giveaway #92
7.30.2012 at 9:28 PM
lakchi, Anonymous (Rav ID JodeJ) & Robin
Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.
Let me try and explain to you why I'm not much of a sock knitter...
1) I hate knitting things that come in twos! Sleeves, mitts, socks, etc. This doesn't mean that I don't knit these things at some point (especially sleeves), but it does mean that I usually slow W-A-Y down when I get to the part where I need to knit the other matching half. I have sweaters in my WIP drawer that only need a few inches knit on the last sleeve and done! Why, am I like this?! Who knows! It's my knitting evil and the one thing I really hate about myself.
2) Because of the aforementioned dislike of knitting things in twos, I usually skip right over a sock pattern because I know myself well enough to know that only one of those puppies would be getting knit up. I guess, I could get on board with the whole mismatched socks thing.
3) And lastly, did I mention that I hate knitting two of something?!
With that being said, lots of my knitting friends and Tweeps have suggested to me that I just HAVE to try knitting two at a time on Magicloop. I always thought, yeah, yeah... I'll try this out eventually. What in the world have I been waiting for???
Our lovely sponsor and guest this week, Keya of Zibeline Knits, sent me one of her new Hiker Chick Sock Kits a few weeks ago to try out myself and then share with you here on the blog. The kit comes with a skein of beautiful hand dyed sock yarn in a choice of three colors: Copper Kettle, Little Sister, and Water Sprite. It also includes a 40" US3 circular needle and the complete pattern written out for two at a time on Magicloop instructions.
Two at a time on Magicloop is about the greatest technique to have ever lived. It's the solution to my knitting things in twos problem! I can use this for bottom up sleeves as well! Mitts are going to be a breeze! I'm pretty sure this is going to bring me overwhelming inner peace and solve all of my problems... OK maybe not all of my problems, but this is really pretty cool. I see a lot of sock knitting in my future. Thanks, Keya! Here's a look at the kit I received:
Keya also took the time to answer an interview for us. Take a look:
1. Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a yarn dyer and knitwear designer. I began my business in June, 2010 on Etsy, at first offering only hand-painted sock yarns and a few electronic knitting patterns. The more opportunity I gave myself to explore dyeing different fiber combinations and the more I learned about the dying process, the more my company and my own knitting evolved. It seems the next logical step was to become involved in the actual creation of yarn and I became interested in spinning, as well. These days, I offer a wide variety of hand-painted and hand-dyed yarns and fibers, as well as my own handspun yarns to an ever-growing domestic and international market of knitters, crocheters, and spinners. I also teach knitting classes in my community because the world can never have too many people, happily knitting along.
2. Can you talk a little bit about what inspires you? And, what helped you come with the idea for this sock kit you are sharing with us?
I am inspired by a combination of things: history (I love to explore knitting from time periods before my own and learning those techniques), functionality (if one is going to devote the time to make it, one should love to wear it!), and color. I love to peruse travel magazines and find my inspiration for color in photos of markets or landscapes or crowded harbors. For the Hiker Chick colorways, I wanted colorways that brought together colors that one might breathtakingly encounter while out wandering through our vast world: copper pots and copper tea kettles piled high in a bazaar in India; a rushing Oregon stream flowing between a carpet of brilliant green moss; a seemingly endless field of pink and purple poppies in Dorset.
3. Do you have a favorite colorway out of the three sock kits? What is currently your favorite colors to dye?
I knit the copper kettle for myself, but I truly love the way the colors come together in each skein. Blues are my personal preference, especially bright blues.
4. For budding new yarnies out there, what's the one piece of advice you have?
I started out on the cheap with Kool-aid and a few skeins undyed super wash merino in my kitchen. I researched different techniques, and experimented, experimented, experimented. You have to find your niche with dyeing. Everyone does it differently and everyone prefers to use different dye sources. It takes some trial and error to find what works for you. And it helps if you dye with an open mind. Nothing goes awry more quickly than the singular expectation of the outcome of a hand-painted skein of yarn.
5. What will be next for you? Do you have yarns, colorways or kits in the works that you can share with us?
There are always plans in the works. I recently retired from teaching high school English to focus more attention on my family and my knitting/dyeing addiction, so in the knitwear department there are currently four knitwear patterns in the works (cool wavy socks, a lacey market bag, a seamless crop sweater for little girls, and a chunky women's crop sweater). I am also in the midst of learning to design triangular lace shawls, so there may be a new pattern evolving there, too. As for colorways ... A few new colorways for my Rocket and Mission Sock lines will debut in the fall and a host of new labels, yarn types/weights, and colorways are going into my Etsy shop in the next week or so, just in time to start some cool weather knitting. I'm most excited about the fact that I have been able to move in an organic direction so that I am now able to offer an increasing number of hand-painted and hand-dyed organic fiber options.
6. I always like to ask, why do you knit?
This was the last question that I answered because I wasn't quite sure what to say. While I was a teacher, I knit to ease the stress of having to trudge through mountains of badly written essays and the daily stress of working with insolent teenagers. I knit because it's been on the fast track to becoming a lost art. I knit because it feeds a creative need, I think, too. But I think I have gravitated to knitting again and again throughout my life mostly as a way of finding some inner tranquility. Someone poetically described my core reason for knitting this way: "In the rhythm of the needles, there is music for the soul." Beyond that, well, I'm just plain addicted to it.
7. When did you learn to knit and who taught you?
I think that I first learned to knit around the age of 9, which means that I've been knitting on and off for over 30 years, from my grandmother who always made mittens for my sister and me when we were little girls. I was enthralled by the way my grandmother could wrap some odd looking, pointy metal sticks with some yarn and end up with mittens. My mother is also a knitter who has never been, as I remember, without a basket of yarn near her chair in the living room.
8. If you were to knit and live anywhere in the world, where would you knit and live?
I can knit anywhere--just ask my often embarrassed children. I'm pretty content with knitting in northeast Georgia, though the current combination of 60+ percent humidity and 90+ degree temperatures is driving us all a little batty. If I were to pick an IDEAL place to knit, I think I would be sitting in an open-air studio facing the sea in Bali. I watched "Eat, Pray, Love" and my knitting self said "She'd find that spiritual peace a whole lot easier if she had some knitting in her hands!"
9. What's been your worst knitting or in your case it could be a yarn dyeing disaster?
Hmmmm. Dyeing disasters ... There have been none. Since each skein takes up dye a little differently, one has to be willing to just go with it. One of the most unusual color-combo skeins I ever dyed--I was sure that no one would want Valencia orange, neon green, dark grey, and moss green-- was snapped up within a few hours of my posting it in my shop. I've learned that I can't second-guess my customers and that no skein is ever a mistake, just a new direction. Knit-wise, I'm just going to say that I learned the hard way that the sun is the sworn enemy of the knitter. I own a series of intricately cabled cardigan sweater pieces--an entire sweater save one sleeve-- that I stupidly left folded in a knitting basket near a full-sun window while I worked on another project. The back panel is consequently two distinctly different shades of blue in a vertically perfect half-and-half way.
10. And last but not least, if you were enjoying a favorite drink while reading my blog, what would it be?
You know, I do most of my blog reading in the mornings these days, so my answer has to be coffee.
Zibeline Knits is generously offering a Hiker Chick Sock Kit in winner's choice of color for one lucky follower to win.
Photo courtesy of Keya.
Hopefully, before I leave on my family vacation and the Knitcation, I'll have a new pair of socks to share!
I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:
1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 8/12/12. I'm curious to know how you all knit your socks? Do you use DPN's or Magicloop? Or, do you knit socks at all?
I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.
Sincerely,
Ve
July 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I usually do my socks on DPNs but I've discovered the joys of socks on two circulars. I'm still too chicken to do two socks on two circulars....someday. One thing at a time.
But, I'm also extremely slow with sock knitting....like insanely slow. Not as slow as I am with shawls but I'm still slow :)
July 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I'm a DPN gal myself. Have tried magic loop but find myself returning to my good old DPNs for socks.
July 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I love the Copper kettle colorway- so far all of my socks have been using dpns- I don't mind them. That said, my mom only uses Magicloop and is much faster--
I have to say that I have a sweater right now that could use some sleeves knit up at the same time!
July 30, 2012 at 9:44 PM
I, too, suffer from second sock/mitten syndrome, but the one time I tried two at a time (on two circs) it drove me absolutely batty, as I couldn't put it down lest I lose my place. Perhaps magic loop solves that problem? I'd love to find out!
July 30, 2012 at 9:55 PM
I haven't knitted socks. I use sock yarn to knit shawls.
July 30, 2012 at 9:57 PM
So far I DPNs my socks. Haven´t done too much sock knitting though. But for some odd reason I´ve been wanting to knit socks this summer but been busy with other things.
July 30, 2012 at 10:10 PM
I rarely knit socks but I go between dpn's and a magic loop. I use most of my sock yarn to knit shawls.
July 30, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Magic loop two at a time all the way. Otherwise I'd never finish the second.
July 30, 2012 at 10:35 PM
I started with DPNs, then switched to two circulars. I'm planning on trying magic loop next, and also doing two circulars again but with the sole purled on 0s and the rest knit on 1s, to give a nice cushy sole.
July 30, 2012 at 11:04 PM
I knit magicloop, but never two at a time. I'm kinda scared.
July 30, 2012 at 11:05 PM
I have to admit I'm an old-fashioned DPN girl. But I've realized lately that my dislike of magic loop may have been due to a stiff cable on my cheap circular needle. I need to try magic loop again with a better needle.
July 30, 2012 at 11:13 PM
I started out with Magic Loop and two-at-a-time; it just made the most sense to me! I don't knit socks for myself because I'm too hard on them, but I do knit socks for an appreciative friend and for my son.
July 30, 2012 at 11:18 PM
July 30, 2012 at 11:22 PM
The 2 socks I have done so far were done one at a time on a circular needle. I have done sleeves 2 at a time with magic loop and I think this is how I will do future socks to avoid 2nd sockitis
July 30, 2012 at 11:33 PM
I'm one at a time on Magic Loop, I'm fine with knitting the second sock; second sleeves are a different matter so whenever possible I knit both at the same time.
July 30, 2012 at 11:59 PM
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July 31, 2012 at 1:16 AM
I do one at a time magic loop but I am sooo doing taat next time, I am finishing the first sock for a man now and its huge and now I have to push myself to do a second next time TAAT all the way!
July 31, 2012 at 1:16 AM
I'm usually a magic looper, but I'm flexible... it really just comes down to what's not currently stuck in another project.
July 31, 2012 at 1:23 AM
I'm in love with DPNs. There is something about them, no matter the material they are made of, which makes me feel connected to the knitters through time knitting in the round.
July 31, 2012 at 2:45 AM
I am a sock knitter in the making. I've tried both magicloop and two circs. Like them both but still have trouble with the heel.
SabraB - ravid
July 31, 2012 at 3:40 AM
I have never knit socks (yet!) because I can't stand dpns, but don't know magic loop yet. What a great kickstarter kit!!!
July 31, 2012 at 4:02 AM
I'm a DPN sock knitter. I am knitting a pair of magic looped socks currently. Not bad. I still like dpns:)
July 31, 2012 at 4:23 AM
I am a new sock knitter currently suffering from second sock syndrome. My new plan was to try those cute little 9 inch circs however magic loop seems like de bomb except for the scary thought that any mistake I make will be doubled.In my mind I am knitting socks for myself, my family, all my friends, all my kids friends....
July 31, 2012 at 4:24 AM
Magic loop forever! I hate knitting two of the same thing, too, so two at the same time it is, unless the pattern is *really* complicated.
July 31, 2012 at 4:39 AM
I learned to knit socks on dpn's but since learning Magic loop I haven't knit a pair any other way! My next technique is exactly what you talked about here - I would love to learn to knit two at a time using magic loop - how great to finish a pair off all at once! I have also recently progressed to trying some socks toe-up when I was a confirmed cuff-down sock knitter for a long time.
July 31, 2012 at 4:56 AM
Hi.
I have knit socks on DPNs and with the magic loop. However, on the magic loop I knit one sock at a time. I was very nervous with this new method. I recently knit a child size pair of socks on DPNs and they knit up so quickly. Right now I perfer using the DPNs. I love to knit socks!
July 31, 2012 at 4:56 AM
I adore my KnitPicks Harmony DPNs. I've tried two at time and disliked it. All those cables just seemed just a hassle.
July 31, 2012 at 5:14 AM
Oh my gosh! I'm just like you. I have literally not even finished my FIRST sock (single sock, not pair) yet. I used DPNs because that's normally my preferred way of knitting in the round, but it just felt like it was going to take forever to finish, and then knowing there was still a second sock to knit?!? Yikes. So I definitely want to try two at a time, for sure!! :)
Jess
July 31, 2012 at 5:17 AM
Magic loop one at a time. I'm actually just finishing my first pair now and love sock knitting!
Kimberly RavID 4throse
July 31, 2012 at 5:21 AM
I recently learned the magic loop method, and liked it, but now can't remember how it starts!
I've been knitting socks for years, and am quite possibly the only person on earth who doesn't mind double points ...
July 31, 2012 at 5:30 AM
I am all about the dpns. I can't stand magic loop, and I just prefer dpns to two circulars.
July 31, 2012 at 5:33 AM
I struggle to get the motivation. I got the hang of two at a time until it came to the heel so gave up.
July 31, 2012 at 5:35 AM
Depends on my mood! I've knit socks on DPNs, 2 circs, magic loop, and two-at-a-time on 2 circs and magic loop. Love them all!! :)
July 31, 2012 at 5:46 AM
I have never used magic loop but I do knit socks faithfully using the 9" circular needles. I absolutely love the absence of ladders which I always get with dpns. On the small circs, the rounds go so quickly and I'm often surprised at reaching the next construction segment of the socks.
Thanks for a lovely interview and giveaway. I really enjoyed reading this.
July 31, 2012 at 5:53 AM
Hello, I have tried 2 techniques for knitting socks. I used 2 long circular needles for 2 at a time socks and then dpns. I like the dpns best. The 2 at a time seem to take a long time which is distracting even though you are making two! Thanks for the giveaway!
Desiree, knitwittknitter
July 31, 2012 at 5:58 AM
I surely knit socks. I use dpns, but would love to learn magic loop, as soon as I can get a hold of a long enough needle.
July 31, 2012 at 5:58 AM
I've tried several sock-knitting techniques (ML, 2-socks-on-2-circs, DPNs...) and I always come back to the DPNs.
July 31, 2012 at 5:58 AM
I knit my socks magic loop; mostly one at a time. I would say 1 out of 4 pairs is done two at a time. For some reason I feel like two at a time takes longer and you're working at keeping the yarn untangled in addition to making a sock. But I'm such a product knitter that by the time I've finished the first sock, I REALLY want the second. It tends to go faster than the first.
July 31, 2012 at 6:02 AM
I love doing magic socks on DPNs - a sock within a sock. The little ones are always so surprised when I pull them apart at the end!
July 31, 2012 at 6:03 AM
I learned on DPN, but I have done Magic Loop once for a pair of Leggings,but that was also one at a time. I love the idea of knitting 2 at a time though.
July 31, 2012 at 6:05 AM
I do my socks with Magic Loop, but only one at a time.
July 31, 2012 at 6:06 AM
I like knitting socks - I always use magic loop, but I want to try the two at a time method. :)
July 31, 2012 at 6:16 AM
I am a newbie to sock knitting, having knit only one pair....on DPN's.
July 31, 2012 at 6:21 AM
Hi,
I do the magic loop toe up sock knitting. One day I would like to try the two at a time like becca commented. My first pair of socks that I knitted many years ago was with double pointed needles.
July 31, 2012 at 6:22 AM
I am a sock knitter. I use the magic loop. Enjoyed this interview and the yarn is beautiful!
July 31, 2012 at 6:24 AM
I've made a pair in worsted weight on DPNs, and I've also made a pair on a sock loom!
July 31, 2012 at 6:24 AM
I have been knitting socks with dpn's for about 8 years. I would love to try this magic loop method and the colors are very pretty. I love the bright green!
July 31, 2012 at 6:27 AM
I don't, I've attempted several socks, but I always get bored or mess up after the heal. A friend is going to teach me this technique and it would be great to have some supplies ;)
July 31, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Magic loop all the way! Just finished 2 sweaters with sleeves on magic loop. Solved my "hate to knit the second thing" problem too!
July 31, 2012 at 6:29 AM
I love knitting socks. I couldn't handle the DPNs--too many needles all at once--and while I enjoyed 2 circs, Magic Loop is just perfect for me, especially when I take them on my errands and such to whip out while in line, or at the doctor's office...
July 31, 2012 at 6:30 AM
Two at a time Magic Loop!
July 31, 2012 at 6:41 AM
DPNs for me, but I would love the opportunity to try out a "new to me" knitting technique. Thanks!
Rav ID: espo
July 31, 2012 at 6:43 AM
I don't knit socks, but I have used magic loop for sleeves several times. My favorite needles are Chiagoo red lines, which have a braided steel connection cord, so they are not a good choice for magic loop method. I prefer to knit on 2 circulars now that I have mostly transferred over to this kind of needle.
July 31, 2012 at 6:48 AM
DPNs all the way!
July 31, 2012 at 6:57 AM
Good old DPNs, preferably bamboo. :)
July 31, 2012 at 6:57 AM
Sock knitting is Magic loop, two-at-a-time, toe-up for me! Since I started doing it this way, I always have a pair of sock on the go.
July 31, 2012 at 6:58 AM
I LOVE to knit two at a time on magic loop. It makes everything seem faster. I do my sweater sleeves the same way, and it's really nice because I don't have to count rows to get identical sleeves/socks!
July 31, 2012 at 7:16 AM
I'm a magic loop girl. But I have yet to complete a matching pair...so maybe the two-at-a-time would be the solution! Thanks for the giveaway...
July 31, 2012 at 7:23 AM
I knit one at a time, magic loop. I've taken a class in two-at-a-time, but it was too fiddly for me. Maybe I just need to spend more time on it -- but being an ADD knitter, that doesn't seem to happen! Also, cuff down! Love the Water Sprite, please pick me oh random number generator!
July 31, 2012 at 7:27 AM
I haven't tried magic loop yet, but I do intend to. Probably with my next pair of socks... I've only made 3 pair of socks yet (on DPN's, which I did enjoy), it'll happen eventually.
July 31, 2012 at 7:35 AM
I tried magic loop for socks but it was an enormous PITA (I like it for other things still) so I went back to DPNs, and do toe-up so I can use up as much yarn as possible!
July 31, 2012 at 7:57 AM
I'm trying my first socks on DPNs. Fun!
July 31, 2012 at 8:00 AM
toe up, two at a time, on magicloop, there's no other way.
July 31, 2012 at 8:38 AM
I am totally intimidated by socks, so not knitted one that had me hold dpn's for more than 1 hour (a tiny baby one)
July 31, 2012 at 8:49 AM
I have only used DPNs so far, because it's all I have in a size small enough for socks. How great it would be to win this and give the TAAT a try!! Thank you for your generosity!!
July 31, 2012 at 9:16 AM
I've never tried magic loop, I've always used DPNs. I learned a trick last year though: when you have enough needles to do so, knit them both at the same time. So knit one cuff, then the second cuff, then the leg, then the second leg, heel, heel, foot, foot, toe, toe.
It "takes the same amount of time" but the huge benefit is that it encourages momentum. There are smaller gratifying rewards along the way! It's much more enjoyable.
July 31, 2012 at 9:18 AM
So far I've only knit socks on DPNs, but I'm up for learning ML. I've knit 7 socks so far. Yes, that IS an uneven number of them! I still have to knit the second one for one pair!
July 31, 2012 at 9:20 AM
I don't knit many socks, but I almost always use magic loop! I try to knit them two at a time but that doesn't always work. But I've gotten so used to magic loop that now I REALLY hate DPNs!
July 31, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Well, the first pair of socks (that I've been working on for YEARS) is being knit on DPNs. Not sure what it is about those socks that makes me not want to finish. I think it's because I know there are errors yet I don't want to frog. Silly.
July 31, 2012 at 10:01 AM
I like using dpns, but I occasionally use magic loop. I've never done 2 at a time though! I may have to try... For me, Toe up is best.
July 31, 2012 at 10:14 AM
I always use the magic loop. thanks for the giveaway! The colors are beautiful! gussek on Ravelry
July 31, 2012 at 10:16 AM
I don't knit socks for the same reason you don't.... that second one! BUT.... lately I've been feeling the urge, so I think I'll give it a go again.
July 31, 2012 at 10:38 AM
I knit socks toe up using magic loop, but I've never tried doing both at once. I am currently doing two sleeves (bottom up) at once on a large circular, and it's much better than doing them separately, though you do feel like you're not making much progress at times.
July 31, 2012 at 10:40 AM
I'm making my first pair of socks right now! So I don't know if I suffer from the second sock syndrome you have. I've tried a couple of times to use DPNs - and I hate them. I just recently saw how to do magic loop and would like to try that, but for now I'm "cheating". I just went and bought size 1 and 2 needles in 9" and 11" sizes. They work perfect!
July 31, 2012 at 10:48 AM
I haven't knitted socks before but I plan on giving it a try soon
July 31, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I haven't really knit socks before, they are still too scary... but i knit sleeves on dpns
July 31, 2012 at 11:40 AM
That yarn is SO gorgeous! I knit my socks on DPNs. I don't knit them too often, because I can never stand the idea of all that work and the pretty result ending up in my shoes. And since I mostly wear tennis shoes, it seems silly to wear hand knit socks inside them.
July 31, 2012 at 11:59 AM
I love doing socks...... especially with such nice yarn to work with!
July 31, 2012 at 12:01 PM
I knit my socks on DPNs. I tried magic loop once but broke a needle.
July 31, 2012 at 12:08 PM
I usually magic loop, occasionally DPN. I'm partial to Cat Bordhi's Sweet Tomato Heel lately, and really need to cast on my next pair.
July 31, 2012 at 12:20 PM
I'm a 2 at a time magic loop sock knitter. I hate knitting socks any other way. I love that when I finish, I have 2 socks.
July 31, 2012 at 12:45 PM
It depends on the pattern but I try to do two at a time magic loop if at all possible. If the pattern works much better with DPNs then I will do that.
July 31, 2012 at 12:52 PM
I use DPN's and knit top down.
July 31, 2012 at 1:07 PM
I prefer DPNs. Two circulars isn't a bad idea, either, but I tend to lean towards the tools that have the most versatility. So unless I make many lightweight shawls in size 1 - 3 needles, I can't justify all the extra circulars.
Also, magic loop slows me down! So sad, maybe I am not gifted...
July 31, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Always DPNs. Toe-up or cuff-down.. but always on DPNs. I tried magic-looping but didn't like it. I have double or triple sets of the sizes I use most and sometimes work 2 at a time.
July 31, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Magic loop, but only one at a time.
July 31, 2012 at 1:36 PM
I very rarely knit socks for the same reason as you. But when I did, it was magic loop all the way.
July 31, 2012 at 1:52 PM
I've done them both ways...baby socks are knit with dpns, but adult socks are either way. But then again, I've only just fallen down the rabbit hole that is sock knitting.. :)
raelynne01 on Rav
July 31, 2012 at 4:06 PM
I tend to knit socks however the mood strikes...dpns, magic loop, 2-at-a-time. The last few have been magic loop...less things for the kids to "help" with :)
Rav id: txtaurus
July 31, 2012 at 4:40 PM
I usually use dpn's for socks but the
At time I did that, it took about 15 months to finish both socks. . .
I am now trying magic loop and it is going better. However, I am very distracted with shawls at the moment so they have been on needles for a month or so...but they are both at the same place which is encouraging. Almost to the heels now. ^_^
Those kits are lovely! Have fun with your socks!!
July 31, 2012 at 4:54 PM
When I knit socks I use dpns. They work for me best. I love making socks!!
July 31, 2012 at 5:03 PM
I love knitting socks...I have 3 pairs on the needles at the moment. I knit using magic loop...started out knitting with DPNs. Tried knitting using magic loop and I have yet to look backward...I suppose I should try 2 at a time!!
July 31, 2012 at 5:43 PM
I do all my socks with the magic loop.
July 31, 2012 at 5:55 PM
double point, getting involved in Ravelry and all of these wonderful blogs has inspired me to learn to knit socks. I have done 2 prs, and would love to learn the magic loop
Fracksmom
July 31, 2012 at 5:58 PM
I am a DPN girl! I use two sets of DPN's and break my socks down into sections and knit on both until finished thus avoiding the second sock syndrome. I always have socks on needles these days when I get tired of bigger projects. Rav knitty48
July 31, 2012 at 6:12 PM
I am yet to complete my first pair of socks, or even my first sock, lol. I was never interested in knitting socks- too fiddly, have to make two of the same items, boring... But then I started to see more and more patterns that looked just too pretty, and I started my first pair. On DPNs! I am half-way done with one cuff, and for now my project is hibernating while I work on my ravellenic shawl, but I am determined to finish my socks on DPNs! :)
July 31, 2012 at 6:18 PM
I have yet to try a pair of socks. I made one sock years ago, but I used worsted weight yarn. And while it fits me, it's really more suitable for a Christmas stocking! I'd love to try it again with more appropriate supplies!
July 31, 2012 at 7:48 PM
My sister is an avid sock knitter and has given me interest in knitting socks, especially for my grandkids. She taught me magic loop (I only kindof get it at this point) and I have bought a few sock yarns but so far nothing started. This kit is so awesome and I think would give me the motivation I need, the colors are awesome!!
July 31, 2012 at 8:04 PM
I use only dpns because I think it's easier. Also, I don't feel like buying a ton of circs because they are hard to store.
July 31, 2012 at 8:22 PM
i love to knit socks.. i am still a dpn or two loop knitter, have not tried the magic loop yet! lol love the hiker chick name and colorway!
July 31, 2012 at 8:54 PM
I like 2 at a time ML for my plain Jane socks; anything fancy or intricate that requires a lot of attention gets made one at a time on dpns. They both have their advantages and drawbacks. And, of course, it depends on which needles I have free when the urge to cast-on hits. :)
July 31, 2012 at 9:01 PM
I usually use 2 circulars but I have used DPNs and magic loop. I am not thrilled with 2 at a time so just one at a time for me. Thanks for the chance to win.
July 31, 2012 at 9:12 PM
I do my socks on DPNs but I'd love to try two at a time, that will help with my mild cases of second sock syndrome ^.^
July 31, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Hi Veronika,
I always use 2 circs. I've never even tried DPNs, or magic loop.
I sometimes do 2 socks at a time or 2 sleeves at a time, but not always.
Thx for the giveaway.
P.S. I'm so envious of your upcoming KNITcation!
(goodstuff on Rav)
July 31, 2012 at 10:29 PM
I have only ever used DPNs, I didn't know about any other way till very recently. Would love to try out the magicloop method as I'm not a big fan of knitting two of anything either:)
Nidhi
July 31, 2012 at 10:33 PM
I use sock yarn to knit amazing shawls
Anna
ksurty@aol.com
July 31, 2012 at 11:10 PM
I don't knit socks but I want to try it.
July 31, 2012 at 11:38 PM
I have never knit any socks before but i want to try!:)
andri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 1, 2012 at 2:31 AM
I use DPNs but for some patterns I think I need to learn a new method.
August 1, 2012 at 4:35 AM
I have only knit churchmouse teas and yarns Turkish bed socks. That counts, right? I used DPNs but want to learn magic loop method. I think I would like it better. I have to be careful not to get ladders around my edges on DPNs. I usually can motivate myself to push through the second sock - I like having it done and off the needles!
August 1, 2012 at 4:44 AM
I use DPNs when I knit socks, but it is almost physically impossible for me to knit a complete pair. Safe to say I have a lot of single socks lying around!
August 1, 2012 at 5:50 AM
I love magic looping for my socks :0)
August 1, 2012 at 7:29 AM
What beautiful yarn - I have never tried two at a time and this seems like the perfect opportunity!!
joanneperrow on ravelry
August 1, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Magic loop, preferably toe up, and always two at a time. Or there won't be a pair...
August 1, 2012 at 8:14 AM
Magic loop all the way!!! cannot for the life of me get the hang of DPNs (but then I don't really persevere either!). I also use it for sleeves, hats etc - getting quite a collection of long circs :)
August 1, 2012 at 8:37 AM
I knit socks. In 2011 I committed to knitting one pair of socks per month for the whole year, and I made it! I prefer DPNs, but only because I haven't learned Magic Loop yet :-)
August 1, 2012 at 10:35 AM
I've never knit a pair of socks but I'm definitely going to one of these days!
Gwenn
August 1, 2012 at 11:06 AM
magic loop - always. Well, ok, not always. I still use DPNs for anything colorwork (mittens, socks) as I get the best tension that way. But I don't like it. Magic loop is my hands-down favorite.
I'm not a big fan of two at a time (too many balls!), but I also have issues with the second sock. My strategy is to basically knit two pairs of socks - knit sock 1 of pattern A. knit sock 1 of pattern B. knit sock 2 of pattern A. knit sock 2 of pattern B. Keeps the monotony down, and I seem to be a little bit more efficient that way.
August 1, 2012 at 11:12 AM
My favorite way to do socks is toe-up on dpn's one at a time. They just fly off my needles!
August 1, 2012 at 11:18 AM
I knit socks either top up or top down, but I prefer top down. I tried TAAT, but it wasn't conducive to bus knitting. So, now I knit the two socks simultaneous, each on its own set of 2 circular needles. I also like dpns, but, again, not conducive to bus knitting.
August 1, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I never knit any socks before. I love the colors.
August 1, 2012 at 12:36 PM
I love knitting socks, and glad you've joined the club. I knit mine toe up with 2 circs. I don't enjoy knitting 2 at a time because I don't like to straighten the yarns, so I use 2 sets of 2 circs. I knit 1 rnd on one sock, then the same rnd on the 2nd one. That way I never have second sock syndrome. This method works well for me.
hotknitter on rave
August 1, 2012 at 12:54 PM
My preferred method of knitting socks is on dpn because I think it's less fiddly and way faster. To avoid the dreaded sock syndrome, I have two sets of every size dpn and I work on both socks at the same time. I usually try to keep them pretty even, a few inches on one, a few inches on the other. I also do this for sweater sleeves and other twosie items.
August 1, 2012 at 1:25 PM
Magic Loop, 2 at a time, toe up! Always :o)
August 1, 2012 at 2:04 PM
I've only knit one at a time with Dpns. I'll have to look intonthe magic loop method. I tried two at a time toe up on two circulars but it wasn't a fair try because i didn't give it a fair shot ( i punked out in the cast on, it was a bit overwhelming)
August 1, 2012 at 4:22 PM
I'm a newbie knitter, so I've only began knitting a couple of socks on dpns.... I'm eager to learn new techniques though!
That is truly amazingly dyed yarn! Amazing colours! Thank you do much for sharing!
Good luck to all!
knitranslatezen on Ravelry
August 1, 2012 at 6:45 PM
I began knitting socks on dpn's, went to magic loop for a few years, and now I'm back to dpn's. It just simplifies things for me, and there is no fussing with the long cord. I do not, however, knit 2 socks at once, and would love to try that again using magic loop in the Copper Kettle colorway. :)
August 1, 2012 at 7:15 PM
I do my socks magic loop and generally from the toe up. My way of getting around second sock syndrome is to cast on both socks right away and switch off working between them (separate circs). I have wanted to try TAAT for several months, but haven't yet.
August 1, 2012 at 8:22 PM
I knit my socks on DPNs but would love to learn how to magic loop...I have a few 'onlies' lying around!
August 1, 2012 at 9:06 PM
I originally knitted my socks on dpns but decided last year to bite the bullet and try magic loop with one long circular. Bingo! I will never go back to knitting socks on dpns again. Knitting two at a time is THE perfect way to complete a pair!
August 1, 2012 at 9:45 PM
I'm only on my second pair of socks and so far magic loop has been working for me, although I'm definitely open to DPNs too.
August 1, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Great kit!! The first pair of socks I knit was toe up, two at a time, magic loop! I know it's crazy but I learned and it rocked!! Now I have been knitting magic loop, top down and one at a time. I'm on pair #4 and loving it so much!
August 2, 2012 at 4:25 AM
I love knitting socks! I typically use magic loop, but will still pick up those DPNs from time to time. I've never learned 2 circs.
August 2, 2012 at 6:43 AM
I've used both. I'm currently back to dp's since they seem to go faster. No stopping to pull and slide, although I think if I ever decide to do two socks at a time...
August 2, 2012 at 6:46 AM
I'm a two-at-a-timer. Cause if I had to start a second one after I've just finished the first, the second one would never happen!
August 2, 2012 at 7:02 AM
I knit socks one at a time on Magic Loop - I love to have a pair of socks on the needles at all times!
August 2, 2012 at 7:11 AM
I always start with DPNs but often switch to two circs at some point - I learned on DPNs so that's second nature, but they don't fall off the needles in my purse when they're on two circs.
Although I've made socks toe up I prefer making them cuff down. I never make them two at at time mostly because half the point of socks is to have a small project.
I make a lot of socks.
August 2, 2012 at 8:53 AM
I love knitting socks and have tried all the techniques. I too suffer from second sock syndrome and have used 2 at a time on magic loop to compensate but was not fond of having the 2 balls of yarn getting tangled. My favorite is using DPN's and knitting a few inches on one sock and then knitting a few inches on the other. This requires either 2 sets of DPN's in the same size or quickly transferring the at-rest stitches to a similar sized set of needles. This way you finish both socks at almost the same time but are only carrying around one in work at any one time.
August 2, 2012 at 9:22 AM
I started knitting socks with DPNs, but found that I tend to get ladders where the needles meet. So I've switched to magic loop, and I've just tried knitting socks TAAT, which is great cos I can now finish both socks together :)
August 2, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I'm not MUCH of a sock knitter, but have done a little and plan to do more for my boys (at least while their feet are small) in the future. I struggled through a few pairs on dpn's and then found out about the toe-up, two-at-a-time way and LOVE it.
winterwrens at gmail dot com
August 2, 2012 at 2:14 PM
I have mostly knit socks on dpns, but have tried some on 2 circulars. The 2 circulars didn't work as well as I thought they would. I want to try magic loop on my next pair.
August 2, 2012 at 2:23 PM
I use magicloop. Always!
August 2, 2012 at 2:26 PM
Toe up on dpn is the only way for me! Love the hiker socks and the Little Sister colorway!
greyowl (ravelry id)
August 2, 2012 at 2:58 PM
I'm a dpn girl all the way! I've tried magic loop and circs one at a time and two at a time, but I always go back to the dpns! Beautiful yarn!
Rnmama on ravelry
August 2, 2012 at 4:59 PM
I've done magic loop and dpns. Honestly, I let my needle stock determine what I do. Pitiful, I know.
August 2, 2012 at 5:38 PM
I use double pointed needles.I want to try two at a time.I love the interview & yarn.rinebird on Ravelry
August 2, 2012 at 8:27 PM
I learned how to knit socks the MagicLoop way - but, now that I know the anatomy of a sock I can use double points - but, still prefer magicloop
nhsarab on ravelery
nhsarab at yahoo dot com
August 2, 2012 at 8:37 PM
I prefer two circs and doing them in tandem, ie knit up to or past gusset sock 1, then to same place sock 2, etc. I will sometimes use DPNs if I am too lazy to find the circs. I tried magic loop, but it was too fiddly for me.
August 2, 2012 at 10:40 PM
In my 10 years of knitting, I have yet to make a pair of socks. My reasoning has kind of been the somewhat icky notion that something I knitted and worked hard on would go on someone's (or my own) feet.
August 3, 2012 at 12:15 AM
I've only knitted socks on DPNs, i keep saying I'm gong to try Magic Loop but it intimidates me. One of these days...
August 3, 2012 at 6:48 AM
I stick with dpns for socks. But having recently discovered the awesomeness of magic loop, I want to give that a try!
August 3, 2012 at 8:32 AM
I knit baby socks! So quick and easy, no problem getting 2 done. I tried magic loop years ago and got so frustrated with the yarn I stopped. But... I've just last night found a pattern I can't resist and I may have to try it all again.
August 3, 2012 at 9:43 AM
I knit socks on DPN's. I have tried two at a time, but I like doing it the long way round. Trouble is I get bored, and then start another sock in another colourway. I have finally caught up, after two years and I have pairs of socks that I can wear.
August 3, 2012 at 10:03 AM
Love to knit sicks. They're great travel project as you'll never finish a pair over a week of flying. Double points top down is the only way so far.
August 3, 2012 at 12:13 PM
I currently have not knit a pair of socks. I did crochet a pair once but they didn't look quite right. This kit would be great for me to try my hand at making my own socks. Thanks for the chance to win!
August 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I've knit two pairs of socks; one with DPNs and one with Magic Loop. I preferred Magic Loop because I wasn't always dropping needles!
August 3, 2012 at 1:47 PM
I knit socks on DPNs because I that's how I learned. I wnt to learn Magic Loop and 2 at a time, but I haven't had time to take a class!!
August 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM
I used to use DPNs, then tried 2 circs, but I've found that magic loop is the easiest for me - especially when trying to avoid dropping needles on the subway.
I've never tried doing 2 at a time, but I've wanted to for ages!
August 3, 2012 at 4:47 PM
I have only knit one pair(!) of socks, and learned magic loop method, which I have used for all my fingerless mitts, sleeves on sweaters, etc. Am uncertain how two at a time would work, but would love to learn. I do not enjoy DPNs!
Love the copper kettle.
August 3, 2012 at 6:40 PM
I haven't knitted many socks but I really love it! I use DPNs! Thank you for the great contest! I loved the saying: "In the rhythm of the needles, there is music for the soul." ;-)
August 3, 2012 at 7:05 PM
I've been a dpn'r since I started knitting socks many years ago. I've tried magic loop and it's just not my preference.
August 3, 2012 at 7:06 PM
August 3, 2012 at 7:06 PM
August 3, 2012 at 8:29 PM
I use 9 inch circular needles for my sock knitting, I use dpn's at the heel flap and toes, but the rest is done on tiny circs.
August 4, 2012 at 6:45 AM
I don't knit socks real often but when I do it's two at a time Magic Loop for sure!!
August 4, 2012 at 7:19 AM
All the colors are so luscious. It would definitely be hard to choose just one.
August 4, 2012 at 8:16 AM
dpn's in tandem - both socks at the same time.
August 4, 2012 at 8:32 AM
I haven't knit socks yet, but just joined a KAL in the Singlehandedknits group on Ravelry (she has a video cast, too, which is great)... I ordered 40" circular needles in various sock sizes so going to learn magic loop - not sure yet about two-at-a-time vs just doing one-at-a-time yet.... going to try toe up first. These kits look AMAZING! Gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!!! Stephanie (indigodogmt on Ravelry)
August 4, 2012 at 2:47 PM
I usually knit socks with two circulars - I don't like magic loop all that much, and DPNs drive me crazy!
August 4, 2012 at 4:58 PM
i'm an occasional sock knitter. they are small and portable and generally have pretty straightforward instructions making them pretty convenient to just pull out while waiting in line or taking transit etc.
lately i've preferred using dpns, although that changes every once in awhile. i tend to worry about laddering when doing magic loop and two circs is great until you knit all of the stitches onto one needle.
August 5, 2012 at 4:04 AM
Gorgeous yarn! I've tried every method of sock knitting, including two at a time - but none have stuck... Yet! :-)
August 5, 2012 at 6:54 AM
I have the same problem with the terrible twos! I think Magic Loop is the way to go! For beautiful sock yarn like that, its worth dealing with the twos whether together or separately! Thanks for the opportunity!
August 5, 2012 at 7:46 AM
I started my first pair of sock late last winter, and it was going well, but I dropped them when spring came. I'll probably pick them back up again when the weather cools off. I'm doing two at once on a magic loop.
August 5, 2012 at 8:35 AM
Like you, I don't like knitting things in twos. I have been known to knit mittens, probably because they're usually a larger gauge than socks and a smaller time commitment than sleeves. I have tried the magic loop method, but not two at a time. However, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor, and if I win I may just have to give it a try. :D
August 5, 2012 at 7:04 PM
I have tried Magic Loop but I absolutely love knitting my socks one at a time on double points! I used to always have a sock on the needles but lately I've been knee deep in shawls!
August 6, 2012 at 2:37 AM
I've tried magic loop and dpns and don't really have a strong preference. either way i hate joining in the round and somehow always manage to end up twisted.
August 6, 2012 at 4:17 AM
Magic loop for me all the way, I even teach other people how to do it now!! DPNS have too many sticky out bits for me!
August 6, 2012 at 8:13 AM
I'm still doing socks on DPNs. I tried Magic Loop but couldn't get the hang of it. Maybe I'll try it again one day, though -- everyone seems to love it!
August 6, 2012 at 11:13 AM
I love to knit socks and never get tired of it, one can never have enough socks =)
I started out with dpns and cuff-down but quickly changed to magic-loop and toe-up socks.
Great giveaway, thanks for a chance to win!
Kind regards,
Maike (ToadstoolKnittery on Ravelry)
August 6, 2012 at 6:15 PM
I use the magic loop, I like to make them both at the same time.
Thanks! Daniela
August 6, 2012 at 7:21 PM
I am like you I hate to knit the second sock. So my next pair I am going to do both at the same time.
August 6, 2012 at 10:42 PM
I have only knit one pair of socks-- magic loop, but one at a time. I DID manage to make myself knit the second sock (it was for my 11-year-old son, and he was soooooo excited about them.) :)
-- Bookaholic13 on Rav.
August 7, 2012 at 5:21 AM
I knit all my socks on DPNs, although I've done hats with two circs. Haven't tried magic loop yet because I don't want to buy new circs just to try it. If I need to get them for something else anyway, I'll try it.
-Ravnejenta on Ravelry
August 7, 2012 at 6:39 AM
I am definitely a DPN person. I've tried the magic loop method and just found it too fussy for me. That said,
I knit both socks at the same time by casting on on two sets of DPNs and then knitting both cuffs, both legs, etc. That way I don't have to remember what I did from one sock to the other and when I'm done, I'm done.
August 7, 2012 at 7:53 AM
I prefer toe up magic loop for my sock knitting. I tried two at a time but haven't yet done it successfully. Maybe I'll have to try again!
August 7, 2012 at 8:18 AM
When I learned magic loop, it was like having a new boyfriend; I wanted to talk about it to anyone who would listen! I haven't used dpn's since, except to do an i-chord.
August 7, 2012 at 1:51 PM
My favorite way to knit socks is using Magic Loop, and from toe up (at least I can go as high as I want my socks to be and use up all my yarn) and 2 at the time (no 2nd sock syndrome anymore!).
I didn't know this yarn dyer and she's got some pretty stuff in her Etsy shop... Thanks for sharing!
August 7, 2012 at 7:33 PM
I love to knit socks and I use the Magic Loop
August 7, 2012 at 8:07 PM
I tend to knit them using DPNs, although I know how to do one at a time magic loop. This is why I have so many single socks. Right now, though, I'm knitting two socks at the same time, one inside the other, double knit on DPNs.
August 8, 2012 at 5:13 AM
Magic Loop always. And never 2 at a time.
August 8, 2012 at 12:15 PM
I am pretty new to sock knitting, but the pair I made, I did on DPN's & they turned out great.
August 8, 2012 at 6:00 PM
I'm a strict DPN knitter. I don't care for the ladders that magic loop leaves behind...
August 8, 2012 at 6:57 PM
I knit my socks using dpns. I just love making them that way!
Paula (messiahkitty on Ravelry)
August 9, 2012 at 10:50 AM
I use dpns, but I am learning the Magic Loop method...more than one way to avoid 2nd-sock-syndrome!!;o)
August 9, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Not really a sock knitter at all...yet. I love the idea of the portability of socks as a project, and then of course the cozy, intimate nature of the finished product. Also something romantic about the handmade sock: its inherently temporary nature. They will eventually wear out, and must be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest while you can---just like everything most beloved to us in our lives.
August 10, 2012 at 5:04 AM
Okay I scrolled through the comments and didn't see one from me....so I have made 3 pairs on DPN's..one pair is unwearable...I have started my first pair of toe up, two at a time...I had to restart them 3 times, but now they are coming along swimmingly...still not sure which method I prefer though
August 10, 2012 at 5:15 AM
I don't knit socks - yet. It's on my To Do list. I'm sure that when I do it'll be on DPNs, because I don't have a clue how to do magic loop!
August 10, 2012 at 6:01 AM
I like Magic Loop for socks, they go a bit faster that way--though it still takes me forever to knit them. The nice gal at the LYS talked me out of trying to do two at once on Magic Loop; but I still may try it, as I hate being stuck in sock-hades for all time!
August 10, 2012 at 8:33 PM
I lurve knitting socks... And, I actually like to change my method each time based on my mood and other projects I am working on. If I do magic loop, it is two at a time. I also like dpns. I usually don't go for the two circ method or single magic loop, but every now and then I do.
August 11, 2012 at 7:52 PM
I've crocheted a pair of socks, I'm a little too afraid of my lack of knitting skills yet to knit any!