I decided to join in on Socktoberfest!

I had thought about it on and off, I'm not usually a bandwagon type person... but in this case it looked fun, and was pretty relaxed and easy... and short... so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Our first week is "Beginnings: Sharing Your Sock History" So here goes...

* When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

Hmm... I think it was spring of '05. My mom taught me step by step.

*What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

They were itty-bitty baby socks for my soon-to-be-born niece. Made on a cotton/spandex yarn. They had all the elements of a sock, but on a smaller (and faster) scale, so they were good to learn on. Also way less yarn would be wasted if the socks turned out horrible. But, by some freak of nature (and some good teaching) - they didn't! They were perfectly functional socks! *gasp*

Considering that they were for a new born that only fit for a month or so, and newborns don't walk (in fact they don't really do much of anything!)... it's really kinda hard to tell how they held up... they were washed several times though, and were just fine.

* What would you have done differently?

I think my increases/decreases were wrong, k2togs where skps or ssks should have been and vise-versa...

* What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

I really like Angora Valley Fibers, and Socks That Rock. I love the feel of Lorna's Laces, but have never actually knit with any (though I will soon!!).

* Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

DPNs definitely. I've done 2 circs for other things and it just doesn't work for me... too many things flopping around. At least DPNs stay where you put them! (ok... well, most the time.)

* Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

Well generaly I prefer the obvious heels, you know, the ones that act like a jerk all the time so you know to stay away from them, not the type that are all ladies man and then turn on ya... oh wait, we're talking socks here...

Heel Flap. I've tried short row, but heel flaps fit my foot better, and I feel I can get a more custom fit for others too. I also like the look for some reason... *shrug*

* How many pairs have you made?

Hrm... well, I've made two pairs of Pomatomus, a pair of Hedera, a pair of the Tropical Punch Slipper Socks (the ones pictured in the pattern!), a pair of double knit socks for my dad, several small pairs of baby socks and a couple of 'lone socks'. Not counting the lone socks, the ones OTN that are on the 2nd gusset or the baby socks that brings it to 5 complete pairs... I feel like I'm forgetting some though...