Socks on the Mend

Back in August, I sat down with Penny at The Urban Weaver Studio and she helped me refresh my skills on darning socks.

My first sock had the "classic" hole in the heel - too much friction from the good ol' boots I wear all the time.  Originally knitted with a sports weight yarn,  I used a similar weight and colour to construct a weave across the hole.  First by creating a "warp" section in one direction and then by weaving over and under all the warp threads.

My second sock - an all time favourite - wasn't too damaged, but the stitches over the heel were running super thin.  Since I wanted to keep the pattern along the heel cup, Penny suggested that I cut right through the heel - something she's done a lot for toe repairs.  A first for me ... it is with due diligence and trust in her experience that I cut a hole in my favourite sock!  Afterwards, we brainstormed the best way to knit the heel back together and figured that short rows was going to do the trick.

I have one more sock to repair and it's been long time coming for this one.  This pair was purchased in Kamchatka years ago and each stitch pretty much has a story ... so have the holes!

Starting October 1st, you can join Penny at the Urban Weaver Studio for a series of Woolley Workshops and rejoice at wearing your "new" mended socks.

More Knitting In the Round ... More Socks

Noro yarn enchants in the morning sun while tabi socks keep the big toes cozy and warm.

A touch of green merino wool from Louet Gem accentuates the fushia from Lorna's Laces. A perfect combination for jazzing up the feet.

 

 

Tabi Socks for Novelty

No matter where I go, I like having a knitting project on the needles  - and for that matter, socks seem to be the perfect choice.  Small and compact - especially when knitted on circular needles, it packs into a tiny bundle that fits perfectly in the backpack.

So ... no stranger to knitting socks,  I recently cast on some leftover yarn from Lorna's Laces that's been sitting in my stash.  A few years ago, I knitted my first pair of socks with this yarn and quite liked the stitch pattern, and so did grandma.  I was pleased to give her my first pair of socks to keep her feet warm over the winter months.

My new pair of socks is based on the same stitch pattern as my first pair (the fuchsia sock in the photo), but with a new twist! I enjoy learning new knitting techniques with nearly every project, and this time it's all about tabi socks!