Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Smidgen of sock

Now I understand why sock knitting is addictive. I've only made a smidgen of sock, and I'm already looking at patterns for my next pair and scoping out the sock yarn at my local knitting store. There is something so satisfying about it.

The class I'm taking is for toe-up socks knit on two pairs of circular needles. Things didn't start out well. I think I'm the least experienced knitter in the class and had such a hard time in the beginning that at one point I considered giving up. The first step was a
Turkish Cast-on , and I was still struggling with it after everyone else in the class moved on to the next step. I've always found it challenging to learn in a group setting and do much better alone in a quiet room with written instructions. In a group I quickly get overwhelmed and flustered, and my mind goes blank. So I struggled through the first hour of the class, but finally figured out the cast-on after about ten tries. As it turns out, it's not hard to do. It was just new and took some time to wrap my head around it.

Next week we start on the heel, which will involve short rows. Gulp. If I can find the time, I might practice a bit before the class so I'll have a better chance of keeping up with everyone else.

After the class I sat on my couch for hours and worked on my smidge. It was so relaxing ... no television, no music, just blessed silence and busy hands working away with needles and yarn. Before bed I browsed through the latest issue of Somerset Life. I bought it because Kellie Rae Roberts mentioned on her blog that she'd written an article about friendship and intimacy. It was really good. There is also an excellent letter from the editor, Jenny Doh, about the importance of compassion and awareness of others. So touching.

9 comments:

Theresa said...

Congrats on the toe! I will have to show you my favorite "warmest sock booties ever". Love knitted socks, they are so warm. Of course, I didn't make them:) Have a blessed day!

Maiden Jane said...

Way to go! Between the class and the internet you will be fine. Sometimes you just have to go through it a couple times (and make a lot of mistakes along the way.)

Jill said...

Great start on your sock! I have mostly knit socks from the top down - once you master this style, you might want to try going from the top. I find it MUCH easier! But starting from the toe gives a neater and more closed end, I find. Your choice of yarn is beautiful!

Dogwood said...

I know what you mean about classes and being a little overwhelming. Sounds like after your settled into the groove of the class you did fine. Love the colors of those sox.

Looks like a great issue of that wonderful magazine.

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

I love your 'smidge'...I've tried knitting with the double pointed needles and gave up in total frustration. Right now, I'm working on a crochet slipper sock. I'm using a basic sock pattern from a magazine but changing it to be like a boot-sock. And I've never made socks at all before...so we'll see how it goes.

I love the yarn you chose, very pretty!
Susan

Thimbleanna said...

Ha! You're going to be hooked! I love the color. Ok..I'm outta here to go work on MY sock!

ImplausibleYarn said...

I know exactly what you mean about learning in a classroom. Congratulations on the cast on, that sock yarn is great. You are going to have yourself both a great looking pair of socks and a new addiction!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

That's going to be a great pair of socks! can't wait to see it finished.

Woollywotnots said...

How exciting that you are going to a knitting class. I love to enjoy relaxing time like you describe just blissfully knitting away! Somerset Life sounds like a really good read. I doubt I'd be able to get it here. The articles sound very interesting.
I love your new header by the way.