Dorret Conway

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Knit your own Socks - colour your feet!

When the “Rebel Sock Knitter” registered on the stitchnbitch.co.uk forum it opened my eyes to the huge following that sock knitting has in the knitting community and the interest and resources to indulge their passion. A quick search on Google will show you what I mean. I am happy to announce that I am a proud member of this “exclusive” group of modern sock-knitting enthusiasts.

When I knit socks I feel really connected with the ancient craft and it makes me think about generations of knitting heritage from fine silk stocking for mediaeval kings and queens to more robust footwear for sailors and farmers.

UK Alpaca has just launched a range of luxurious super soft 4 ply sock yarn but if you are looking for something a bit more jazzy to colour the feet of all around you, check out the amazing self-patterning yarns now available such as Regia and Opal. These yarns are dyed different colours along their length and so create incredible fair isle effects as you knit - with no effort at all. Sirdar also has a self-patterning range sold in kits with patterns that can be adapted for 2 needles. Now I’m all for a bit of cheating but that’s taking things too far! We don’t want all of the skills to die out completely.

So with a wealth of patterns and yarns available, all you need now is someone to show you how to get started on those double pointed needles and demystify the instructions.

I am confidently designing my own socks and transposing patterns to work on double pointed needles: if you follow my tips soon you will too! But be warned, sock knitting is seriously, seriously addictive.

See www.knitknack.co.uk or search on YouTube for my free video tutorial which clearly demonstrates how to get started and all of the key stages with practical tips throughout for success with socks.

But here are my top tips for success with socks:

• Don’t be phased by the 4 needles – you are only ever knitting with 2 needles at a time
• Make something simple first - like a hat. You can transfer a hat pattern on to dpns quite easily
• use full size needles. I always knit with full size dpns and find them easier to manage than short needles. Also if you are just starting you don’t have to worry about the sts slipping off the end

UK Alpaca sock yarn and patterns available from www.knitknack.co.uk

Other yarns that are widely available:

Regia Yarns

Opal Yarns

Available from some stockists but easily found online:

Lana Grossa sock yarn

Sirdar Town & Country Sock Kits

Louise NeatbyHand Painted Sock Yarn.