Next Step Sock KAL: One week to go!

With just a week until the official start of the Next Step Sock Knitalong, I'm getting prepared, and excited! (Note: there are various links within this text which I hope you'll find useful, you may need to hover to see them clearly - I'm having formatting issues today!) 

My aim for the KAL is to knit a nice pair of two-at-a-time toe-up socks (I've experienced multiple cases of Second Sock Syndrome) so after reading some rave reviews, I bought this book by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. Last night I started reading it and spotted that there were some child-sized 'sample socks' which the author advises making before moving onto the different patterns so I decided to give them a go and .... it was so easy! Maybe it's because I use Judy's Magic Cast On (for hexipuffs) and am used to magic loop on circular needles, but seriously, this was not at all difficult. If you fancy trying this method but are concerned that it looks complicated, I would recommend you give it a go. (You may like to check out this great tutorial to get you started if you don't have the book.) 

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Once they are finished I'll decide on a pattern from the book, having only knit plain socks before I hope to find something which will be more of a challenge for my addled brain. (There were a number of single plain socks scattered around the house in various project bags, so they have been measured for gauge and then ripped out. Let's be honest, it's the best thing for them.)

I have only tried toe-up socks because I really don't see the logic behind cuff-down socks. With toe-up it's possible to try them on and get a perfect fit, and you can knit until you run out of yarn rather than worrying about it. If you're a new sock knitter and would like to try individual toe-up socks, I'd recommend Wendy Johnson's book Socks from the Toe Up - it's very easy to follow and has some great patterns. Wendy also has lots of downloadable sock patterns - many of which are free and can be found here. (This one is very detailed and perfect for beginners.)

Talking of which, some lovely patterns are already being chosen on the Ravelry Group  (have you joined yet?) - and there is a Handy Hints thread which already contains some great links so I won't repeat them again here. Please come on over to see them and feel free to add your own, or to discuss any questions you may have - there are some experienced sock-knitters in the group who are happy to help anyone with questions. The group is for everyone in the knitalong, so please don't be shy.  It's wonderful to see so many people taking up the challenge and to think that knitters from so many countries will all be working on their sock-skills at the same time.

For a summary of the KAL details and how to link up on the different social networks, see this page. I look forward to seeing your cast-on socks next Thursday!!!!

12 comments

  1. I am really tempted to join as knitting a pair of socks is on my bucket(yop) list this year. I have never knit a pair, but the crazy in me wants to try 2 at a time because I know I will fall victim to 2nd sock syndrome. I might go take a peak at the Rav group....
    *smiles*

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  2. When I (finally) cast on for a pair of socks, I will definitely go toe-up and two-at-a-time. Very tempted to knitalong with you all but I.must.finish.my.pullover!

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    1. It's nice to have a little project when you're knitting a big thing - something for a bit of variety and a pop of colour ;)

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  3. I'm a great fan of starting knitting from the toe - in addition to your reasons, I think they also look better and some patterns are meant to knit only in a certain direction... I'm still clueless about what kind of socks to knit exactly for the KAL, but I'll get there!

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    1. I believe the right thing will come along and when it does, you'll know! :)

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  4. I can't recommend toe ups enough to those who are a bit frightened or first timers. You are only a first timer once! For non sock knitters it's a new skill anyway so why not tackle it head on and learn the skills to toe up 2 at a time than develop 1 sock syndrome?
    Come join us all on the KAL :)
    xxxxxxxx

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  5. I love the yarn you're using! Thanks for the link to that book, I've been tempted to do 2 at a time for a while!

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    1. It's just so easy - I can't believe I haven't tried it sooner! x

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  6. Well, it's me...late as usual! I'm still trying to get your button with the link on my blog! LOL! I have to order supplies so I may be late in "casting on" but I am definitely going for it and this group is perfect for me! Thanks for creating it! I'll be by soon as I already have questions.

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  7. One can always use socks, yeah?

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