Wednesday, May 3, 2006

Cindy's Happy Socks

This is the result of my first attempt to make a pair of socks.  I started with a couple of skeins of Patons Kroy sock yarn and the Patons free sock pattern.  It was BY FAR the WORST pattern I have ever used.  I used the proper gauge, needles, technique, etc.  But the sock I made (for me) was so large that it did not even fit Gray.  Even though 1 skein was supposed to be enough for a large sock, I decided to give up on it when the yarn ran out before I got to the toe.

I went to the library and got all I could find on sock knitting, but the most useful basic pattern came from an internet search.  How to Make Socks with Any Weight Yarn by Nancy McMullen helped me design my own pattern.  Unfortunately, I still goofed making my second sock and had to undo it.  This time it was my fault, though. 

The third time was the charm.  And the fourth made a pair.  The socks are comfortable, but a little looser than I might like for wearing with shoes.  I would make the heel and foot a little narrower in the future, but I am basically happy with the outcome.

I ended up using 52 stitches around the leg and foot, with 2 1/4 inch heel.

Details:

Pattern:  How to Make Socks with Any Weight Yarn 

Yarn:  Patons Kroy (75% washable wool, 25% nylon)

Color:  Krazy Stripes

Care:  Machine wash cool, tumble dry low

Needles: Size 2 DPNs (which are actually Size 1 according to my Knit-Chek)