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New Skillz

I have long resisted learning to knit socks toe up.  I’m pretty happy with top down and just haven’t really felt the need to expand my sock knitting horizons.  Cookie has tried to get me to take the plunge.  Hillary has, too.  But no one has offered an incentive that enticed me.

Until now.

You see, the other day when I posted my list of underrated movies, my dear friend JessaLu commented that she has never seen Gettysburg.  I hope Jess won’t kill me for telling you this but she used to be a Civil War reenactor and I was shocked that she had never seen the movie.  Granted, it’s long, but it’s sort of mandatory for those of us in the hobby.  So while I was giving her a hard time about it she started giving me a hard time about not knitting socks toe up.  And then we struck a deal.  If I knit socks toe up then she’d watch Gettysburg.

toe-up-sock

So, Jess, do you want to borrow my copy or do you want to get it from Netflix?

This Post Has 41 Comments

  1. Once you go toe up, you never turn back. ;0) I love toe-up, it makes a smooth sock. I am sure someone has recommended Wendy’s Blog for free patterns on toe-up and help. And yes, how are you liking it?

    My dh just bought Gettysburg and it was a two dvd set so it also had Gods and Generals.

  2. Nice start of your toe! I also need to take the plunge on toe up. What yarn are you using? Pretty.

  3. Pretty. Did you use the so-called “magic” cast-on? Very smooth but very fiddly at first. (Confession: I’ve only tried it once, then second sock syndrome set in.) What kind of heel are you going for?

  4. A beautiful beginning! I use both and like them equally. I guess that makes ambi-sock-trous. What cast-on did you use?

  5. I admit that I’ve tried toe-up, but I don’t like it as well as top down. I have more trouble estimating where to put the heel and the heels don’t fit me as well. (Yes, I tried different heels.) Of course, I also prefer double points to the other methods.

  6. WOO and HOO!!!

    I added it to Netflix this morning when I received confirmation from you on the right movie (I know, I suck. I didn’t even know the right movie). If I can watch the final disc of Firefly tonight and send it back I should have it by Saturday – will you be done by then? ;op

    I don’t mind you telling people – in fact, if I can find the picture, I think I know what I’m going to post for my ECF tomorrow. Proof of my reenacting from a *very* young age. ;o)

  7. Woo Hoo!

    I’m so proud of you and thrilled that Jessalu was able to get you to give toe-up a try. Clearly, gently nagging you is not the way to get you to go something. I’ll remember this for next time. ;^)

  8. I have knit one, maybe two, pair toe up, but since I can knit socks top down with the pattern in my head I am not feeling a push to knit toe up. Unless I am concerned about the yardage.

    Go, you!

  9. Nice looking toe! Pretty color too. I have tried a couple of toe up but have had heel issues. I somehow haven;t been able to figureout exactly when to start the heel, and have ended up riping out to readjust more than once (even on the same sock). I look forward to seeing how yours goes.

  10. Way to go, Carole. I have resisted it as well. I am going to try it on a Wee Tiny Sock for the Sock Summit ID tag. I figure if it is only a few stitches I won’t get as frustrated.

  11. You know, I’ve been thinking about shaking up my sock routine. I think it’s time to go toe up!

    Thanks for the inspiration!!

  12. Nice – I haven’t done either…maybe I’ll put them both on the vacation to do list. Already the Christmas gifts are compromised!

  13. I have only knit one pair toe up and didn’t like it much at all. That pair however, fit better than any of my top down socks. And still I knit them top down. Habits are hard to break I guess.

  14. I love the idea of toe-up and using all your yarn but I’ve never been happy with the heels. I just ripped out an entire foot because I struggled with the heel. Are you doing short-row or flap (a la Firestarter)?

  15. I’ll be watching your progress on the toe up, I haven’t done one yet, so please share this experience with us (pretty please)/

  16. I’m with you! I haven’t ever made a toe up sock! I’m planning on trying very soon though! I just bought Wendy’s new book Socks from the Toe Up and there are some nice patterns in there!

    I’m going to try one that has a regular heel flap.

  17. I just spent the weekend at the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling with THE Wendy of “Toe Up” sock fame! She makes it look so easy…I am half way up the foot….taking a deep breath and going to start the heel!

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