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