New knitting charity

[knitter4democracy]

I've started a new charity called Save Our Socks. I'm taking all handknit socks that have holes in them so that they don't end up in a landfill. Then, I'm darning them, fixing them up, and washing them for various charities. Handknit socks often have a lot of life left in them when they get their first hole. If the socks really aren't salvageable, I'll unravel them, wash the yarn, and send it to anyone who wants the yarn for charity work.

http://saveoursocks.blogspot.com

[gizmonic]

1. Just pm'ed ya. nt

:hi:

[knitter4democracy]

2. Thanks!

We need all the socks we can save. :)

[eleny]

3. I don't knit

But I wanted to say that you're one neat lady with a lot of heart.

I have to admit that if I was to learn to knit, it would be because I'd like to learn to knit socks. I guess it's one of the more advance things to learn. I'm in awe of all the young people who have dived into knitting with such zeal.

Good luck with your new endeavor. I'm sure it will take off.

[knitter4democracy]

4. Nope. Anyone can knit socks.

They're on the tricky side at first until you get it, but I've had students knit them as their first real project with no problem. Handknit socks are sooooo nice. :)

[eleny]

5. Doggone it that you live so far away

I'd take your class for sure.

The local yarn shop gives great classes. But the knit socks class requires taking a class or two before. I guess it's time to keep looking for a teacher. I just love the idea of kitting my own socks. The yarns are supposed to be very soft and comfy.

[knitter4democracy]

8. It makes sense from the teacher's point of view.

I just think that people should learn to knit what they want to learn how to knit. If you want to start with socks, I'd start you off with bigger yarn and needles (think boot sock) and probably two circulars so you're not messing around with so many double points. Then again, you might like the double points. Is there a knit night in your area, maybe at that shop? You could ask for help there--most knit nights I know have at least one experienced knitter who loves to teach. :)

[eridani]

6. Where do you get yarn that doesn't itch?

I can't abide anything with wool in it. All cotton yarn, or blends, perhaps?

[knitter4democracy]

7. There are nice cotton sock yarns out now.

Cascade Fixation is the main one people use, and it has nice colors. Threadbear is getting a new one that's hand-dyed and pretty. http://threadbearfiberarts.com That's the best shop that's kind of close to me, and I'll probably be up there tomorrow for the swap meet.

Have you seen Regia Silk or Bamboo? They have some wool in them, but they're super-soft and oh-so-nice to knit with. The silk-blend sock yarns are strong and very nice.

[gizmonic]

9. Magic Stripes by Lion Brand is a favorite of mine.

I made my first pair w/Jelly Bean.

http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1606030

My mum & I took a 3 day sock knitting class @ Joann's a couple of years ago -- it was suprisingly easy! Prior to that, I had only knitted scarves, felted purses and the like.

In a couple of weeks I'll be taking another sock class. This time I'm learning to knit them on circular needles instead of double pointed.

Socks are easy -- no seams to sew (except the toe). Seams are my nemesis! Fewer the seams, the better the project!

:)




on edit: I noticed Magic Stripes is 75% wool...and you mentioned no wool.

Typing while sleepy :silly: I need to go to bed!!!!

[eridani]

10. And how do you do the seams so they don't rub uncomfortably?

Is this something to learn on your own, or is it advisable to look for a JoAnne's class or similar?

[gizmonic]

11. we were taught the Kitchener stitch

it's not very complicated but it takes patience. I understand how it works but it takes me a loooong time to sew up one sock cuz I'm a visual knitter. I need pictures and samples to explain it.

Knitty.com has a link for it (with some nice pix): http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer04/FEATtheresasum04.html

It's a good technique for knitting cuff-down socks. To avoid seams all together perhaps a toe-up pattern might be the way to go. I've not tried that yet -- I may find a class that teaches it.

[eridani]

13. This is all very helpful

I was never able to do much besides scarves when I learned to knit. Do you wind up making your own patterns for a good fit to individual feet also?

[knitter4democracy]

12. It depends on how you do the toe.

There are tons of variations, and the one I do for my beginning socks classes is the peasant toe--decrease down to just a few stitches, cut the yarn and thread it through the loops twice, pull tight, and then sew in the end. It works well for more pointy feet, though, so I have to kitchener (graft) my hubby's sock toes.

[Katherine Brengle]

18. My second finished project was a pair of socks --

a good set of directions and a bit of patience and they're a breeze.

I haven't gotten around to making socks with tiny needles and sock yarn though, I tried and I didn't have the patience. Worsted weight socks rule lol.

[Morgana LaFey]

14. They look more complicated than they are, IF you have a good

pattern. Once you've done a few with a good pattern, many people can make up their own.

[knitter4democracy]

17. I have a general sock pattern that I give out.

There are good sock pattern generators for free on-line, too.

[Morgana LaFey]

15. Good for you!

Are there really that many handknit socks that go to the trash because of holes?? I'd not have thought so... but it's a great idea no matter what. Good for you!

[knitter4democracy]

16. Yarn Harlot writes about it, as do other knitbloggers.

I just got to thinking one day when looking at my oldest pair of handknit socks that it would be a shame to throw them away. The idea took awhile to simmer from there.