I have a couple of 50g skeins of sock yarn, so wanted to find something I could use that for. At the same time, I was keen on trying some new techniques I've been reading about. I turned to Ravelry's search function and came up with An Anklet a Day.
The pattern was written for knitting on 3 DNP, but I'd found links for magic loop sock knitting, and wanted to give that a try. Fortunately the pattern didn't seem too hard to adapt, so I decided to cast on and just go for it!
Turning the heel was a piece of cake :-) Getting the gusset done a tad more tricky as I had to rearrange the stitches around on the needles. I think I got it sorted though, and it's coming along nicely now. I'm not too sure what I think of the magic loop method. There are definitely benefits to it over DNPs (not as many pointy ends to loose stitches from for one!), but I'm not certain that it's actually faster. And if I ever want to knit anything larger than socks, I'll need larger needles! (I can only find up to 80cm circular in DK - might have to get bigger ones online).
But I can definitely see the advantage to knitting two socks at once! Knowing that even after I finish this one, I have another one to go is a tad daunting... guess my next sock experiment is two at once and/or toe-up. I didn't quite feel up to adapting the pattern that much.
Edit same evening:
I actually managed to finish the first sock during the day. As you can see, it both starts and ends with the yellow. So here's my conundrum... do I knit on, starting the next sock with the next colour (blue), or do I unravel quite a bit of the skein, in order to start the second one with yellow as well? I'd be discarding quite a bit of yarn, which is why I can't make up my mind.
I'm always very impressed by sock knitters as it's black magic for me! I knitted mittens and legwarmers two-at-the-time and it's quite easy after a while and certainly feels like knitting goes quicker!
ReplyDeleteWell done on your heel turn and the colour is lovely :)
It used to be black magic for me as well, but the pattern I linked to does a great job of explaining it for beginners. I was awfully proud of myself when I realized I'd turned my first heel! ;)
DeleteIf you can knit mittens, you can DEFINITELY knit socks! :)
I've never tried the magic loop, it always sounds complicated to me! Your sock looks good.
ReplyDeleteLovely - the yarn is really cute!
ReplyDelete(Oh and I'm planning a 2 at a time toe up sock KAL for September if you're interested!?!)
That could be fun! My first KAL as well :) Will you be hosting it on Ravelry or on your blog?
Deleteooh wow well done on the socks, theya re very pretty - magic loop is kind of addictive :D
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I am not sure I like the magic loop method - I prefer my DPNS as, like you, I think it goes faster. But maybe with more practice the Magic loop method works better?
ReplyDeleteI think Magic loop might give a more even knit in the long run... and there's the added bonus of less ends for the stitches to fall off from! ;)
DeleteI definitely prefer magic loop to knitting on two circular needles though.
One thing I really like about circular needles is that I can do everything on them - flat or magic loop or just knitting in the round :) I love the stripey yarn you're using. Good luck beating Second Sock Syndrome!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo good job! I remember my first heel turn- yours is much prettier because I was terrible at picking up stitches and left a few holes...
ReplyDeleteHeels and gussets aren't hard once you get the hang of them, but you'll never convince me away from my double points! Cute stripey yarn!
ReplyDeleteI would unravel to the yellow and then use the discard later on to pick the blue color back up.
ReplyDeleteOoh, looking great! I'm too afraid to try magic loop socks just now, so well done :D
ReplyDelete