What I learned by Knitting Guernsey Socks

What I learned by knitting Guernsey Socks:

Knitting socks was not on my list of things to do.   In fact I often wondered why anyone knitted socks at all.   I had tired of knitting baby projects and wanted something quick and compact to do with a challenge or two.    Like magic an email arrived offering a free knit along for socks.   Why not?  Quick, compact, useful when complete, and there is definitely something to learn.

It was quick, and compact.  I learned quite a lot.    

1.     Being a left handed knitter in a right handed world adds a challenge no matter what the          project but socks are very easy to adjust for.

2.       Smocked stitches can be fun  where you slip two stitches and then wrap them twice

3.       I have very small feet with strong ankles and the shape of the socks reflect it

4.       Toe shaping should start just below the beginning of little toe

5.       If you have a low arch when you shape the heel flap it should be shorter.   If you have a         high arch it should be longer.  When in doubt just make it square.

6.       How to reinforce the heel by knitting and slipping and then purling and slipping

7.       Pooling happens with self striping yarn no matter how much care you take  unless you           are making the pattern.

8.       If you have long toes decrease every other row a little longer before decreasing every           row.   For short toes …..well you know.

9.       Read the pattern at least twice before being or accept your pattern is a bit unique.

10.   Hand knitted socks are INCREDIBLY soft and warm and fits like a glove.

Pattern included in Free Sock Knit-along on Craftsy.com