern designs and make it in my usual manner with something around my usual number of stitches on my usual size needles.

Not rules, but guidlines.

That said... it probably would be a confusing book for a new sock knitter. One who didn't know how, or wasn't comfortable enough, to ignore the rules.
June 15, 2009 at 6:14 AM
Daniele said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
June 16, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Daniele said…
Theo loves the crinkly paper!
June 16, 2009 at 8:38 AM
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