NQR=not quilting related! OR notes from a new knitter.
I decided I needed a hobby. It had to be small and remain small. I absolutely hate to just sit when waiting or in meetings. I decided to learn to knit socks. DH is still wondering why I chose to do something so close to quilting, those of you in the know- quit laughing. He does try to understand why we no longer have a living room.
Holly ,living in Casa Awful, working in pj's, could use a pair of warm socks. I love to pass on what I learn, so here is a heel turn. Keep in mind I am a beginner. I started this whole sock thing just under a year ago, equipped with a book shaped like a sock and a book of basics of knitting. The second book just to learn to knit and translate this new foreign language.
What I know now about heel turning
Start heel turn on a wrong side row so you end up in the right place. Slip the first stitch at every turn of the piece. Purl 1 stitch past half the number of stitches, P2tog, P1. You should then have an even number of stitches on the left needle. Count those stitches! Turn the piece to the right side- count off the same number of stitches from the end of the now left needle, insert place marker. Knit to within 3 stitches, K2tog,K1. The first 2 rows of the heel eat up 3 stitches each. Only 2 stitches are used in the following rows. At this point you need to know that I really hate counting stitches. SO I just look for the gap and Ktog or Ptog the gap closed . Then K or P the next one. See the gap? That's where you KorP tog. Eventually all the stitches end up on one needle again and you are ready for the gusset.
Socks are fun little projects. They stay nicely in your lap in a waiting room. Unlike scarves they give you something to look forward to, mini goals, all along the way.
I do desperately need to work up a sock knitters bag for myself. The zip locks and old freebie I keep needles in aren't very pretty.
It's my time this week, so I think a trip to the yarn store instead of the workroom is in order.
Cheryl
I'm going to have to try and digest this info. I love the idea of knitting sox, so I might really have to give it a try!
Posted by: Pam | December 30, 2007 at 09:48 AM
If this "never knitted before" girl can do it so can you!
Posted by: cheryl | December 30, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Hi Cheryl! I just loved the socks that you made for Holly. Is that your pattern, and if so, do you sell it? You mentioned a couple of books that you found, can you list those? There is some really groovy hand-dyed sock yarn at my LYS that I am dying to get and make myself a cool pair of socks to go with the pj's that I also wear as my daily uniform ; )
Thanks! annie
Posted by: annie | January 01, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Annie the sock book is simply titled "Knit Socks!" by McCarthy. It is sock shaped and easy to find. The instructions are a bit easier to follow than the typical pattern. I also have the "Knitters Companion" to decipher the code. It also taught me how to knit. I have only been knitting for a year now. I still struggle to understand some patterns. I added "Knitting without Tears" (great reference) and "Knitting in Plain English" (help with understanding patterns). I love technique and reference books in general.
Holly's socks are just a basic sock since the yarn was interesting. They are made with some great yarn from Italy.
Cheryl
Posted by: cheryl | January 02, 2008 at 08:39 AM