Sock Knitting Today - Part 1
June 07, 2009 | By
Sock knitting is forever. As long as knitting has been around people have been knitting socks. One of the earliest remnants of knitting found was that of pieces of a sock made in Egypt at about 1000 to 1300 ad. Sock knitting has been found in every culture, each having their own particular technique to the craft.
Why is sock knitting still so popular? One could go to the local shopping mall and buy commercial pairs for only a small investment. What is the novelty of knitting them by hand? It might be the fact that socks are a very portable project. Quick to grab and go at a moments notice, yet small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.
The only items one needs to make a pair of socks is a pattern, yarn, and needles. Of course each of these three things can be changed with each pair to keep the project new and exciting or just one to keep it comforting.
Using a basic pattern can be elaborate looking if one uses a cool hand painted sock yarn like those found at The Chicks With Sticks, or some wonderful hand spun merino sock yarn from Hand Spun by Lindsay. Or choose from a detailed pattern such as Twisted Stitches Socks, a lacy pattern such as Girlylace, or even a textured lace pattern such as Giddyup. Then there is the choice of needles. Some use the traditional double pointed needles while others use either a long circular needle or two smaller ones. Which ever the choice, it makes no real difference on the final outcome. You will still end up with a great pair of long lasting socks.
What kind of knitters knit socks and why? This question we will look at in Part 2, till then, keep those needles moving.
Photo top: Laughing Rainboys Knitted Socks courtesy of Fey Design. Available at publication.
Photo bottom: Woodsy Hand Knitted Socks courtesy of CalicoCat. Available at publication.
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