Socks: Not Just For Knitters

Every now and then I get knitting envy. It happens whenever I see any kind of beautiful Fair Isle or Faroese woollen jumpers, you know, the kind with the yoke patterns and Scandinavian style stars. (Think Sarah Lund.) The other time is when I see hand-knitted socks. But the thought of not just knitting, but knitting socks, and on those tiny double pointed needles, and using not two but four of those...I feel clammy. I can technically knit, but I find it very difficult and stressful, and so I don't do it (and there's enough in life that's difficult and stressful without making one of those things a hobby). I may pick up knitting again at some point in my life - I hope I do - but it's not going to happen right now. And so I thought hand made socks were never going to be for me until, while looking for a pattern for a crocheted Christmas Stocking, I happened upon these.

The pattern is by Sandra Cherry Heart and it's a very good beginner's sock pattern. The component parts make sense to me now, I understand how it all fits together and I want to try something more adventurous. 

The pattern is all in rows of treble stitches. This means that there is a seam of sorts, but it's neat and hidden on the inside of each sock, as you can see below.

The cuffs are made with rows of half trebles alternated with front post stitch to create a ribbed effect. I made these a little longer than the pattern suggested as I just love the effect of those stitches together.

I used two balls of Sublime baby cashmere merino silk DK in 0277 Tittlemouse (grey) and one ball of 0001 Piglet (pink), with a 3.5mm hook. The yarn is gorgeous, to work with and to wear, but not cheap and at £5 a ball that's some fancy socks. It's silky smooth (careful on wooden floors!) and very warm, but I don't know if the yarn would stand up to much serious, everyday use. But these are bed socks, so they are thick and chunky and every so slightly luxurious. They were my treat to myself, and not intended to be practical or ordinary or sensible, but a little bit special.

And now I feel more confident about crocheting socks. I've been looking on Ravelry and Instagram and there are so many amazing patterns and of course I want to make all of them, but I need to think about what I want them for and what kind of yarn I should use. For now I might make another couple of these, for gifts. My next pair will be grey but with a mustard toe, heel and cuff. 

If anyone knows of any tried and tested crochet sock patterns that they'd recommend I'd love to hear about them. Thank you.

Have a great weekend everyone! Ours will involve bonfires, fireworks, gardening and gingerbread. That's a good November weekend.