Monkey - Day 1

[fakoriginal]

Today was day 1 of my first sock attempt (I cast on after midnight, so it counts). I am currently halfway down the first leg, with the wonders of turning heels, gussets, and kitchenering ahead of me.

Comments

Re: John Lewis

[fakoriginal]

Knitting can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn't have to be. I've knit a jumper for about £30 in wool (which I figured was pretty reasonable) but have known people who've spent £75 on a pashmina type scarf. You can always subsitute a cheaper yarn for an expensive one (you pretty much just need to match the guage information, which is printed on the ball band) and knowledgeable staff can help with that. They appreciate that not everyone can afford hand-dyed silk and any sale's better than no sale. They can also advise on alternatives for material allergies.

John Lewis is great, they always make sure their department specialists are well trained.

Sock yarn's a bit odd, though. They only stock Regia at my local John Lewis and the two balls (enough for two socks with maybe enough leftover for a wristband) were £4.99 each, I think. I bought two lots of hand-dyed sock wool last weekend and they were each £10 a skein (one skein making two socks). Having a root around the clearance bin can be rewarding though. I got a shedload of pure silk at half price (which actually made it affordable), and if you're just wanting a small amount of something (for say a scarf or some gloves) it can work out well. Just remember to match your dyelots - not doing so can be a BIG mistake.

Now I just need to find a pattern to be able to make my own toe socks. Gotta love the toe socks.

Re: John Lewis

[fakoriginal]

Knit and purl is all there is to knitting. Chuck in an occasional wrap of the yarn around the needle or knitting (or purling) two stitches together and that's all you need.

If you haven't already, you should sign up to www.Ravelry.com there's a waiting list (because it's in beta testing) but it shouldn't take too long to get in. Lots of knitting and crochet patterns, plus lots of yarn to digitally drool over.

Something small like a sock is quite portable to work on, but if you wanted something to do in the evenings then there are lots of patterns for shawls, blankets, scarfs for people of all abilities, plus all of the clothing. My next challenge after the socks is some lacework *gulp*. That's in between knitting stuff for friends who insist on breeding.

Re: John Lewis

[fakoriginal]

Oh, and toe socks are just the best thing, it's like wearing gloves instead of mittens. My toes feel squashed in regular socks, but it does take a little while to soften up the divide between each toe initially.