Sockapalooza!

That's right! I joined Sockapalooza! Along with 1000 other sock knitters! Really, it was just Zknitter talking about it that convinced me to join (don't worry, she's knows I like to do things like her!). And my sockapalooza pal commented on my blog a few days ago with some questions, so I thought I would go ahead and post a little about me and socks! I've already blogstalked my sock pal and she did the same thing...very helpful!

Although I've been knitting for a few years now, I just learned how to make socks last year. I'm fairly certain it was the Socks that Rock that I bought at Stitches West 2006 that convinced me I wanted to make socks. Those colors are to die for. But I procrastinated and just looked at the pretty yarn. And then Pashyknits told me about Magic Loop. Now, she didn't know how to do it, mind you, she just said she saw someone knitting that way at her LYS. She suggested I learn how to do it (thus, I would teach her). And, of course, that's what I did...I'm sure she bribed me with yarn or something. I can't remember. I just remember getting the book in the mail and practicing. Wa-la!

So my first sock was the perfect sock experience. I made a Christmas stocking! The Classic Christmas Stocking from Holiday Knits. The stocking was knit on size 6 needles and with Karabella Aurora Bulky (ahem...a favorite yarn of mine), and no second sock syndrome! I was hooked! I finished right around the time Socktoberfest was beginning, and made from the same book the house socks (which live somewhere in Rowan's room...no pics). Then I made cable footies from One Skein. Next up, Log Cabin Socks for dad. Notice, all socks for somebody else. Of course, during Socktoberfest, I cast on two other socks but they got put on the back burner for holiday knitting. But right before Stitches 2007, I made sure to attempt to finish my first pair of STR socks, and for me!



That sealed the deal. The addiction began. So, in addition to adding to my sock yarn stash, I've also made Thujas (hey, just like Zonda!), another Log Cabin Sock for dad, and I'm trying to finish up the Peony Socks (because there are sooooo many other socks I want to knit!).

I'm still a bit new to the sock knitting. Really, I think I would like any! Officially, I only have one pair for myself. Of course, plenty of potential in my stash, but still. Colors....I love fall colors! But now that its springtime, I love all the spring pastel colors. I've also recently bought some solid color sock yarn because some of the patterns I like may look better in a solid color. So what patterns are on my list.... Monkey, Jaywalkers, more Thuja (love to wear thicker socks around the house as my "slippers"), Pomatomus, Hedera, Baudelaire.... See that's a little sporty, lacy, girly...probably not any plain jane though. I also have a few sock books that have a few socks marked.

I hope that helps a bit. I have to say one of the joys and kinda evils of sock knitting is that my family has become a bit addicted to them. Rowan has a list going I think. Dad wants socks every year for Christmas from now on. Maybe that's why I joined Sockapalooza.....I need someone to knit socks for me :)

Happy Sock Knitting everyone!!! xoxo Irishgirlieknits