I guess it’s pretty easy to see this knitting bug has bitten me pretty hard. And I have to admit…I’m just as surprised as you are. Turns out, knitting is almost as good as Prozac for relaxation and taking your mind off the laundry that needs doing AGAIN… and the kid that’s just pooped his pants AGAIN… and the toy that you just stepped on piercing your foot from sole to instep AGAIN. Honestly, I wish I’d found this stuff years ago.
Stepping into my neighborhood craft store (and if you haven’t gotten by In the Making yet, you’re missing out) is a joy in and of itself. The assault of color and texture stacked from floor to ceiling is mind blowing. Imagine you licked the smiley face (or whatever it is those darn kids do these days) and suddenly you find yourself in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory — only without the Oompa Loompas and the Chocolate River. Now that I mention it, I think In the Making might want to consider that little addition, as knitting AND chocolate would be an incredible combination. If only I could figure out how to incorporate books and shoes…but I digress.
What I want to tell you about today are socks. Yes, you read that right…SOCKS! Do you have any clue what a marvelous piece of engineering those little devils are? And no, I’m not talking 70’s tube socks or those machine stitched things I buy the boys in bulk at Target. I mean real, honest-to-goodness, hand-made socks — the kind your grandmother made for your grandfather before she sent him off to plow a field or fight a war.
I could wax rhapsodic on the intricacies of turning a heel. And though you non-knitters out there may not believe me, it was pure fun to watch it all come together. We won’t discuss the fact that I got impatient to see how the toe was formed and ended the foot portion a centimeter or two (or 20) too early, so it won’t actually fit anyone I know. And please don’t ask me why it’s so wide I could fit two of my feet inside. It has something to do with gauge, and from what I can tell by the stitch gauge, I need a larger needle. But if I go by row gauge, I should use a smaller one. Did I mention beginning knitting can be a world of confusion? Anyway, I’m thinking of calling this particular sock a “scale-sized gauge swatch” so I don’t have to spend a whole day on a mis-sized mate to go with it.
Here’s a quick pic of my latest pride and joy.
Sure it has all the tailoring and finesse of a potato sack, but it’s mine. And I’m more than a little proud of it. In fact, I’ve worn it on my left foot all morning, and it’s completely cozy despite its roominess.* Now I’m dying to try a tailored pattern using actual sock weight yarn and very tiny double point needles. Also, I’ve read about this intarsia stuff and think I may make the leap really soon. I think the boys could really use some socks with colorful animals, or stars or something knit into them. And I’m just the knit nut to do it.
* Taking a decent picture of your own foot in a sock is a surprisingly difficult task. Taking a decent picture of your own foot in a sock that doesn’t make your calf look like a tree trunk? Well, I’m pretty sure that’s akin to licking your own elbow. It just can’t be done.
oh i am so proud i could cry! You did this over the xmas break? I had no idea! Well done! My first sock had the same look – squared off toe, slightly ill fitting. But that feeling of the first time you make something so structured and clever is amazing. Well done. You’re on your way now.
I look forward to your array of little boys’ socks!!! he he
my sister is an ” in the making” ho. Loves that place. Knitting would be way too hard for me…. too much math involved. Super proud of you babe.
Ps; LUV my scarf! I’d wear leg warmers if YOU made them!
Ok, am I the only one who tried to lick my elbow just now??? I’m thinking I could wear those socks…well, that sock. I’ll just swap it to the other foot when it gets cold…one-footed sock wearing at least keeps you from falling down on tile/hardwoods, right?