I knit socks using two 24" circular needles, and I just LOVE this method! I've tried everything else: double points, magic loop, even 9" circulars. Nothing feels as easy or right to my hands as the two circ method. I learned from a YouTube video from the amazing Cat Bordhi. Here it is:
Hi! I love knitting socks. I like top down rather than toe up. I think double points are easier for me than magic loop but I think you have to find your own way. There are so many different ways to do socks and I love the fact that they take little yarn, are quick knits so I don’t get bored, and everyone can use warm socks.
Within the last year, I read a wonderful newer novel about a woman who reconnects to her life after a loss of a child through the support of her knitting group. She shows up without knowing how to knit, and the best advice someone gives her is, "It's only knitting." Which means, relax, you can always undo what doesn't work in your life, or try something again. The world won't fall apart. So helpful! Also, I can't deal with sewing my own clothes unless they are simple, so thrifting and resale have been a wonderful answer for things like pants!
Thank you for this letter. I have been told for many years I have been knitting wrong and sometimes not kindly. I used to feel bad. Then I realized my knitting is just ss good as anyone else. I changed my knitting buddies and kept knitting my way. No negativity around me.
The only dyer I know of that has a merino/linen base is @wishboneyarn and she is in South Africa. I think it’s locally sourced . I was just hopeful as I think it would wear well without the itch.
I love the way you talk about writing as working with your hands. I love working with my hands too - crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, making tea - but I hadn’t made the connection to writing before! Thank you for helping me see writing as working with my hands. I'm new to your substack and absolutely love it!
Did I miss a merino/linen/silk yarn option? That is a base that appeals to me. I have knit alpaca only once and it made my hands red and itchy, I couldn’t wait to be finished and it was only a small fitted cowl for someone else. I find fingering weight perfect for my post menopausal body and I live in the cold New England winters! We each find what is perfect for us and for what works for us, we are unique as snowflakes no one of us exactly alike.
PS: YES to fingering weight sweaters in the coldest of winter! I have to laugh at the bulky weight sweaters or worsted weight color work. They’re all just too warm for me.
Anne, are you a left-handed mirror knitter who throws? If so, me too! It’s what is most comfortable for me, and I mostly love the insight it has forced to me have about how knitting works, but oof! I do find it makes some things more difficult.
Smart and lucky you! Knitting mirror is work, but somehow it feels less difficult for my brain to handle than knitting in the usual direction. As you said, though, there's no wrong way to knit -- in spite of Elizabeth Zimmerman's comments to the contrary!
You are an inspiration. I look forward to your emails and enjoy what you have to share.
Knitting is my passion as well.
How do you feel about knitting socks and what method of knitting do you use - double points or magic loop?
What would you suggest for a beginner?
Wishing you a feel great week!
Happy Everything,
Debi 😁
I knit socks using two 24" circular needles, and I just LOVE this method! I've tried everything else: double points, magic loop, even 9" circulars. Nothing feels as easy or right to my hands as the two circ method. I learned from a YouTube video from the amazing Cat Bordhi. Here it is:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RybPvCNfrT8
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSv6bdj7pvg
Hi! I love knitting socks. I like top down rather than toe up. I think double points are easier for me than magic loop but I think you have to find your own way. There are so many different ways to do socks and I love the fact that they take little yarn, are quick knits so I don’t get bored, and everyone can use warm socks.
Within the last year, I read a wonderful newer novel about a woman who reconnects to her life after a loss of a child through the support of her knitting group. She shows up without knowing how to knit, and the best advice someone gives her is, "It's only knitting." Which means, relax, you can always undo what doesn't work in your life, or try something again. The world won't fall apart. So helpful! Also, I can't deal with sewing my own clothes unless they are simple, so thrifting and resale have been a wonderful answer for things like pants!
Thank you for this letter. I have been told for many years I have been knitting wrong and sometimes not kindly. I used to feel bad. Then I realized my knitting is just ss good as anyone else. I changed my knitting buddies and kept knitting my way. No negativity around me.
The only dyer I know of that has a merino/linen base is @wishboneyarn and she is in South Africa. I think it’s locally sourced . I was just hopeful as I think it would wear well without the itch.
I've seen a few folks with that. If I come across any, I'll drop a link in as a comment.
I love the way you talk about writing as working with your hands. I love working with my hands too - crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, making tea - but I hadn’t made the connection to writing before! Thank you for helping me see writing as working with my hands. I'm new to your substack and absolutely love it!
Awww thank you! 💕
Did I miss a merino/linen/silk yarn option? That is a base that appeals to me. I have knit alpaca only once and it made my hands red and itchy, I couldn’t wait to be finished and it was only a small fitted cowl for someone else. I find fingering weight perfect for my post menopausal body and I live in the cold New England winters! We each find what is perfect for us and for what works for us, we are unique as snowflakes no one of us exactly alike.
PS: YES to fingering weight sweaters in the coldest of winter! I have to laugh at the bulky weight sweaters or worsted weight color work. They’re all just too warm for me.
No, sorry, just the alpaca. I would love to find a merino option, but don’t yet have a mill that makes merino/linen/silk.
Anne, are you a left-handed mirror knitter who throws? If so, me too! It’s what is most comfortable for me, and I mostly love the insight it has forced to me have about how knitting works, but oof! I do find it makes some things more difficult.
I think I trained myself out of the mirror part (because, yeah, lace is hard when you need to mirror!) ... but YES!
Smart and lucky you! Knitting mirror is work, but somehow it feels less difficult for my brain to handle than knitting in the usual direction. As you said, though, there's no wrong way to knit -- in spite of Elizabeth Zimmerman's comments to the contrary!
I needed to hear this. Thank you.
✨💕✨