I love this time of year. The weather doesn't really cool down much here so I don't get that "crisp fall air" thing, but I do enjoy the back-to-school vibe and I do luv me some Halloweeniness. Add some beers and an Oompa band (i.e., Oktoberfest) to the mix, and I'm yours.

But this? This here is Socktoberfest 'round these parts (i.e., my home and circle of friends). Thanks to Lolly, you can be treated to read about my sock knittin' history.

Exciting, no?

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I had to look this up in the blog archives (thank goodness it's there). March 2005. I taught myself from a book (Knit Socks!), but had help, hints, and answers for any of my inane questions from my knitgrrls.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time? My first pair was knit on US#4s with Regia 6 ply. Yeah, um.. the tension was a bit "loose." I can't really wear these with shoes (too much fabric), but I will occasionally slip these on when I want a cozy pair of slipper-socks. So they're lasting just fine with low-to-minimal wear.

What would you have done differently? Ha! What wouldn't I do differently? But honestly, I learned A LOT from those socks and all of my mistakes. Would I enjoy them more if they were better made? Sure. But those mistakes and errors? They make the sock special because I learned from them and improved. So I think that I'm happy with them 'As Is'.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Mmmm... , just thinking about the great sock yarns out there nearly makes me drool. I've fallen in love time and time again with Socks That Rock, Cherry Tree Hill, and Koigu. I have-but-have-not-knit-with (yet) Artyarns, Lorna's Laces, Claudia Hand Painted, and more. And yet, my favorite socks to slip on are my first Kool-aid dyed, Knitpicks basic socks. They're just so squishy and cozy on my feet.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? Ha ha ha - ah... you crack me up with the "crochet" comment. Nope, no crochet for me. I'm a floundering failure with the hook. I knit 'em. Either 5 dpns or a single circ (magic loop). I enjoy and use both methods. It's determined typically by what needles are available and handy.

Which kind of heel do you prefer (flap or short-row)? Good question. I've knit both, but I don't know if I've ever noticed a difference on my foot. Technique-wise, while I do enjoy the clean short-row heel I love the magic of the heel turn (flap).

How many pairs have you made? Again, my memory was failing me and my blog archives saved my arse. I've knit 13 1/2 pairs of socks in the last year and a half. (Note: This doesn't count WIPs or baby booties, but does include toddler socks and the single sock for a swap.) I've included a visual history, ta' boot.

Psst... the close-ups of the first 5 sock pics are not working correctly. Skip these for now, and simply admire the rest of my sock history. Sorry for the inconvenience.

# # #