A word about TOES. Sock. Toes. Really.

A Sock For Helen

Sock Toes. Who'd think this topic would generate interest? Not me. But I was wrong. Especially after talking about socks with knitters in Adelaide this week.

As a dedicated sock knitter, the importance of toes, and heels, does not escape me. The topic first caught my attention around 5 years ago, when I was knitting Sister Socks by yes, my sister, Bitsy. The subject came up then as we discussed the virtues of round vs standard toes, as only sock designers are want to do.

Anyway, I fell in love with the round toe and made many a pair with it. But then, I decided I needed to knit it from the toe up. I hunted around both in books and online, but could find no reference to it at the time.

Then, later on, I found a reference to it in another sock knitting quest, in Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks. Alas, she didn't elaborate, (just a few lines!) but it added a nice weight to my obsession. We knitters, for the most part, understand that knitting is a communal craft and that innovation is a risky word. I like to err on the side of caution and use the Elizabeth Zimmermann assumption that it's unvention. Thanks to Ms. Schurch, I wasn't the only knitter who thinks it's a good toe.

Anyway, years later and I'm still extolling the virtues of the toe up round toe. Why?

1. It's easy to get started – no fancy, special cast ons necessary
2. It's forgiving – only a few sts to get started and off you go. You can adjust the stitch numbers further up the toe if it gives you trouble
3. Because it's symetrical, you can choose where to insert a heel further down the line – very nice if you are a procrastinator and can't decide where you want your heel to go
4. It's teachable – for people who are scared off by casting on 64 sts for a sock from the top, it is easy to manage the limited number of sts for new users of dpns

 Baby Beantoes

I'm sure there are more reasons than those above, but suffice to say, I'll keep knitting socks with this toe. And yes, there are some limitations to it, but hey, I'm sure we'll figure those out too, or just embrace them as an excuse to try something else that's new.

 Dark Rainbow Socks

Melissa, where it's summer and that means sock knitting season

Moggy Doggy Bragging Rights from Stranded In Oz

Check out these beautiful socks from A. F. -- what a lovely surprise -- a finished pair of Moggy Doggy Socks in person! Thank you so much for showing them to us at the Fair. They are fantastic -- and her own take on where to put the moggy and doggy motifs.

The show has been so much fun thanks to the amazing knitters of Adelaide -- and sock enthusiasts!

If you would like to make your own pair of Moggy Doggy socks, stay tuned, the 4ply version kits will be available asap. I'll post a message or two and on Ravelry.

Bye for now -- it's been a long Saturday. See you at the Craft Fair tomorrow. Melissa

Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair -- Nov 3-6

Hello knitters, spinners, felters, crocheters, and lovers of all things yarny. I'm home now after a marathon session of setting up my Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair Booth. B17 -- come on down!

I must say, the booth is looking spiffy -- yes I have the camera ready to take a few piccies before the doors open at 10:00 am.

I will be at this fair all weekend. If you happen to get to the Port Markets instead, Richard will be on duty to assist -- the summer selection is there -- all the really great summer knitting bargain balls are out, including a rather delightful Mako cotton ribbon -- available to Port Markets shoppers only -- it's a crazy bargain at $3.50AU per ball. I'm so taken with it, I've naughtily stashed a few balls for summer. Shhhhh.

See you at the Craft Fair! Melissa