Everybody Can Relax; I've Invented the Wheel
And now for a confession: I'm a late arrival to the sock knitting party.
For the longest time, the world of socks was a complete mystery to me. I was focused on knitting that covers other body parts, and it seemed to me that there were SO many designers making socks exclusively (and brilliantly) that the world didn't need me to get interested in them.
Which is, of course, exactly when somebody asked me to design socks. No grocery-needing knitwear designer can afford to limit the body parts they cover with yarn, so of course I agreed, and started cracking books. The learning curve was steep, but not insurmountable. I'm proud of the socks I've designed, and I've enjoyed sock-knitting as a palate cleansing activity that fits nicely in between larger projects.
But last week, something weird happened. I figured out how to make socks from the toe up.
I know. It's like reporting the huge news flash that water is wet. I have made the groundbreaking discovery that the Earth is Round. I'm screaming with glee from the rooftops that socks can be made in the completely opposite direction from what I've done before, while the knitters below smile indulgently, and keep on walking. Everybody else already knows this, but I am so excited to have finally figured it out.
And I made these!
Of course, when you try to take pictures of your own feet wearing new socks (toe-up or otherwise), the dog will think you have lost your mind and come over to offer an opinion:
I tried to explain it to him: "But they're TOE-UP!" I said. Bailey remained unmoved.
Some people's pets are just too hard to impress.
"Dogwood" toe-up socks, with proper gussets and heel flaps. Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight, in a Rare Gems colorway. Click HERE for the pattern, to share my newfound joy.
Well, the name of the socks explains Bailey's interest in the socks. Just be glad he didn't raise his leg!
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Mary,
Your socks are beautiful and now to thrill you even further! I will send you my own pattern for toe up socks that don't require any picking up of stitches and have re-enforced stitching under heel and up the back of the short row heel. They look very much like your socks but are actually easier to knit and longer wearing.
Please email me privately for a pattern exchange - yours for mine if you are interested
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I think toe-up will be my next adventure in Sock Land. I've resisted so far but am wondering if I can get a better fit at my toes that way. LOL, I guess I need not forget there is the rest of the foot to worry about, too, though.
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And your brilliance is perfectly timed! I'm working on a pair of toe-up socks for a friend and needed to figure out a gusset & heel-flap construction. Thank you for reinventing the wheel and discovering that water is wet and that the Earth is round, because your words will help me figure out this heel!
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Love the socks! No matter when you get pulled into the sock knitting vortex, it's a good thing. You should check out Charlene Schurch's new book - the Sock Knitter's Handbook - it's got all sorts of basic elements of socks and will be perfect for you to start using your design wizardry in the world of socks! Can't wait to see more!
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Squeee! toe up socks are awesome. and to think that you unvented them all by yourself? That is SO cool! they look beeeyouteefool! Good job.
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Hey Mary,
Your socks look great. I am one of the few folks that still haven't attempted sock knitting yet. But maybe one day!
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