Sockses!!!

Probably the most stereotypical thing for any knitter to knit is a pair of socks. In my opinion, it is also one of the hardest projects to take on... something not worthy for a beginner by any stretch of the imagination. I've been knitting for over a year now (and six months fairly seriously) and I've already learned techniques like Fair Isle, cabling and how to make my own pattern. So, I realized that it was probably time to move onto bigger and better things, like socks.

I got myself a book about how to make socks back in August or September. It's called Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd. It goes step-by-step how to make your most basic sock, with lots of pictures showing the more difficult parts, like how to work the heel and gusset and how to do the Kitchener stitch. It also shows different methods of casting on (that's where I learned the Old Norweigan CO method, which I now use for almost all my projects!), has stitch patterns that make good ribbing (regular, cabled and lace) and has some good sock patterns for a more experienced sock knitter. Basic ways of working in the round are also covered. If anyone wants to learn how to knit socks, this is a book I highly recommend.

Now that I've finally gotten at least somewhat comfortable with reading another person's pattern and that I've gotten half-way decent at the basics of knitting in the round, decreasing and working the Kitchener stitch (which I can do if I have the book open!), I have decided to make myself a pair of socks. Just plain socks, because I'm not that adventurous.

Part of this is selfish of me, as I have heard that hand-knit socks are particularly comfortable.

Materials Used:

Cascade 220 Yarn in Dark Grey (CC) and Dark Green (MC)
US Size 4 dpns
Stitch marker(s)
Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends

Pattern Used:

Basic Sock Pattern for Worsted Weight Yarn (p 58-59)

Pattern Rating:

Between Intermediate and Advanced. If it was truly Advanced, then I would be working some complex ribbing pattern or colorwork other than basic color changes at the easiest points possible.

Additional Notes on the Pattern:

I worked 12 rows of ribbing in CC, then 1 row of stockinette stitch in CC before switching to the MC.
The heel flap and toe were also worked in CC, while the leg and the foot were worked in MC.
I used a k1, p1 ribbing pattern.

Progress:

2/7/09: I have worked about six inches of the leg of the first sock, including the ribbing. I'm about 3/4 of the way through with that part.
2/12: I have worked the rest of the leg and the heel flap and the heel. I just picked up the stitches along the side of the heel flap and I am now decreasing and working on the main part of the foot. It is going well.

I will be updating my progress throughout this project and hopefully it will go better than my last attempt.