Wooly, I lost the post in which you answered my question about Koigu PPPM. The link you provided to wiseneedle.com was helpful, as was your personal review and experience with various yarns for the purposes of sock making. I appreciate the time you took to respond. You're very kind.
One of the problems I'm finding as a crocheter (spell check just tried to correct that as "crotchetier") is there are few crochet-aimed sites on sock making. Feet Need Socks is a fun site with a few patterns, and there are some scattered here and there that mention in an almost backhand manner things that I consider important to know (like what you wrote about various fibers wearing harder in the heels). It just seems that the knitters get more of the important facts right there with their patterns, but I'm having to really hunt hard for the info I need.
I'm a little frustrated, obviously. :) Next up, my excuses for not making a web site repository of crochet sock information myself.
On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 16:04:00 GMT, "Threnody" spewed forth :
I'm always happy to pontificate :D
There is a book in the wild having to do with crochet socks; I've seen it at the bookstore but I haven't looked at it. I'd think that the feet would be pretty much the same all the time and you'd gussy up the cuffs however you want. That's my approach to knitted socks.
Of course there's the bit of my brain wondering why you don't just knit your socks like most of the rest of us? hehehe
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with a more sensible colorway and so far I really, really like the result. I often have to go up a hook size when I'm making wearables, but with this pair I'm thinking maybe I oughtn't have. The pattern stitch is pretty forgiving. I'll finish this pair then make another with the recommended hook and see how much difference I get.As for Wooly's impertinent question =) about why I'm not knitting socks instead, the plain and simple truth is that I'm almost 35, I've been crocheting my whole life, and only learned to knit a year ago. And I mean *knit*. Purl is just frightening. I keep trying to sit down and practice it, but I end up forgetting what I'm doing and letting stitches pop off the needles and all sorts of other silly things. I make a complete hash of it. When it comes to making socks, the purpose of which is to sit and enjoy myself, knitting ain't in the cards. Crochet I can do in my sleep (and often have) so crochet it is.
*mutter* Knitters thinking *grumble* the whole world *snark snark snark* ought to be using 2 sticks instead of 1. ;)
On Mon, 27 Mar 2006 12:37:00 GMT, "Threnody" spewed forth :
The only solution for that problem is to practice-practice-practice!
Not at all - if you want to knit socks you need FIVE sticks :D
I gave up on knitting when Granny gave up trying to teach me. I was probably 8 or 9. I took to crochet like a duck to water, however, and did that exclusively until I was in my early 30s. When I picked up the knitting again my first project was a baby sweater followed by a pair of socks for my kiddo. As I've said before and will say again: It ain't rocket science, just coordination!
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I agree that it's hard to find crochet sock info. I'd like to crochet a pair myself, and after looking and trying at several patterns, I've decided that there are a couple of patterns I do not like for various reasons.
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I tried this pattern, and there is no cuff at the top, which the verydark picture doesn't show very well. My socks definitely need to besnug at the top if I'm going to wear them anywhere! >One is Lion Brand Wool Ease Joan's Socks - Crochet Version. I'm not>sure if it's still on there website or not. Yes, the pattern is still there. I made one in regular yarn this weekend to check out the style, and while I'm sure it would fit better if made in Woolease, it was too big around my ankle in regular yarn, even though I matched gauge with acrylic, but the acrylic didn't have any wool in it, which is probably partly why the ribbed cuff is floppy. But I can't see myself making a pair in Woolease right now.
BTW, after the discussion on the DPNs, I pulled mine out and started swatching for a pair of knit socks. I found some Regia in my stash I've had since I don't know when that closely matches a sweater I made in 2004, so I'd like to wear them together, probably next winter. The snow is gone, and it was nearly 70 yesterday, after being freezing and snowing last week!
However, I'm thinking I need to make my up own crochet sock pattern, like I did my slipper socks. But, I've already got some changes in mind to make it a sock pattern. I've got to get out yarn and hook and experiment in that dept. If it works out, I'll try and post clear directions for making your own, as I custom fit everything I design for a specific person.
One thing I'd recommend for hard wearing toes and heels is to do them with an additional strand of Wooly Nylon, which I found at a local quilting store. It comes in many colors, and you carry an extra strand to reinforce toes and heels as you work. It's something I heard will work when knitting socks as well. It comes on a large spool and is different from sewing thread. Don't know what sewers (is that right, looks like I'm talking about sewage?!) use it for, but I'm going to try it with my knt and crochet socks.
Threnody, you are absolutely right in that knitting socks would not be enjoyable until you get more knitting experience. As I read your comments, this is not the time for you to learn. It would be stressful and you certainly don't need that with a baby soon to arrive. I have never crocheted socks so I can't help with patterns other than to mention a book I've seen in the library called Crocheted Socks!: 16 Fun-to-Stitch Patterns by Janet Rehfeldt and Mary Jane Wood. Look for it if you haven't seen it.
Nuh uh ................ just MHO - I wouldn't use five if you paid me. All these many socks I've knit over the years have been done on 4 needles and will continue to be so. That "extra" 5th needle in the package - is a spare needle. (laugh).
For the same reason I use K1,SL1, PSSO, and refuse to use SSK - it's just someone reinventing the wheel, which is just fine in its first incarnation. :>P
On Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:18:22 GMT, Alison spewed forth :
Yes. SSK, skpo both lean to the left. K2tog leans to the right.
s2kwk1po is a centered double-decrease.
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Not right now, but maybe someday, you might be interested enough to try the hook-ended knitting needles that I think Lacis was selling. Hook on one end, needle end on the other. They are perfect for knitting in the round; you just keep pulling the next loop through with the hook, like the set-up row for afghan stitch. Many cultures use hook-ended knitting needles.
If you want to crochet socks then the book Jan mentions "Crocheted Socks" Rehfeldt and Wood is good. I have it. The socks crocheted up nicely and fit well but -- I found the bumpiness of the crochet to be really uncomfortable.
I started out doing crochet only but the whole sock experience got me trying to knit because I loved the sock sized project. My Grandma had tried to teach me and given up but something just clicked after the socks. Anyway -- wish I could email "crocheted socks" to you. I have converted to knitting socks and expect I will never use it again. I will say though it may take a tough foot to wear crocheted socks.
If you do write out your own, I'd be happy to test it for you. I'm always looking for a new sock pattern, as you've probably figured out. ;) Besides, I have a husband and a five-year-old who both love being guinea pigs, so I can try yours in different sizes to see what they say. The 18 month old is in her "whee, I'm naked!" stage, and socks would only end up in a pile along with the diaper and other clothing when she decides to streak (which is about every 3 minutes; she's a Very Liberated Baby).
I'd head around reinforcing them this way before, but I had completely forgotten what to use to do it. If you do it, report back and let us know how it worked for you. I'd like to know if you noticed a difference in the comfort of the sock, among other things, with the Wooly Nylon reinforcement. I've somehow got it in my head that it could be a little bit abrasive. I hope you prove that wrong.
Wooly nylon is used by sewers in their sergers. I've used it in socks, knitted not crocheted, and think it helps to prolong their life. It is a soft thread and not harsh or abrasive to the skin.
I'm not very good about writing my patterns out precisely. I jot gauge notes and go from there in regards to custom sizing things for me and the family.
I had an unexpected afternoon off yesterday and rushed home and got out the yarn and hook and got going. I'm using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride 100% wool from my stash and a G/6/4.0 mm hook. I've worked out the way to make it, top down, not toe up, and I've done the rib, leg, and foot. Thinking now I could use a couple more rows on the leg section, but I'm not ripping it out! Now all I have to do is decide how I'm going to do the toe and heel, which those sections have not been worked yet. I am doing them separate from the rest of the work so the toes and heels are easily changeable, and I've got out my spool of Wooly Nylon to carry an extra strand. It's not that thick, so it should not change my gauge much if at all. I hear some sock yarns come with the reinforcing strand dyed to match right in the package, but the LP didn't. I probably could use a little smaller hook, maybe down to an E, but I didn't want a really stiff fabric. These are thicker than knit socks, but they should do all right in sandals. Weather got cold again, so it's perfect, you want your feet to breath better but not be completely enclosed, so when I get these done, it's the right weather to try them out LOL.
Anyway, once I figure out the heel and toe, I'll give you another update!
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