Getting the Sock Machine up and running

Last weekend, I noticed that some of my socks have been wearing out.  It’s been about a year since I’ve made socks and my feet can destroy shoes pretty quickly, so it wasn’t a surprise to start seeing holes in my socks.  I wanted to play with new toys, but I decided to get the sock machine up and running instead.

It took a few tries to remember how to make a sock, which was frustrating, but I eventually remembered all the steps and started pumping out new socks.

I started with some cheap yarn because all the steps were still stored in my head somewhere and I wasn’t 100% sure I was remembering the pattern for my foot correctly.  For a while I sat there staring at the machine and thinking how much easier it would be if I would’ve just written it down somewhere.  Even after making these socks, I still haven’t written it down.   You know what would be smart?  Putting a basic pattern here while I’m thinking about it, so I remember the row counts next time I bring the machine out.

Basic Men’s Ankle Sock – Size 12/13

72 needles
~100g/400m wool fingering yarn

Knit 50 rows
Hang Hem to form cuff
Knit 25 rows for leg
Work Heel
Knit 65 rows for foot (or length necessary for foot)
Work Toe

I visited the local yarn shop on Saturday to get excited about making socks again and found some really beautiful yarns.   The picture doesn’t do it justice.  In real life, it’s pretty dark and has touches of color throughout.   It’s surprisingly difficult to find yarn appropriate for a men’s sock and requires quite a bit of hunting and scavenging.  Most yarns are too bright and too colorful and it’s hard to find more muted colorways that are still interesting enough without being a boring solid color.

Now that I know what I’m doing again, it’s time to produce another truck load of socks.  Get ready for another avalanche of sock posts.   Lucky you. 😉