Tuesday 14 January 2014

Socks, Socks, Socks


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.

49 comments:

  1. Wonderful socks. Definitely worth the effort. I think knitting and crocheting in the car is a must - it makes the journey seem shorter.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i 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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those socks look wonderful cosy, perfect for these January days
    Clare x

    ReplyDelete
  5. They look great :) I love my handknitted socks, they keep my feet toasty warm and make me smile whenever I look at them :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow 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.
    Rosie xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. They are amazing! I'd be tempted to wear them with sandals so everyone on the street could admire them... ;-} Chrissie x

    ReplyDelete
  8. They 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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. They 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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. beautiful first pair of socks that appear like you've knitted a sock many many times before!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. They look so cosy- have never tried socks, just looks too hard! Respect!

    ReplyDelete
  13. How gorgeous are those?? Now I want to learn to knit socks (I usually crochet mine).

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a beautiful first pair of socks! Lucky daughter! Congrats on your knitting!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh wow, not only did you knit your first pair of socks but they're cabled. Wowweee, you are one talented lady! x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice job! Love the color and love the pattern!! Lucky daughter! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. What 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.

    ReplyDelete
  18. You did a great job on your first pair of socks! They're lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  19. First Ever ? Those are beautiful ! Congrats !

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations your first pair of socks are fab! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your first pair of socks? You did a great job and I think the next ones will be even better/

    ReplyDelete
  22. They 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

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm impressed. Not just socks but socks with that intricate pattern. Here's Mine

    ReplyDelete
  24. I 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

    Here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

    ReplyDelete
  25. Those are very cute socks! I'm jealous--my knitting skills are limited to scarves and blankets!

    ReplyDelete
  26. The socks you made look warm and comfortable. May they get many years of wear. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. You did such an amazing job. I'm sure I couldn't turn out anything like that in under a year. They look fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'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!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love those socks! They are super sassy.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, they are amazing. Yes, the old skill of darning makes perfect sense for hand knitted socks!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lovely socks! The colour is great. Rather you than me though with DPN's, they terrify me!

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh 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

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh my goodness...your first pair of socks? They're just beautiful...Congratulations! Aloha, Lori

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wonderful socks:) Almost inspiring me to have a go at knitting socks! cable, heels, four needles...!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. They are lovely - I am very impressed as I can only knit something simply. Hope you have a good week.

    Jill, Christmas Pie Crafts

    ReplyDelete
  36. Im really liking these socks, one day I will figure out how to knit a pair :D
    http://croftcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/creative-friday-blog-party-3.html

    ReplyDelete
  37. They're gorgeous, love the cable pattern on the socks.

    ReplyDelete
  38. They 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.

    Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great job on the socks - they are beautiful for being your first pair!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Well 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

    ReplyDelete
  41. What 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!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your first ever pair of socks? Well, you did a great job, that are beautiful socks!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am so impressed that you did a cable pattern on your first pair of socks! They are so pretty.

    ReplyDelete