A couple of years ago I decided I would learn to knit socks. I decided, perhaps a little inadvisably, that I would knit socks for Christmas presents, five pairs in fact. One of the pairs was for my husband so all the socks were knitted in 'secret', my husband was self employed at the time and the attempt at secret knitting coincided with a slackening off of his work. I was constantly looking for opportunities to get out of the house and knit! After that mammoth session I knit a pair for my mum for her birthday and three pairs of babies socks in the early part of the following year and nothing since. I have really wanted to cast a pair on for a while but without the pressure of a deadline! Last year my brother had a nasty cycling accident which has left him housebound with cold feet so I am knitting him a pair of socks as a surprise and to keep his feet warm. I am loving this pattern, complicated enough to keep my interest but not so complicated that I have to keep frogging my knitting. This is sock number one which was cast on a while ago now (just after the accident) but slowly it grows.
Whilst my knitting has kept me interested reading hasn't of late. I have gotten myself into a bit of a rut by reading a book last month which was disappointing. I had been wanting to read it for some time and was looking forward to it but nothing I tried seemed quite right. I happened upon a book in the library which somehow came off the shelf into my hand. It has a beautiful cover and is quite a weight, not reasons to choose a book I know but they added to the appeal. It is a self published book based in the area I grew up in, so it came home with me and I am loving it. It is set in the early 1700s in Hertfordshire and concerns the events leading up to and the trial of an old woman Jane Wenham who some claimed was a witch. The novel is based on real events and is proving to be a most interesting read.
Linking with Ginny
'frogging' - I'm guessing, but I don't know what that means and have a vivid picture of frogs tangled in your wool. I'm quite fascinated by witches, was given a White Witch when I was young, and it went everywhere with me - so this book might be a read for me too.
ReplyDeleteFrogging is the unpicking of knitted stitches :) I too thought it was to do with frogs the first time I heard it!
DeleteOne of my goals for this year is to learn to knit socks. I have been a bit intimidated by it but resolve to give it go. Looking for a very easy pattern to start. Just discovered your blog
ReplyDeleteWelcome! I used the Basic Ribbed Sock pattern by Kate Atherley for the first few pairs I knit. It is free on Ravelry if you ever use that.
Deletethanks, I will check it out and give it a try this summer
DeleteOh the dreaded sock knitting! I want to learn too, my mum can rattle up a pair whilst watching TV, but I am really quite intimidated at the thought! X
ReplyDeleteThe are actually easier than they look........
Deletejust had to queue that pattern.....it's hard to find nice looking 'man sock' patterns and that's a great one. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard, I was so pleased when I found this pattern.
DeleteI do love this pattern and it so rustic and cozy in the wool color you chose, thinking of knitting these for my hubby.
ReplyDeleteThank you, if they weren't so big I would be wanting to keep them for myself!
Deleteoh the sock is beautiful - and I love the needles too. Sock knitting is my relaxation now so I'm mostly knitting plain ones with stripy yarn so I can knit and not think but I love the look of that pattern!
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely pattern and there is not much thinking, honest! The needles are lovely, KnitPro Symfonie they are my absolute favourites I use them for everything these days.
DeleteI love knitting socks and handmade socks are just so cosy, they'll keep your brother's tootsies nice and warm. I can go off reading if I've got a book on the go which just doesn't do it for me. Glad you've found one you're enjoying.
ReplyDeleteI am currently *trying* to teach myself to knit socks! I started learning with dpns, but its been more difficult to find instruction for a beginner like myself! I've been told its much easier to learn on the magic loop. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't master the magic loop method at all but I know that many find it easier. I knit a few finger puppets as my first project with dpns they were small enough that I could finish them quickly and master the art of dpn's without having to undo loads of knitting!
Deletesock knitting is addicting and fun. I love to have a pair on the needles most of the time. beautiful texture in your socks.
ReplyDeleteThose socks look very cosy! The Open Air is by Richard Jefferies. My copy is from 1904 I think, but I believe there are modern versions available. I will be writing a bit more about it in the next Year in Books post.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will look it up :)
DeleteI love your socks. Such a thoughtful gift for cold-feet!
ReplyDeleteI really need to try knitting socks...one day. Yours looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteSocks look interesting - I've only ever done very basic ones so i think i need to branch out a little.
ReplyDeleteI went through a phase of sock knitting a few years back . Not made any since but I did make some as gifts which were very well received at the time. It's funny how a book can seem so appealing but once you start turning the pages you find it's really not what you thought. Then you have to make the decision whether you stick with it or sack it for something else. Unfortunately you sound a bit like me that once you have started a book you have to stick with it till you get to the end only to remain disappointed when you do. Glad your subsequent read is proving to be a lot better. I've heard of the story of Jane Wenham but not read anything about her might have to investigate.
ReplyDeleteI can't begin to think how long it would take me to knit 5 pairs of socks x
ReplyDeleteWhen I consider how long it has taken me to knit this one sock I cannot believe I knit them so quickly!
DeleteI really like the pattern on these socks, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful sock! I love the color and the pattern. I hope your brother is okay and that the socks will keep his feet warm. The book sounds fascinating. I'm reading Lark Rise to Candleford right now and loving it...just wishing I had more time to read (and knit!!) maybe I'll have to look for excuses to sneak away and do both!
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