The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Socks for summer knitting
Warmer weather lends itself to the knitting of beautiful socks. Socks make for a small portable project; no heavy afghan to warm up your lap here. Fine weight yarn worked on little needles keep the hands busy yet not sweaty.
There are beautiful super wash merino sock yarns on the market that feel more like silk than wool, so you can avoid fuzzy, warm, wooly yarns.
The nice thing about knitting socks is that they are worked in the round, and with an easy pattern can be knitted mindlessly round and round, until you get to the heel and toe shaping. Once you have mastered both shaping, you will actually find yourself looking forward them as a way to mark your progress. After the knitting is completed there is no sewing, except for the kitchner stitch, an invisible toe finishing, which simply grafts your live toe stitches together, so there is no toe seam.
Once you have made and worn your first pair of hand-knit socks, you will be forever spoiled for store bought socks. Not only do they feel wonderful, but they can be made to fit your foot perfectly.
Brenda’s socks, featured here, are her second pair. Her first pair was custom knit for her husband, and he was thrilled with them. Brenda loves her socks because she customized them so they are just the right length; no more heels that creep up her ankle. In hand-painted, speckled pink yarn, no one will have a pair like these.
Brenda, one of our Thursday night knitting crew, is a wonderful example of knitting perseverance, since she did not initially take to double pointed needles. Brenda actually resisted them, believing them to be implements of the devil. These days however, she delights in them, and just loves what she can create with them.
If you would like to make some summer socks, In Sheep’s Clothing is offering two free sock making sessions Sundays, June 10 and June 17, 11-12 p.m. This is an intermediate level knitting class, Students need to be able to knit, purl, and have some familiarity with double point needles. Please call to register 860-4823979. Materials are available for purchase in the shop.