I finished the sock samples I was knitting for my upcoming sock classes.

Fortunately my fabulous sister-in-law, Malaree has the same size feet as me and helped me out with sock modeling. You will find her blog here.

As I had previously mentioned, I used Artyarns Supermerino for these socks which is a lovely hand-painted worsted weight yarn. I used size 6 needles and knit each sock using a different sock knitting method while still sticking to the Knitting Pure and Simple Beginner Socks pattern. I've discovered that I love the magic loop method! My stitches were so much smoother and the knitting went a lot faster.


I am excited about my new socks because I think they will be the perfect "wear around the house" socks, and will keep my feet really warm when the weather gets cooler. I imagine that they would wear well with clogs too.

This pattern is great for those who want to quickly knock out a pair of socks for a gift. A pair just takes a few evenings worth of knitting to complete. This is also a fabulous pattern for someone who has never knit socks before. It is simple and so easy to follow.

I did make a few pattern modifications. Instead of doing a 1x1 ribbing at the top, I opted for the more attractive and stretchy 2x2 rib. The math worked out just fine. Also the pattern calls for a 7 inch leg. I was so worried about conserving yarn that I knit mine 5 inches and then ended up with lots of yarn left over....

Don't you just hate that?

I am introducing new sock classes for the month of May.

All 3 socks are knit using the basic Beginner Socks pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple,

just knit using 3 different methods.

All socks are knit with worsted weight yarn, making them fast to get through and easier to learn new techniques on.

The first sock is knit using double pointed needles. This is a great way to start out if you have never knit socks before. Since this pattern calls for DPN's, I will just help you through the pattern, exactly as shown. This will give you a great opportunity to learn how socks are constructed.

Double Pointed Needles Sock Class: $25 Saturday, May 3rd, 11-1

This second sock is knit using 2 24'' circular needles. This is a nice technique because many find it easier to knit than double pointed needles. You can also slip the stitches to the wire (as shown above) and try them on as you go. In the class you will learn how to knit with the two needles as well as how to convert sock patterns from double pointed to 2 circular knitting. If this technique suits you than you can move on to the 2 socks on 2 circulars class that I have available.

2 Circular Needles Sock Class: $25 Saturday, May 17th, 11-1

2 Socks on 2 Circulars Class: $35 Saturday, May 24th, 1-4

This third sock is knit using one 32" circular needle or "The Magic Loop" method. This is my new favorite way to knit socks! Once you learn how it is done, you will find it very refreshing to only have one needle to worry about! I also found that my stitches were more even using this technique opposed to the other socks. I recommend this class for those who have already tried one of the other sock knitting techniques, and feel comfortable with sock construction. In the class you will learn how to convert sock patterns from double pointed, or 2 circulars, to the magic loop.

Magic Loop Sock Class: $25 Saturday, May 24th, 11-1

All of these socks are knit with Artyarns Supermerino Worsted available at The Scarlet Skein. Any worsted weight yarn will work for these socks but I chose Artyarns because it is machine washable. It is also handpainted and pretty!

I charge $25 for a one session, 2 hour class. I recommend that you come in before the class so that we spend a few minutes together and get you started on the sock. That way you can knit the easy part of the sock (the leg) while you are at home, then spend your class time learning the heel which is the trickiest part. If you feel however that you need more class time to understand the sock knitting process you can come sit in on a future sock class or make an appt with me.

For two, 2 hour class sessions the fee is $40.

Please call The Scarlet Skein to reserve your class space.

466-YARN

Hope to see you there!

For current class times and more information visit the website.