Socks

I've known how to knit since I was a kid, but until recently the only knitters I'd ever had any contact with (or rather knitting-related contact) were my mother and grandma. I liked doing lots of different crafts so I didn't really spend that much time on knitting in particular. I only started knitting in ernest during my PhD and I didn't really begin to meet and talk to other knitters until after my PhD had ended.

One of the things that surprised me most was the number of people that are obsessed with knitting socks. It's easy enough to think that sock obsessive bloggers may just be total weirdos in real life, but when you meet seemingly normal people who are into you start to wonder what's going on.

I find the whole idea bizzarre. Socks look like such boring garments to knit, with nearly all of it being stocking stitch and the added boredom of having to do two the same. I also have issues with knitting in the round. I knit the Scottish way, with one needle stuck under my right arm, the left needle moved around with my left hand and my right hand free to move the yarn. I find this way really quick, but it means that it's difficult for me when I can't stick the right needle under my arm.

Anyway, after avoiding it for a long time and one aborted attempt, I decided to give it a proper go. After a slow, frustrating start I am beginning to get the hang of it. To my irritation I actually like it.

Is this the start of a new obsession? It could be socks, hats and mittons for everyone this Christmas.