Sock talk

It's officially October and I am officially a member of Socktoberfest, but I haven't done much talking about socks. In an attempt to rectify this, I thought I'd answer some of the questions that organizer Lolly provided as food for thought:

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I actually learned to knit socks from the top down thanks to a class lead by Needlefingers. The class started out with about five anxious knitters and when it was all said and done, I was the last one standing. Not that I am complaining a bit, I got some one-on-one tutoring.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was a simple 2x2 rib pattern in an Opal yarn that I called "apple". As for holding up over time, well, time will tell. I started knitting in general about a year ago and I started/finished the socks in May, so I haven't had a chance to don the wool. Looking forward to testing them this winter.

What would you have done differently?
I would have cast-on with a larger needle to make them more "stretchy". However, Needlefingers also walked me through a solution for this. Lesson learned.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Thus far, I am in love with Cherry Tree Hill. I loved the way it felt to knit with and love the way it feels on my foot. I love that it made for a nice, thick sock. I love the colors. It's true, I love it so much I want to marry it. Watch your mailbox for invitations.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I actually have only used the Magic Loop Method. Not a fan of double-points, so I suspect I will stick with the "magic" of one set of needles.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Umm, I have only done a flap, so I won't start dissing the "short-row" phenomenon.

How many pairs have you made?
I think I have made 7 pair. Six were for me, one for Phin. I am currently on my eighth. However, I have enough sock yarn in my stash for many, many more.

Above is a shot of my current sock. It's out of Sockotta and uses a lace pattern that was published by Plymouth Yarn Company. My personal goal for Socktoberfest 2006 was to venture out of the security of ribbed socks and do something a little more challenging and intricate. UPDATE: The sock above is completed and I am nearly through the leg portion of the other one. Yes, it's yellow. No, it doesn't match anything I own, but for some reason this yarn caught my attention.