The Kickoff
This month is devoted to knitting baby socks. There are many other things I plan to knit before H makes his debut, but I thought this would be a fun Socktoberfest challenge. Lucky for me I like knitting baby socks.
Pair #1 was knit from some of my own yarn, in the “Spooky” colorway. I knit these first so I can send them to my cousin’s little boy this month. I’ll knit a slightly bigger pair later in the month. It’s weird to think that by this time next year I’ll have an 9 month old baby! Pair #2 was knit from Fortissima Socka #1076. The red bits were knit with Knit Picks Essentials. I was going for a sock monkey-ish look. I have lots of other cute baby socks planned. I must admit, I got a head start on them over the weekend. I just couldn’t wait any longer.
These socks were knit from a basic baby sock “pattern” that I’ve memorized. The socks will fit a 3-6 month old. I’ve gifted socks made with this pattern to many of my friend’s babies so I know they fit. I cast on 32 stitches and work a K1P1 cuff for 2 1/2 inches, work the heel flap over 16 stitches, pick up stitches for the gusset like any old sock, decrease at the gusset like any old sock, knit the foot 2 1/2 inches long, then decrease for the toe like any old sock. They go pretty fast. Sometimes I get bored and work a more exciting pattern, but I always come back to my basic sock. I can knit them while I watch TV and I hardly have to pay attention to what I’m doing.
I have a few other Socktoberfest goals, but they’re on the back burner. I need to finish this pair for myself. I think I started these in August. The baby knits sort of took over.
I’m anxious to try my newly purchased Classic Elite Alpaca Sox. Oh my. This stuff is really nice. The only drawback is the socks have to be hand washed. I’m a big fan of washing socks in the washing machine and throwing them in the dryer. Don’t gasp in horror- I use the delicate cycle. I don’t care if I ruin a pair of socks by doing this (which I have yet to do). I have seen my sock yarn stash and it’s safe to say I’ll never run out of the resources needed to make more socks. This yarn is so special though, I’d hate to ruin it. I think I’ll make a pair for Mr. Yarn Pirate and a matching pair for his little boy. I have a feeling they will be like two peas in a pod. When I hand wash them I’ll think to myself how lucky I am to have such great guys in my life.
Sarah wrote:
Don’t worry about hand washing socks for the baby. Baby feet don’t stink!
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 3:57 pm | Permalink
Laurel wrote:
That is about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, and can’t IMAGINE being so loving while handwashing socks for my husband and 2 year old son
You have a lucky family! And such sweet socks!
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 4:13 pm | Permalink
Wannabe wrote:
Um, does that mean I can throw YP socks in the dryer on low….oooo, that would so make my day.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 5:06 pm | Permalink
Emma wrote:
Such cute baby socks. Looking forward to seeing what else you come up with!
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 5:06 pm | Permalink
sillydoggies wrote:
So cute!!! Can’t wait to see more pairs for the little one.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 6:50 pm | Permalink
Oiyi wrote:
Super cute socks.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 7:20 pm | Permalink
Beth K wrote:
Baby socks are the best. I am sure Mr. Yarn Pirate and baby yarn pirate would love the socks.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 8:21 pm | Permalink
Anna Dianich wrote:
Love the baby socks. My little girl is due in January… I better get started making her some socks too.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 8:24 pm | Permalink
Zonda wrote:
Those are too cute! Go you!
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 8:49 pm | Permalink
Stephanie wrote:
Those socks are seriously cute! And I always throw my handknit socks in the washer with everything. I ususally try to catch them before they go to the dryer though and hand ‘em. But…that doesn’t always happen and they all have survived pretty well regardless!!
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 9:32 pm | Permalink
melissa wrote:
oh man, i saw that alpaca sox stuff at weaving works yesterday. it’s sooooo nice!
those baby socks are so cute! i look forward to seeing the rest of your baby socks this month.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 10:40 pm | Permalink
Trish wrote:
Oh cute baby socks. Can’t wait to see the other baby socks you’re going to knit this month.
Posted on 02-Oct-07 at 11:17 pm | Permalink
Theresa in Italy wrote:
Really cute socks! Keep us posted!
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 5:31 am | Permalink
stacey wrote:
love the spooky socks! baby socks are just too darn cute!
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 5:33 am | Permalink
Michele wrote:
So you are referring to the baby as H now. Does that mean you have a name in mind??
Cute Socks!
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 6:28 am | Permalink
Melissa wrote:
I love the sock monkey socks! I just finished a pair of socks for my daughter - I like knitting tiny socks. Can’t wait to see the others.
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 7:01 am | Permalink
Amy wrote:
Both pairs of socks are just too cute!! : )
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 9:03 am | Permalink
Madge wrote:
Thanks for sharing your baby sock pattern. And your cute as a button little socklets. Oooh, Spooky and sock monkeys - a great start to your month o’ wee sox!
Posted on 03-Oct-07 at 5:48 pm | Permalink