Friday, February 23, 2007

Question of the Week and Socks

Lia suggested this week's question. She doesn't care for crazy socks, so she's looking for some other ideas for the leftover bits of yarn.

So, what do you do with your leftover sock yarns?

I plan to do some "crazy socks" someday, but in a methodical way. I was planning on using bits and scraps of similar or complementary colorways and using a black or other solid color and using Fair Isle to make identical or at least very similar socks. I also make a few mini socks here and there. I've been known to make some sock earrings. Scraps also make good baby socks and dolls socks for the kiddies. Since I occasionally play with miniatures, I do think I could use some sock yarn for mini-afghans. And there are tons of books out there with knitted stuffed toys, bears and sweaters for the toys. I think scraps would make for very interesting stuffed toys. I'd really like to know what every one else uses their scraps for and feel free to post pictures of something really cool you've done with the scraps.

In other news, I've started my first toe-up socks using the Oriel pattern.

I think the pattern and the yarn are competing with each other, but I really like how it's turning out. It's Apple Laine yarn and completely yummy stuff!

3 comments:

Knitika said...

When I can, I make a pair of kids' socks from the leftovers. But sometimes I don't know if I have enough for a complete pair, and don't want to gamble, even if I do knit it toe-up. I also think about combining the leftovers, to make one colourful pair, but haven't ventured there, yet. Lately I've been using my leftovers to fashion clothing for my knitted babes.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I think those are going to be gorgeous socks! I love them!

Margie said...

I use my leftovers (golfball size) striped yarns with a solid (or semi solid) yarn in a slip stitch design. Some of the patterns in SKS would be ideal. Caesar's Check? If I only have one leftover ball of a colorway I use about half of it for the first sock. Sometimes I have two balls, then it's easy. I use the leftover yarn until it runs out and the solid as the Main color. I have used the solid for the heels and toes, but you don't have to. I divided my leftovers by yarn type and then by color value--dusty shades and bright shades. I have lots of little balls. I've only made one pair this way but more are planned. The slip stitch patterns knit to a tighter gauge, and there is no stretch, so add stitches or go up a needle size. I use the slip stitch pattern on the sole of the foot as well. Otherwise the two different gauges result in a boat shaped foot.