I have decided to finally try to knit socks. I will credit this to the wonderful little book I got from the public library which provided me with a simple, basic sock pattern. If you are interested it is called The knitter’s handy book of patterns: basic designs in multiple sizes & gauges by Ann Budd. I really like the book because it breaks down all the measurements for socks by yarn weight and the gauges.
I will say that knitting socks is taking me a lot longer than I was hoping it would. This is mostly down to the fact that I’m using weight 3 (dk) yarn and so it takes more stitches to knit an inch. I will also be honest and admit that I have not been knitting the socks religiously. I have three other projects I’m working on right now and the socks have slid the the bottom of the pile. I haven’t forgotten about them. they are sitting in the middle of the living room, judging me every time I pass by. I just haven’t worked on them.
I am trying to do a few rounds when I can though, and at least part of that is due to the fact that I have to make two of these socks. I could just make one, but I don’t really have a use for just one sock. I’ve heard about “sock fatigue” before and I can fully understand it. If just getting the first sock done is taking me this long I’m dreading how long it will take me to get the second sock done. Maybe it will feel different once I get the first sock done but right now I don’t even want to think about casting on the second one.
If nothing else it is making me appreciate both the easy availability of socks from the store, and appreciate all the effort that was taken back in the day when people made their own socks. I can’t imagine having to make my own socks, let alone trying to make socks for me and my family. Maybe it would be different if making my own socks was the only option, but I still think it would be a serious chore. To all those in the past who knit socks, this weary knitter salutes you.
