Summer of the sock

Basic Ribbed Sock,
knitted by pieKnits

I have a strange attitude about socks. I used to completely hate them - all socks, of every manufacture. Tube socks, lacy socks, cotton socks, nylon socks. I hated the word sock. I hated the way so many people like to wear "fun socks." (Those of you who think this a sneaky fun thing that no one notices? Um, hello. We do). I hated socks with colorful stripes and I hated socks with little animals on them. If I had to wear socks, I made sure they were plain, either light brown or black. But mostly I just wore sandals.

Then I moved to New England, and I had to start appreciating the sock. I still get creeped out by thick cotton athletic socks (gross! so gross!), but thin cottons are okay. I even have a pair with owls on them. And wool socks?! Oh yes! Wool socks are the best. The day my mother-in-law discovered that her children and their spouses truly loved receiving SmartWool socks for Christmas was a beautiful day. My drawer is now filled with soft wooly sock bounty.

I learned how to knit around the same time I learned to appreciate socks. It makes sense that moving to a colder climate would motivate such a shift in sensibilities. But the idea of knitting socks was scary. The concept of "turning the heel" or "turning a corner" was mystifying and frightening. I might make a pair of socks someday, I thought, but in the meantime, I knitted scarves, cowls, hats, handwarmers, and finally, sweaters. I got over a fear of fingering weight yarn, and thought that for summer 2016, I would knit my first lace shawl. But then, opportunity kicked in my door -- with a stockinged foot.

Foot Notes, in Ultramarine Batik

I am a sometimes-participant in the Mystery 220 KAL group on Ravelry. (KAL stands for Knit-A-Long, for those of you not in the know). Each month a new mystery project of approximately 220 yards (more or less) is incrementally knitted, following directions posted by the moderator. This summer, one of the moderators suggested adding a bit of fun - why not learn to make something new, in a non-mystery KAL? The ideas and votes were placed, and the Summer of the Sock won out. I looked at the discussion board with renewed interest. I could learn to make socks with a bunch of other people! I wouldn't have to stress over choosing a good beginner's pattern, either -- she had done that for me, choosing Kate Atherley's Basic Ribbed Socks. And, lo and behold, I had recently taken ownership of a beautiful skein of Foot Notes, by Fiber Optic Yarns. The sock universe had my attention. I bought a set of 2.5mm double-pointed needles and cast on.

Finished the heel!

I'm about halfway through my first sock and I am thoroughly happy; it's been smooth sailing from the start. Following the directions to turn the heel wasn't difficult at all -- although I must admit, if I were pressed to explain the mechanics, I'm not sure I could. But, the pattern totally makes it easy. I had no idea Kate Atherley was such a well-known knit designer until I happened to hear Becky interview her on the Knit Actually podcast. It's no wonder the pattern is so well-written -- Kate is a knitted sock guru!

Tomorrow is Worldwide Knit in Public Day, and I will be out in full force, finishing the foot of my first sock. This former sock hater can't wait to try it on. And make another. And, perhaps, another. And another.