Sock Knitting Today - Part 2
June 08, 2009 | By
In the previous article on socks, we touched on some of the history, and the fact that there are many variables when knitting socks that keep the project new and exciting. But what kind of knitter is knitting socks?
Some do it for the history. Sock knitting, especially in the United States, has been going on for as long as this country has. It has even been alleged that Martha Washington knit socks when she met with dignitary's on the front lawn of Mt. Vernon. While I have as yet to find any place that gives historic documentation to that, the image is one I love.
In every conflict or military action that the USA has been in, from the Revolution to the War in Iraq there are people knitting socks. In World Wars I & II the Red Cross organized a large number of volunteer knitters to knit for our troops by forming the “Production Corp” and encouraging those left behind to “Knit Their Bit”. Today we have wonderful groups like The Ships Project that continue this wonderful cause, once again organized by knitters.
Some are Charity knitters who knit socks for children's charities such as Children in Common, an organization that does not only socks, but vests and sweaters too. There are numerous c
harity knitting groups out there knitting socks and items for others.
Still others knit because they love the fit they get from hand knit socks. Finding socks that fit a foot that is extra wide, or narrow in a section is somewhat hard commercially. There are a lot of shoe sizes out there, however there is not as many sock sizes. Hand knitting your own pair or having them knit for you will give that perfect fit.
The knitters who choose to knit socks are as varied as the reasons they knit them. But no matter why they choose this project to knit, the final product ultimately is giving someone warm feet, and something to blog about.
Photo top: Courtesy of Knit Happens. Items availble at publication
Photo bottom: Courtesy of The Calico Cat. Item availble at publication
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