So, I got the bright idea of knitting myself a pair of socks. Neil got me a booklet called Learn to Knit on Circle Looms, and it included a sock project. I have to admit, I thought the socks in the project were kind of ugly – didn’t care for the color scheme, or the ribbing pattern – but I figured that all I really needed were the heel and toe instructions and the rest I could make up myself.
So I did. And now I have this one very funky, very heavy, very too small for me sock.
I love looking at it, but I can’t possibly wear it. It fits Aidan, actually, and if I thought he would wear a pair of wool socks that would make his feet sweat bullets all day long, I might just make him another sock to go with this one. But no… I think I may have another idea.
Sock Puppets, anyone? Yeah, that’s the ticket 🙂 I just can’t make more and sell them unless I want to invest $1500 to have them tested for lead and other toxins. (If that sounds as crazy to you as it does to me, you may want to read this.) I’m going to make one more striped sock in different colors, and make a puppet for Eamonn, too.
I love the colors! Well you inspired me with your fingerless gloves to go out and get a knitting loom, but now i’m stuck. I’ve knitted almost a whole glove based on your pattern but its HUGE! I used the small 24 blue loom and I just can’t figure out how to make it smaller? Do you know how to desrbe the trick to me?? If you could that would be awesome! I can’t wait to see the next puppet. I love wool socks though 🙂
Have you taken it off the loom yet? The loom has a way of stretching things, and they tend to bounce back once you’ve taken it off the loom.
The other option is to use a single-strand of yarn instead of a double. I’ve used a single with nearly every pair I’ve made since writing those instructions, and I’ve decided I like it a lot better. The resulting mitts are much softer, and conform better to the shape of my wrist.
Hope this helps!
Sorry, i typed in my website wrong on the last one, it takes you someplace really weird. All for one letter. Thanks again
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Actually, wool socks aren’t the heavy, sweaty things you’d think! Wool breathes quite nicely. =)
Of course, when I first saw that you’d tried to make a sock, I thought you might have picked up some needles. Ever the hopeful knitting addict, I suppose. If you ever want lessons on knitting the traditional way…
I’ll keep that in mind. Right now I’m being very stubborn about making the looms do what I want at all costs, LOL! When I finally give up, I’ll be in touch. Heh.
I have to get one of those books. That was nice of Neil to think of that for you. Happy New Years Eve!
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aw, that sock puppet is adorable!! how fun!
i, too, am trying to save handmade. i am hopeful!!
xo,
erika
See what erika~ inspired mama musings has been blogging about: i said that! 2008 rewind
love the socks and the displayer/player too!! i sure hope they resolve something, or i might be in a hurry to sell all my stuff.
Totally rad and adorable!
[…] blue and pink socks on the cover are the project which was the basis for my sock puppets (pictured […]
okay, I really ant to try that!
The whole ‘testing for toxins’ thing is a good premise, but wow, will that throw handcrafters and resellers out of the market in a hurry!
However, I suddenly thought of a way around it, something I’d seen elsewhere.
Make something to go with the puppet – something incredibly simple and extremely cheap (like a pretty hang tag, or a absolutely simple cloth bag, or even just a cloth square tied in a knot around the puppet!)…. and make sure THAT thing is made of approved materials. EG: the hangtag is made of already approved paper and approved ink. Or the cloth square is of approved material. Then ‘sell’ the hang tag or cloth square, **and throw in as a free gift the puppet**.
Obviously, the total price would be enough to cover everything, including puppet. But -legally- you could say you’re only -selling- the cloth wrap, not the puppet. Does something you give away free have to be tested????
Just trying to think outside the box and allow all us wonderful home artisans (read not mass producers!) to continue!
DebbieG