My sock is growing!

I said in my last post, a knitting book review, that I'd show you how I was getting on with knitting up my socks...

The recommended yarn is tofutsies which is way out of my budget, so I asked Abakhan if they'd supply what I needed in return for a mention. My challenge was accepted so I chose a self-striping purple and grey yarn, Aviemore along with two circular needles, a row counter and some stitch markers.

Casting on and joining with two circular needles proved to be the most difficult bit so far. I had planned to knit a fancy cuff, but following a pattern AND knitting in a new method was one challenge too many. Once I'd settled on plain rib, it became (almost) plain sailing. Knitting with two circs is ideal if you are on the move with your knitting. Each half slides safely on to the cable so no disasters as can happen with DPNs. Basically, you simply knit half the sock using each end of the SAME needle, slip those stitches on to the cable then turn the work around and do the same again with the two ends of the other needle. It's probably easier to use different colour needles, but I haven't got them confused yet (touch wood!)

The row counter was absolutely essential until I'd got accustomed to the pattern. I haven't used one for years, and was accustomed to keeping it at the end of my needle. This doesn't work out with circulars, so whilst knitting I just rested it on the pattern. I only needed stitch markers for the first couple of rounds, but they helped to get the pattern straight in my head.

I'm pleased with how the sock is coming along, I think the self-stripe draws attention to the wavy pattern rather than detracts from it. I'm also pleased (so far!) with working with two circular needles. I can't see any "ladders" as happens with DPNs sometimes. I usually avoid ladders by knitting an extra stitch or two at the end of each needle, but that tends to mean I forget where the true beginning of a row is - which would be a problem when I start the heel, my next task.

Do you knit socks? I'd be interested to hear if you have tried the 2circ method, or indeed whatever works for you.