Socks and Knitting

[LoriAnn]

I've just spent about 3 aggravating hours with technology that doesn't like me, so I thought I'd come cruise over here to relax a little, and what a joy to see your post!

I use the AGSAS pattern ALL the time. Thing is, I use worsted wool (I have yet to give it a go with fingering or sport weight), and my gauge, with size 3-4 needles is 7-8 stitches per inch. I couldn't find any evidence that worsted weight was ever actually used. Does anyone else have any input on that? (I make the things to sell mostly. Though family and friends end up with a pair every now again as a gift....)

I love making socks. I seldom have that, "oh, now I have to make a second??" Instead, half way through a pair, I start dreaming up how I'm going to fiddle with the next pair...

Worsted on 3s and 4s ~ I bet those wear really well! Kudos to you, as I think that gauge would hurt my hands.

I've made socks in worsted, but at a looser gauge, and they are very comfortable. They're great socks for when you're in your pajamas!

I think Karin said in an article that she hasn't run across worsted weight socks yet.

I have two pairs on the needles now, and I'm staring at a third skein with the urge to cast on. I must behave though! I have a shawlette that really should be done now, but no...it's taking forever because I've been preferring socks lately.

 

[MissREP]

I also make knee sock (or kilt hose, actually)...those are fantastically warm. Definitely need garters of some sort, but I love them. I am considering making myself some loooonng stocking for reenacting in. Up until now, I've just worn store-bought knee socks and hope my skirt (and petticoats) don't blow up where everyone could see the farb. I think for those I would want a lighter weight yarn...

 

[LoriAnn]

I also make knee sock (or kilt hose, actually)...those are fantastically warm. Definitely need garters of some sort, but I love them. I am considering making myself some loooonng stocking for reenacting in. Up until now, I've just worn store-bought knee socks and hope my skirt (and petticoats) don't blow up where everyone could see the farb. I think for those I would want a lighter weight yarn...

Kilt hose look like a LOT of work! Very cool though.

I think it's wonderful that you can enjoy your knitting with your reenacting. The two go together very well.

 

[LoriAnn]

And now we have the mini version for Christmas. If anyone reading this is interested in knitting up a few of these for ornaments - or really, really small reenactors - just message me. I'll send you my notes.

 

[LoriAnn]

I should mention that having some experience sock knitting is necessary. My notes are just that ~ bits of info and numbers to plug in. I do not have a proper pattern written out.

That said, if you do know how to knit a basic top down sock with a heel flap, here are my scribbles:

* CO 20 stitches
* 4 row 2x2 rib
* Leg = 16 rows
* Heel flap = 8 rows
* When I turn the heel, I start by leaving 3 stitches in the middle as my heel width.
* I think I only pick up about 5 or 6 gusset stitches on each side. If you pick up too many, the foot will be out of proportion to the rest of the sock.
* In this pattern for decreasing both gusset stitches and stitches on the foot for toe shaping, they call for Sl1/K1/PSSO. I thought that was funky. Why not just K2tog?! But I did as they said to remain as authentic as possible.

(Which is silly on a 20 stitch sock, right? )

* Foot = 4 rows

* Toe Decreases as follows:

1) *K3, Sl1/K1/PSSO*...continue to end.
2) Knit two rows plain
3) *K2, Sl1/K1/PSSO*...continue to end.
4) Knit one row plain
5) *K1, Sl1/K1/PSSO*...continue to end
6) Cut yarn and pull through remaining 8 stitches to close the toe.

I use a darning needle and extra yarn to close up any gaps left by the gusset.

 

[LoriAnn]

@mofederal , I just wanted to say that I appreciate you "Like"ing my post full of Knit-Speak. I hadn't expected anyone to do that.

 

[mofederal]

I find it interesting even though I know little about knitting, but I do know a lot about socks, especially wearing them out.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

And now we have the mini version for Christmas. If anyone reading this is interested in knitting up a few of these for ornaments - or really, really small reenactors - just message me. I'll send you my notes.

View attachment 170588

@LoriAnn , you may want to start a thread using this crazy cool ( seasonal ) photo as the heading? And tagged ' shareable '? I'm so clueless on reenacting it's always a puzzle how to make sure we're doing well by ours in Ladies Tea. All the women reenactors we've had are creative as bejammers, too.

 

[LoriAnn]

@LoriAnn , you may want to start a thread using this crazy cool ( seasonal ) photo as the heading? And tagged ' shareable '? I'm so clueless on reenacting it's always a puzzle how to make sure we're doing well by ours in Ladies Tea. All the women reenactors we've had are creative as bejammers, too.

Done.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Done.

Thank you very much! Shameless exploiter of craftswomen here- you don't happen to shoe horses, too?

 

[Belle Montgomery]

I know how to hand and machine sew, dabbled as a child with crocheting...but this thread is nothing short of AMAZING! Thank You!

 

[RochesterBill]

My darling bride came home from a sale about a year ago with a very peculiar looking contraption, dirty with a bit of rust, that she treated like the Ark of the Covenant.

Apparently, during WWI, the government couldn't buy anywhere near enough socks from manufacturers so they gave away these machines that women were to use at home, cranking out socks for the troops. I understand they supplied the wool as well.

So after cheerfully (well OK, maybe not exactly cheerfully but I was in a bit of trouble over some parts I had just ordered for my 56 Buick so I was in no position to be grumpy) accompanying her to her favorite yarn shop (and why is it that when you walk in there it never takes less than 2 hours? ) where she assured me they have the best darn sock wool in all the land, she started cranking out socks and I have to say they're the greatest socks ever. Thick, warm and durable.

This is from the web as I don't have a picture handy but it's pretty close

 

[LoriAnn]

Apparently, during WWI, the government couldn't buy anywhere near enough socks from manufacturers so they gave away these machines that women were to use at home, cranking out socks for the troops. I understand they supplied the wool as well.

Yes, the Knit Your Bit campaign. I can't remember if that phrase was used for WW2 as well, or if it was changed to Knitting For Victory at some point. But yes...it was a big deal. I had briefly considered knitting for reenactors, from the Civil War to WW2, but my hands wouldn't be able to handle that work load.

A sock machine would certainly help! I have an online knitting friend who bought her first one and did some videos for us. It looks like there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it, you can fly!

Please tell your wife I'm so glad she found that one! Good for her.

(and why is it that when you walk in there it never takes less than 2 hours? )

It's fuzzy therapy.

 

[bankerpapaw]

Gen. Lee, in his letters to his wife, was always thanking her for the socks she sent the troops.

 

[LoriAnn]

Gen. Lee, in his letters to his wife, was always thanking her for the socks she sent the troops.

From what I understand, she was a sock knitting machine herself.

There are many of us out there, believe it or not. A lot of people think it's funny when they see me knitting a sock, but I am not alone. There's a whole international army of us.

Now I concentrate on sending money to help returning veterans, but I used to knit for the military. A lot of knitters and crocheters still make socks, hats, gloves, and scarves for those in the service. It's a fantastic tradition.

 

[Shalom Hobbitess]

This thread popped up in a Google search, thought I might share a poem I ran across this past week, from 1861:

Marysville Daily Appeal, Volume IV, Number 132, 5 December 1861

Respectfully dedicated to the Forewoman of "Hose Company No. 1

BY A BLUE STOCKING MAKER.

With fingers flying fast,
With voices merry and light,
"The Club" are sitting in easy chairs,
riving their needles bright—
Knit! knit! knit!
As forward and back they rock.
And ever, as at work they sit,
They sing the "Song of the Sock!"


Work! work! work!
In the sunny afternoon!
And work, work, work,
By the silver light of the moon!
It's oh! to be a slave
And work with right good will
While we have yet a country to save,
And brothers to go and —drill!


Work, work, work!
Our labor never flags,
Till our soldiers down in Dixie
Burn all secession rags;
Till the sacred tomb of Washington,
Which woman's labor won,
Shall be free to every pilgrim—
Rebought with sword and gun.


Work, work, work,
'Twill help to "roll the ball.
Work, work, work,
Till the evening shadows fail!
Seam, and middle and heel!
Heel, and middle, and seam.
Till the welcome sound of the supper-bell,
Startles us, as from a dream!


Work, work, work.
With sympathies all alive;
Work, work, work.
Till the gentlemen arrive;
And then for a few short hours.
To listen, and laugh, and talk.
And hold the yarn, or wind, —
Then start for a homeward walk.


With fingers flying fast,
With voices merry and light,
"The Club" are sitting in easy chairs,
Plying their needles bright;
Knit! knit! knit!
As forward and back they rock,
And ever, as at work they sit,
In this spasmodic, industrious fit,
They sing the "Song of the Sock!"

Vanity Fair.