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Socks Completed – #1 for 2013

Finally!  These were the socks that I thought would never get finished.

Patons Green Socks

This is yarn that Nicole found at Hobby Lobby when I was there in October.  She liked the yarn so I bought it and these socks will be for her.

Patons Yarn

This yarn is $5.99/skein and it takes two skeins to make a pair of socks.  This yarn is much less expensive than the yarns at The Loopy Ewe and it holds up just fine.  It wears very well and behaves nicely while being knit.  So, you may be asking why would one pay $25 – $35 for a skein of sock yarn from The Loopy Ewe when a pair of socks can be made for $12?  I know you’re thinking it and if you aren’t, your husband is!  🙂

The yarns carried by TLE are mostly yarns that are dyed in smaller batches by “indie dyers”.  Indie dyers are often folks who are independent, self employed type folks who dye in small batches.  I think of Three Irish Girls, Madelinetosh, and my current favorite – String Theory.

The yarns from TLE definitely feel and look different . . in a way that makes it worth the extra money most of the time.  Not only do I love yarn from TLE but I love the whole experience of shopping there and then having the package arrive.  That counts for a lot!

I’ll still buy some of the lesser priced yarns . . I even have a couple of pairs of those socks in my sock drawer, but most of my yarns will continue to come from TLE.

These were the socks that I started out using two circular needles to make both socks at once.  I gave up on that . . I got so tired of dealing with those two needles and the two balls of yarn.  I took the socks off and finished them on double points and from now on . . unless there’s some major changes in my way of thinking, I’m using double points for my socks.

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Comments

  1. What a lucky girl Nicole is! You may have bought cheaper yarn but I think the socks are beautiful! I love the color she picked :o)

  2. I admire those of you that can knit socks , these are
    beautiful.. a lady knitted slipper socks for my gr grand da
    and they keep her tiny baby toes nice and warm ..
    I purchased my supplies to make soap so waiting for the Fels Napa to dry out a bit.. LOL then will grate it.

  3. It took me forever to pick up needles again after I finished my two at a time pair and the new sock is just about done. If it weren’t for my quilting deadlines, it would be done. I started it on Thanksgiving and started the toe decreases on Sunday so it should be done soon. It will be DPNs for me as well! But at least we can say we tried the Two at a Time. 🙂

  4. I think I have socks in that same Patons colorway. I too pick up the less expensive yarns from time to time (tho for me I either have to make the toes a different color or buy 3 balls of Patons for a pair) 😉 But like you – love those indie dyers (and I am totally ignoring TLE new reward program!)

  5. I like Kroy – the wash well in the washing machine and the yarn really holds up to wear! I usually can get it on sale or with a coupon which makes it very reasonable. I am in sad shape with socks right now – 1 pair needs to be darned, 1 pair my DH washed in HOT water (oops!) and just when I think I am going to cast on a pair for myself, my son wants knee socks to wear over his tights when he goes skiing next momth. I am down to the toe on his 1st sock. Cheers! Evelyn

  6. I couldn’t agree with you more about the difference in yarn quality based on yarn cost. I too am a TLE shopper (I think your posts actually got me to their site the first time over 2 years ago) and love to order from TLE. I also use some lower priced yarns (usually for gifts to people that are not as close to me as family and good friends) from the big box stores, but I’m always happiest with my “snobby” yarn projects!!!

    String Theory is also becoming a favorite of mine since knitting my Hoodwink in String Theory DK Merino held double…..so soft & cozy!!

  7. Just in terms of looks, this may be my favorite pair of socks that you’ve knitted. I like the colors and the soft gradations.

  8. Love the finished socks. What level are you at for TLE new reward’s program? I’ve reached Cotton Club because I HAD to get yarn for the 1st Qtr challenge, and then HAD to get enough for free shipping. Now I’m done for a while.

  9. I have given up on ever learning to knit socks 🙂 I look at patterns and look that those darn needles and just can’t fathom it…..now, after my broken finger, my left hand tires so easily. The OT warned me that my hand may never be the same again and she was 100% correct. Who in the world would have though a darn pinky finger could cause so much misery 🙁 I so love seeing your beautiful socks, though 🙂

  11. I’m with you on the double-pointed needles. I did give the magic loop method a try, but it just didn’t feel comfortable. Give me the five needles any old time.

  13. In my opinion, these are the prettiest socks of all I’ve seen. I really like most of them but these are the best.

  15. Oh my – your socks are perfect!
    I’m starting to think I should learn how to knit socks… Watching you, I’m getting some real “sock envy!” haha!

    Keep the photos coming – you’re so inspiring!

    BLM 🙂

  16. I’m a knitter and quilter, too. Have a pair of socks that have given me a severe case of SSS (second sock syndrome). I learned to knit in high school, and for some unexplained reason, the first socks I made were for a friend; they were his college colors, knee-high, with his school name up one side, and his fraternity up the other . . . he wore a size 15 shoe. Put me off sock knitting for over 40 years! Now, I love it, and I prefer two circulars. I took the time to count up my queue . . . you know, “socks – some assembly required” . . but I hate to admit how many pairs that would account for. Let’s just say I have been refraining from my once standard practice of grabbing sock yarn in every yarn shop I see!

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