Why Would Anyone Knit Socks

Why knit socks? I mean, why on earth would I want to knit socks, actually KNIT, a whole pair of socks?? Socks are not terribly expensive and the options available to buy ready-made are seemingly countless. Also, socks are “put-on-and-forget-em” kind of clothing aren’t they? (Okay I admit, I do have a few pairs of Boston terrier socks, who doesn’t, and some with space ships, rockets and sci-ency things I like. Oh, and of course my Christmas socks and fuzzy slipper socks). Okay, okay, I really like socks especially in our rather chilly winters here in Canada. But the idea of knitting them?–not so much.

Well, there is only one way to see what all the fuss is about right? Knit a pair myself.

Sock it to me

A pattern is absolutely necessary for me. Also I’ll need a video tutorial since I haven’t a clue how to shape things like a heel with knitting. I looked for a plain type of pattern, just the facts ma’am type. After a brief search, I found a great video knit along called appropriately “Vanilla Socks” from the C**zy Sock Lady (her name choice not mine!). I decided to go with this basic pair to see how they are shaped around the heel and such. It was not essential, but I also bought the pattern on Ravelry to support the designer and also to see if I could just read and follow the pattern by myself without a video (the answer was a resounding no btw).

Link to YouTube Tutorial (opens in new window)

First up – the pattern I chose uses the magic loop method, but the same pattern is also offered for double pointed needles (DPNs) or 9″ circulars if you prefer. I have tried all three methods on different projects and will stick with the magic loop myself.

I loaded up the video, bought and printed the pattern and settled in to learn.

Continental vs. English knitting

I was a bit concerned when I saw that the C**zy Sock Lady or Kayla Litton was using the continental style of knitting and had a bit of a panic. As it turned out the video tutorial was very easy to follow in spite of this different knitting method. phew!

So, in the video she uses the Continental style. The Continental or Picking style is where in the yarn is held taut in your left hand (kinda like crocheting). The working needle is used with your right hand, and will “pick” the taut yarn and pull it back through the loop. They say this is a good method for lefties and also for managing two yarns simultaneously. I try out the continental style from time to time, but I find my left hand rather useless and there is no joy in it for me. I can only knit one way which is the English or throwing style. Place the working needle into the loop exactly like the continental, but your right hand wraps the yarn instead. I love the easy throwing style personality-wise too.

Yarn Choices – Narnia style

I have already mentioned how much I like the Arcane Fibre Works yarn and I had a few skeins of fingering weight at hand. I decided to use the colourway: Chronicles for this project. Yes, I said fingering weight. Blimey, this is going to take a while! In for a penny, in for a pound!

I completed 2 x 2 ribbing for 20 rows for the cuff then on to the leg. I wasn’t sure how far the yarn would go so I only did a “crew” length. Like that for me anyway.

I sat in front of the computer for the heel turn and just followed exactly. The video was perfect! The tutorial was extremely clear. However, I just blindly followed the instructions almost stitch by stitch. The next part (picking up stitches) was a surprise to me and not my finest moment. I almost thought to give up. I’m not very good at finding the right loop for picking up stitches, but she showed and described so well, and I was able to I continue on.

Then came the long long foot which seemed to last forever (and I have short feet!). Probably took me over 10 days to get this far. Mind you, I’m mostly knitting just in the evenings when we are watching TV in the deep winter nights. After knitting forever, I finally had enough to start the toe decreasing. Suddenly it was done! Again, I found the tutorial excellent to follow for the Kitchener stitch. Phew!

I absolutely love it! In fact it was so good, I’m not even sure what I did. I just followed instructions and just kept knitting. Did it though. What a great feeling of accomplishment. I put in on and it fit very snugly but it sure fit and felt so soft!

Second Sock Syndrome

It took me a while to pick up the motivation to start another sock since it seemed to be such a long haul. I now fully understand the whole “second sock syndrome“. But I had come this far and clearly I couldn’t rest of my laurels. I was “pot committed” so to speak. So I pushed through and cast on the second sock. Again, the length of the leg and then the foot after the heel turn seemed interminable. I did just follow the whole heel turn by following the video stitch by stitch, but I knew where it was heading so it made more sense this time.

Knit knit knit, forever and hey presto its done!

I Had an Epiphany!

It All Makes Sense Now

So shall I tell you the secret as to why anyone would knit socks? It is not because they are custom fitted for a single person, or that the customized colour choices are perfect, or that they last so much longer and are warm and cozy (although that is all true) or that the project is so easily portable. No, the real reason I will hand knit a pair of socks again is because there is an absolutely incredible feeling of satisfaction once they are finished!

This knitting result is an amazing personal journey of accomplishment that you can wallow in for days, weeks and I imagine years! It hasn’t faded at all so far.

I admire them in my sock drawer, in the laundry, on my feet and anytime I get a glimpse of them when I’m wearing them or even just think about them wrapped snugly around my feet! I wiggle my feet in their little cocoons and know I did that. It just feels so good! Every time!

So, Ssshhh. Don’t tell anyone else, but if you have made or plan on making a fully knitted pair of socks, you will also get to experience this personal and private elation. Welcome to the club.

P.S. I just cast on another pair for Hubs with the Rock N Roller colourway. He has big feet so maybe finished by next year?