Knitting Perfect SOCKS!
The Sock Workshop
Hand knit socks are a luxury to wear. I've been knitting socks for over over 30 years, and I have some pretty stiff opinions. My first and foremost opinion is that the only way to knit a sock, is to knit one that fits "perfectly". With a few simple measurements and a few basic formulas, you can throw those patterns away and knit any sock to fit any foot, using any size yarn and needles.
This is a "formula" based workshop, which will give you the tools to create your own special socks for those you love. It is a 3 session workshop. Each workshop will be 3-4 hours long. There is a lot of knitting to be done between sessions!
COST: $80.00
Skills you will need to bring to the class:
1. Be able to cast-on and make a good join, using double pointed needles, two circulars, magic loop - whatever you are most comfortable with for knitting in the round.
2. Stitches to be familiar with: knit, purl, k2tog, p2tog, ssk, skpo, ktbl, yo, picking up stitches
Supplies to bring to class/HOMEWORK:
1. A notebook, pen
2. I give out a lot of handouts, so a small 3 ring binder might come in handy
3. Notions such as stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors, blunt darning needle, row counter (optional)
4. 100g of sock yarn and knitting needles in a size that will produce a nice firm fabric. Socks should be firmly knit to be hard wearing! Be sure and swatch ahead of time. Cast on 20 stitches and knit 20 rows. If you are unsure as to what needles, then bring your swatches and we will evaluate them. We will be knitting in the round, so your choice of dpns or circulars. It will take at least 100g of sock yarn to make a pair of socks....
CLASS OUTLINE
YARNS AND NEEDLES
1. What makes NOT a good sock, but a GREAT sock
2. Sock Anatomy - parts and platforms "Let's break it down!"
3. Choosing good sock yarn
4. Choosing your needle size
5. shhhhh........ (SWATCHING)
A FEW SIMPLE MEASUREMENTS
1. How to take the measurements
2. What these measurements mean
3. Sock top options for patterns and length
4. Determining your Cast On - Various cast on formulas and considerations
5. Refresher on how to make your rounds consistent without ladders
KNITTING THE LEG
THE HEEL FLAP
1. Knitting the heel flap, a sock cornerstone!
TURNING THE HEEL FORMULA
THE GUSSET
1. Picking up the stitches, tricks to closing those holes!
2. Knitting the gusset decreases
THE FOOT
THE TOE SHAPING
1. Make that toe fit the foot!
GRAFTING THE TOE FOR A SMOOTH FINISH
I believe that the only way to really have a good fitting, and smooth fitting sock is to neatly graft the end of the toe so that there is NO seam or ridge!
FINISHING, SEWING IN ENDS - CAST ON FOR THE NEXT ONE!
GREAT SOCK IDEAS AND PATTERNS
1. Starting suggestions for Cast Ons using different weight yarns in a variety of sizes
2. Decorative ribbings
3. Fair Isle and Intarsia
4. Other color options - space dyed and hand painted yarns
5. Knit and purl patterns and cables
6. Lace!
7. Information for spinners and reinforcement ideas for heels and toes