Poor Mitters

My poor little cat, Mittens (aka Mitters) had to vet today. The poor soul hates to leave the house, but she is trying to eat her tail off. So, now I am treating a cat for allergies! She had a rough day, but her scabby skin is doing much better now.

The good news, the vet was shocked to learn that Mitters is 9 years old. She (the vet) was sure the cat wasn't a day over 5. It is nice to know that the cat is healthy; just scabby. Since I have never shown a pic of my cat, here she is:

As promised, the Socktober Fest questions.

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I started *trying* to learn about 5 or so years ago. I did fine learning to knit in the round. What confused me was turning the heel. I am largely a self-taught knitter, but my pal Jen did help me a bit with socks. Anyway, I played around with learning to knit socks for about 2 years (everything takes longer when you are teaching yourself). I knit my first pair of real socks 3 to 3 1/2 years ago.

The reasons I love to knit socks are:

1. There is a great deal of instant gratification when making sock. In about a week or so, I can have a lovely and useful hand knit item to wear.
2. They are a portable project. I just don't spend much time at home. I can knit socks anywhere. Thanks to the lovely bag I got from Piddleloop, I can knit socks while standing in the hall during passing periods.
3. They are budget friendly. Even the expensive sock yarns don't cut into the family finances too much. Unlike sweaters, sock rarely require more than two skeins of yarn.
4. Sock yarn is the perfect yarn souvenir. It is small, fairly inexpensive, and useful (unlike the gaudy crap that normally passes for souvenirs).

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was a purple self stripeing pair made with Lion Brand Magic Stripes (can be seen here). They have held up well, but I lost one about a year ago.

What would you have done differently? I wouldn't do anything differently. Like all things knitting and writing, making socks was a process that I had to learn. I am very process oriented. That is why I don't mind taking so long to learn a new technique or finish something. I am not product oriented.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Fortissima, Sunshine Yarns, Kiogu are faves, but in practice, I haven’t met a sock yarn that didn't have at least *some* charm for me.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or Magic Loop method?
I haven't tried it yet. I was a firm DPN gal until this summer when I tried two circs, which is becoming my preferred method.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I am sick of flaps. They seem to interrupt my *flow* when knitting, especially on two circs. Short rows are my new favorite heel for the two circ method. I think that a flap is fine and no biggie on DPNs.

How many pairs have you made?
About 20 pairs of socks but if you count Sweet Mary Janes and Special Occasion Slippers about 40.