Saturday, November 02, 2019

Behold the Sock

So simple, so straightforward.

You've got to be kidding.

Have you ever tried knitting one (make that two, you can't go around with one sock now can you?)

It's been years since I've knit a pair as I'm so aware of the work involved.

Engineering and mathematical work.

You heard that right.

Calculating the yarn involved, the size needles (allowing for individual tension) the size of foot, the matching the yarn to the individual socks.

And you haven't got out your five needles yet. Yes, 5. To make that sock round with no seams and ahem, no holes.

So with trepidation I began and you know? Firing up those tottering brain cells has been, well, challenging. Sock knitting is all mathematics and engineering. Shaping the yarn, making and creating and decreasing stitches. I tried listening to podcasts, but nah, can't do. All this fierce concentration is laid at the feet (got that, ha!) of my socks. And there's no room for listening to anything.

But watching it all take shape on the needles is a complete and utter meditation.

I can almost hear my internal computer recharging itself and new pathways forming. Seriously.

Here they are: one completed, one getting there. I love the colour-ways. Like dawn coming up over the hill opposite my window.

And yes, I will produce another photo of them on my feet. I am unstoppable now. I am surveying my yarn stashes and imagining where it will eventually walk.

May the sock force be with me.


PS those darker specks you see on the yellow, etc. are part of the yarn colour-ways. Tiny flecks of the brown on the other colours. It looks beautiful in reality.



35 comments:

  1. Colour me awed. Two needles (or even one crochet hook) are beyond my wobbly hands and brain.
    And I love the colour - which made me think of a tequila sunrise I drink I never enjoyed but loved looking at.
    I hope the sock force remains with you. This sock is simply gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you EC, I was pleased that it has started to come back to me, it has been such a long time and it's quite complex - the turning of the heel particularly and avoiding those holes.

      But I think I'm on a roll now.

      XO
      WWW

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    2. Tequila Sunrise is also a movie starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.

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    3. Good name River, the yarn came without a name. But yeah, tequila sunrise on my feet I like that.

      XO
      WWW

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  2. EC says it all, simply gorgeous. I'm a sock knitter, too, but since the crack on the noggin, I cannot bring myself to knit. I still am able, but totally uninspired.I still am able, and have one sock down to the point of yours on needles. I must find reasons to knit; it is winter and my hand knitted socks are all I wear. I do have four pair left on hand...

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    1. The only downside Joanne is that I can't seem to do anything else while concentrating. Even listening to music is distracting, stuff I did unconsciously before. Socks are tricky. I do hope you get re-inspired and I am so impressed you still have 4 pair left on hand.

      Your weaving I can't imagine doing, I'm always so impressed with what you are able to calculate.

      XO
      WWW

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  3. I've never knitted a sock in my life and certainly don't intend to start now. I have knitted my fair share of baby bootees, but not many babies wear them now, it's all socks or leggings. What is that open weave part in the yellow? Love the colours.

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    1. River, you are correct about baby booties. One reason for the lack of popularity now can found in public places, one booty fallen off and not noticed.

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    2. River, that is a slip one knit one to make the heel strong.

      XO
      WWW

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    3. Andrew:
      Those booties always fell off, you had to either strangle the child's foot with a tie or let the bootee hang there. And babies really worked at getting their feet unincarcerated, LOL

      XO
      WWW

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  5. I admire your skill and they are rather prettier than my draw full of black socks.

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    1. I'm rather entranced with the idea of my potential drawer full of wild colours.

      XO
      WWW

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  6. I suppose that it is an occupation therapy of sorts as I would rather simply buy a pair!

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    1. You have no idea what you're talking about Ramana!! Knitted socks are so different on one's feet and the colours are glorious.

      Therapy, ha!

      XO
      WWW

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  7. The socks are beautiful. Yes, show us a photo of them on your feet.

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    1. Will do Gigi, tho I must be careful not to bore everyone to tears.

      XO
      WWW

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  8. I have made so many socks in my life and given so many as presents. They are a good traveling project and a good way to use up yarn (for the tops or toes or heels) and with all the patterned yarns out there, there is so much to choose from. But I had not made a pair in years until two weeks ago I had a text from grandaughter who is a soph at Montana State. "Guess what g-ma, I am learning to knit!" - glad she is going to college for something practical. And then "Have you ever made socks?" Of course, she would not remember but even her mother received some of my socks. So I get out the 5 needles, a ton of ideas, brush out the cobwebs and I am at it again. What fun! The downside is that I can hear friends saying - not another pair from Mary.

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    1. Oh Mary that is wonderful, I do hope you photo your work and post it. I love knitting blogs. So inspiring.

      XO
      WWW

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  9. Home knit sock are the best! My first thought also was Tequila Sunrise :) Wonderful colours.

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  10. Great colour yarn, WWW - I bet it's lovely and soft too? Socks are beyond me - never did try to knit any as I suspected my shoes wouldn't fit over anything I'd manage to make. Some flat-knit slippers are the only foot-related thing I've managed to knit. I once, long ago, knitted some Fair Isle patterned mittens, with thumbs - those caused me enough knit-stress to last a lifetime. ;-)

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    1. It's all in the practice T. In the past few months I nearly went demented when my niece showed me a new method of knitting socks - all about loop knitting and fish-lips heels. I couldn't crack it and then thought my gawd maybe I can't remember how to knit socks at all even in the old method? I persevered and bingo. I'm finding my next set that I've started so much easier now!

      XO
      WWW

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  11. Replies
    1. I wish I could teach you it is very peaceful and meditative and you forget about the aches and pains.

      XO
      WWW

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  12. Nope, I don't knit anything, let alone socks. I'm impressed by anyone who does.

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  13. Turning the heel was always the part I had most difficulty with. But now I think I could do a "tube sock"!

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    1. That is tricky stuff alright Chris but there are neat tricks to doing it and all are available on you tube these days!

      XO
      WWW

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  14. Beautiful socks! Love those colours!

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  15. Such lovely colours. As you say, a bit like a spectacular sunrise.

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    1. Thank you Nick. Wait till you see the next pair!!

      XO
      WWW

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  16. Thank you Linda, I am so pleased.

    XO
    WWW

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