I had a second sock order – for two pairs – for Christmas. It’s amazing how working to fill an order changes the knitting – I feel pressure to get it done by a specific deadline. When I’m knitting to relax (or to justify sitting in front of the TV) I can knit 10 rows, I can knit 40 rows – doesn’t matter – no pressure. But with a new order once again I felt the pressure of a looming deadline.
Mary Ann liked the khaki ombre with dots socks I’d finished a couple of weeks ago. Since I had a second ball of that yarn from Hobbii (in Denmark) she chose that as one of the pairs. My initial intention was to knit a second pair using that yarn but decided just to give her the original socks and knit the other ball some time when I’m not facing a deadline.
The other yarn she chose was a grey/black/almost white variegated. I finished those socks two evenings ago. A handsome sock for a man.
Black/Grey/Almost White
That order is now complete (whew):
Sock Order #2
Last night I started a new pair – variegated in shades of peach/blue/gold.
jmn 
gorgeous socks!
I’m curious: Do you follow a standard pattern when knitting socks, or do it all from memory? I’m clumsy with double-point knitting, and always imagined that tackling socks would be my undoing!
Evonne, I’ve knit around 400 pairs of socks – it’s from memory. But the pattern is simple: https://jmn111.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/basic-sock-2.pdf – no fancy stitches, I let the variegated yarn do the work. I usually knit a contrasting solid cuff, heel and toe to increase the colour intensity of the socks. Other than that the work is simple. BTW I recommend using a set of 5 needles for sock knitting – 4 hold the stitches (all the same number) – you’d be surprised how much easier it is to work that way. Another tip is that I use 6″ dp needles. I find 7″ too long and 5″ a bit short. So play around with needle length – that makes a big difference, too. And last, you can always try short circular needles – https://jmn111.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/magic-loop-knitting.pdf – called “magic loop” knitting – I find that awkward probably because I haven’t done it enough. https://www.craftsy.com/post/the-knitting-method-thats-totally-magic/. I also knit cuff down but you might try toe up – https://jmn111.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/socks-toe-up.pdf. Hope this is useful. Sock knitting isn’t difficult once you find the right tools for you.
Here’s a link to useful sock knitting information on my blog: https://jmncreativeendeavours.ca/knittingsewing-tips/knitting/
I forgot to say wooden or bamboo needles are essential! They don’t slip out of the stitches but still knit smoothly.
All this info is wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to reply. This may be my winter-covid challenge.
Go for it!