Friday, July 4, 2008

Summer of Socks 2008 - My Thoughts

Today is the end of the first 2-week installment of Summer of Socks. I am making my Nutkins and here is my progress.

I have a few words to say about this knitalong.

Initially, it was meant to be a slight "push" to get the socks going in preparation for the cold winter day in the not-so-distant future when we will really need it. I have decided to use my stash yarn as a way to save money, as well as make room in my closet. This has encouraged me and given me some realistic goals. I decided to try to make 1 sock every 2 weeks. I have found new interesting patterns, and am making use of the 2 at a time magic loop technique that I love so much.


However, I am a little hurt by some of the things that I see other people in the blogosphere are doing when there is something called a PRIZE at stake. I have seen people finish socks on the first day, and hooray for the speedy knitters. but on the flip side, I have seen people make 2 inch cuff socks because that is the minimum suggested for contest entry. I feel sorry for their poor ankles when the temperature drops. My beautiful knitters, please remember that even though it is a contest, it is still your socks. Or will be the socks of the loved one that you give it to. Don't do the injustice of making something that is not totally fulfilling just for the sake of a contest. You are making people lose their mojo here.


Well, even though I am not complete with my first pair in 2 weeks, I am super excited that I found a pattern I love, and even more excited that I managed to make the short-row heel look much better on my second try. Good thing I only had to frog that portion once. My socks will be ready whenever they are ready, no pressure. And if I feel so inclined, I will add them to the PRIZE entry for next 2-week interval. But I will tell you one thing, my socks will rock. They will be super gorgeous things that I have put love and time into, and they will be absolutely beautiful. I also want to give praise to a dear friend of mine, Deb, who is a serious knitting motivator, for finishing within 8 days. Way to go!!!

7 comments:

Virtuous said...

Gurl I knew when I signed up for the SOS that it would not be a race for me! Haha! I just needed that extra nudge and accountability to even do socks again!
Like your Nutkin progress! :o) And your tootsies will be extra cute this winter!!

Happy 4th gurl!!

sophanne said...

It kinda cracks me up how people don slightly psychotic personalities when there are PRIZES involved. Seems like if you wanted a PRIZE that badly, don't buy sock yarn and buy the PRIZE. Nutkins look great. I want to copy you and your method next summer. Deb and MB are supposed to remind me to "join."

Kelli said...

You said it well. It kind of defeats the purpose.

I am pluggin' along on my socks, and while I follow the convo on Ravelry. I won't probably post any items for the contests. Thanks for the encouragement.

Nice socks. ~ksp

Deborah-- said...

Your socks are looking awesome. You'll be done with em soon! Remember, SOS is whatever you want to make out of it for yourself and no one else. Luvs ya!

Kim said...

Your socks do rock! That yarn is just amazing in person. I'm paying no attention to the 2 inch cuffers. They hurt only themselves in the long run. Although I must admit that my socks have gotten shorter lately but that's so I don't cover my tattoo.

Anonymous said...

I'm jealous that you can finish socks....I can't get past the cuff.lol

Mary Beth said...

Your socks are turning out very lovely. I am using this contest to get through my own sock stash this summer. There is only competition against myself & I am ignoring the socks that I feel miss the point of this exercise entirely. They really short change themselves...not me. :)