Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Hand Knitted Socks

The wondrous world of knitting began when my Mom sat down with my girlfriend and I at the age of ten. It was one of those lazy summer days when we were bored, tired of riding our bikes, and we wanted to "do something." Marion (my pal and girlfriend at the time), sat eagerly for my Mom to teach us how to knit and purl for the very first time.

I remember trying to push my needle into those tight stitches, thinking how hard this was. It seemed so awkward at the time. I kept thinking that I would never learn as I would forget to remove the stitch, or drop another when I wasn't supposed to. Marion, my life-long friend from Tennessee, still knits. A few years back, she even thanked my Mom for being so patient with us and was so glad that she learned how to knit so many years ago.

Today, I am posting a picture of my very first pair of hand knitted socks. There are some mistakes, I think. One sock seems a little bit larger, and the yarn is a little heavier than the yarn I would probably use the next time. But, at least, I actually finished a pair!

They are for someone who keeps asking me if I know how to knit socks. I keep telling this person, I don't know how to knit them. But this Christmas, his wish will come true. I am so proud of myself for conquering the heel turn, decreasing the foreboding gusset, and ending my toe with the famous Kitchener stitch. I finally did it! My first, and hopefully not my last, pair of hand-knitted socks!

Post Update: Thursday, December 17th, 2009

These hand knitted socks were given to my young friend, Tyler. I think he was going to cry when I presented him my gift! His Grandma used to make socks when he was a kid, but now suffers from Alzheimer's. I could read in his eyes that my socks brought back sweet memories of his Grandma knitting for him and his brother. Tyler was so thrilled that he wore them to bed the first night, and again the whole next day! It sure was worth the dedication when someone appreciates all your effort. Besides, I got a great big hug!

4 comments:

JANN said...

this is a wonderful post Nancy. such loving Mother, what cherished memories to have. the socks are gorgeous, congrats on learning all the hard parts :) I have my beautiful pink bag you made me hanging in my art room to inspire me. Thank you Nancy for your kindness, that was so very thoughtful of you to make for me. YOU have touched my heart with kindness and it is so appreciated.
May this be the best Christmas for you and another successful New Year.

Beedeebabee said...

They look beautiful!!! I wish I could knit socks! It looks so complicated. The lucky guy getting these will just love them !!!
Hugs, ;)

The Renaissance Chick said...

Congratulations, girlfriend! They look great and I know you must be very proud. If you don't mind, I think I will just continue to buy my socks! Ha!

Malisa

paru's_circle said...

the socks turned out awesome, and i am certain that they will be worn and truly apprecaited.. hugs.Px