Learn How to Knit Socks: Beginner Resources

August 26, 2015

It's no secret that the sock-knitting bug has taken a huge bite out of me. I've been knitting socks nearly non-stop for about six weeks now, since overcoming my obstacles in the middle of July with my Rose City Rollers. And there's been no turning back.

But it wasn't without tears. I've been trying to knit socks for years now, and as I've mentioned in various prior posts, I'd just get so bored or flub up the heel turn or something that made me never complete an entire sock. It was frustrating and a bit devastating for me, a person who's a fairly advanced knitter. Well, here's some news:

It doesn't have to be that way.

Below, I've compiled what I think are great resources for those of you looking to knit your first pair of socks.

KnitCrate: By now, it's safe to say you know how much I love KnitCrate. I subscribe to their indie dyer package, which means I receive a unique yarn-filled surprise in the mail every month, plus a coordinating pattern, some type of knitting notion, and a tasty treat (like tea, candy, etc). What you may not know is that they now have a "Learn to Knit Socks" subscription. This six-month series will send you new HAND-DYED yarn every month, a sock pattern, and unlimited access to exclusive online tutorial videos that will teach you - step-by-step - how to knit socks using both DPNs and the magic loop method. Ready to subscribe? Make sure to use this link to get a 10%-off coupon on your first purchase.
Craftsy: If shelling out for a monthly subscription isn't your thing, then you can also pay a one-time fee for unlimited access to My First Socks from Craftsy, a seven-lesson HD video series that includes two sock patterns and personal instruction/Q&A with designer and author Lucy Neatby. Upload photos, ask questions, and show off your first pair of knit socks in a safe nest. I've taken several classes from Craftsy and love interacting with my fellow students. Click here to check out the syllabus.
Become a Bakery Bears Patron: Kay and Dan have just released a bunch of DPN tutorials for patrons of their podcast, starting with fingerless mitts and now moving on to socks. You can gain access to these tutorials (and lots more exclusive content) for just $2/mo. Plus, you know your money is going toward supporting independent creators who are re-investing that money into content you enjoy.

Full disclosure: This post includes affiliate links, but know that I would never recommend a product I didn't extremely love! The above links will take you to various learning platforms that I'm either currently subscribed to myself or have used in the past, all funded by my own money. I encourage you to check out each resource, whether you're a newbie knitter or so advanced that vanilla socks put you to sleep. You're guaranteed to find something drool-worthy.

Finished: Exploration Station

August 20, 2015

Two cat vomits and hours of work later, my Exploration Station is finished and ready for its public debut!

It was worth the time investment, though, and believe me when I say it's less daunting to knit than it looks. Each section is written clearly, so it was easy to both understand and memorize after a few rows. Plus, new techniques (like the brioche stitch, for me) are linked to well-explained tutorial videos conducted by the incomparable Stephen West himself. He does move a bit quickly in sections, but that's what the "pause" button is for.

This was my first time knitting an i-cord border and bind-off, and I have to tell you how much I love the final result; however, the bind-off was a bit time consuming, especially since I wanted it done at that point. It was worth it, though. Just anticipate plopping down for a bit while you're finishing the border and weaving in ends.

Now, all I have to do is wait for the temperature to dip below 90 degrees with humidity and I'll be all set. I'm starting to see a few signs of fall around, mostly in grocery stores who have been selling Halloween candy since the beginning of July, so I'm sure the day of wearing my shawl will soon arrive!

Guess I should start on all those Christmas gifts I've been planning...

In the meantime, I'm...

Knitting: Vanilla Latte Socks
Reading: All the Light We Cannot See
Listening: Last Song (feat. Matt Berninger from The National)

Yarn Bombing at #Musikfest2015

August 18, 2015

It's no secret that "yarn bombing" has worked it way into the mainstream. The phrase, in fact, was recently added to the Oxford English Dictionary, further cementing our fibery hold on the universe.

Indeed, yarn bombing has not only brought people - observers and knitters alike - a lot of joy over the years, but it's also promoted an activity that many non-knitters thought was dead. I mean, it's only been within the past couple years that people have stopped telling me I look too young to be their grandmother - not realizing that they were insulting me, then asking me to make them something (usually for free) in the same breath. But I'm not bitter.

So you can imagine how fun it was to visit Musikfest (the largest free music festival in the United States) last week and see my local yarn shop, The Knitter's Edge, proudly participating in its own little yarn bomb. Being off the beaten path, the display presented visitors with a Wonderland-like feeling as they traveled from Handwerkzplatz to Polkaplatz (which I'm sure has a real name, but hey - it's Polkaplatz).

Anyway, here are some pictures I took of the yarn bombing over Musikfest's opening weekend. They've certainly added more since last year, and I'm hoping to get in on the action for 2016!

Finished: Vanilla Latte Socks

August 12, 2015

Well, that didn't take long. I was able to bang these puppies out in less than two weeks, partially thanks to my husband being stuck in the hospital all day for gall bladder surgery. After having to check in at 5AM and not getting dismissed until 3:30PM, it's easy to see how I got so much done. Including several naps in a pretty uncomfortable plastic chair.

Anyway, he's home and resting now, and I'm loving my new finished socks - only my second finished pair! I haven't accomplished any of my other goals for 2015, but at least I'm blowing through my one goal of "finish one freaking pair of socks". Now I've got two off my needles :)

For more information, or to download the free pattern, click here to visit my project page. This is such a great pattern for beginners and experts alike, and has enough design features to keep you interested in knitting around and around and around for 7" (or sometimes more!)

In the meantime, I'm...

Knitting: Anne's Sweater + Another Pair of Vanilla Latte Socks
Reading: To Kill a Mockingbird
Listening: Chappo - What Are You Kids On?

In Progress: Vanilla Latte Socks

August 5, 2015

It's no surprise to any of my Instagram followers that I've fallen in love with sock knitting. To be honest, I never thought I'd be that person. I've attempted making socks so many times, an each time, it was a doable project, but I got bored. Oh-so-bored.

But after the success of my Rose City Rollers, I feel like I can't stop. Better yet, I can finally indulge in more beautiful sock yarn that will actually get knit up into socks (not shawls).

Which means I've also succumbed to the wonder that is Knit Picks Felici. I'll tell you what: there's something magical about self-striping sock yarn, in that it keeps you knitting. For someone who gets bored after x-number of stockinette rows, maintaining my interest is important. So may God bless Felici.

(PS: Knit Picks only launches Felici in special reserve colors once or twice a year, so if you'd like to pick up what's still left, you'd best head on over there now before they're gone).

I've knit these up using a 2x2 rib and an Eye of Partridge heel, which I think will be by new go-to heel because it's so pretty and will jazz up even the most vanilla of socks. The best part is it's only a slight variation on the standard slip stitch heel, so it's not like you have to fudge your way through a new technique.

Can't wait to have these done so I can stare at them until it's cold enough to actually wear them :)

In the meantime, I'm:

Knitting: Vanilla Latte Socks + Anne's Sweater
Reading: Lady of Hay
Listening: The Good Life by Cracker