RSS
Home
Why knit socks?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Knee socks, ankle socks, pedicure socks, double knit socks, socks with color work, socks with texture, sock knitting has become the latest rage among many knitters, spurring the yarn industry with a new way to entice knitters. New color way combinations and fibers creations, brings out creativity and imagination to a whole new level, and provides knitters the pure satisfaction of the finished product.
Why knit socks you ask? Knit them on double points, circular needles or even on a magic loop, socks are fun, practical, beautiful, innovative, fast, portable, inexpensive, great gifts, and a good project for traveling or TV watching. Once you get familiar with the basic template, you can knit socks practically on autopilot. Sock clubs are in demand, as well as sock knitting classes. The upcoming Sock Summit , being held in Portland Oregon August 6th through the 9th, will draw avid sock knitters from all over the country. This summit is packed full of classes, demonstrations,vendors and renown sock knitters such as Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee (a.k.a. the Yarn Harlot), Barbara Walker, Cat Bordhi, Cookie A, and many more.
Socks can be knitted in wool, bamboo, soy, Alpaca or even hand spun. When choosing yarns for your sock knitting, you will find that wool is hands down the best choice. Wool is breathable, comfortable and durable, with a bit of natural "give" to help with the fit. Most commercial sock yarns are a wool and nylon blend, spun very tightly, and machine washable. Cottons is not always a good choice for socks. While it is breathable, soft an comfortable, it's not very durable and can stretch out too quickly. If you decide to choose cotton, choose a yarn that is specifically designed for socs, like Lang Jawoll Cotton Superwash or Cascade Fixation. Both of these yarns are both blends of cotton with other fibers. I do suggest staying away from using acrylic yarns for sock knitting as they do not breath and can result in socks that become very sweaty and smelly. Also, synthetics do not have much flexibility or give.
Once you start knitting socks, you'll be addicted and will start stashing every new sock yarn available. For further information on sock knitting and yarns, please visit the following sites - Sock Summit 2009, Cherry Tree Hill, Simply Socks, Blue Moon Fibers, Webs, SWTC, and Louet.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
