Most people that know me know that I love knitting. Well, maybe love is not the right word. I’m obsessed. In particular, I am in love with knitting socks. I can’t get enough of them. I started knitting socks a few years ago when I was trying to think of something to make my husband for Christmas. I’ve been hooked ever since.
I don’t even know how many pairs I have. It’s horrible. I get the yarn, I knit the pair and then I move on to the next. I don’t even think I wear all of them. I should probably make and give away, but I can’t seem to part with them once they’re done. I don’t feel like many people appreciate the time and effort it takes to create something. I don’t want to send my creations to a home where they won’t be respected. It sounds so silly. It’s not like I’m fostering an animal; they’re just socks!
I think the reason that I like socks so much is that they don’t take long. I have a relatively short attention span. I also have no patience for long, convoluted instructions. I have tried to knit larger projects, but if I come to something I don’t understand, I get overwhelmed and put the project down. I invariably forget where I was in the project and it sits until I decide to take it apart and start something new. I have started a particular project more times than I care to count or admit to. I don’t know if I will ever finish it.
Another thing about socks is that you can experiment with some of the more difficult stitch patterns. It’s easier to practice techniques on a smaller project. That way, if I ever decide to try something larger and more challenging, I will have had practice.
Right now, I’m obsessed with anklets. They take almost no time and they’re more friendly to warmer weather. I wear socks to bed all year round and these are perfect for sleeping. You can also experiment with the more expensive fibers without such a large monetary commitment.
There are a lot of patterns on Ravelry. The one I seem to be obsessed with the most right now is the Summer Sock Hop Sock. It’s quick and easy and is easily modified. It’s written to be knit using the Magic Loop technique though I prefer DPNs. I’ve knit it with and without the ruffled cuff and I like it both ways.
I’ve knit this pattern using Panda Silk and also Knit Picks Felici Sock Yarn. I like it in both. I don’t have any pictures right now, but I will post some as soon as I can.
I think that these anklets will keep me occupied all summer while I plan for my Fall and Winter knitting projects and Christmas gifts for the next holiday season. It seems to be so far away right now, but time is sneaky and it will be upon us in no time.
In the meantime, I’ll keep knitting these anklets and adding to my stash of socks.