I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. I have knitted my first ever pair of socks. This was on my list of things to knit last year, 2013, but I didn't get round to it. So I decided to get off to a better start for 2014, and at least do one of the knits I have planned early on.
These are knitted from Business Casual by Tanis Lavallee, a free pattern on ravelry. I didn't use the recommended wool, but some Rowan wool cotton 4ply that I had. I did knit a gauge swatch (unusual for me), but when I had completed the cuff of the first sock I realised that I just couldn't squeeze my chubby ankles comfortably in. So I decided to knit them for my daughter, and as you can see they are a perfect fit for her. I think I had problems because the wool I used is 50% cotton and doesn't have much stretch, but would welcome any general advice on wool that is good for socks, and substituting wools.
These socks are knitted on four needles, and I love the look of the cable diamonds, and the heels.
Socks do take a lot of knitting. My family kept teasing me for the amount of effort I was putting in for something that you can buy relatively cheaply. But I think the end result is rather fine. I do understand now why are grannies spent so much effort darning. If you have spent a week handknitting a pair socks then I think you do whatever is necessary to keep them going.
I did a lot of knitting of these on our New Year trip to Devon. Does anyone else knit in the car on long journeys? I usually knit something a bit more straightforward when travelling, and I did struggle a bit with all the needles and the cabling. But I don't like travelling on the motorway much so it kept me preoccupied.
One of my Christmas gifts from my sister-in-law was this lovely book of socks patterns. So expect some more socks, socks, socks, later in the year.
They are truly gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWonderful socks. Definitely worth the effort. I think knitting and crocheting in the car is a must - it makes the journey seem shorter.
ReplyDeletei knit in the car too!! and i hate motorways so good to look down on something straightforward knit! :) love love love the socks :D look so cozy and comfy x
ReplyDeleteWow, those are lovely. Very much so, especially for a first sock. My first socks were the most basic pattern I could find...and then I kept going with that pattern as the boys love them so much. One of these days I will get around to the fancy ones in a sock pattern book I purchased last year.
ReplyDeleteThose socks look wonderful cosy, perfect for these January days
ReplyDeleteClare x
so cute! Great job.
ReplyDeleteThey look great :) I love my handknitted socks, they keep my feet toasty warm and make me smile whenever I look at them :)
ReplyDeleteWow and what a wonderful pair of first socks! my first pair were plain welly socks for my son when he goes fishing. I love knitting socks, there's something so relaxing about it and they are so special and cosy about them. You'd never be able to buy anything even close to it in the shops.
ReplyDeleteRosie xx
They are amazing! I'd be tempted to wear them with sandals so everyone on the street could admire them... ;-} Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteThey are beatuiful!
ReplyDeleteThey look great, and a very impressive first pair! I recommend using sock yarn - with nylon in it! Cascade heritage is quite reasonably priced and wears well, but there are so many out there!
ReplyDeleteI have knitted in the car,on the bus, train and plane. When the knitting bug bites I knit wherever I can. Those are amazing first socks. I love them.
ReplyDeleteThey look great, I love to knit socks and have cast on my first pair in a year progress is slow at the moment tho. Long journeys are great for knitting!
ReplyDeletebeautiful first pair of socks that appear like you've knitted a sock many many times before!!
ReplyDeleteThey look so cosy- have never tried socks, just looks too hard! Respect!
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous are those?? Now I want to learn to knit socks (I usually crochet mine).
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful first pair of socks! Lucky daughter! Congrats on your knitting!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, not only did you knit your first pair of socks but they're cabled. Wowweee, you are one talented lady! x
ReplyDeleteNice job! Love the color and love the pattern!! Lucky daughter! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful first pair of socks! They look so well done. As for wool for socks, I highly recommend anything that is a 75% wool 25% nylon blend. You can obviously have other fibres in there too, but the nylon is very useful for strength.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on your first pair of socks! They're lovely!
ReplyDeleteFirst Ever ? Those are beautiful ! Congrats !
ReplyDeleteCongratulations your first pair of socks are fab! Well done!
ReplyDeleteYour first pair of socks? You did a great job and I think the next ones will be even better/
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful, and the pattern looks complicated.I can only knit plain stocking stitch socks, in self-patterning yarn, but I pretty them up with picot edges around the top, which isn't on the instructions, so it makes me feel very clever! My Snapshot is at http://goo.gl/KlsQMX
ReplyDeleteAwesome I wish I had that talent!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed. Not just socks but socks with that intricate pattern. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteI need some socks like these! All of mine (the ones I buy) get holes in the heels rather rapidly, as I like to walk around in my socks. lol
ReplyDeleteHere's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST
Those are very cute socks! I'm jealous--my knitting skills are limited to scarves and blankets!
ReplyDeleteThey look nice and warm, and comfy too.
ReplyDeleteThe socks you made look warm and comfortable. May they get many years of wear. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou did such an amazing job. I'm sure I couldn't turn out anything like that in under a year. They look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to stay away from knitting as I already do so many things, and none of them well! But knitting continues to appeal to me, especially when I see a knock-out pair of socks like these you made!
ReplyDeleteLove those socks! They are super sassy.
ReplyDeleteWow, they are amazing. Yes, the old skill of darning makes perfect sense for hand knitted socks!!
ReplyDeleteLovely socks! The colour is great. Rather you than me though with DPN's, they terrify me!
ReplyDeleteThey really are fab
ReplyDeleteoh these are gorgeous! I really love the diamond effect. I'm sure your daughter will appreciate all the care that had gone into creating them :) x
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...your first pair of socks? They're just beautiful...Congratulations! Aloha, Lori
ReplyDeleteWonderful socks:) Almost inspiring me to have a go at knitting socks! cable, heels, four needles...!!
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely - I am very impressed as I can only knit something simply. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteJill, Christmas Pie Crafts
Im really liking these socks, one day I will figure out how to knit a pair :D
ReplyDeletehttp://croftcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/creative-friday-blog-party-3.html
They're gorgeous, love the cable pattern on the socks.
ReplyDeleteThey look really cosy, I love the diamond pattern. I'm not a great knitter but I remember listening to the clack clack of the needles when my Mum knitted my Dads socks.
ReplyDeleteJan x
Great job on the socks - they are beautiful for being your first pair!
ReplyDeleteWell done !!! They look amazing. I'm sure they'll keep your daughters feet lovely and warm. Look forward to seeing more of your socks xx
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful work you do, those blue socks are perfect for this time of year. I'm jealous! Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com
Your first ever pair of socks? Well, you did a great job, that are beautiful socks!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that you did a cable pattern on your first pair of socks! They are so pretty.
ReplyDelete