I've got a little confession. As it's a Sunday, it seems appropriate to tell you all about it. I have an addiction. It's knitting ... socks. Ever since my daliance with Artesano's Hummingbird DK range on holiday last year I seem to have developed a full blown addiction.
Like with all addictions you have to have the right tools. I first started with metal 20cm dpns which were fine to begin with but found that I kept jabbing my wrists. A switch to a set of 15cm bamboo dpns would sort that irritation. Unfortunately non-knitters think you are using toothpicks but what do they know...
Then you have to pick your poison. I love to knit luxury alpaca socks in a DK weight. The yarn slips gorgeously through your fingers, the DK weight means that they fly off your needles and when you finally pop them onto your feet you just wish for a cold spell in the weather. 4ply or fingering is great for detailed and more lacy effect socks but requires a slightly longer term commitment.
Then you need an enabler. Something that will facilitate your addiction; take it to a new height. Pick your pattern carefully so it has enough to keep you interested but not too much that it gives you a headache. Sock knitting + headache = UFO* (*UnFinished Object) Guaranteed! I have enough UFO's in my knitting bag and do not wish to increase the tally with an impossible pattern. Ravelry and Knitty have some lovely patterns. Do try not to drool over your keyboard!
Here are some of my recent additions to my sock knitting stash:
Regia Arabesque in Grenada
A self striping 4ply sock yarn. Hardwearing but soft enough not to feel scratchy.
I cast this yarn onto my needles last night using Monkey by Cookie A. It's available in the medium size on Knitty and should look like this:
Image courtesy of Cookie A and Interweave Knits
This gorgeous yarn from Fyberspates also caught my beady eye:
Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply Sport in Purple
This yarn is just gorgeous and has a beautiful shimmer to it.
I have Clandestine lined up for this yarn. Another Cookie A pattern and again also available on Knitty.
With a bit of luck and hopefully no headaches it should look like this:
Image courtesy of Laura Kicey
Finally, and my absolute favourite a lovely skein of Artesano:
Artesano Hummingbird DK in Woodpecker
A really yummy soft yarn which has such vibrant colours.
My plans for this yarn will probably involve a very simple 2x2 rib which feels so comfy on your feet unless I spend some more mis-spent time browsing Knitty and Ravelry!
Pen x
